Amazing Destinations To Visit In Your 50s

“When I wanted a mix of relaxation and culture, and Phuket delivered,” Harvey said. “This island is so much more than just beaches — it’s wellness retreats, breathtaking island-hopping tours, and some of the best massages I’ve ever had. I started my mornings with yoga, ate the most flavorful street food, and even took a boat tour to the famous Phi Phi Islands.”

The beauty of Thailand is that you can indulge without breaking the bank, she added.

Travel writer Barbara Weibel similarly praised Thailand for its opportunities for authentic cultural immersion and wide array of tourist experiences.

“Most visitors to Thailand start in Bangkok — the thriving, pulsating, fast-paced capital city that is home to the Grand Palace, famous temples such as Wat Po and Wat Arun, the world’s largest weekend market Chatuchak, a mind-numbing array of upscale shopping centers and the largest Chinatown in the world,” she said.

“But Thailand is more than Bangkok,” she added. “The south is famous for stunningly beautiful beaches, while the north features the country’s highest mountains, where residents of hill tribe villages open their homes to visitors and allow them to participate in daily village life. The Jewel of the North, Chiang Mai, features breathtaking festivals and some of the world’s most delicious food.”