BackIf you’re planning a vacation in Thailand, our travel guide will help you decide where and when to go and what to do whilst you’re there.
Thailand is a fantastic destination for a relaxing beach vacation, but there’s far more to the ‘Land Of Smiles’ than gorgeous white sandy beaches.
We encourage you to discover Thailand's history, culture and spectacular scenery by visiting bustling Bangkok and the cultural capital of Chiang Mai, trekking in the remote hill tribe region in the north, learning about the history of Kanchanaburi, exploring the caves, lakes, waterfalls and dense rainforest of Khao Sok National Park or joining the exciting Songkran festivities in April.
Why Travel to Thailand?
We love Thailand for many reasons: its astonishing natural beauty - from waterfalls to golden beaches, its fascinating cultural heritage and colorful traditions, its world-famous hospitality, and of course, its delicious cuisine! Here are just some benefits to heading on a trip to Thailand:
Diverse Cultural Experiences
Encounter Thai culture just by walking through its streets, as each region's tradition is woven into every space. From exploring ancient temples like Wat Pho in Bangkok to witnessing the mesmerizing art of Khon dance or vibrant festivals like Songkran, gain deep insights into Thai traditions and spirituality.
World-Class Cuisine
Food is a central part of any vacation in Thailand, offered in fine dining restaurants, family-run eateries, street markets, and more, but always nourishing the soul and the taste-buds. Whether you're in Bangkok's bustling markets or an iconic restaurant along Patong Beach, you are bound to discover a new favorite dish here!
Affordable Luxury
Thailand offers the chance to revel in the benefits of luxury travel at a cheaper price. With incredible beach villas, private abodes, and luxury hotels dotted all over the country, you will find that nightly rates are shockingly low! We always encourage our luxury clients to respect local prices and bartering ethics, as hard-working market workers, craftspeople, and restaurant owners deserve a fair wage.
Warm Hospitality
Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is celebrated for its friendly locals who go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. This genuine warmth adds a special touch to your travel experience, creating lasting memories.
Stunning Landscapes
Thailand’s natural beauty is incredibly diverse. In the north, misty mountains and vibrant rice terraces surround towns like Chiang Mai and Pai, while the dramatic karst formations of Krabi and Phang Nga Bay create breathtaking coastal landscapes. Whether you're snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, trekking through dense rainforests, or relaxing on tranquil shores, Thailand’s scenery offers endless moments of awe.
Top Thailand Destinations to Explore
Here at Wayfairer our Thailand vacations tend to focus on the following areas:
Bangkok
Thailand's capital, Bangkok blends modernity and tradition in a magnificent display of cultural heritage. With world-famous landmarks like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, iconic food markets, and the glistening Chao Phraya River - the perfect spot for boat tours - a trip to Bangkok doesn't leave you wanting.
Kanchanaburi
Home to the legendary River Kwai, Kanchanaburi offers a peer into Thailand's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty but with a more laid-back ambiance than Bangkok. A must-do during your visit to the city is a ride on the train over the river's bridge, while the lesser-known spot Sai Yok National Park offers an equally beautiful setting with less tourists.
Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
Thailand's Golden Triangle lives up-to its name, making for a unique and unforgettable stop on any vacation. Often paired with a tour of Chiang Rai, famous for its night markets and grand temples, this mountainous northern region brings a whirlwind of riverside beauty and cultural landmarks.
Chiang Mai
The largest city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers more than just its famous temple Doi Suthep. Alongside the golden, mountain-top gem, you should visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest peak in the country and a collection of enchanting waterfalls and neatly manicured gardens.
Khao Sok National Park
This stunning southern spot is a true natural spectacle, a wonderland of lush forests, gigantic limestone mountains, beautiful lakes and hidden caves interwoven with mystery. Experience Thailand's rainforests here, where much of the country's biodiversity flourishes, encountering elephants, alongside a tapestry of other wildlife.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a tourist hotspot with a celestial feel, located amidst the majestic scenery of the Gulf of Thailand, a haven for snorkelers and divers. The island itself is packed with hidden gems like the Secret Buddha Garden, tucked away in the central forests, and Lamai Beach, where you want to head if you're looking for good food.
