A city full of culture, with delicious food, a jungle interior, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia? Whatever your interests, a fantastic vacation in Thailand is guaranteed. There are a variety of adventures to be had in the “Land of Smiles,” from tranquil yoga retreats to bustling beach bars, and mountain climbs to island dives, not to mention the exhilarating cities.
Thailand has always been a favorite destination for tourists because of the welcoming, kind natives and the seasoned tourism sector. However, there are still less traveled roads to be discovered in a nation that is rich in both relatively untouched environments and an emerging eco-lodge sector.
This beloved South East Asian cuisine is made up of a variety of dishes that are all delectable, and its various areas also conceal a number of more exotic indigenous flavors. It’s also a very spiritual area, with 93% of the population practicing the national religion of Buddhism. There are Buddhist temples and meditation centers all over the country, and it’s a well-liked destination for back-to-basics retreats.
Existing requirements for entry and restrictions placed on travel in Thailand
As of October 1, you no longer need to apply for a Thailand Pass or present any COVID-related documentation in order to enter Thailand. Face masks are still frequently used on the ground in busy areas like public transportation and movie theaters. For updates on health precautions, keep an eye on the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s news page.
Time to go is best
The greatest time of year to visit Thailand, weather-wise, is from October to March, when the majority of the nation is free of the rainy season and milder temperatures start to emerge, especially in the north and center of the nation. Check the local weather forecasts for your island before making a reservation because some southern islands continue to see rain well into November.
The best time to visit Thailand, according to locals, is during one of its national holidays, like Songkran. This massive spring festival, which often falls in mid-April depending on the timing of the full moon that month, ushers in the Buddhist new year with nationwide water battles, parades, and parties. Another breathtaking event is Loy Krathong, Thailand’s “festival of lights,” which takes place in mid-November. Depending on which region of the nation you’re in, Thais release candles on tiny floral nests to float downstream or throw luminous lanterns into the night sky.
There are noticeably fewer people in Thailand in the months of April and September, so you may get lucky with the weather and enjoy some beach days with the sands to yourself if you want to travel off-peak but are still keen to escape the rains.
Top cities and Regions in Thailand
Bangkok
The majority of arriving travelers to Thailand make their way to Bangkok first, as the majority of international aircraft land there. The Chao Phraya River divides this huge metropolis, which is home to parks, palaces, temples, and a bustling old town where you can find some of the world’s most understated but delectable Michelin-starred restaurants. Bangkok’s gastronomic scene and historical sites will, in fact, keep you busy for as long as your itinerary permits. The stylish rooftop bars that overlook the river remain a terrific place to spend an evening, especially when the sun sets, even though the nightlife of the past is still mostly on hiatus as a result of the pandemic.
Phuket
With direct flights from the UK, Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, serves as another center for international visitors. Visitors of all ages adore Phuket’s lovely undulating beaches. The abundance of excellent health food eateries and cafés, along with the high concentration of Muay Thai boxing gyms, make it a favorite destination for fitness freaks as well. Boat tours to the ethereal Similan Islands or the wonderfully green Ao Phang Nga National Park are true show-stoppers. It’s a great base for exploring the remote islands and neighboring national parks.
Mai Chiang
Formerly the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is now in Northern Thailand. It has a unique culture and fascinating traditions all its own, including the Lanna language and cuisine as well as medical practices like the wonderfully bizarre “Tok Sen” massage. Some of Thailand’s oldest and most stunning temples may be located in and around the central “Old City” area, as well as in the foothills or on the summit of the Suthep mountain, making the historic city a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims.
Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan
One of the most well-known groups of islands in the Kingdom is the Samui archipelago, which is located just off the coast of Surat Thani in the western regions of the Gulf of Thailand and includes Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao. The most opulent beaches may be found on Koh Samui, where they range from crowded to tranquil. The brilliant white sands of Chaweng Beach, one of the former, help it maintain its reputation while not being as crowded as it formerly was.
A lovely area of Samui with a fishing town and lively Friday Night Market is the less-developed Bophut Beach. The nearby island of Koh Phangan is popular among ravers and hippies from around the world; the location of its iconic monthly “full moon parties” has recently developed into a holistic health hotspot with plenty of yoga retreats and New Age treatment centers.
