Thailand

Thailand's French dining is led by Bangkok, which has a long tradition of French restaurants in its riverside hotels and residential sois, with smaller scenes on the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui serving residents and holidaymakers.

In Bangkok, Le Normandie by Anne-Sophie Pic holds two Michelin stars, and Maison Dunand and Signature Bangkok have one each. Brasserie Palmier at the Four Seasons, Bisou on Soi Langsuan and Philippe on Sukhumvit 39 are Michelin Selected. On Phuket, L'Arôme by the Sea (Michelin Selected) serves tasting menus above Kalim Bay, Bisou Phuket brings its beef Wellington to the island and Çava Bien Marché runs a bistronomy kitchen in the Old Town. On Koh Samui, La Côte de Bœuf in Bang Rak is a Lyon-born chef's steak bistro.

Book Bangkok's starred restaurants ahead and check hotel dress codes. On the islands, book in the high season from November to April. In Bangkok, use the BTS and MRT to avoid traffic; on Phuket and Samui allow for longer taxi rides. Prices range from casual set lunches to full tasting menus.