Lisa King’s Thai Tour

A Note About Lisa King

Bangkok-born and London-based, Lisa King is an Indonesian-British fashion designer and batik artist. She grew up in Thailand and her work is heavily influenced by her birthplace, drawing deeply on nature and her childhood home on Railei Beach. As King herself reveals: “Thailand is a place of contrasts – chaotic yet serene, modern yet steeped in tradition. It’s a country that constantly inspires me, and I hope this guide helps you discover its magic in your own way.”

Where To Stay In Bangkok

Dusit Thani Bangkok

Home to arguably the best views in the city, overlooking the green expanse of Lumpini Park, this Thai institution has been given an elegant makeover. Be sure to visit the 1970 bar for a sunset cocktail.

The Mandarin Oriental

Sit on the terrace and watch the rice barges float down the Chao Phraya River, take afternoon tea in the colonial-style Author’s Lounge, or enjoy a drink at the iconic Bamboo Bar.

The Siam

Ride a Riva up the Chao Phraya to this stunning Thai-style retreat (owned by the iconic singer and philanthropist Kamala Sukosol) rumoured to be the real-life inspiration behind latest season of The White Lotus.

Aman Nai Lert

I can’t wait to visit the new Aman when it opens later this month, a Jean-Michel Gathy designed hotel, perfectly placed in the city-centre oasis of Nai Lert Park.

Beach Resorts

Kamalaya Koh Samui

Founded by Karina Stewart and famed for its wellness programs, I did a life-changing comprehensive detox here a few years ago. From its surprisingly nourishing detox diet to its trio of daily treatments (including infrared sauna and acupuncture), I came away a new woman.

Rayavadee Krabi

Pick up the best resort-wear selection from its boutique, play a match in its jungle tennis court or watch the sunset from the stunning Grotto cave bar.

Rosewood Phuket

A family friendly paradise with a kids’ club that keeps little ones entertained whilst the adults soak up the sun.

Railei Beach club

For a home away from home, take a group of friends and house hop between self-catered villas set on the white beach or amongst the jungle cliffs. Visit Krabi’s local market to buy fresh seafood and make fresh crab-meat linguine, or get your own private chef to bbq the day’s catch. Enjoy Asia’s best rock climbing spot, snorkelling or cruising on a junk as you explore the islands with Krabi Sunset Cruises.

Six Senses Koh Yao Noi

An hour’s boat ride away from Railei Beach, this unspoilt island hotel serves the best seafood you’ll ever have.

Rachamanka Chiang Mai

Built around a central courtyard and impressive antique collection, this is my favourite hotel in the northern Thai city. Chiang Mai has a bustling night market and established art scene with museums such as Maiiam. Well worth a visit.

Raya Heritage Chiang Mai

The sister hotel to the Rayavadee Krabi.

Where To Eat

If you only need one reason to visit Thailand, make it the cuisine. Firmly put on the world map as a culinary mecca with the release of the Michelin guide in 2018, these are a few of my regular spots.

Charmkrung Bangkok

The second in a triangle of venues – with Charmkok and Charmgang – this is my current go-to. Visitors love it for chef Aruss “Jai” Lerlerstkull’s nostalgic small plates, its orange wine and cocktails, and its fresh decor.

Jua Bangkok

A modern izakaya in Bangkok’s Chinatown, blending Thai and Japanese flavors.

Saole Bangkok

Chef Hanief and the team behind Isaan spot Zao Larb reinvent seafood, inspired by mountain and seaside communities (combined with Thai-Chinese influences and creative fermentation techniques).

Ruen Mai Krabi

Before I catch the boat to Railei Beach from the mainland I always stop at this Southern Thai restaurant – built in a tropical garden with bamboo structures – particularly for the winged-bean salad.

What To See

Bangkok is the birthplace and home to established international artists such as Korakrit Arunanondchai, Jakkai and Rirkrit Tiranaija, so be sure to visit some of the country’s hot spots for art: Bangkok CityCity Gallery, 100 Tonson, MOCA Bangkok and ATT Gallery. Or catch the Bangkok Biennale, which also attracts international talent.

Red Lotus Lake

A surreal, dreamlike landscape where thousands of lotus flowers bloom across a vast lake. Best seen at sunrise.

Bangkok Flower Market

Imagine alleyways full of orchids and people folding lotus leaves into roses or weaving jasmine garlands on the roadside. Come here to stem your jet lag and wake the senses: it’s my idea of Heaven.

Jim Thompson House & Gallery

Thailand’s very own heritage brand, you can only buy it in this country. Famed for its founder going missing in the jungle, never to be seen again, the brand has a rich history of pioneering Thai-silk production for export. Thompson’s house is a must-visit museum, cafe, shop and now art centre and library.

Khao Sok National Park

Stay in a floating hut on a lake and kayak through jungle-covered limestone cliffs while you look out for wild elephants in this National Park.

Neilson Hays Library

My secret spot, with its panelled wooden walls lined with books. I used to come here to borrow stories as a child.

Who To Buy

Thailand’s designers are making waves on the world stage, often blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. These are ones to look out for…

Fashion & Jewellery

Philip Huang for its incredible indigo world.

Janesuda for its feminine lacy resort-wear.

Shone Puipia for custom-made couture.

Head to Patcharavipa’s for fine jewellery and customised vintage watches, as worn by Rihanna, or visit Pacharee for pearls.

Wannasiri Kongman and her husband Jesse have built an incredible accessories empire with BOYY, whose flagship store sits in at Gaysorn Plaza. Visit to pick up one of their ‘it’ bags.

Homewares & Lifestyle

Flat No. 8 concept store is filled with one-of-a-kind pieces from local and international designers.

It’s been amazing to watch the construction of Robert Sukrachand’s Chiang Mai Studio via Instagram. Pern Baan produces artisan-made lighting and interior decor, designed between Sukrachand’s homes in New York and Chiang Mai.

I love Kitt.ta.Khon’s reinvention of Thai craft materials into furniture, especially his multicolour woven stools (very Collagerie!).

After a long flight, I head to the Panpuri onsen in Bangkok and always pick up a Sacred Santal fragrance oil to take home.