Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating destinations, combining tropical beaches, vibrant cities, ancient temples, lush mountains and some of the best-loved food in the world.

Whether you're wandering through Bangkok's colourful markets, relaxing on a palm-fringed island, exploring the temples of Chiang Mai or discovering dramatic limestone scenery around Krabi, Thailand offers an incredible variety of experiences in one country.

Add warm hospitality, excellent value, fantastic hotels and an easy-going holiday atmosphere, and it is easy to see why so many travellers return to Thailand time and time again.

Weather in Thailand

Thailand has a tropical climate, which means warm temperatures throughout much of the year. However, weather patterns vary between different parts of the country, so the best time to visit depends partly on where you are planning to stay.

November to February

These months are generally considered one of the most popular times to visit much of Thailand. Temperatures are typically warm rather than intensely hot, humidity is often lower and many areas experience relatively dry conditions.

This can be an excellent period for combining Bangkok, northern Thailand and many of the Andaman Coast resorts.

March to May

March, April and May are usually among the hottest months of the year. Temperatures can become particularly high in Bangkok and northern Thailand, although beach resorts remain popular for travellers looking for sunshine and a tropical escape.

May to October

Much of Thailand experiences its wetter season during this period. Rain often arrives in intense tropical showers rather than lasting all day, although conditions vary considerably from one region to another.

The Gulf of Thailand islands, including Koh Samui, can experience a different weather pattern to Phuket and the Andaman Coast, which means Thailand can still offer excellent beach options at different times of year.

Food & Drink in Thailand

Food is one of the great pleasures of travelling around Thailand. Street stalls, bustling food markets, beachside restaurants and high-end dining rooms all form part of the experience, with dishes often combining sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours.

Pad Thai

One of Thailand's best-known dishes, pad Thai combines stir-fried rice noodles with ingredients such as egg, tofu or prawns, beansprouts, peanuts and lime.

Green Curry

Thai green curry is fragrant, creamy and often fiery. Coconut milk is combined with green curry paste, herbs and vegetables, usually alongside chicken, seafood or another protein.

Tom Yum

This famous hot and sour soup is packed with aromatic ingredients including lemongrass, lime leaves and chilli. Tom yum goong, made with prawns, is one of the most popular variations.

Som Tam

Originally associated with northeastern Thailand, som tam is a spicy green papaya salad combining fresh, sour, salty and sweet flavours.

Mango Sticky Rice

A simple but delicious Thai dessert consisting of sweet sticky rice, fresh mango and coconut milk. It is particularly popular during mango season.

Thai Street Food

Some of Thailand's most memorable meals can be found at local markets and street stalls. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are particularly famous for their street-food scenes, where everything from grilled meats and noodle dishes to fresh fruit and desserts can be enjoyed.

Language in Thailand

Thai is the official language of Thailand. English is widely used in many hotels, resorts, restaurants and major tourist destinations, although learning a few simple Thai expressions is always appreciated.

Thai speakers often add a polite ending to sentences. Men commonly use khrap, while women commonly use kha.

Thai Culture & Etiquette

Thailand is often known as the Land of Smiles, and courtesy and respect play an important role in everyday life.

When visiting temples, dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees where required. Shoes should normally be removed before entering certain temple buildings and private homes.

Visitors should also be respectful around images of the Buddha and religious sites. Avoid climbing on statues or using sacred places purely as photo props.

Top Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand is far more than a fly-and-flop beach destination. Its cities, islands, mountains and cultural attractions can easily be combined into a fantastic multi-centre holiday.

Bangkok

Thailand's energetic capital is often the starting point for a Thai adventure. Bangkok combines glittering temples and historic palaces with rooftop bars, world-class hotels, shopping centres, night markets and an extraordinary food scene.

Highlights include the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. Chatuchak Weekend Market and the streets of Chinatown add another side to the city entirely.

Bangkok can feel wonderfully chaotic at first, but give it a little time and it quickly becomes one of the most rewarding cities in Southeast Asia.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and one of its best-known holiday destinations. It offers a huge choice of hotels and resorts, from lively beachfront properties to secluded luxury hideaways.

Popular areas include Patong, Kata, Karon and Bang Tao, while Phuket also makes an excellent base for boat trips to surrounding islands and spectacular Phang Nga Bay.

Krabi

If your idea of Thailand involves dramatic limestone cliffs rising above turquoise water, Krabi deserves a place on your list.

