To compile the list of the 50 “far-flung and familiar spots” to explore around the world, TIME solicited nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences. The list is not a ranking so now first, second or other places have been assigned.
The island of Phuket is presented by TIME as a place with “familiar thrills”. Yet the magazine pays specific attention to new places opened recently, such as Carnival Magic among tourist attractions and Noku Hotel and V Villas among accommodation options.
“Although the island is best known for its eponymous city, Phuket is drawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscape of modern luxury lodges,” the magazine says before proceeding to advertising Noku and V Villas.
“Volun-tourism initiatives continue to be a priority on the island. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, for example, invites visitors to help feed the animals and provides education about elephant communication and behavior,” TIME adds.
Isan is positioned on the list as the “culinary capital of Thailand”.
“Chances are you’ve already tried food from Isan, and you might not even know it. The largest region in Thailand, which hugs the border with Laos and Cambodia in the country’s northeast, has given us such classic dishes as som tum (green papaya salad) and larb (ground meat salad), and its diaspora is spreading this sour, spicy, herbaceous cooking style far and wide. The cuisine is becoming so ubiquitous abroad,” TIME says.
“Those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks and Khmer temple ruins, and now: Michelin-recommended restaurants,” it adds.
Oddly enough, Phuket – a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – was not even mentioned as a possible destination for foodies even though it appeared in Michelin Guide years before Isan.
What is of no question, is the northeastern nature, praised by TIME.
“It’s not just restaurants and night markets that are drawing a new crowd of visitors though. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai, which sits largely in Isan’s Nakhon Ratchasima province and is home to elephants, gibbons, and Asian black bears,” the magazine says.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said in a press release published yesterday (Mar 23), that it was pleased to see two Thai destinations being on the list of The World’s Greatest Places Of 2023.
“To have not just one but two Thai inclusions in this prestigious compilation of worldwide destinations to visit is a wonderful honour, and something Thailand can be very proud of. Thailand is indeed ready to welcome tourists from all over the world through the Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters campaign,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor.
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