Overview
Thailand is the quintessential first-time Asian destination — and for good reason. It combines everything a traveller could want: magnificent Buddhist temples dripping in gold leaf, crystal-clear islands ringed with white-sand beaches, the extraordinary controlled chaos of Bangkok (one of the world's great cities), a night market and street food culture that has taken the world by storm, friendly people and, crucially, exceptional value for money. No wonder Thailand consistently tops lists of the world's most visited countries.
The geography divides neatly into regions. Bangkok in the centre is essential — a minimum of two to three days to see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the street markets and the floating markets. The north, centred on Chiang Mai, offers cooler temperatures, elephant sanctuaries, hill tribe villages and spectacular trekking. The islands split into two groups: the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan — famous for its Full Moon Party — and Koh Tao for diving) and the Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and the jaw-dropping Phi Phi Islands).
Thai food is arguably the world's most exciting and varied cuisine, ranging from the fiery bird's-eye chilli heat of larb and som tam papaya salad, to the delicate sweetness of massaman curry and pad thai. Street food stalls serve dishes as good as any restaurant for a fraction of the price — eating for under £3 per meal is perfectly achievable. Thailand's combination of extraordinary culture, beautiful beaches, outstanding food and genuine warmth of welcome makes it one of the world's unmissable destinations.
Find Thailand Packages →Must-See
Thailand's dazzling capital is one of Asia's great cities. The Grand Palace complex — home to the sacred Emerald Buddha — and the neighbouring Wat Pho temple (housing the enormous Reclining Buddha) are unmissable. Beyond the temples, Bangkok's night markets, floating markets, Chinatown street food and Khao San Road backpacker scene are all equally memorable.
Northern Thailand's cultural capital is ringed by over 300 ancient temples and surrounded by forested mountains. Doi Suthep temple surveys the city from its hilltop perch, the Sunday Walking Street market is outstanding, and the surrounding region offers ethical elephant sanctuaries, hill tribe village treks and the extraordinary Sunday night Bosang umbrella village.
The Phi Phi archipelago in the Andaman Sea offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery — sheer limestone karsts rising from impossibly turquoise water, powdery white beaches and some of Thailand's finest snorkelling. Maya Bay (of The Beach film fame) is the headline attraction, with strict visitor controls now in place to protect the ecosystem.
Railay Beach — accessible only by long-tail boat from Krabi town — is one of Thailand's most beautiful and iconic settings, with towering limestone cliffs, emerald water and white sand completely free from vehicles. Rock climbing on the karst faces above the beach is world-class. The surrounding Krabi Province is the ideal base for island-hopping the Andaman Sea.
The Gulf of Thailand's largest island offers excellent resort infrastructure, palm-lined beaches and a sophisticated dining and spa scene. Nearby Koh Pha Ngan hosts the legendary Full Moon Party each month — one of the world's great beach parties, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. Koh Tao, a short ferry ride away, is one of the world's best and most affordable dive training destinations.
Plan Your Trip
Peak season and the very best time to visit Thailand — dry, sunny and relatively cool (25–30°C). Perfect beach weather across both coasts, ideal conditions for sightseeing in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and the most comfortable temperatures for trekking in the north. Book well ahead for December and January.
Temperatures across Thailand rise to 35–40°C, particularly in Bangkok and the north. The coasts remain pleasant with sea breezes. Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) in mid-April is one of Asia's most spectacular celebrations — Bangkok and Chiang Mai are extraordinary. Hotels are cheaper in this period.
The Andaman Sea coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) receives heavy monsoon rains from May to October — seas can be rough and some boat services are suspended. Prices are significantly lower and many days have only brief afternoon showers. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan) remains drier until September.
The Gulf of Thailand coast receives its monsoon rains later — September to November — when the west coast is drying out. Always research which coast suits your timing. The north and Bangkok receive most rain June to September but remain perfectly visitable with brief daily showers.
Top Areas
Thailand's extraordinary capital is an essential part of any itinerary — a megacity of contrasts where golden temples sit beside glittering skyscrapers, and world-class rooftop bars overlook canal markets selling £1 bowls of noodles. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Chao Phraya river are all unmissable.
Northern Thailand's relaxed, culturally rich city is surrounded by forested mountains, ancient temples and the villages of hill tribes. Ethical elephant sanctuaries are a major draw, alongside superb trekking, cookery courses and the famous night bazaar. Cooler and more peaceful than Bangkok.
Thailand's largest island and surrounding Andaman coastline — including Krabi, Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi Islands — delivers the country's most spectacular island scenery. Best visited November to April; world-class diving and snorkelling, rock climbing and long-tail boat trips between karst islands.
The Gulf of Thailand island group — Koh Samui (established resorts and spas), Koh Pha Ngan (Full Moon Party and yoga retreats) and Koh Tao (world's cheapest dive certification) — offers a more affordable and lively alternative to the Andaman coast, with good resort infrastructure and regular ferry connections.
Need to Know
Compare flights, hotels and all-inclusive packages. Best UK prices guaranteed.
Holidays from £699pp per person
Experiences & Activities
Tours, tickets and unmissable experiences — book ahead and skip the queues.
Get Around
The freedom to explore at your own pace — compare the best rental deals at your destination.
Compare prices from leading rental companies worldwide
Explore cities and countryside on two wheels
Explore More
Indonesia's Island of the Gods offers temples, rice terraces and world-class surf — a natural next step from Thailand.
Explore Bali →Halong Bay, ancient Hoi An, Hanoi's street food and the Mekong Delta make Vietnam a compelling companion to Thailand.
Explore Vietnam →Tea country, wild elephants, ancient temples and Indian Ocean beaches — Sri Lanka rewards in just two weeks.
Explore Sri Lanka →