Relax with a digital detox in Thailand

There are plenty of reasons why Thailand is ideal for a health and wellness holiday. The welcoming sabai sabai lifestyle, hospitality of the Thai people and warm weather all help to make this a destination where you soon relax. And these same reasons make the country perfect for a digital detox. 

We can all benefit from spending a period of time away from our smartphones and computers. Whether it’s for a day or a week, a digital detox can boost your mental health. And when you’re on holiday in Thailand, it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the virtual world and connect with the real world.

Disconnect to connect 

Compared to the pre-Internet era, booking travel and accommodation is much simpler now. But when you arrive at your holiday destination, is the actual travel experience any better? It’s all too easy for travellers to become distracted by their phone or social media feed and miss out on the simple joy of living in the moment. 

It’s all about balance and it’s something which Devasom Resorts in Khao Lak and Hua Hin has embraced with their disconnect to connect ethos. Technology is part of modern life, but taking the opportunity to occasionally disconnect can help you reconnect with yourself as well as your loved ones.

A digital detox can be good for mind and body. Put away the smartphone for the day and prioritise face to face interactions. Disconnecting from your devices can also give your physical health a boost. Blue light emitted from your electronic devices can interfere with your natural sleep cycle. We all know the temptation of checking your social media late in the evening or while you’re in bed, but this can have a detrimental effect on the quality of your sleep. 

How long should my digital detox be?
If you can spend a week or two, that can be truly liberating. But if you’re not sure you can commit to that long try starting with a day. If you’re in Thailand for a few weeks you could try a digital detox on alternate days. 

Where to go in Thailand for a digital detox

Although it’s possible to go on a digital detox anywhere in Thailand, there are some destinations which will make it easier to go offline. Your digital detox is likely to be more effective if you’re staying in one place for at least a week and don’t need to go online to book hotels or transport.

If you like the idea of going offline for a week, try any of Thailand’s beach resorts or islands. You’ll get the added benefit of being in a blue space which has been proven to boost mental health. To truly get away from it all, take a look at islands like Ko Bulon Leh or Ko Tarutao in Satun province. Go for long walks along the quiet beaches, watch the sunset from your hammock and immerse yourself in the easy-going island lifestyle.

Head to Trang province for more quiet islands where it’s easy to disconnect and relax into island life. The small town of Trang, the amiable provincial capital, is renowned for its food and makes an ideal base to explore the offshore islands.

The twin islands of Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai are conveniently located between Krabi and Phuket, but offer a much quieter experience compared to their better-known neighbours. For a memorable glamping retreat, check out 9 Hornbills on Ko Yao Noi. Also on Yao Noi, the wonderful Six Senses offers a range of wellness treatments to complement your digital detox.

21 of the best islands in Thailand

If you’d prefer a mainland beach resort instead of an island, take a look at Devasom Hua Hin or Devasom Khao Lak. The luxury boutique resorts offer an intimate and welcoming space to relax while also providing outstanding wellness options. As mentioned above, Devasom are also advocates of the benefits of a digital detox. To help you achieve this, they have set up a number of thoughtful and practical ways to make it easier to go tech-free during  your holiday. Treat yourself to a mindful morning of meditation, enjoy an afternoon of kayaking and appreciate the tranquillity of the natural environment.

While taking time away from your digital devices, indulge in a healthy Thai dish to boost your immune system. And for more ideas to make the most of your digital detox and boost your physical and mental health, check out these articles on our site:

• Health and wellness experiences in Thailand
• Recharge body and soul on Ko Samui
• 10 of the best locations to enjoy a traditional Thai massage

Capturing the memories
Of course, you still want to capture photo and video memories of your travels. A small mirrorless camera doesn’t take up much room in your day pack and still provides excellent images. If you only have your smartphone with you, you could take out the SIM card so you resist any temptation to upload your photos straight away to social media.

Practical tips

If we’ve piqued your interest and you’d like to try a digital detox in Thailand, here are some practical tips that may help you: 

• Tell people in advance you’ll be out of reach
• Read actual books instead of e-readers 
• Use printed maps or ask locals for directions (a great way to interact and practise your Thai!)
• Keep a pen and notebook with you
• Use a small digital camera instead of a smartphone
• Buy a print edition of the Bangkok Post or The Nation (your hotel may have a free copy) for news from Thailand and abroad

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