Bangkok's Grand Palace & temples
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho's giant reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun across the river at sunset.
Why go: The most dazzling temple complex in Southeast Asia.
Full day
Destination Overview
About Thailand
Thailand earns its nickname — the Land of Smiles — with a combination few countries match: golden temples and street-food cities, jungle mountains in the north, and some of the world's most beautiful beaches and islands in the south, all at remarkable value.
The classic first trip has three parts: Bangkok (2–3 days of temples, markets, and food), the north (Chiang Mai's temples, elephants, and mountains), and the south (islands and beaches). Which coast depends on season: the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi) is best November–April; the Gulf side (Koh Samui) has its own weather pattern, driest February–September.
Thai food is a reason to come by itself — and the best of it is on the street for a dollar or two. Pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, and boat noodles taste different here.
Thailand suits honeymooners, families, backpackers-turned-luxury travelers, and food lovers. Service is genuinely warm, tourism infrastructure is excellent, and domestic flights are cheap and frequent.
Photo Gallery
Thailand in photos
Tap any photo to open the full-screen gallery.
Top Attractions
The best things to see in Thailand
What to prioritise, why it is worth your time, and roughly how long to allow.
Bangkok's markets & street food
Chatuchak weekend market (15,000 stalls), the floating markets, Chinatown's Yaowarat Road at night, and Michelin-listed street stalls.
Why go: The best street-food city on earth.
1–2 days
Chiang Mai
The northern capital: 300+ temples (Doi Suthep above the city), the Sunday Walking Street market, cooking classes, and ethical elephant sanctuaries in the surrounding hills.
Why go: Thailand's cultural heart, with mountain air and a slower pace.
2–3 days
Ethical elephant sanctuaries
Sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park rescue working elephants; visitors feed, walk with, and bathe them — no riding.
Why go: The most meaningful wildlife experience in Thailand.
Full day
Krabi & Railay Beach
Limestone karsts rising from turquoise water; Railay is reachable only by longtail boat. Rock climbing, kayaking, and island-hopping to the Hong Islands.
Why go: The most dramatic beach scenery in Thailand.
3–4 days
Phuket
Thailand's largest island: big resorts, every water sport, Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese streets, and boats to the Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay.
Why go: The easiest island base with the most choice.
3–5 days
Koh Samui
The Gulf island: palm beaches, luxury villas, the Big Buddha, and Ang Thong marine park day trips. Drier than Phuket in our summer months.
Why go: The best island choice for June–September trips.
3–5 days
Ayutthaya
The ruined 14th-century capital, an hour north of Bangkok: temple spires and the Buddha head entwined in tree roots.
Why go: Thailand's Angkor-style ruins as an easy day trip.
Full day
Want these built into a real itinerary?
Send us your dates and travelers and we'll put together a Thailand trip with flights, hotels, and the experiences worth booking ahead.
Things To Do
Ways to spend your days in Thailand
Grouped by the kind of trip you're planning.
Bangkok
- Temple morning. Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun by river boat — start at 8:30am opening.
- Yaowarat (Chinatown) at night. The greatest street-food street in Asia; go hungry.
- Chatuchak weekend market. 15,000 stalls; go early, bargain gently, and hydrate.
- Rooftop sunset. Sky bars over the Chao Phraya — dress code applies.
The north
- Doi Suthep. The golden temple above Chiang Mai at sunrise.
- Elephant Nature Park. The pioneering ethical sanctuary; book weeks ahead.
- Thai cooking class. Market tour plus four dishes — the souvenir you keep forever.
- Chiang Rai day trip. The White Temple and Blue Temple, 3 hours north.
Islands & beaches
- Phi Phi Islands day trip. Maya Bay (of The Beach) from Phuket or Krabi; go early.
- Phang Nga Bay. Sea-kayaking among the karsts and James Bond Island.
- Ang Thong marine park. Kayaking and the emerald lagoon from Koh Samui.
