Holidays to Thailand
Top destinations in Thailand
Bangkok
A bold city of contrasts, Bangkok presents ancient temples and neon nightclubs, lively markets and mega malls, all focused around Chao Phraya, the ‘River of Kings’.
Chiang Mai
Ringed by rolling hills, dense jungles and dazzling temples, Chiang Mai’s beauty lies in the tranquillity on its doorstep. But don’t miss its food scene, one of the best in Thailand.
Krabi
Powder soft beaches, wildlife rich jungles and a sea studded with limestone islands — Krabi caters to all your tropical holiday fantasies. Come experience southern Thailand at its best.
Phuket
The nightlife on Thailand’s biggest island is legendary. But stick around in the morning for surf breaks, rainforest hikes and a visit to an elephant sanctuary.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s beachy dream. Come for its sun-drenched sands, but stay for its sprawling night markets, majestic temples and mango sticky rice.
Pattaya
If your ideal getaway involves going from the beach to the bar, meet Pattaya. Beyond its sparkling shores, explore floating markets, botanical gardens and the world’s largest wooden castle.
Thailand: fast facts
| Language | Thai |
|---|---|
| Currency | Thai baht (฿) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
Thailand holiday highlights
Legendary cuisine
A perfect balance of sweet, sour and spicy flavors, Thai food is world-renowned for good reason. This can be seen in pad thai, flat noodles cooked with fish sauce, palm sugar and tamarind, typically with chilli flakes on the side. But there’s a world of flavours beyond this national dish, from southern seafood curries to northern staples like ‘khao soi’, a fragrant coconut broth topped with crispy fried noodles.
Sacred temples
From Wat Rong Khun’s ornate white spires to Wat Pho’s famous Reclining Buddha, Thailand’s temples show off the nation’s spiritual heritage. You’ll find some of the country’s most impressive Buddhist monasteries in the UNESCO-listed historic city of Ayutthaya, the former Siam capital. Phanom Rung Historical Park features ornate Khmer architecture, while Wat Chantaram boasts a dazzling interior filled with mirrored columns and golden Buddhas.
Tropical islands
Island hopping is one of the best things to do in Thailand. Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise with colourful coral reefs and affordable scuba diving courses, while Koh Pha Ngan hosts legendary full moon parties. Couples love Koh Lipe’s pristine shores and romantic resorts. Koh Samui offers Buddhist temples, night markets and easy access to the gorgeous Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Things to do in Thailand
Top attractions
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is famous for its mix of traditional Thai and Italian Renaissance architecture. Seeing it lit up at night is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Thailand. Further north, explore the frozen-in-time ruins of Ayutthaya, once one of the world’s largest cities. And don’t miss Koh Phi Phi’s postcard-perfect Maya Bay — you might recognise it from the movie ‘The Beach’.
Beaches
Framed by towering limestone cliffs, Railay Beach in Krabi is one of the most striking beaches in Thailand. Phuket, the country’s largest island, offers vast stretches of sand, from party-centric Patong to surfers’ haven Kata Noi. The Koh Yao islands boast some of the country’s most tranquil shorelines, while Ko Samet is a dreamy beach getaway a few hours from Bangkok.
Nature
Thailand’s diverse national parks include Chet Sao Noi’s tumbling waterfalls, Khao Sam Roi Yot’s labyrinth of caves, and Ang Thong’s dense jungles teeming with monkeys. A popular day trip from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park has ornate pagodas tucked among rolling hills. For utter tranquillity, stay in a floating hut on Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by limestone formations and some of the world’s oldest rainforests.
Culture and museums
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is one of the most impressive museums in Thailand, home to a complex of ornate Thai and European-inspired buildings. The Bangkok National Museum features Buddhist statues, traditional handicrafts and a stone pillar engraved with one of the earliest examples of Thai writing. Temples in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Ayutthaya showcase centuries-old architecture and Buddhist traditions.
