A guide to Thailand

Although some routes offer flights straight into Phuket or Koh Samui, most trips to Thailand begin and end in the capital. Similar in size and population to London, Bangkok is a whirl of possibilities and opportunities. Shopping never stops, with a mall for every style and bustling night markets bringing life to the evening laneways. Breathtaking temples dot the city, from the magnificent Grand Palace complex at the edge of the Chao Phraya River to the towering Golden Mount of Wat Saket and its views across the city.

Follow your nose towards irresistible aromas and enjoy the distinctive flavours of Thailand from sizzling street food stalls or sophisticated restaurants at any time of day or night. Take an excursion to collect souvenirs and snacks from drifting vendors at a floating market, or pay tribute to the region’s past on a trip over Kanchanaburi’s famous Bridge over the River Kwai. When the sightseeing is done, take a perch in a rooftop bar at your choice of luxury hotels in Bangkok and look out over the sparkling skyline.

It would be easy to move straight from Bangkok to the beach, but you’d be missing one of Thailand’s most magical offerings - the rainforest. Tree-lined mountains, tranquil lakes, animal encounters, and cultural experiences are all part of the Thai countryside adventure. Two of the best ways to access the Thai jungle are through Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle or by visiting Elephant Hills in Khao Sok.

Smaller and more laidback than Bangkok, Thailand’s ‘second city’ of Chiang Mai is famous for its temple-strewn Old Town City and incredible food. It’s also a gateway to the rainforests of Northern Thailand, where you can enjoy elephant trekking and visit hill tribe villages on your way to the Golden Triangle - where Thailand, Lao, and Myanmar meet - and onwards to the beautiful sister city of Chiang Rai.

Khao Sok is a spectacular national park and home to Elephant Hills, where up-close moments with Asia’s most remarkable creatures are enjoyed during a fully immersive stay in a luxury jungle tent or a floating tent on the peaceful waters of Cheow Lan Lake. Offering free arrival and departure transfers to every guest, Elephant Hills is also a great way to combine two beach destinations with all your transport taken care of.

When planning trips to Thailand, the hardest decision is often which of the amazing beaches or islands to choose. Each is spectacular in its own way, and where you stay will depend on what you’re looking for. Phuket is the biggest and most established holiday island with a string of west coast beaches offering everything from party nights in Patong to exclusive resorts in Bangtao. Families will love the quieter sands of Kata, while Karon is the ideal all-rounder and a great base for exploring the entire island. On the east coast, close to the lantern-lit markets of Old Phuket Town, smaller coves offer a quieter escape and quick access to sailing excursions in the bay.

The smaller resort of Koh Samui encourages you to follow your mood. The lively centre of Chaweng Beach is flanked by quieter shores, just a short stroll or taxi ride in each direction. On the mainland, Krabi offers iconic views of the towering limestone pillars in Phang Nga Bay, while Khao Lak is perfect for relaxed breaks with the family and an access point to some of the world’s best diving sites.

Getting off the beaten track is easy with an array of islets from Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan - easily reached from the bigger resorts - to Koh Samet, which offers parties and peacefulness in equal measure. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi invite you to castaway-luxury. Koh Lipe is built for romance.

Koh Chang is a national park surrounded by sand, ideal for jungle trekking between beaches. Our experts will help you find the perfect place for you.

If you prefer to keep your travelling to a minimum, that’s no problem. Both the upbeat beaches of Pattaya and the Thai royal’s favourite resort of Hua Hin are reachable by road from Bangkok.

Thailand hotels come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share the same passion for hospitality. Bed and breakfast is recommended in most Thai locations so you can enjoy the abundance of delicious and affordable food, but half board and all-inclusive are available in a small selection of hotels if you prefer to have things ready and waiting on your doorstep.

While Thailand has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons, these fall at different times in different parts of the country. As a simple guide, you can’t go wrong from November to February, making Christmas in Thailand a fantastic way to find winter sun. The western beaches of Krabi and Phuket, along with the jungles of Northern Thailand, enjoy dryer days until April or May. The east coast islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao avoid most of the rain until August.

The quickest way to get to Thailand is direct to Bangkok from London in under 12 hours with Thai Airways, EVA Air, or BA. Alternative routes take you through the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, or several other Southeast Asian cities. On arrival and departure, a pre-booked transfer is the best way to navigate Bangkok traffic between the airport and your hotel. Once you’re settled, the Bangkok MRT and the Chao Phraya Express Boat will get you to most destinations, but taxis and tuk-tuks are also easy to find. At the beaches and islands, taxis are the quickest and easiest way to travel. If planning a multi-centre, booking your internal flights as a package with your international is often a great way to get extra value from your ticket.

No visas are required for stays of less than 30 days in Thailand, and the local currency, baht, is easy to get at home or from cash machines across the country. You’ll need a socket adapter for power, but USB outlets can also be found in many hotels.