Thailand
A stress-free approach to life
Flowing throughout the country’s history and way of life is the spirit of sanook. More than simply ‘fun,’ this one word describes the national ethos of appreciating the now and making the most of every moment. Contentment, low stress, no worries… no wonder Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles.” But it’s not all zen and simplicity. The pursuit of a good time breathes energy, vivacity and laughter into those many smiles.
Today, sanook has a modern flavour. Technology connects people and speeds up the pace of life. A global flair permeates local art, design and creativity. Yet through it all, Thailand never loses its gentle playfulness or graceful warmth. It‘s a culture that welcomes all who seek authenticity and fun – updated for the 21st century.
Taste of Place
Food that truly nourishes the soul is unhurried. That’s why our sauces and pastes are made with a mortar and pestle rather than in machines – and never come from a package. Because honest cuisine calls for real ingredients and plenty of time. Grand Mercure Thailand shines a spotlight on the country’s vibrant street-food culture with a collection of fragrant dishes, all prepared by hand and perfect for sharing. Eat it as slowly or quickly as you’d like!
Breakfast culture
Of Thailand’s vast repertoire of dishes, very few are exclusive to the first meal of the day. Breakfast often looks like lunch, dinner or even snack time. But regardless of what’s on the morning menu, the selection is always warm, filling and flavourful. Fiery curries, soothing porridges, decadent steamed buns, sweet fritters… the only constant at breakfast time is food that pleases the palate and satisfies the soul.
Brew culture
Strong, sweet and with plenty of ice, Thai coffee is the perfect drink for the country’s tropical climate. Our brew carts prepare coffees (and also teas) the traditional way: in a sock filter. Adding unexpected notes to your beverage are a variety of secret extras, such as cardamom, star anise, almond or corn kernels. Our baristas look forward to delighting you with the perfect brew, prepared just the way you like it.
Local Bites
Our local bites are a mouthful of sanook, good times in a morsel that makes you appreciate the moment. Each snack is a mini version of a dish one would find in the local market or from a food vendor. What they all have in common are bold flavours, vibrant colours and tantalising aromas. Adding to the fun, local bites are served up in a bamboo or banana leaf. What a delicious way to sample Thailand’s richness of snacks!
Signature Dish
Discover the tastes of home and the land with our Signature Dish, a revival of the time-honoured family meal. Gather around an abundance of dishes, each one made by hand using local ingredients and served in traditional vessels. Also on the table is an array of must-have condiments. And just as no two families are alike, you have the freedom of adapting the Signature Dish to your own group’s tastes and preference.
Scentorial Immersion
The preferred fragrances of Thailand are light, clean and subtly sweet – the scents of nature and life, water and plants. Lemongrass is one of the country‘s favourite things, a common ingredient in foods, beverages and traditional medicine. Another is jasmine, a symbol of purity that is presented to women on Mother’s Day and used in temples to honour Buddha. Rooted in the national psyche, these aromas represent home.
Jasmine Rice
Rice is central to not only Thai cuisine, but to the country’s history and identity. So important is it that the plant is believed to have a soul, and its personification is the Rice Mother. For this reason, we have chosen jasmine rice as our hotels’ signature scent – for its freshness when being harvested in verdant rice paddies, as well as its soothing aroma when cooking in the kitchen.
Our cities
Bangkok
An ever-changing skyline is testament to the Bangkok’s growth. The cosmopolitan Thai capital boasts a buzzing nightlife, gilded royal palaces hiding gleaming relics of gold and emerald, and holy shrines overlooked by mega-malls.
Khao Lak
Sun, sea and seclusion set the tone for time spent in southern Thailand’s distinctly laid-back Khao Lak region. But it’s also home of snorkelling and diving adventures or trekking among rare wildlife in spectacular national
Phuket
White sand lapped by turquoise surf, seafood cuisine and hedonistic nightlife make Phuket a perennial beach-resort favourite. It’s also an island of colonial influences, revered cultural landmarks and splendid natural wonders.
