Thailand has been captivating travellers for decades — and for good reason. It offers an almost unbeatable combination of world-class beaches, incredible food, fascinating culture, friendly locals, and a cost of living that makes it one of the best value destinations on earth. Whether you're island-hopping in the south, exploring temples in the north, or getting lost in the chaos of Bangkok, Thailand never disappoints.
When to visit
November to April is the dry season and the best time to visit most of Thailand. The weather is warm, the skies are blue, and the sea is calm.
May to October is monsoon season. The rain tends to come in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day drizzle, and many parts of the country are still perfectly enjoyable. Prices drop significantly.
Avoid: The full moon party calendar if you want peace and quiet on Koh Phangan. Embrace it if you don't.
Top destinations
Bangkok — One of the world's great cities. Spend at least three days here. Must-sees include the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho (home to the enormous reclining Buddha), the rooftop bars of Silom, the street food of Yaowarat (Chinatown), and the weekend markets of Chatuchak.
Chiang Mai — Thailand's cultural capital in the north. The old walled city is filled with temples, cooking schools, night markets and day spas. Rent a scooter and explore the surrounding mountains. The Elephant Nature Park offers an ethical elephant encounter.
Koh Samui — The most developed of Thailand's islands, with excellent infrastructure, great beaches and a lively nightlife scene. A good base for exploring the Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Koh Phangan — Famous for its full moon parties but increasingly popular with wellness travellers. The north of the island is peaceful, with excellent yoga retreats and quieter beaches.
Koh Tao — One of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI open water diving certificate. The coral reefs are stunning.
Pai — A small hippie town in the mountains north of Chiang Mai, loved by backpackers and digital nomads for its waterfalls, hot springs and relaxed atmosphere.
Krabi and Railay Beach — Some of the most dramatic scenery in Southeast Asia. Limestone cliffs tumble into turquoise water. Railay is only accessible by boat and feels entirely removed from the modern world.
Getting around
Domestic flights with AirAsia, Nok Air and Lion Air are cheap and connect all the major destinations. Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are comfortable and scenic. Ferries connect the Gulf of Thailand islands. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and tuk-tuks are the local transport in most towns.
Food you must try
- Pad Thai — The classic, best eaten from a street cart at midnight.
- Som tum — Green papaya salad with a punch of chilli and lime.
- Massaman curry — Rich, slow-cooked and utterly comforting.
- Mango sticky rice — Thailand's greatest dessert.
- Khao soi — A Chiang Mai speciality: a rich coconut curry broth with crispy noodles on top.
Practical tips
- Respect temples — cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering.
- Bargaining is expected at markets but not in restaurants or malls.
- SIM-free taxi apps: Use Grab in cities — it's reliable, metered and far safer than negotiating with a tuk-tuk driver.
- Travel insurance is essential, especially if you plan to ride a scooter.
Staying connected in Thailand
Thailand has excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities and tourist areas. Get an InstantESIMs Thailand eSIM before you leave — plans start from $2.
