Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand is the most well-known and popular travel destination in Southeast Asia, and millions of tourists feel the destination's allure each year. The capital, Bangkok, is a thrilling first stop and is a favourite among budget travellers, who can spend their baht at its many street markets and affordable electronics shops, and infamous bars.

However, once travellers venture away from the bustling city, the natural splendour of Thailand really shines. The limestone karst rock formations and lush rainforests of Khao Sok National Park and other nature reserves are popular spots for jungle trekking, and the crystal-clear waters around the southern beach playgrounds such as Phuket, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Phi Phi are a paradise for scuba diving and watersports. Many holidaymakers go north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to see the beautiful temples and the famous Hill-Tribes, while the even more adventurous stray off the beaten path to Isaan, which is known for its vibrant festivals, bold flavours and untouched, rural landscape.

Thailand's unique culture is just as big an attraction however; hundreds of visually stunning Buddhist temples and shrines are scattered across cities and villages, and visitors can tour the ruins of ancient cities such as Ayutthaya to get a sense of the country's long history. No matter what part of the country travellers visit, a holiday in Thailand is an experience to be remembered for a lifetime.

Best time to visit Thailand

The weather in Thailand is divided into three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (March to May) and the rainy season (June to October). The cool season is usually considered the best time to visit, as it has the most sunshine and least rain, though the December holidays tend to be busy and the prices inflated, so the overall best months to visit in are November, January and February.

What to see in Thailand

-See the enormous golden statues at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

-Take in a Muay Thai match in Bangkok.

-Visit the many Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai.

-Tour the remains of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, ancient seats of Siamese culture.

What to do in Thailand

-Ride a boat through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

-Laze on the sunny beaches of Phuket.

-Indulge in the infamous nightlife of Bangkok.

-Take a hike to the Lisu Hill-Tribe.

Holiday resorts in Thailand

Thailand has many popular resorts for sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach holiday. Each resort has its own character, varying from lively nightlife to laidback seclusion, and from single's heaven to family-friendly perfection.

Getting to Thailand

Getting to Thailand is fairly easy. There are many cheap direct flights from the UK and US and even more cheap indirect flights. Nearly all flights to Thailand arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

Read

Four Reigns by Kukrit Pramoj and Private Dancer by Steven Leather.

Listen

Pumpuang Duangjan and Khruang Sai Orchestra.

Watch

The Beach (2000), Brokedown Palace (1999), The Hangover 2 (2011), and Anna and the King (1999).

Drink

Satho (traditional rice wine).

Eat

Khao phat (Thai-style fried rice), and Pad Thai (traditional fried noodles).

What to buy

Thai silk, precious stones, affordable local clothing, and cheap electronics.

What to pack

A padlock for bags: leaving backpacks in hotel rooms and outside temples gives pickpockets a good opportunity to help themselves.

What's on in Thailand

The colourful Bor Sang Umbrella Festival celebrates traditional craftsmanship every January; Thailand celebrates New Year in April at Songkran. Floating candles and hot air balloons make Loy Krathong the most romantic day in November.

Did you know?

-Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that wasn't colonised by a Western power.

-The official ceremonial name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

-Popular energy drink Red Bull originated in Thailand and was originally called Krating Daeng (Red Gaur).

A final word

Exotic and enticing, a holiday in Thailand is an unforgettable experience that promises both stunning cultural sights and a bit of fun and relaxation.