How To Make Thailand Your Wellness Destination – 10 More Awesome Reasons

Thailand has been one of the world’s top vacation destinations for decades. Its natural beauty, culture and scenery speak for themselves. While between living in New York City and moving to Denver to start PrimeHealth, I decided to seize the opportunity to travel for a few months, and Thailand was on the top of my list. After being in Thailand for just a few weeks, I see that there are many reasons why traveling here is so popular. It’s not just for the beaches and nature. I have found being here to be exceptionally enriching for the mind, body, and soul.

Here are some of the ways that you can enjoy a trip to Thailand and actually leave healthier than you were before:

Thailand Food

Of course, the prerequisite is that you have to enjoy Thai cuisine, which is not difficult. If you do, it’s like a taste bud party every time you eat. Here are just a few of the many beauties of Thai cuisine: 1) There are tons of anti-inflammatory veggies, like garlic, onions, and chili peppers, in almost all of the dishes. Garlic and onions are immune boosters in addition to being extremely helpful for detoxification. The capsaicin in chili peppers has been shown to help people with irritable bowel syndrome. 2) There’s fresh tropical fruit available everywhere, like dragon fruit, papaya, and pineapple. Pineapple and papaya actually contain enzymes that help you digest your food. 3) Almost every dish is entirely gluten and dairy free. I have had patients who are very sensitive to gluten visit Thailand and have no problem at all while eating plenty of rice noodles and even indulging in the street food. 4) A tip that I have for people who are carbohydrate sensitive is to ensure you only eat a carbohydrate-heavy meal once per day. Meaning, if you eat noodles with your lunch, skip the rice with your curry for dinner, or order a salad instead. If you have a serious food intolerance like celiac disease or an anaphylactic reaction to nuts or seeds, you should discuss a plan of action with your doctor before heading abroad and eating without regard.

Thailand Exercise

It can sometimes be difficult to find ways to exercise when you’re on vacation. Luckily, in Thailand, there tends to be a gym in the nicer hotels or well-stocked gyms that you can purchase a day pass for around $5. By “nicer” hotel, I mean you may splurge for the $30-60/night room as opposed to the $10-20 one. If you’re more into taking classes, there are plenty of Muay Thai and yoga classes that are around $10 for 90 minutes. I did an amazing yoga class at Sanctuary in Ko Lanta island while overlooking the gorgeous beach. If you’re particularly into yoga, I recommend traveling to Pai, an especially crunchy little town in northern Thailand. The yoga classes, vegetarian cuisine, cute cafes, and live music are abundant there. In addition to formal exercise, it’s easy to be active here simply by exploring on day trips with a guide to hike, snorkel, or scuba dive around this beautiful country.

Thailand Meditation

Thailand is home to numerous Buddhist temples. The spirituality is evident everywhere, as they have “spirit houses” in most residences. These ornate spiritual offerings are meant to keep the spirits around and in their homes happy. The infamous 10-day silent meditation retreat called Vipassana was actually started in a neighboring country, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. This is a meditation retreat where one does not speak for 10 days, meditates for several hours per day, and learns how to “see things as they truly are.” I’ve heard many accounts of friends and patients who have had life-changing experiences at these retreats, sometimes curing themselves of mild forms of depression and anxiety. I will be participating in one myself next month. Of course, talk to your doctor when considering a plan to wean down on any psychiatric medications.

Other Reasons to Visit Thailand

1. Beautiful beaches: Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear water and soft white sand.
2. Delicious food: Thai food is known for its bold flavors and wide variety of dishes. From spicy curries to refreshing salads, there is something for everyone.
3. Rich culture and history: Thailand has a rich history and culture, with ancient temples, palaces, and other cultural sites to explore.
4. Affordable prices: Thailand is generally a very affordable destination, with low prices for accommodation, food, and activities.
5. Friendly people: Thai people are known for their warm and friendly nature, and travelers are sure to receive a warm welcome.
6. Adventure activities: Thailand offers a wide range of adventure activities such as rock climbing, rafting, and diving.
7. Unique wildlife: Thailand is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and exotic birds.
8. Relaxing spas: Thailand is known for its relaxing spas, offering a variety of treatments such as massages, facials, and body wraps.
9. Comfortable weather: Thailand has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round, making it a great destination for travelers looking to escape the cold.
10. Convenient location: Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, making it a convenient destination for travelers looking to explore the region.

I am certain that a trip to Thailand can be done on any budget, with minimal planning beforehand, all while keeping up with and even improving upon your health, through diet, movement, and mental health routines. I think that checking out of your daily routine from time to time can be very helpful, to be truly introspective and see what follows you wherever you go. I hope this guide inspires you to take that trip that you’ve always wanted to take and explore parts of the world and yourself that you never have before!