Thailand Tours

If there’s one thing Thailand’s revered for above all else, it’s beaches. And rightly so – they really are some of the best in the world. With hundreds of islands in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, there’s a beach here to suit every kind of traveller. Pretty much all of them have soft golden sands, almost impossibly blue water and jungle-clad interiors. But, beyond that, the differences are virtually endless.

If partying’s your thing, you might enjoy a Thailand tour that goes to Phi Phi. These islands received international recognition when Maya Bay, on the smaller island of Phi Phi Leh, was used as the filming location for the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. While Maya Bay is now closed to visitors, Phi Phi still offers incredible snorkelling and rock-climbing – not to mention some of Thailand’s liveliest nightlife. Koh Samui, meanwhile, is great for diving and jungle trekking, while Phuket is an excellent choice for families.

But if you want to include a beach break as part of your Thailand tour, you don’t necessarily have to go to the islands. There are glorious stretches of sand on the mainland, too. Krabi, on the southwest coast, has more than its fair share of quiet bays and secluded coves, while Hua Hin – just a few hours south of Bangkok – is Thailand’s original beach resort.

Most international flights to Thailand arrive into Bangkok, so it’s worth considering a Thailand tour that starts – or ends – with a few days in the country’s capital. Chaotic, lively yet also green and serene, this compelling city is full of contrasts. Seamlessly blending old and new, it’s both exotic and familiar – and is the perfect place to learn about Thailand’s fascinating history and rich culture.

Your tour in Bangkok will take in some of the city’s key landmarks, such asthe Jim Thompson House, Wat Arun, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and Wat Pho – AKA the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Besides historic temples, you may also visit the impressive Grand Palace, sprawling Lumphini Park and – if you’re there at a weekend – the famous Chatuchak Market.

In the evenings, make the most of Bangkok’s exciting nightlife – or take the opportunity to try some of the city’s sublime street food. Your guide should be able to recommend some of the best vendors in the area you’re staying.

If you’re looking for a Thailand tour that involves a lot of wildlife, you’ll want one that includes a visit to Khao Sok National Park. Located in the south of the country, about midway between the Gulf and Andaman coasts, this is one of the best places in the country for an outdoor adventure.

Get back to nature with a stay at the incredible Elephant Hills – a luxury tented jungle camp in the heart of the park. You’ll get to feed and bathe the gentle giants after which the resort is named, before taking a canoe out on the mighty Sok River. On a trek through the park you’ll discover a jungle which is older and more diverse than the Amazon. Sightings might include gibbons, gaur, deep and tapir – and, if you’re particularly lucky, maybe even a tiger or two.

While Khao Sok is Thailand’s premier wildlife hotspot, it’s not the only place in the country for an animal encounter. If you join a Thailand tour that goes to Chiang Mai there are other elephant sanctuaries you can visit. Or, if you head to certain islands, you’ll find there’s a whole underwater world teaming with marine life. Think parrot fish, hawksbill turtles and manta rays.

Northern Thailand feels worlds away from the rest of the country. So even if you’ve been to the Land of Smiles before, and visited Bangkok or some of the islands, you’ll still discover something new on a Thailand tour in this part of the country.

The gateway to Northern Thailand is Chiang Mai, which is where most tours in this region begin. The ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, it’s a beautiful and tranquil city that delights with its understated charm. While there’s plenty to see and do within the city limits, you’ll want to join a tour that also takes in the surrounding countryside. Besides caves and waterfalls, the forested mountains are home to remote hill-tribe villages and ethical elephant sanctuaries.

The city of Chiang Rai – further north – is also not to be missed. This is where you’ll find the spectacular White Temple. Contemporary and thoroughly unconventional, it’s an icon of modern Thai architecture. Press on even further and you’ll eventually reach the Golden Triangle – so-called because it’s where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. A highlight of a Thailand tour here is cruising along the Mekong River in a long-tailed speedboat.