Cuisine
Street food is the heart and soul of Thai dining. Explore colourful markets for staples like fresh ‘som tam’ (papaya salad), hot and sour ‘tom yum’ (soup), or ‘pad kra pao’ (basil stir-fry). Try mango sticky rice or sweet ‘roti’ (pancakes) for dessert. Some of the best restaurants in Thailand are in Bangkok, from swanky rooftops with panoramic views to Michelin-starred Indian restaurants and Thai–Chinese fusion joints.
Family friendly
Koh Samui packs plenty of family fun into one island — whether you’re climbing the steps of Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) or splashing around at Samui Water Park. If you’re in the capital, find thrilling rides for all ages at Dream World Bangkok. In Chiang Mai, meet Thailand’s most iconic residents at Elephant Nature Park, where the focus is on ethical encounters.
Find the best time to visit Thailand
Weather in Thailand
March – May: Thailand heats up, with temps hitting the high 30s°C. It’s a great time to explore with fewer tourists, although a room with air conditioning is a must. By May, rain creeps up on the west coast, welcoming the start of monsoon season.
June – October: The beginning of the wet season brings bursts of rain mixed with sunny spells — monsoons peak in August and September. The east coast stays drier, so make the most of it and go island hopping around Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan.
November – February: Winter in Thailand offers plenty of sunshine, minimal rain and daytime highs of 31°C. This is the peak tourist season, especially over Christmas and New Year. Heading up north? Pack a layer for cooler evenings.
Events in Thailand
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (January): Artisans have crafted colourful bamboo umbrellas in the northern town of Bo Sang for over a century. Watch as they’re paraded through the streets to a backdrop of traditional music and drumming.
Songkran (April): Unleash your inner child during Songkran, a nationwide water fight to mark the Thai New Year. The tradition is rooted in the Buddhist ideas of rebirth and renewal — you’ll find the biggest celebrations in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Loy Krathong (November): Held on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, this enchanting festival sees locals release candlelit baskets onto rivers and lakes as a symbol of renewal and letting go. Celebrations take place across the country, but Sukhothai hosts the most spectacular displays.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Respect plays a big role in Thai culture. If you receive a traditional ‘wai’ greeting (slight bow, palms in prayer-like position), you should reciprocate. Dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes when visiting temples. Keep your hands (and feet) to yourself — touching people’s heads or pointing at things with your toes are considered rude.
Health and safety
Most travellers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations before heading to Thailand. Planning to hire a motorbike? Make sure your travel insurance covers it, bring your driving licence and always wear a helmet. Thailand is vulnerable to flooding, landslides and earthquakes, so check weather warnings before you go.
LGBTQ+ travel
Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most LGBTQ-friendly country. In cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, you’ll find everything from gay nightclubs and cabarets to all-night go-go bars. Don’t miss June’s Bangkok Pride Parade, the country’s biggest. Or head to the coast for Pattaya Gay Pride in autumn. Though Thailand is welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, avoid public displays of affection.
Budget
It’s easier to have a cheap holiday to Thailand if you eat street food, visit free temples and monasteries, and travel outside of peak season. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 100 Thai baht (฿), while a pint of domestic beer is around ฿70. Short taxi rides start at ฿40.
Getting around Thailand
Public transportation
Buses: This is the most affordable and convenient way to travel between cities and tourist areas. Options include local ‘ordinary’ buses, second class with air conditioning, and first class or VIP, which are faster and more comfortable. Tickets are available at stations or online via platforms like 12Go.
Trains: Trains are alow-cost and scenic way to explore. The State Railway of Thailand runs four long-distance routes: Northern, Northeastern, Eastern and Southern. Tickets can be booked on their website or at the station. Fares vary based on seat class and train speed.
Boats: Ferries and longboats are your go-to for island hopping. They’re the easiest way to reach Thailand’s beaches and islands. And prices are cheap, thanks to competition between operators. Just hop aboard and pay.
Domestic flights
Short on time? Flying will allow you to cover as much ground as possible. Budget airlines connect major spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui. Book in advance for the cheapest fares.
Driving
Hiring a car is ideal for exploring off the beaten path. Book through a reputable company, carry an international driving licence and drive cautiously. Rural roads can be narrow, winding and uneven.
