The classic Thai holiday will include some time in the thrilling, full-on metropolis of Bangkok, and the famed beaches of Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui. The ethnically and culturally diverse north — in particular the Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai — also top many a first-timer’s wish list, and offer many opportunities for light adventure in a beautiful tropical landscape.

Where to travel in Thailand

Beyond the headliner beaches and islands lie hundreds of alternatives, and they come in all flavours. Spread across the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, with more than 3000km of coastline, the choice is seemingly endless, from the peaceful barefoot luxury of Koh Kood to the chilled out vibe of Koh Lanta.

National parks such as Koh Sok offer the chance to camp in the wilds and get hands on with ethical elephant conservation, while in the far north you can immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyles of towns such as Fang and Chiang Kham.

Explore historic Thailand at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya and the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai, or head to Kanchanaburi to witness the Death Railway and the bridge over the River Kwai, along with many opportunities for light adventure within easy reach of Bangkok.

Travel in Thailand

Thailand may rightly claim its position as Asia’s original ‘traveller’s paradise’, but this country has never taken its popularity for granted, constantly delighting visitors and inspiring a loyalty that some destinations can only marvel at.

Travel in Thailand is generally effortlessly easy – it’s also centred around a wonderful playground of natural beauty, intriguing history, fun adventure, expert pampering, fine hotels and great food. This is a culture created by a people renowned for their warmth, serenity and love of sanuk (fun).
Where to travel in Thailand

The thrilling, full-on metropolis of Bangkok, the famed beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, and the ethnically and culturally diverse north all unsurprisingly top the first-timer’s wish list. But there is so much more to Thailand than its headline acts.

Take, for example, Ayutthaya – an archaeological park at the centre of the country’s former capital with a history dating back 650 years – and Sukhothai, which was the first truly independent Thai kingdom. Its architectural style defined what we now call the ‘classic’ Thai aesthetic, and many of its wonderful temples and monuments have been beautifully restored. Or how about the state of Kanchanaburi, an adventure traveller’s paradise and gateway to the River Kwai; picturesque Isaan in the north-east and its borders with Laos and Cambodia, or Chiang Rai and the renowned Golden Triangle. Thailand is a country that gets right under the skin of visitors, as well as inspiring a rather unique sense of loyalty. And rightly so!

Reasons to love Thailand

The food and the people. The first is justifiably renowned as one of the world’s great cuisines, while the second – with their warm welcome, graceful charm and delightful hospitality – are surely a large part of the reason travellers fall in love with ‘The Land of Smiles’.

Its adaptability. Thailand has long been a winner with travellers wanting a seductive taste of the Orient while, at the same time, enjoying the highest standards in service and quality. It’s even ideally suited to families, making it an effortless and enchanting introduction to exotic travel for even the smallest globetrotter.

Its shoreline! Spread across the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, with more than 3000km of coastline, the choice of beaches and islands is seemingly endless. The best known settings might be Phuket and Koh Samui, but there are so many more, whether you’re looking for plenty of activity or a secluded corner of paradise.

Thai is the national and official language of Thailand. Its origins can be traced back to a South Indian script and it is written left to right across the page with no spaces between words. The script used in the language is unique to Thai.

Thailand offers a wide range of places to stay, catering to every type of traveler. You can find everything from luxurious beach and city hotels that provide unmatched service to charming family-run boutique accommodations, cozy lodges in the heart of nature, and welcoming homestays.

While some less-trodden parts of Thailand, like Doi Angkhang and provincial towns in Isaan, offer comfortable hotels, they may not always have that unique touch. However, during our research trips, we often stumble upon hidden treasures unexpectedly. These hidden gems add even more exciting possibilities and enrich the travel experiences for our guests.