Up-and-coming weekend spots in Thailand

One of Thailand’s most winning traits is the fact that whatever it is you seek, you can probably find it here. With the four regions that are vastly different geographically and culturally, there’s an endless array of inspiring mountains, seas and nooks ready to be discovered for a quick getaway. If you aren’t up for jetting abroad just yet, there’s plenty to see and do within the country. If you’re flying into Thailand, these places are well worth squeezing into your itinerary for some rest or recreation. Here are this year’s recent new openings that can get you excited for the weekend.

1. For out-of-this-world fun for the whole family: Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya

Spacefaring hopefuls can now make it to the stars at this space-themed hotel in Pattaya. The design, facilities, suites and dining outlets at Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya feature a futuristic décor with cutting-edge façades and innovative technology inspired by space shuttles. Available exclusively to hotel guests, kids will love the Space Water Park for its otherworldly, Avatar vibes. The 12,000 square meter water park is filled with stunning flying rock structures and neon-lit grooviness, across areas like Space Pirate Beach and Planet Zone. Parents can escape the chaos at Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa, the very first hotel onsen in Thailand with a sea view.

2. For bonding time with your besties: Topgolf Megacity

Golf just got really upbeat and snazzy, thanks to the recent opening of Topgolf Megacity. Whether you want to swing alone or with your pals, this golf and entertainment venue lets you enjoy the sport from the comfort of a temperature-controlled bay. A total of 102 bays can host up to a maximum of six players. Use Topgolf’s clubs or bring your own to have a go at the micro-chipped and high-tech golf balls that can track of your distance and accuracy score. The range of golf games featuring virtual driving ranges for players of all levels, as well as kooky options like Angry Birds, makes the experience like playing a computer game in real life. When you need a rest from the driving, fuel up with lively music and Topgolf’s bevy of food and drinks options right at your bay or at onsite eateries.

3. For aficionados of nature and wildlife: InterContinental Khao Yai

With the arrival of InterContinental Khao Yai, the mountainous grounds of the Pak Chong district is sure to become a go-to spot for those who want to enjoy the ambiance of lush forests with a touch of luxe. The award-winning king of marvelous hotel design in Southeast Asia, Bill Bensley, is back at it again. The biggest wow factor of this property is how the romance of train travel is literally incorporated into the design. Heritage train carriages have been upcycled into 19 luxury suites and villas, fitted with high-end contemporary furniture and breathtaking views of five lakes. Besides the gorgeous lakes, there is also a Botanical Garden onsite, while the Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a quick stone’s throw away within the district. Children can get in touch with greenery with the hotel’s activities such as Vegetable Farming or Botanical Garden Treasure Hunt. Only a short two-hour drive away from Bangkok, this countryside retreat is perfect for those in search of classy old-world charm amid wildlife and nature.

4. For foodies on the hunt for street food and everything in between: Thonburi Market Place

The words ‘food market’ and ‘bling’ don’t usually come in the same sentence, but it sure does here. Thonburi Market Place is a little out of way, but making the drive to Borommaratchachonnani Road in the southwestern suburb is totally worth it. It’s hard to top Chatuchak Weekend Market when it comes to Thailand’s most popular open-air markets, but if you’re on the hunt for delicious street food and raw ingredients, you’ll be spoiled with a dizzying amount of choices here. Clean, airy and decked out in gigantic chandeliers, this efficiently-run market makes shopping for food a very pleasant experience. Sprawled across a humongous area of 30 rai (approximately 48,000 square meters), hundreds of brilliantly-lit stalls sell all sorts of mouthwatering dishes in the dining zone. You’ll find anything from local yentafo noodles (there are old legendary names like Nai Uan), high-end croissants, to trendy Japanese eats such as salmon sushi cakes from Salmon All Day. The fresh market zone sells seafood, fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, and flowers.

Ready for a weekend in Thailand? Fly directly with Thai Airways.