TIME Magazine Lists Phuket and Isan Among World’s Greatest Places for 2023

[snoop1130]

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket and the Northeastern provinces of Thailand have been included on the TIME magazine’s list of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2023”.

 

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the list, which showcases 50 extraordinary destinations to explore, describes Phuket as one of Thailand’s most visited places and is known for its famed beaches. Phuket has increased its family appeal with the grand opening of Carnival Magic, a culturally-focused theme park last September. The island province is also drawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscape of modern luxury lodges.

 

The TIME list mentions Isan for the region’s diverse and delicious culinary options. It also mentions that those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks, temple ruins, and Michelin-recommended restaurants. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai, which sits largely in Nakhon Ratchasima province and is home to elephants, gibbons, and Asian black bears.

 

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that having not just one, but two destinations, in this prestigious compilation of worldwide destinations is an honor and something that everyone in the country can be proud of. He went on to say that Thailand is ready to welcome travelers from all around the world as part of the "Visit Thailand Year 2023: Incredible New Chapters" campaign."

 

Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230323150627104

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-23

 

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[scottiejohn]

Doesn't say much for the rest of the world then!

[chickenslegs]

Link to the TIME article - https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2023/

 

and how they were chosen - https://time.com/6262346/how-we-chose-2023-worlds-greatest-places/

 

 

[bubblegum]

Lived for 10 years in Phuket and for the last 8 in Issan. Ques I missed something.

[harleyclarkey]

Nothing like a good laugh to relieve the stress...

Issan, maybe, for a bit of Thai life.

But Chinese/Russian Phuket? Get a grip Time Mag. 

[neeray]

Nice bit of badly needed, free advertising. I hope those who have TIME aren't disappointed.

[Spock]

I lived in Phuket way back in 1995 for 6 months and disliked it. Also had a car which allowed me to avoid dealing with the transport mafia. The water was pleasant enough but the island was expensive and the local Thais, as opposed to the restaurant and bar staff, were not particularly friendly. Can't see how it would feature high in this list. 

[DjSilver]

One of the worlds worst places to go. Only shows how Thai scam foreigners.

[steven100]

of coarse they are ,  just like the Paneang curry,  just like Thai airways,  just like thai desserts,   they are all named the best in the world ....   Amazing Thailand    !!!

 

IS there anything Thailand is not good at    !!  ............    oop's    ' sorry .. that will take up too many pages   ????

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Phuket and the Northeastern provinces of Thailand have been included on the TIME magazine’s list of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2023”.

Complete garbage.

[Old Croc]

1 hour ago, Spock said:

I lived in Phuket way back in 1995 for 6 months and disliked it. Also had a car which allowed me to avoid dealing with the transport mafia. The water was pleasant enough but the island was expensive and the local Thais, as opposed to the restaurant and bar staff, were not particularly friendly. Can't see how it would feature high in this list. 

How on earth could you think your short experience of a place nearly 30 years ago is at all relevant to it being named as one of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2023”

[ThailandRyan]

59 minutes ago, steven100 said:

of coarse they are ,  just like the Paneang curry,  just like Thai airways,  just like thai desserts,   they are all named the best in the world ....   Amazing Thailand    !!!

 

IS there anything Thailand is not good at    !!  ............    oop's    ' sorry .. that will take up too many pages   ????

What happened to loving your hero Prayut, isn't he still the best in the world for you?

[Venom]

The photo is from Krabi. ????

[Mickeymaus]

What a strange magazine. Does anyone read such a garbage... Here the article about Phuket. It is full of (I guess paid...) advertisement - cannot be worse:

https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2023/6261813/phuket-thailand/

 

[JimTripper]

I don’t like Phuket much. The beaches are crowded. I’m not one of those guys that looks great with my shirt off, so strolling around in front of an audience of people on beach chairs is not something that makes me comfortable.

[grubman]

I don't understand why every one is so negative regarding Issan, I understand Phuket, i lived there for some years and totally dislike the tourist areas. As for Issan i have lived there for some year and think there is so much to see throughout the region, not just the major towns, if you get out and explore there is so much to see and experience, get off the beaten track a little and you maybe surprised what is actually on offer in Issan. 

 

Should give it a try before you all dis the area. 

 

Just my thoughts 

[koolkarl]

They didn't mention that a gas mask is mandatory for Isan.

[KhunLA]

Rough crowd ... ????

 

Do consider, you are on a Thai forum, possibly visited many times, and or live here.  Even in Isan, as I did for 16 ish years.  Visiting Phuket at least twice a year, 10 years running.  That says a lot, besides 'I was stuck there".???? In Isan, and Phuket, for sanity break, before discoing lesser known areas.

