Mostly, we decide to take holidays for relaxation, after working too hard. If you want an experience that feels more like a spa weekend than a hotel stay, a Japanese ryokan is definitely for you. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, which is usually more than 100 years’ old, and you should be able to find one with an array of nearby temples or shrines. But what’s so great about ryokan anyway?

 Next Level Hospitality

 At a ryokan, you will encounter hospitality like you’ve never experienced before. As a guest, the members of staff will bend over backwards to make sure that you have a relaxing stay, and you’ll barely have to lift a finger. Nothing is too much trouble. You’ll know exactly what I mean, when you experience your first stay in a ryokan – Japanese hospitality at its finest.

 Dress Code

 There are a few things to bear in mind, when you visit a ryokan for the first time. As you walk in, you’ll find yourself in an entrance space called the ‘genkan’ – the ground is lower than the inn’s floor. Here, you will have to remove your shoes, and you’ll be given slippers to wear. Yes, while indoors – you will always wear slippers.

Within your room, you will find yukata (a summer kimono) – it’s likely that a member of staff will show you how to wear it, or dress you. It’s really comfortable, and many ryokans have pretty patterns for female guests to choose from.

 Traditional Japanese Food And Culture

If you are fussy with your food, and rarely eat anything other than chips, burgers, and macaroni, a ryokan isn’t for you. However, those who are open to new cuisine will be spoilt with an array of amazing, traditional Japanese dishes. Often, breakfast is included within the price (and sometimes even dinner too).  A ryokan is a really great opportunity to be surprised at every turn, in terms of culture shock (in a good way). You will have a really special time.

 Onsen

One of the best things about ryokan is that you will be able to use the ryokan’s bath house, or onsen. Soak in there for half an hour, and you will be addicted to how rested and youthful you feel. You will have to get naked in front of strangers, however, if your room doesn’t come with its own private onsen, but that’s just how they do in Japan. Even if you are initially shy, you should be fine.

 Getting There

Many ryokans provide a shuttle service from certain areas, as ryokans are often out-of-the-way. If you’re nervous about using public transport to reach your ryokan, you can often get a private car from the airport, if your ryokan is close to a main city, such as Tokyo. Blacklane offers a really fantastic service, and it’s nice to have everything sorted out for you, after an extremely long flight.

When it comes to far off adventures at a price that can’t be beat, Thailand is always a sure thing. Whether it’s the fabulous weather, the parties that never seem to stop, fantastic nature or a dynamically rich culture, Thailand has something for everyone from the north to the southernmost tip. You could be a first timer or an old pro when it comes to visiting this tropical paradise but the country always offers a chance to see it anew and is particularly appealing when the weather turns cool elsewhere in the world.

Take a look below at some suggestions for the best ways to experience what Thailand has to offer depending on your tastes and time frame. Whether it’s a few days in Bangkok or a few weeks lounging in Phuket or Ko Phi Phi, the only thing you’ll regret about this holiday is not taking it sooner!

Bangkok Heritage

If you’re looking or a city that will continue to surprise you around every corner, look no further than Bangkok, the capital city that has many flights connecting it to the rest of the world. It has every modern amenity you could hope for at a fraction of the price you could find it back home. Use it as your base to see the amazing temples and shrines dedicated to Buddhism or the imperial grounds of the royal family and be amazed at how much there is to do and see within this incredible metropolis.

Full Moon Parties

So much has been said about Full Moon Parties that I won’t go into too great of detail about what they are about, except that they are definitely for those who like to party. Taking place, as the name would suggest, around the full moon, these parties see travellers from all over the world revelling in the electric atmosphere on the beach and just generally going nuts – often with a little extra ‘help’, if you catch my drift.

Beautiful Ruins

As a country that has been around for a very long time in various forms, Thailand has its share of old buildings that have fallen into disrepair – the result is a hauntingly beautiful setting for exploring a piece of Thailand’s incredible history. If you think checking out old British castles is a good time, you’ll be blown away by the ruined sites in Thailand.  Just outside of Bangkok lies the old capital of Ayutthya, a city burnt by the Burmese many years ago but a must see for anyone who has the chance.

Wartime Past

Thailand has been host to many battles and wars over the years, but you may be interested in checking out those sites relating to WWII as many are the final resting places of soldiers from all over the world. Of particular note is the bridge on the river Kwai, made famous by the movie of the same name, which was blown up and then rebuilt not long after. Nearby is the JEATH war cemetery, an immaculately kept allied war cemetery that will humble you long after you’ve returned home.