Thailand holidays: our travel guide
Thailand is where you have breakfast by the river in Bangkok, visit an elephant sanctuary in the northern hills and finish with a week on an island where the longtail boats rock at the water's edge.
The Andaman coast
Longtail boats are the taxis between the beaches. Photo: The DK Photography / Unsplash
Thailand: the long-haul trip that never gets old
Thailand has been a favourite long-haul destination for decades, and few places make it so easy to travel far. The food is among the best in the world, the people are welcoming, and domestic flights make the hop between city, jungle and beach short.
The most important thing to know before you book is that Thailand has two coasts with different seasons. The Andaman coast in the west, with Phuket and Krabi, has its best weather from November to April. The Gulf of Thailand in the east, with Koh Samui, is often at its best from January to August. Pick the right coast for the month and you can find sunshine almost all year.
Thailand lies in South-East Asia and is one of the countries in Asia we cover most. Below you will find our guides to Phuket and Bangkok.
Bangkok
Bangkok's temples are decorated with porcelain and coloured glass. Photo: Mathew Schwartz / Unsplash
How to choose where to go in Thailand
Bangkok: start or finish
The capital is a natural first stop after a long flight: temples, river boats, night markets and some of the best hotels in Asia. Two or three nights is enough for most. Read our Bangkok guide and things to do in Bangkok.
Northern Thailand: temples and mountains
Chiang Mai is calmer than Bangkok, with an old town inside a moat, cooking classes and elephant sanctuaries where the animals are not ridden. Read about Chiang Mai and its elephant sanctuaries.
The Andaman coast: Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi
Limestone cliffs dropping into the sea, and the classic beach holiday. Best from November to April. Read our Phuket guide and Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.
The Gulf of Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
Green islands with palm trees, diving off Koh Tao and the full moon party on Koh Phangan. Read about Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, or plan your Thailand island hopping.
Krabi
Photo: Sumit Chinchane / Unsplash
Suggested itinerary: Thailand in two weeks
Bangkok, 3 nights: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, a river boat on the Chao Phraya and dinner at a night market.
Chiang Mai, 3 nights: the temples of the old town, a cooking class and a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary.
Krabi or Phuket, 7 nights: beaches, a boat trip to the islands of Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi, and time to do nothing at all.
Travelling between May and October? Swap the Andaman coast for Koh Samui. Domestic flights are short and frequent.
Things to do in Thailand
Take the river boat on the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and hop off at the temples.
Eat your way through a night market: pad thai, papaya salad, mango sticky rice and grilled skewers.
Learn to make green curry at a cooking class in Chiang Mai.
Take longtail boats between the beaches in Krabi.
Snorkel among the islands of Phang Nga Bay or dive off Koh Tao.
Have a Thai massage, ideally at a temple such as Wat Pho, where the tradition runs deep.
Where to stay in Thailand
Thailand has some of the best hotels in the world at prices that would be unthinkable in Europe. We have picked three that show the range, from the river in Bangkok to the islands. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Rayavadee, Krabi
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Rayavadee: arrive by boat
Rayavadee sits on the Railay peninsula in Krabi, where there are no roads, so you arrive by boat. The pavilions stand in gardens between three beaches and limestone cliffs.
Book your stay: See rooms at Rayavadee
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok: the riverside classic
One of the best-known hotels in Asia, on the Chao Phraya since the 19th century. Take the hotel boat across the river to the spa and restaurants on the other side.
Book your stay: See rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Six Senses Samui
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Six Senses Samui: a villa with a sea view
Villas terraced on a headland in the north-east of Koh Samui, many with a private pool and views across the Gulf of Thailand. A good choice when the Andaman coast has its rainy season.
Book your stay: See rooms at Six Senses Samui
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to April is high season for most of the country, and the most reliable time for Bangkok, the north and the Andaman coast. March and April are the hottest months. From May to October the Andaman coast has its rainy season, while the Gulf of Thailand is often fine. See also where is hot in February.
Bring clothes that cover shoulders and knees for the temples, and show respect for the monarchy, which is held in high esteem in Thailand. Check the current entry rules before you travel.
Frequently asked questions about Thailand
When is the best time to go to Thailand?
November to April is best for Bangkok, northern Thailand and the Andaman coast with Phuket and Krabi. The Gulf of Thailand with Koh Samui is often best from January to August. Pick the right coast and you can go almost all year.
How long should you spend in Thailand?
Two weeks gives you time for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a week on the beach. With ten days, choose between the north and an extra beach.
Phuket or Krabi?
Phuket is bigger, with more hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Krabi is calmer, with more dramatic cliffs and easy access to Railay and Phi Phi. Both are best from November to April.
Where should I stay in Thailand?
Stay by the river or in Sukhumvit in Bangkok, in the old town in Chiang Mai and at Railay, Ao Nang or Phuket's north-west coast for the beach. The Gulf of Thailand is a good choice from May to October.
What should you wear to temples in Thailand?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before entering temple buildings. Many temples lend or sell sarongs at the entrance.