Whatever you like, Thailand will provide you with a wonderful vacation. From peaceful yoga retreats to lively beach bars, from mountain climbing to island diving – don’t forget the exciting cities – there are countless adventures in the Land of Smiles.
Friendly, kind locals and seasoned tourism have made Thailand a traveler’s favorite for generations. But in a country with relatively unspoiled nature and a landscape of rising eco-lodges, lesser-known paths can still be found.
This Southeast Asian favorite is a diverse but universally delicious cuisine that hides more esoteric local flavors in its various regions. It’s also a deeply spiritual place – 93% of the population subscribes to the national faith of Buddhism, there are Buddhist temples and meditation centers to visit across the country, and a popular place to experience a back-to-basics retreat.
Current travel restrictions and entry requirements
Thailand recently lifted quarantine and testing requirements for international arrivals, but still requires a Thai pass to enter.
To get one, you’ll need passport details, proof of vaccinations and a health insurance policy up to $10,000. You will then be issued a QR code for your Thailand Pass, which you present on arrival.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers may also enter if they can demonstrate a negative RT-PCR or professional antigen test within 72 hours of travel. You can also upload it to the Thailand Pass app. The Thailand Pass will end on July 1, but tourists will still need to show proof of vaccinations or test negative to enter.
On the ground, in crowded public spaces, including outdoors, masks will still be required – but this will soon become optional (though recommended. Keep an eye on the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s news page for all the above information) renew.
best travel time
As far as weather is concerned, the best time to travel to Thailand is from October to March, when the rainy season is absent for most of the country and temperatures start to be mild, especially in the north and central parts of the country. Some southern islands will still experience rain in November, so check local weather reports before booking.
Locals will tell you that the best time to experience Thailand is during national festivals like Songkran. This huge spring festival welcomes the Buddhist New Year with nationwide water battles, parades and parties, usually in mid-April, depending on the date of the full moon that month. Another amazing one is Loy Krathong – Thailand’s “Festival of Lights” – held in mid-November where Thais float downstream by placing candles on small flower nests or sending glowing lanterns into the night sky, it’s up to you which part of the country you are in. reenter.
If you like to travel during off-peak times but are still keen to avoid the rain, with Thailand seeing significantly fewer tourists in April and September, you might be lucky enough to spend some beach time on the beach to yourself.
Popular regions and cities
Bangkok
Bangkok is the first port of call for most tourists to Thailand, and most international flights land in the capital. It’s a sprawling metropolis bisected by the Chao Phraya River, with parks, palaces, temples and a vibrant old town where you’ll find some of the world’s most humble but unbelievably delicious Michelin stars Class restaurant. In fact, Bangkok’s food and historical landmarks will keep you busy as long as your itinerary allows. Although the old nightlife is still largely on hiatus due to the pandemic, the gorgeous rooftop bar overlooking the river is still a great place to spend an evening, especially at sunset.
Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is another hub for international travellers, with direct flights from the UK – and its beautiful rolling beaches are a favourite with holidaymakers of all ages. It’s also a favorite destination for fitness enthusiasts, filled with top health food restaurants and cafes that complement the high density of Muay Thai gyms. It’s an ideal base for exploring the secluded islands and neighbouring national parks – boat trips to the ethereal Similan Islands or the lush Ao Phang Nga National Park are the real performers.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom (now Northern Thailand), has a unique culture and fascinating traditions – from the Lanna language and food, to wellness treatments such as the delightful and unusual “Tosun” massage. The ancient city is a gathering place for Buddhist pilgrims, and some of Thailand’s oldest and most beautiful temples are located in and around the central “Old City” area, as well as at the foothills or the summit of Mount Doi Suthep.
Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao
The Koh Samui archipelago, comprising Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao, located off the coast of Surat Thani in the western Gulf of Thailand, is one of Thailand’s most popular island groups. Koh Samui is the most luxurious, with beaches ranging from busy to blissful. One of the former, Chaweng Beach, is certainly not as crowded as it used to be, but it still maintains its popularity thanks to the gleaming white sand. The less developed Bophut Beach is a charming corner of Koh Samui, with its fishing village and lively Friday night market. Neighboring Koh Phangan is popular with revellers and hippies around the world. Its infamous monthly “full moon party” site has recently grown into a holistic wellness hotspot, with plenty of yoga retreats and new-age rehab centers.
