I just returned from a 10-day trip to Thailand, my first time visiting the Southeast Asian country. It’s safe to say I’ve been sufficiently wowed. I packed quite a bit into my stay and visited some fantastic properties that embodied the best of Thai hospitality.

Should your visit to Thailand take you to Chiang Mai, consider Anantara Chiang Mai Resort or The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai (try the macarons!). In Koh Samui, I was so disappointed to check out from the Mai Samui Beach Resort & Spa where, in addition to the amazing views, I had a blast trying my hand at Thai classic dishes during a cooking class.

In Chiang Mai my trip began with a half-day elephant experience at Baan Chang Elephant Park, a sanctuary that saves elephants from logging. I had my first traditional Thai massage at Fah Lanna Spa. I moved from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai in the north, where I experienced village life at Na Ton Chan and took a biking tour through Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On my second day in Sukhothai, I visited Bangkok Airways’ organic farm and picked fresh mangos, planted rice in a rice paddy and enjoyed a fresh, organic lunch.

Then it was on to the islands, where the beauty of Koh Samui took my breath away. I indulged in an oil massage at Silavadee Pool Spa Resort. On my second day I took a speedboat excursion to the islands of Koh Nangyuan and Koh Tao, with beach time and snorkeling.

Too quickly, it was time to leave, but the memories will last a lifetime … or until I can return again, hopefully soon.

— Kim Krol, editor in chief