 

Ignorance is Bliss

 

Sad they use photo of Krabi, but PP (2000) is a must see if going to Phuket.   At least they didn't use JB island photo.  That place is so krappy, we did a 'drive by' ????

 

Only negative for me, about Phuket, is the amount of tourist, which speaks just how popular it is.  Off season was too crowded for us, so can't imagine high season.

 

Wishing for another pandemic ... so I can enjoy the Andaman Sea again.  Visited 3 or 4 times 2020/21, and it was pristine ... really was perfection.

 

BUT ... THEY'RE BACK ... ????

 

Nay sayers, possibly never visited Phuket, or that one time, and Patong/Bangla rd, far from giving the island & surrounds a fair shake.

 

From the list of 50, only been to a few.  Thought Mexico City & surrounds was amazing, for my short visit.  Tampa is a pretty cool city, and area, though surprised a top 50 ... which as stated, doesn't say much for rest of the world.

 

Isan does have Khmer & archeological importance, but food ... unique is best description, as certain not delicious, closer to vile sometimes.

 

Still plenty of critters, wild elephants & tigers, yet to be poached.

[ThailandRyan]

36 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

I don’t like Phuket much. The beaches are crowded. I’m not one of those guys that looks great with my shirt off, so strolling around in front of an audience of people on beach chairs is not something that makes me comfortable.

With the large Russians lounging about wouldn't you feel stylish at least a little bit. Like a skinny sealion in a heard of big ones...

[soalbundy]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Complete garbage.

I wouldn't say garbage, exaggerated certainly. I've had holidays in Phuket and have lived in Isaan for 17 years, I like both. Isaan is nice because there is still a certain innocence and inclusiveness about the place. This morning for instance the pu yai proclaimed on the loudspeaker that the eagerly awaited football match with the next village would take place at 11 0'clock and asked that all the villagers turn up dressed nicely, preferably with black shoes, no flip flops so that we would make a good impression on the visitors and keep the dogs on a leash, we don't want them running after the ball like last year. Like something from an English village in the 1930's.

[thaibeachlovers]

Did I miss a few days in a coma and just woke up on 1st April?

[thaibeachlovers]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The island province is also drawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscape of modern luxury lodges.

The final nail in the coffin of Phuket as a place worth going to. IMO it can join Samui in the ranks of once lovely places in LOS destroyed for greed

[Freddy42OZ]

1 hour ago, grubman said:

I don't understand why every one is so negative regarding Issan, I understand Phuket, i lived there for some years and totally dislike the tourist areas. As for Issan i have lived there for some year and think there is so much to see throughout the region, not just the major towns, if you get out and explore there is so much to see and experience, get off the beaten track a little and you maybe surprised what is actually on offer in Issan. 

 

Should give it a try before you all dis the area. 

 

Just my thoughts 

I've been to many places in Isaan, aside from it being sort of nice to see some countryside for a bit there isn't really anything there to make me want to go back, and definitely nothing that would make me want to live there. 

I think Bangkok is the only place worth living full time.   


 

[Kaopad999]

I'd take Isaan over Phuket any time of the week.
Phuket just full of scams,tourists and rip-off prices. 
Good or holiday maybe ? but not for long term living. 

locals  in Isann are far moe friendly.
Paceful life. 
3 or 4 nice cities to chose from.
Many beautiful ladies.
without scams and taxi maffia. 

[Darksidedude]

read the headline didnt bother with reading anything else as it would waste my time

[SuwadeeS]

Does't matter what they say. Issan and Phuket. What a BS.

I think because of a lack of Informations and objectivity.

 

Look. At Phuket island the first experience is a rip off for the transportation from the airport.

In Issan on an, corner the, point at you and call you "farang" insteed of "khon tang chard".

That is totally disrimination.

Time Magazine go back to school.

[Rimmer]

Off topic posts removed

[ujayujay]

Phuket???..dont kidding me. If youre honest: One of the most overcrowdet Touristdestination in the World....a no go Place????

[rumeaug]

Phuket and Isan? hum.....hell no......Some very specific locations in these 2 places are certainly worth it. But not as a whole.   [ps : Glad to see the the City of DIJON in Burgundy (France) Mentioned Though..... Stunningly beautiful regione. And those wines.......]

[klauskunkel]

 

Happy tourist couple in a songthaew, how exciting!

I wonder if they see the pick-up making a U-turn, and what that might mean...