Best low-key destination
korat
Nakhon Ratchasima in Isaan, the easternmost region of Thailand, is a place to watch for foodies.This Michelin Guide It was recently announced that its 2022 edition will expand to the region to cover the best of regional cuisine – often quintessentially Thai, with distinct Khmer-era influences from neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. The area also has Khmer temples similar to Angkor Wat, as well as some stunning parks, including Khao Yai.
exist
The small town of Nan in northeastern Thailand is a popular destination for local Thai tourists, but little known to international tourists. It is filled with stunning Lanna temples and rare natural features such as the slightly incredible laterite rock “palaces” formed by water erosion. It’s also a reliable astronomical tourist attraction, with Doi Phu Kha National Park offering some of the best stargazing in the country.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is an idyllic island in the Krabi area, just across the bay from Phuket. Far less built than its neighbors, the real draw is the 12 or so unspoilt beaches that add to the long coastline. This is a prime location for scuba diving and activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
Songkhla
Songkhla’s well-preserved old town center is the Thai equivalent of Hoi An, Vietnam – a once-busy trading post that time forgot. These small wooden buildings are Chinese style and are between 50 and 200 years old, easily escaping development or destruction as the locals just moved from the area to the new town. The charming street is now undergoing some sort of renaissance.
best thing
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Thailand’s crystal blue waters and stunning alcoves are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving trips. If deep-sea diving is your dream, you can get PADI certified at one of the many diving schools in the country, with Koh Lanta, Koh Tao and Phuket being special centers. The Nitro Dive Centre on Koh Tao is a good place to start.
boat tour
On a similar marine theme, a multi-day cruise around the islands of the Andaman Sea is a real treat. Sailing stops on stunning, quieter, less accessible shores. If you have time for an 11-day sailing, check out Phuket Ocean View Sailing.
cooking class
Thailand is a “foodie” paradise, and there’s a reason cooking tutorials are a classic activity. Bangkok is the culinary capital, and Chef Leez’s much-loved class has been a number one in the city for years. If you’re more of a eater than a chef, book yourself a street food tour with the aptly named Bangkok Food Tour.
move around
Thailand has many domestic airlines that serve you well, but once you’re in the country, it’s easy to skip a flight. The extensive, cheap and well-maintained national train network has stations in major towns and cities in every corner of the continent. The sleeper train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is an experience in itself, with stunning views; but the shorter scenic journey from the capital to Hua Hin’s waterfront is also delightful.
Nationwide buses are also cheap and efficient, especially if your destination is served by Greenbus Thailand, whose fleet is often very luxurious. For island hopping, you need to use one of the local ferry companies, all of which are cheap.
how to get there
The fastest way to get to Thailand from the UK is to fly direct with Thai Airways or British Airways. Once in the country, you can connect to domestic airlines serving southern airports like Krabi or Koh Samui. There are also airlines that offer cheaper connecting flight options; good contenders in this range are Emirates and Lufthansa.
If you’re already in South East Asia, the rail and bus links between Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore are a greener and cheaper way to get into Thailand, and with most land borders now reopening post-pandemic, it’s definitely worth it Research, using resources like The Man in Seat 61, the bible for train travelers.
Money Saving Tips
Street food in Thailand is very cheap and delicious, with stalls selling snacks and snacks on every main road in every town. Cheap noodle and shredded papaya salad for just £2 is popular with backpackers and gap yearers. Food hygiene standards are generally good, but if you’re not brave enough, look for a “Jay” vegetarian cafe, usually near a temple. Offering vegetarian buffets and noodle soups for around 50p, these restaurants cater to Buddhist locals who avoid meat on their own birthdays and the Buddha’s birthday as a sign of religious devotion.
common problem
how’s the weather?
Thailand has a tropical climate all year round, with the best temperatures from October to March (about 28-30 degrees Celsius on average). The north of the country tends to be cooler, but suffers from agricultural pollution during the “burning season” from March to May – if possible, head to Chiang Mai and surround yourself during these months lest you find yourself in the smog.
What time zone is it in?
Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT and 6 hours ahead of BST.
What currency do I need?
You need Thai baht. All ATMs charge withdrawal fees, so reducing the frequency of withdrawals will save on those fees.
What language do you speak?
Much of the country speaks Thai, but many in the north speak Thai as well as the local dialect, Lanna.
