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Thailand Holidays

Thailand holidays feature palm‑fringed beaches, roaming elephants and nights that go on until sunrise. 

Why Thailand works  

From lively cities and long stretches of sand to dense jungle and national parks, Thailand offers a lot in one trip. It suits travellers who like variety without constant moving around. You can slow things right down on an island one day, then spend the next exploring temples or heading into the hills.

That balance of rest and adventure is what keeps people coming back. One morning might be spent sailing between quiet islands, another watching the sun come up from a hilltop temple after a late night out. Accommodation is just as flexible. Whether you’re travelling simply or booking a beachfront hotel with all the extras, Thailand makes it easy to match your trip to your budget and travel style.

Where to stay

If beaches are top of your list, Phuket is a strong place to start. It’s Thailand’s largest island, with coastline all the way around and plenty of choice depending on the pace you want. Bang Tao and Tri Trang Beach are good for laidback days on pale sand, while Patong Beach is busier, with more nightlife and activity.

For something calmer, Khao Lak is worth a look. It’s a low‑key resort area with access to national parks, a local night market and lots of water‑based activities. Or, Koh Samui is another popular option, especially if you want to explore more than one island. It has jungle walks, traditional markets and easy links to other islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

Culture and nature

Thailand’s culture is woven into everyday life, from grand temples in Bangkok to lesser‑known sites tucked into the countryside. Wat Paknam’s large Buddha statue and the Dragon Cave Temple are both stand‑out sights, and worth planning into your route.

Nature is never far away, either. Erawan National Park is known for its tiered waterfalls, forest trails and clear pools, while Kui Buri National Park is one of the best places to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. If animals are a priority, we highlight approved experiences, including safaris and sanctuaries that focus on animal welfare, so you know what to expect before you go.

Best time to visit Thailand 

The most popular time to visit Thailand is between November and February. Temperatures are lower, humidity is more manageable and rainfall is minimal. It’s peak season, so prices are higher and availability can be tighter, which means booking ahead usually pays off.

If island‑hopping is your main plan, the Gulf of Thailand – including Koh Samui and Koh Tao – tends to be best between July and September. Then, on the Andaman coast, places like Phuket and Krabi are usually at their best from November through to April.

The monsoon season is April to October. So, expect heavier rain, stronger winds and rougher seas at times. That said, it’s often much cheaper, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than lasting all day. If you are happy to be flexible and pack for the weather, it can be a good way to keep costs down.

Best places to stay in Thailand

Find out where you want to base yourself from these top destinations. 

Thailand highlights

Your guide to Thailand

Why we love Thailand

Here are some top tips from our team

Thailand FAQs

Depending on the time of year, Thailand can get quite humid, so light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal. Pack shirts, sarongs and scarves that you can throw in your day bag if you’re heading to a temple – it’s respectful to cover up from shoulder to knee. Bring swimming stuff, flip flops, reef-safe suncream and comfy shoes for walking. And, if you’re planning on heading into the jungle, some insect repellent is a good idea.

You can buy a Thai SIM card when you land or skip the queues by buying and downloading an eSIM to stay connected while you’re away. This way, you don’t need to change your physical SIM and your phone number stays the same.

You can easily buy alcohol in Thailand, especially in the touristy and party destinations. It’s good to know that buying alcohol in shops is restricted to certain times – you usually can’t buy any between 2-5pm and after midnight.

The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20, although you might notice this is quite relaxed in some places. It's illegal to drink in temples, government areas or public parks. Bars are everywhere, though, and there’s a thriving nightlife scene, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and on the islands.

Thai is the official language of Thailand. In major cities and tourist hotspots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and on the islands, English is widely spoken – especially in hotels, restaurants and on guided tours. In more rural or off-the-grid areas, English might be limited, but Thai people are famously friendly and will usually go out of their way to help you, even if only with hand gestures and you can always use online translation to help communicate.

  • Hello! How are you? – Sawasdee krub/ka (for male/female)

  • Thank you! – Khop khun krub/ka

  • Excuse me, do you speak English? – Khor toht, khun phoot pasa ang-grit dai mai?

  • How much does this cost? – Ra ka tao rai?

Absolutely, just say mai phet (not spicy) when ordering. Most restaurants and food stalls are used to tourists adjusting spice levels, but sometimes what the locals consider ‘not spicy’ can still have a little kick.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s definitely appreciated. At restaurants, cafés and for tour guides, leaving 10% for good service is standard. In street food settings or for taxis, rounding up is common.

Thailand has great healthcare in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, with international-standard hospitals and English-speaking staff. In rural areas, services may be more basic. Travel insurance with medical coverage is a must.

Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and available everywhere.

The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Prices are usually listed in baht and cash is needed for markets, food stalls and smaller shops. You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange booths, airports and hotels. ATMs are easy to find, too.

Apple Pay and Google Pay are also more common in shopping centres and big cities, but cash is still preferred in most local spots and smaller businesses. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards.

When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.