- Snorkeling & diving. The Similan Islands (Nov–Apr) are world-class; Koh Tao is the learn-to-dive capital.
Culture & wellness
- Thai massage. Two hours for a fraction of Western prices; Wat Pho's school is the original.
- Muay Thai match. Bangkok's stadiums or island rings — electric atmosphere.
- Ayutthaya by bike. Cycle the ruins in the morning cool.
- Loy Krathong (November). The festival of lights — thousands of lanterns on the water.
Where To Stay
Best areas to stay in Thailand
Location matters more than star rating. Here's what each area is actually best for.
Bangkok (Riverside / Sukhumvit / Old City)
First-timersFoodTemples
Riverside for resort calm and temple boats, Sukhumvit for dining and malls, Old City for sights on foot.
Chiang Mai (Old City / Nimman)
CultureMarketsMountains
The walled Old City for temples, Nimman for cafes and boutiques.
Phuket (Kata / Kamala / Bang Tao)
FamiliesResorts
Kata for balance, Kamala for calm, Bang Tao for luxury resorts; Patong is the party zone.
Krabi (Railay / Ao Nang)
SceneryClimbingCouples
Railay for the postcard setting, Ao Nang for choice and value.
Koh Samui (Chaweng / Bophut / Maenam)
Summer tripsVillas
Chaweng for activity, Bophut's Fisherman's Village for charm, Maenam for quiet.
Recommended Stays
Where we book clients in Thailand
A cross-section by budget. Send us any property — including one you found online — and we'll check our rate before you book.
Luxury
Luxury beach resorts & villas
Phuket / Koh Samui / Krabi
Amanpuri, Six Senses, and private-pool villas at prices far below the Maldives. We secure preferred rates and upgrades.
Upscale
Bangkok riverside hotels
Bangkok
The Mandarin Oriental and its peers — river views, boat shuttles, and legendary service.
Mid-Range
Boutique hotels, Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Lanna-style boutique hotels in the Old City at wonderful value.
Family-Friendly
Family resorts
Phuket / Samui
Kids clubs, family pools, and connecting rooms; Thai resorts excel at families.
Best Value
Guesthouses & mid-range
All areas
Clean, friendly rooms from $30–60 — Thailand's value is legendary.
Hotel suggestions are editorial recommendations based on location and traveler fit. Availability, room categories, and rates are confirmed at the time of quoting.
When To Go
Best time to visit Thailand
Weather, crowds, and what the season does to pricing.
Season by season
- Best overall
- November to February (cool, dry season); Koh Samui is best February–September
- High season
- November to February — the coolest, driest months; Christmas and New Year peak.
- Shoulder season
- March–May (hot) and September–October (rainy spells) — fewer crowds, better rates.
- Low season
- June–October on the Andaman side (monsoon) — but the Gulf side (Samui) is at its best June–September.
Weather
Tropical: hot year-round (80–95°F). The Andaman coast's rains run May–October; the Gulf's run October–December.
Crowds
Peak at Christmas–New Year and Chinese New Year; islands are calmest May–June and September.
Pricing
High-season rates can be 50%+ above green season; the best deals are May–June and September–October.
Month-by-month weather
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F / 32°C | 72°F / 22°C | Dry and pleasant; peak season | Best weather |
| February | 91°F / 33°C | 74°F / 23°C | Dry; excellent everywhere | |
| March | 93°F / 34°C | 77°F / 25°C | Heating up; still dry | |
| April | 95°F / 35°C | 79°F / 26°C | Hottest month; Songkran water festival mid-month | |
| May | 93°F / 34°C | 78°F / 26°C | Andaman rains begin; Samui fine | Value begins |
| June | 92°F / 33°C | 78°F / 26°C | Short heavy showers; Samui at its best | |
| July | 91°F / 33°C | 77°F / 25°C | Green season; great deals | |
| August | 91°F / 33°C | 77°F / 25°C | Showers; Samui sunny | |
| September | 90°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | Wettest month on the Andaman side | |
| October | 90°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | Rains ease; Samui's rains begin | |
| November | 89°F / 32°C | 74°F / 23°C | Dry season returns; Loy Krathong | Season begins |
| December | 89°F / 32°C | 72°F / 22°C | Perfect; holiday peak | Book early |
Temperatures are typical seasonal averages and are provided as general guidance only.
