travel to
Thailand
Lush rice paddies, tropical forests and ancient villages; hazy mountains with cascading waterfalls; craggy limestone cliffs rising from the land; gleaming temples and golden Buddhas; jungle-covered islands anchored in azure waters; miles of sandy beaches; bustling cities and markets packed with people and produce. Welcome to Thailand, the Land of Smiles.
best time to travel
The best time to visit most of Thailand is between November and February, because it rains the least and it is not too hot. For travel to the southern islands, choose those west of the peninsula (Phuket, Phi Phi) between mid-November and April and those to the east (Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan) between December and September.
places to go
key experiences
Bangkok
Thailand's capital is a place of contradictions. Mega-malls and floating markets, office towers and temples, old village homes and condo-blocks all vie for space. Get under its skin and discover a world of food and hidden places, a city you will not lightly forget.
Chiang Mai
This laid-back city in the north, the gateway to the Golden Triangle, is a great town to discover markets, taste some great food and while away in the serenity of a temple.
Ayuthaya & Sukhothai
The ruins of these former capitals offer a tantalizing glimpse into Thailand's glorious past. Explore them by bike or on foot.
Kanchanaburi, Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan National Park
The tragic events from WW2 are commemorated here with memorials and museums. Nearby Erawan National Park is famous for its 7-tiered waterfall.
Khao Sok National Park
Dramatic limestone cliffs, waterfalls and lowland rainforest are what make this national park so enchanting. Hike the many trails in search of mammals and birds.
Krabi & Ao Nang
Famous for its limestone rock formations, Krabi and nearby Ao Nang make for great bases from which to explore the nearby beaches, cliffs, mangroves, turquoise seas and bustling islands.
Phuket
The ultimate holiday island, Phuket offers plenty of nightlife and shopping, deluxe accommodation, spas and glorious white-sand beaches.
Ko Phi Phi
These two incredibly beautiful islands are worth a day trip to snorkel, explore hidden coves and beaches or to shop and eat in the main town.
Ko Samui
For all its beautiful beaches and accompanying hotels, resorts and restaurants, Ko Samui still feels very much Thai. Take a motorbike taxi around the coast and enjoy the scenery, or go snorkelling in its off-shore national park.
Ko Pha-Ngan
While one part of the island gets crowded during the Full Moon parties, the rest of it lingers on in obscurity, with its beautiful interior jungles and forgotten coves and beaches.
Lesser known islands
Ko Tao, north of Samui is famous for its diving. Ko Lanta, near Phi Phi, is far more calm and a haven of Thai culture, beautiful beaches and lovely resorts.
Village home stay
A homestay in Thailand is a great way to learn more about local life. Be welcomed by your hosts, explore the village and trails and enjoy some delicious food and traditional music and dance.
Glorious food
Thailand is well known for its delicious food and nowhere will it be fresher than from a street-side stall.
Mae Glong river raft house
Stay and play on a river raft house. As you float down the river and see life on the banks go by, your accommodation is on board!
Hilltribe Trek & lodge
Walking through hilltribe country, the forests, fields and villages are for many a highlight of their visit to Thailand. Opt for a homestay or, if comfort is important to you, a hilltribe lodge.
Take a tuk-tuk
Take one of these "mopeds with a cabin" on a hair-raising but fun ride through narrow streets.
Long-tail boat ride
Dubbed canoes with a jet engine, these boats are the transportation of choice on Bangkok's and indeed Thailand's canals and rivers.
Visit a floating market
Take a boat out to a floating market and mingle with all the vendor's boats, marvelling at the heaps of fresh produce they brought in.
Thai massage
Don't forget to indulge in a traditional Thai massage. You will feel reinvigorated and renewed!
Cooking class
Accompany a Thai chef to the market, shop for fresh ingredients and try your hand at some of the best recipes this country has to offer. Then, feast on your own creations!
Seek the sun
Well, the sun is never far away. But for serious sun-worshipers, Thailand's beaches are some of the best in the world.
Elephant encounter
Visit a camp caring for sick, injured or rehabilitating elephants, interact with them and bathe them, and know that your hard-earned money helps to care for these beautiful animals. We discourage our clients from riding elephants as animals are abused during training but we have a select number of camps we recommend for your visit where we know elephants are treated well.
Shop till you drop
Housewares, clothing and souvenirs - Thailand has plenty of shops, markets and stalls where you can engage in some serious retail therapy. Don't forget to hone up on your bargaining skills!
Hit the trails
Thailand's jungles, islands and rural lands offer plenty of opportunities for a ramble or a serious hike.