Phi Phi islands
One of Thailand's most iconic landscapes, Phi Phi Islands is a fairytale-like archipelago in the Andaman Sea, known for its glittering turquoise waters and breathtaking mossy karsts. Of course, the island's mesmerizing beaches rose to fame following the release of The Beach, starring Leonardo Dicaprio.
Best Things to do in Thailand
- Your trip to Thailand will be packed with opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether you are a culture lover or wildlife fanatic - or both! While the options may be overwhelming, we are on-hand with a vast array of suggestions, no matter your travel style. Here are some of the best things to do in Thailand:
- Visit ancient Buddhist temples such as the impressive Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Po in Bangkok
- Celebrate the magical festivals of Loi Krathong and Yi
- Peng in Chiang Mai
- Swim in the waterfalls at Erawan National Park
- Eat street food in Bangkok
- Visit the Thailand-Myanmar border town of Mae Sai
- Dive or snorkel in the Andaman Sea on the west coast
- Discover the ancient temples of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai
- Visit the Khao Sok National Park and kayak down the river, trek through the jungle and explore remote waterfalls, secret caves and hot springs
- Join in with the exciting Songkran (Thai New Year) festivities
- Visit a hill tribe village in northern Thailand and learn about Hmong and Lahu cultures
- Learn how to cook an authentic Thai Green Curry at a cooking class
Enjoy activities such as trekking and bamboo rafting in Chiang Dao in northern Thailand- Visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant and colorful night market where local hill tribe women sell beautiful blankets, silk scarves, and handmade silver jewellery
- Hike up to the Viewpoint on Phi Phi Island for spectacular panoramic views
- Enjoy a sunset kayaking trip to Wang Long Bay (Phi Phi) and snorkel in Maya Bay
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Thailand has a tropical climate consisting of three distinct seasons: ‘hot’ (March–May), ‘wet’ (June–October), and ‘cool’ (November–February).
Southern Thailand is less defined in terms of seasons and only really experiences the wet and hot seasons, and the beaches and islands on either side of the Thai Peninsula are out of sync with each other –the west coast’s wettest months are between April and October, whilst the east coast experiences heavy rain between September and December. Typically the best time to travel to Thailand is during the cool season, however it really does depend on exactly where you’re going.
Where to stay in Thailand
Here are some examples of the fantastic accommodation we use in Thailand –
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Set amid 11 acres of tropical gardens on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Anantara Riverside Resort provides a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's streets. The layout is spacious and buildings are dotted around an attractive leafy garden, creating a resort feel. The 408 rooms and suites form a u-shape around the large swimming pool, with riverside rooms offering a direct view over the Chao Phraya River.
Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options as there are 10 restaurants and bars across the resort, including renowned Japanese Teppanyaki steakhouse, Benihana, and Polynesian bar and Pacific Rim restaurant, Trader Vic’s.
Anantara Riverside Resort is a Wayfairer favorite and we think that it is a perfect option for those who want to stay in central Bangkok, but still enjoy a little peace and tranquility.
Our Jungle House, Khao Sok
With its sheer limestone peaks Khao Sok National Park is the most spectacular national park in Thailand, and one of the country's best preserved habitats for tropical wildlife and flora.
Our Jungle House is a stylish rainforest resort situated on 25 acres of privately owned rainforest next to the Klong Sok River on the edge of Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand. Our Jungle House has 11 tree houses and 10 garden bungalows - the newest treehouse, ‘Happy Nest’ is a double-story family-sized tree house that sleeps 4-6 people.
The property is a 10-minute walk from the Khao Sok National Park entrance, where you can enjoy activities such as kayak trips with local guides, guided jungle walks and jungle survival trips, night safaris and tubing down the Klong Sok river.
Melati Beach Resort, Koh Samui
Melati Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront resort located at Thongson Bay on Koh Samui. Surrounded by rainforest, the resort is situated on a secluded stretch of pristine beach with crystal-clear blue sea and views of Koh Pangan.
