If you’re looking for a travel destination that puts holistic wellness above all, chances are you’ve come across Thailand as the top option.
The country has a legacy of wellness that stretches back to the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda. In Thailand, spirituality and wellness are closely intertwined, as evident in traditional Thai wellness practices such as massage, meditation, herbal medicine, and nutritious cuisine.
For tourists, there are numerous monasteries, temples, and spiritual retreats across the country, providing a space to reflect and meditate. Not sure where to begin? Here are four activities you can try during your visit to Thailand:
Do Meditation With a Monk
Did you know Thailand is one of the world’s largest Buddhist nations? Also known as the ‘Land of Smiles,’ Thailand is intimately associated with Buddhism, giving you an excellent opportunity to learn from the monks.
Monks will teach you the core principles of Buddhism and also help you do proper meditation techniques, such as Vipassana or insight meditation. The result? You can slow down and get away from negative conditioning, even if it’s for a short while. With frequent meditation, you can find a path to inner happiness and wellness.
If you’re staying at a resort, you can join specialized activities focused on movement. For instance, the Hua Hin resort in Thailand offers daily indoor and outdoor sessions, such as aqua aerobics, tai chi, stretching, and yoga.
Get a Traditional Thai Massage
Nothing comes close to the benefits of a traditional Thai massage in holistic wellness. Also known as Nuad Thai, it differs from Western massages, which typically use oils and kneading techniques.
For a traditional Thai massage, you wear some loose-fitted pyjamas and get cracked, crunched, and gently stretched all over the body.
A massage therapist uses yoga poses and passive stretches to relieve tension in your body. A traditional Thai massage is generally 90 minutes long and focuses on clearing sens and internal energy pathways.
Go Sea Kayaking
Thailand has a stunning coastline and sparkling islands. Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the breathtaking landscapes of limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. Thailand also gives you an excellent opportunity to witness diverse wildlife like sea eagles and monkeys.
Exploring nature up close can be a life-changing experience. It can improve both physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing cognitive function. Moreover, Thailand’s ecosystems naturally purify air, directly supporting holistic healing.
Try Beauty Therapies
Another way to support holistic healing when visiting Thailand is to try out beauty therapies. Thailand offers unique beauty treatments that combine traditional Thai healing and modern techniques.
Examples include:
- Traditional Thai massage (Nuad Thai)
- Herbal compress therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Holistic facials
These treatments are deeply rooted in nature and emphasize that true healing comes from a sense of inner harmony and happiness.
You can book a luxury Thai resort where experts provide advanced beauty treatments as well as nutritional guidance to facilitate healing.