Ao Nang is a popular base, while nearby Railay offers striking limestone scenery and beautiful beaches. The wider Krabi region also provides easy access to islands including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui combines beautiful beaches with a wide range of hotels, restaurants and spas. Whether you're looking for a luxury honeymoon, family holiday or relaxed beach escape, the island offers plenty of choice.

Nearby islands and marine parks make it an excellent base for boat trips, snorkelling and exploring the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Phi Phi

Surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and vivid blue water, the Phi Phi Islands offer some of Thailand's most instantly recognisable scenery.

Boat trips, snorkelling and diving are among the main attractions, although the islands can become extremely busy during popular travel periods.

Chiang Mai

Northern Thailand offers a completely different experience to the southern islands, and Chiang Mai is its best-known destination.

The old city is filled with temples, cafés, restaurants and markets, while the surrounding countryside offers mountains, waterfalls and rural communities.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, overlooking the city from the mountains, is one of Chiang Mai's most famous landmarks. Nearby Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand's highest mountain.

Thailand's Islands & Beaches

Thailand's beaches are famous around the world, but choosing the right island can make a big difference to your holiday.

For Luxury

Phuket and Koh Samui offer some of Thailand's widest selections of luxury resorts, private villas, spas and high-end restaurants.

For Dramatic Scenery

Krabi, Railay and the Phi Phi Islands deliver classic Thai scenery with sheer limestone cliffs, turquoise seas and long-tail boats.

For a More Relaxed Escape

Koh Lanta offers a slower pace than many of Thailand's larger resorts, with long beaches, beautiful sunsets and an easy-going island atmosphere.

For Diving & Snorkelling

Islands including Koh Tao are particularly popular with divers, while numerous marine parks and offshore islands throughout southern Thailand offer excellent snorkelling opportunities.

Temples in Thailand

Buddhist temples are an important part of Thailand's culture and landscape, and you'll encounter them throughout the country.

Bangkok's Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew are among the best known, while Chiang Mai and northern Thailand are filled with historic temples reflecting the region's distinctive Lanna heritage.

A visit to a temple can be one of the highlights of a Thailand holiday, but remember that these are active places of worship rather than simply tourist attractions.

Getting Around Thailand

Thailand is well suited to multi-centre holidays, with domestic flights connecting Bangkok to popular destinations including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui.

Ferries and speedboats connect many of the islands, while trains and coaches can be useful for travellers exploring more slowly.

In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain and MRT make it relatively easy to travel between many areas of the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available.

Tuk-Tuks

Thailand's colourful tuk-tuks are an iconic part of the travel experience, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Agree the fare before setting off where appropriate and remember that they can sometimes be more of an experience than the cheapest way to travel.

Long-Tail Boats

Long-tail boats are one of southern Thailand's most recognisable forms of transport. They're commonly used for island hopping, beach transfers and sightseeing trips around destinations such as Krabi.

Shopping in Thailand

Shopping ranges from enormous modern malls to atmospheric local markets. Bangkok offers virtually everything imaginable, while destinations including Chiang Mai are particularly well known for handicrafts and night markets.

Popular souvenirs include Thai silk, handmade crafts, ceramics, spa products, clothing and locally produced food items.

Bargaining may be expected at some traditional markets but not in department stores, supermarkets and most established shops.

Interesting Facts About Thailand

1. Thailand was historically known as Siam and officially adopted the name Thailand in the 20th century.
2. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never formally colonised by a European power.
3. Bangkok is Thailand's capital and largest city, home to a remarkable mixture of historic temples and modern skyscrapers.
4. Buddhism plays an important role in Thai culture, and temples can be found throughout the country.
5. Thailand stretches from mountainous landscapes in the north to hundreds of islands and tropical beaches in the south.
6. Thai cuisine is famous for balancing sweet, sour, salty, spicy and aromatic flavours.

Thailand Travel Advice

Entry requirements, local regulations and travel advice can change, so travellers should check the latest official guidance before departure.

British citizens should check current passport requirements, permitted length of stay and any immigration or arrival documentation required for their journey.

View the latest UK Government travel advice for Thailand

Discover Thailand

Thailand is a destination that can be whatever you want it to be. Spend your entire holiday unwinding at a beautiful beach resort, immerse yourself in Bangkok's energy, explore the mountains and temples of the north or combine several destinations into one unforgettable trip.

From sunrise temple visits and sizzling street food to island-hopping adventures and sunset cocktails beside the sea, Thailand offers the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

Speak to one of our travel experts to start planning your Thailand adventure!