Trip Planning
How many days do you need in Thailand?
What each trip length realistically gets you — plus day-by-day plans.
7–8 nights
Bangkok (2) plus one island (5) — the beach-focused first trip.
10–12 nights
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and an island — the classic triangle.
14+ nights
Add Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya, or a second island; or pair with Cambodia or Vietnam.
Sample itineraries
Days 1–2
Bangkok
Grand Palace and temples, a canal tour, Chinatown street food, and a rooftop sunset.
Days 3–5
Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep, a cooking class, an ethical elephant day, and the Sunday market.
Days 6–9
Island time
Fly to Phuket/Krabi (winter) or Samui (summer): beach days plus one island-hopping boat trip.
Day 10
Return
Fly back via Bangkok; final massage and departure.
We'll turn any of these into a real, bookable trip
Flights, hotels, transfers, and the tours worth reserving in advance — priced and arranged by a travel professional.
Getting There & Around
Airports and transportation in Thailand
Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok)
19 miles from central Bangkok
Typical transfer: 40–60 minutes
- Airport Rail Link
- Taxi
- Hotel transfer
Phuket International
20 miles from Patong
Typical transfer: 45–60 minutes
- Taxi / transfer
- Shared minivan
Chiang Mai International
3 miles from the Old City
Typical transfer: 15 minutes
- Taxi / songthaew
Koh Samui
2 miles from Chaweng
Typical transfer: 10–20 minutes
- Hotel transfer
- Taxi
Getting around
Domestic flights
RecommendedBangkok–Chiang Mai–islands hops are cheap and frequent; book Bangkok Airways/Thai AirAsia early for best fares.
BTS & MRT, Bangkok
RecommendedThe Skytrain and metro beat Bangkok's famous traffic; river boats cover the temple district.
Tuk-tuks & songthaews
UsefulFun for short hops; agree the price first. Grab (the Uber of SE Asia) is the easy default.
Ferries & longtails
UsefulIsland connections are well organized; speedboats and ferries run between Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, and Samui.
Food & Dining
What to eat in Thailand
Street food is safe where it's busy and cooked to order. 'Not spicy' still has heat — say 'mai phet' firmly. A cooking class is the best souvenir.
Known for
Street foodPad thaiGreen and massaman curriesMango sticky riceTom yum soupTropical fruit
Dishes to try
- Pad thai. The national dish — best from a street wok, not a hotel.
- Boat noodles. Small, rich bowls of beef or pork noodle soup; order several.
- Green curry. Coconut, basil, and heat — with rice, the perfect Thai meal.
- Mango sticky rice. April–June is mango season; the dessert of dreams.
- Som tam. Green papaya salad — spicy, sour, addictive.
Best dining areas
- Yaowarat (Bangkok Chinatown). The street-food capital of Asia after dark.
- Chiang Mai night markets. Khao soi (the northern curry noodle) at the Sunday Walking Street.
- Island beach restaurants. Feet-in-sand seafood grills; Fisherman's Village on Samui is the charmer.
Family Travel
Thailand with kids
- Ethical elephant day. Feeding and bathing rescued elephants — the kids' favorite day of the trip.
- Island boat trips. Calm-bay snorkeling and sandbar picnics; choose family-speed boats.
- Bangkok's canals & markets. Longtail boat rides and the train market fascinate all ages.
- Resort kids clubs. Thai family resorts are among the world's best for children.
Family-friendly areas: Phuket (Kata/Kamala) · Koh Samui · Krabi (Ao Nang) · Chiang Mai
Recommended trip length: 10–12 nights; minimize hotel moves — two or three bases maximum.
- Thai resorts adore children — kids' clubs and nanny services are affordable.
