Best time to visit
You can visit Thailand throughout the year, although you should pay attention to the dry and rainy seasons in each region.
Thailand round trips: Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui
Discover Thailand: Bangkok, dream islands and magical temples
Thailand serves up pure diversity. Between exotic beaches, vibrant cities and lively culture, the country shows off its most intense side on your Thailand round trip. From street food stalls in hectic Bangkok to golden temples that tell stories from times long past, island hopping to white dream beaches on Phuket, Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi and dense jungles in the north – Thailand can do it all.
Tips and info for your Thailand trip
Currency
The official currency is the Thai baht (THB).
Flight time
A direct flight from the UK to Thailand takes around 11 hours.
Language
The official language is Thai, although you won’t need to worry because people in most tourist areas speak English.
What are the must-sees in Thailand?
Thailand is full of highlights, but these sights belong on your bucket list:
Bangkok: temples, markets and street life
Bangkok is a wild blend of temple splendour, sizzling street food and skyline moments. Wat Arun glows above Chao Phraya like a mosaic of porcelain. Just a short boat ride away, Wat Pho awaits as the home of the giant reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The Grand Palace completes the picture with gold-adorned halls, intricate temples and the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Between it all, dive into tuk-tuk rides, soul-warming curries and markets you'll never forget, from vendors on boats on the floating market to the Maeklong Railway Market, where trains roll straight through the scene. And anyone who wants to immerse themselves even deeper in Thailand’s history can take a day trip to the ancient royal city of Ayutthaya, where ruins, Buddha statues and traces of the past are close enough to touch.
Island-hopping: summer, sun, sand and sea
Imagine a longtail boat gliding across turquoise water, the breeze tickling your face and the next island already in sight. Now that's exactly how island-hopping in Thailand feels. Whether you choose classics such as Koh Phi Phi or peaceful hideaways like Koh Lanta, every route tells its own story. Koh Samui delivers palm trees, beach bars and a touch of luxury, while Koh Phangan greets you with yoga retreats and beach parties. Koh Tao inspires with coral reefs and turtles, making it a must for anyone who feels at home underwater. And Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island, stays wonderfully laid-back despite its dreamy beaches. Every island serves up its own vibe and together, they create the perfect island adventure.
Krabi and Phuket Old Town: nature meets culture
Cliffs rise from the sea like mighty fortresses and boats skim across turquoise water, creating the unforgettable scenes that define Krabi. Railay Beach can only be reached by water, and the journey rewards you with a guaranteed rush of excitement. Spend your days adventuring between cliffs and caves before settling into sundowners on the sand in the evening. Then comes Phuket, but with a twist. In the Old Town, wander past pastel-coloured shophouses, expressive street art and temples tucked between vintage shops and Thai retro cafés. Phuket Old Town isn’t just a photo spot – it's raw, creative and full of life.
Chiang Mai: temple city in the green north
Chiang Mai feels like an adventure suspended between the past and the wilderness. More than 300 temples shimmer in the sunlight here, from the golden Wat Phra Singh in the heart of the old town to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which towers high above the city. Move through monk rituals and clouds of incense in the morning before heading into the jungle come afternoon. Northern Thailand is green, untamed and full of 'wow' moments, with waterfalls that plunge from nowhere, elephant shelters that focus on protection rather than performance and mountain villages where time seems to stand still.
Khao Sok National Park: Thailand’s jungle
Everything in Khao Sok National Park feels larger, wilder and more intense. The rainforest has been growing for millions of years, and limestone cliffs rise vertically from the emerald Cheow Lan Lake. Between it all, gibbons call through the trees, mist drifts across the water and vibrant blossoms glow in the undergrowth. Whether you choose a kayak tour, a floating bungalow or a jungle hike, Khao Sok offers a true nature experience. Here, you can feel the sheer power of nature and sense the deep quiet that settles in when you simply stand still and marvel.