The rooms have a stylish Thai décor and are well-equipped with modern conveniences such as TVs and mini-fridges. If you’re travelling with children, we recommend the Family Pool Villas which have two bedrooms and a private pool. Pool Villas and Pool Villa Suites offer private pools and sun loungers. Grand Deluxe Rooms are set in two-storey buildings with an outdoor bath on the balcony (although they are the only villas without a private pool).
At Melati Beach Resort you can enjoy cocktails at The Sea View Bar and fantastic dining at two excellent restaurants - Kan Sak Thong and The View. Or if you prefer you can enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach or a BBQ in the privacy of your villa.
Itinerary Ideas for Thailand
The suggestions below are examples of vacations which we can arrange, however they can be tailored to suit your personal preference.
Northern Thailand Adventure - 7 days
Explore the mountainous Golden Triangle region and enjoy activities including trekking, a visit to an elephant sanctuary, bamboo rafting and a Thai cooking class.
Southern Thailand Holiday - 8 days
Visit the Khao Sok National Park, Krabi and the idyllic Phi Phi Islands. This popular holiday offers the opportunity for rock climbing, bamboo rafting, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, jungle trekking or simply relaxing on the beach.
Highlights of Thailand - 9 days
From Bangkok you'll travel north to Kanchanaburi and then onwards to the ancient former capital of Ayutthaya where you'll enjoy a cruise on a converted rice barge and stay overnight with a Thai family in a local homestay. You'll also spend a night at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre in Chiang Mai and a day in the countryside in Chiang Dao.
Must-try Thai Food and Drinks!
Thai food is renowned for its bold flavours, blending fragrant herbs with fresh ingredients, offering a sensory journey which tells stories of the country's rich heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and street food gems during your trip to Thailand:
Pad Thai - an iconic noodle-based dish combining rice noodles with prawns or chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts and a tamarind sauce.
Som Tum - a zesty green papaya salad which blends shredded papaya with lime, chilli, fish sauce, and crunchy peanuts (a great choice for spice lovers!)
Massaman Curry - a rich potato curry usually served with tender beef or chicken, infused with cinnamon and star anise
Tom Kha Gai - a fragrant coconut milk soup with chicken, galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves
Laab - a dish typically found in Northern Thailand consisting of minced meat, served with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, and toasted rice powder for a unique crunch.
Mango sticky rice - a sweet, succulent dessert found in street markets, consisting of sweet, sticky rice with ripe mango slices and creamy coconut milk
Thai Iced Tea - a refreshing and creamy, sweet iced tea made with strong brewed black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and ice
Chang Beer - a classic Thai beer, loved for its stronger, malty flavour
The Importance of Responsible Travel in Thailand
We are committed to responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism and we’re proud to work with a fantastic supplier in Thailand that wholeheartedly shares our core values with regards to responsible tourism. You can read more about our responsible tourism values.
We encourage all of our clients who are visiting Thailand to travel in a responsible and respectful manner to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on the economy, the environment, and the local communities. You can read our guide to responsible travel in Thailand.
Thailand Travel Tips
Flying time: London to Bangkok: 11 hours 30 minutes (direct)
Recommended Airlines: British Airways, Thai Airways,
Time Difference: Bangkok (ICT) is 6 hours ahead of London (BST)
Currency: Thai Baht (THB). The exchange rate is approximately UK£1 = THB 43.77, US$1 = THB 33.61 and €1 = THB 38.85
Visa Requirements: You will need a passport with at least one blank page and six months' validity. For most nationalities, a visa is not required for stays of up to 30 days. Check out for further information about visas.
Vaccinations: Visitors to Thailand should ensure that they have Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations. Other vaccinations may also be required.
There is a high risk of malaria in the rural, forested borders of Thailand with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, therefore anti-malaria medication is recommended and you should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. There is a very low risk of malaria in the remaining areas of Thailand including Kanchanaburi, however you should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and sleeping under a mosquito net.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Thailand, however, there is a certificate requirement. Under International Health Regulations a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Read more about for further information about yellow fever vaccination certificates and recommended vaccinations for Thailand.
If you’d like to plan a holiday to Thailand, please call our Luxury Travel Specialists or send an online enquiry to start your journey.