- Pack reef shoes and rash guards for island days.
- Domestic flights make multi-stop trips painless.
Couples & Luxury
Thailand for two
- Private pool villa. A Samui or Phuket villa with your own pool — honeymoon standard at half the Maldives price.
- Railay at sunset. Longtail boats against the karsts — Thailand's most romantic view.
- Couples' spa days. Two-hour massages and flower baths for a fraction of Western prices.
- Private longtail picnic. A boat, a secluded beach, and a cooler for two.
Luxury stays
- Koh Samui villas
- Railay (Krabi)
- Phuket (Bang Tao)
- Chiang Mai boutique
Spa
- Six Senses Samui
- Banyan Tree spas
- Wat Pho massage school (Bangkok)
Special occasions
- Honeymoon villa packages
- Sunset cruises
- Private cooking classes for two
Practical Information
Good to know before you travel
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Language
Thai; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
Time zone
Indochina Time (UTC+7, no daylight saving)
Plugs & voltage
Type A/B/C, 220V (US plugs usually fit)
Tipping
Not obligatory; round up and leave 10% at nicer restaurants; tip massage therapists
Local transport
Grab app, tuk-tuks, BTS/MRT in Bangkok, songthaews on islands
Entry & visas
US citizens visa-free for 60 days; passport valid 6 months
Safety
Very safe for tourists. Watch for common sense items: agree tuk-tuk prices first, beware gem/jet-ski scams, and respect the monarchy (legally protected).
Entry, visa, and health requirements change. Always confirm current rules with the official government sources for your nationality before travel.
Know before you go
- Choose your coast by season. Phuket/Krabi (Andaman): best Nov–Apr. Koh Samui (Gulf): best Feb–Sep. We match the island to your dates.
- Temple dress code. Covered shoulders and knees at temples; shoes off. Carry a light sarong.
- Never disrespect the monarchy. It's a serious crime (lese-majeste). Stand for the royal anthem in cinemas.
- Book elephants ethically. No riding, no shows — choose sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park. Book weeks ahead.
- Mosquito and sun protection. Dengue exists; use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. The sun is fierce year-round.
- Bargain with a smile. Markets expect haggling — start around 60–70% and keep it friendly. Fixed prices in malls and 7-Elevens.
Map
Thailand at a glance
Main tourist areas, major attractions, neighborhoods, and the airport.
AttractionAirportNeighborhoodBeach
FAQs
Thailand travel questions
The questions our travelers ask most.
Ready When You Are
Let's plan your trip to Thailand
Tell us your dates and travelers. We'll handle flights, hotels, transfers, and the details that make the trip work.
Hotels & Resorts
Where to stay in Thailand
We match the property to the trip — location, room category, and what's actually included. Send us a hotel you found online and we'll check our rate.
Individual property pages for Thailand are added as official hotel media and supplier content is supplied — we don't publish stock photos as if they were pictures of a specific resort. In the meantime, tell us the property you're considering (or ask us to shortlist options) and we'll come back with our rate and honest guidance.
Things to Do
Things to do in Thailand
Tours, attractions, excursions, day trips, and family activities — provided and fulfilled by third-party providers.
GetYourGuide in Thailand
Tours, attractions, activities, and experiences.
Explore GetYourGuide →Viator in Thailand
Sightseeing, excursions, day trips, and transfers.
Explore Viator →GoGo Travel Group may earn a commission when you book certain tours, attractions, or experiences through links on this page. This does not necessarily increase the price you pay.
One Complete Trip
Complete your trip
Everything for the same trip, handled in one place.
Hotels & Resorts
Found a hotel online? Send it to us before you book and we'll check our rate.
Check Our Rate →Things To Do
Tours, attractions, excursions, day trips, transfers, and family experiences.
Explore Experiences →Travel Insurance
Protect your trip with coverage options from established providers.
Explore Insurance →Plan your trip to Thailand
Send us your dates and travelers and a travel professional will plan it with you.