Best off-the-beaten-path locations
Ratchasima Nakhon
Foodies should keep an eye on Nakhon Ratchasima in Isan, Thailand’s easternmost province. The Michelin Guide recently revealed that its 2022 edition will cover the region to include the greatest local cuisine, which primarily consists of dishes that are uniquely Thai with clear Khmer influences from neighboring Cambodia and Laos. Additionally, the area is home to numerous breathtaking parks, including Khao Yai, as well as Khmer temples that are comparable to Angkor Wat.
Nan
Local Thai tourists love visiting the tiny village of Nan in far northeastern Thailand, but foreign tourists are less likely to visit. It jam-packed with magnificent Lanna temples and uncommon natural features, like the slightly surreal Laterite rock ‘castle,’ created by water erosion. Doi Phu Kha National Park has some of the best astronomy vistas in the nation, making it a strong destination for astrotourism.
Lanta Koh
A lovely island called Koh Lanta is located in the Krabi district, directly across the bay from Phuket. The 12 or so undeveloped beaches that border its extensive coastline are the true lure here, as they are far less developed than those of its neighbors. Scuba diving, as well as sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, are popular there.
Songkhla
The excellently maintained old town of Songkhla comparable to Hoi-An in Vietnam as a once-busy commercial hub that has been forgotten over time. The modest, Chinese-style buildings are between 50 and 200 years old and have managed to avoid development or destruction because the locals just moved away to the new town. There is currently somewhat of a resurgence happening on the lovely streets.
Best activities
Scuba diving and snorkeling
The picturesque alcoves and clear waters of Thailand are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. If deep sea diving is your dream, you may get PADI-accredited at one of the several diving schools in the nation, with Koh Lanta, Koh Tao, and Phuket serving as special centers. A wonderful location to begin is Nitro Dive Centre in Koh Tao.
A boat ride
A multi-day boat excursion across the islands of the Andaman Sea is a genuine pleasure, keeping with the marine theme. The ships make beautiful stops at more remote, quieter locations. Check out Phuket’s Seascape Sailing if you have the time for an 11-day voyage.
Courses in cooking
Thailand is the “gastronauts'” paradise, and culinary demonstrations are a time-honored pastime for good reason. Bangkok is known as the capital of cuisine, and for many years, Chef Leez’s well-liked classes have ranked first in the city. If you prefer to eat to cook, consider signing up for a street food trip with Bangkok Food Tours.
Planning a sustainable trip to Thailand
Although there are several domestic airlines that service Thailand, it is relatively simple to travel without flying once you are there. Major towns and cities all across the mainland served by the broad, affordable, and well-maintained state train network. The shorter, beautiful voyage from the capital to the coastal town of Hua Hin is equally as enjoyable. The sleeper train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is an experience in and of itself, with breathtaking sights.
The national buses are also inexpensive and effective, especially if Greenbus Thailand, whose fleet is typically fairly opulent, serves your destination. You must use one of the affordable local ferry services to go between islands.
Getting there
Direct flights with Thai Airways or British Airways are the quickest method to go to Thailand from the UK. Once inside the nation, you can connect to a domestic carrier flying to one of the southern airports, such Krabi or Ko Samui. Several airlines also provide more affordable connecting flight choices; two top candidates in this category are Emirates and Lufthansa.
Most land borders have now reopened post-pandemic, so it’s definitely worth looking into, using resources like the train traveler’s bible, The Man in Seat 61. If you already find yourself in Southeast Asia, the railway and bus connections between Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore are a greener and less expensive way to enter Thailand.
Saving advice
Thai street food is exceedingly affordable and delicious, and there are vendors serving it on every main road in every town and city. It is popular with travelers and gap-year students because of its inexpensive bowls of noodles and salads made with shredded papaya for as little as £2. Food safety standards are normally high, but if you lack the courage, go for one of the “Jay” vegetarian eateries, which are typically located close to temples. These restaurants cater to the local Buddhists who abstain from meat on both their own birthday and the birthday of Buddha out of religious piety by offering vegetarian buffets and noodle soups for about 50p.
FAQs
How is the weather today?
Thailand experiences a tropical climate all year round, with the most pleasant months being from October to March (averaging around 28-30C). If at all possible, avoid traveling in the “burning season” of March through May in the north of the nation, which is generally cooler but suffers from agricultural pollution. Instead, plan your trip to Chiang Mai and the surrounding area during those months.
In which time zone is it?
Thailand is seven hours and six hours ahead of GMT and BST, respectively.
What kind of money do I need?
The transaction needs to take place in Thai Baht.
