Thailand Holidays
Thailand holidays offer an unforgettably diverse range of experiences, from the vibrant cities and exquisite temples to the stunning islands and jungle-covered national parks. The independently-spirited Thai people are famously friendly and will welcome you with a smile and gracefully-pressed palms during your Thailand holiday.
Thailand - Land of Smiles
Start your journey in Bangkok, a hyperactive metropolis that mixes frenzied urban scenes and mouth-watering street food with serene ancient culture. Popular day trips from Bangkok include the historic capital of Ayutthaya and the serene beauty of Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai.
South of Bangkok, Thailand’s wide selection of paradise beaches and islands begins. Enjoy the nearby delights of Hua Hin and Pattaya or travel to the more remote islands of Koh Tao and Koh Lanta, where you can indulge in outstanding diving and snorkelling opportunities. Famous Thai destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket are sure to enchant you with their palm-tree-fringed white sands set against a backdrop of lush jungles and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Head to the north of Thailand for a slower pace of life and discover the origins of the Siam kingdom. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are an ideal place if you wish to go on trekking adventures in mountainous tropical jungles, and discover Thailand’s most beautiful Buddhist temples.
The ideal introduction to Thailand is with a mini-tour of Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui. Start in the capital where you’ll visit palaces and golden temples, then go and relax on stunning beaches on the southern Thai islands. If you’re looking for a longer holiday then enjoy one of our Thailand multi centre holidays. An itinerary that takes in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is a great introduction to the real Thailand. You can witness mountain scenery and sublime temples, and experience the Thai culture and history through outdoor adventures, trekking and unforgettable interactions with the indigenous hill communities.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for Thailand holidays. With so many options for your Thailand holiday package we recommend you talk to one of our Destination Specialists to make the perfect tailor made holiday just for you.
Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,699 pp
Bangkok is an enthralling destination overflowing with cultural attractions, excellent shopping opportunities and mouth-watering cuisine to rival anywhere in the world. No trip to the region would be complete without a visit to this bustling, eclectic and mysterious metropolis. A...
Spa & wellbeing holidays
Bangkok and Krabi Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,399 pp
Bangkok is an enthralling destination overflowing with cultural attractions, excellent shopping opportunities and mouth-watering cuisine to rival anywhere in the world. A short flight south to the island of Krabi, where glorious palm-fringed beaches and shallow, crystal clear waters and...
Honeymoons
Bangkok, Elephant Hills, and Khao Lak Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,699 pp
Bangkok delivers a welcome assault on the senses, with intense heat and a bustling centre balanced by magnificent Buddhist temples and palaces. This vibrant and contrasting city offers a fascinating mix of traditional and modern, while still preserving its cultural...
Spa & wellbeing holidays
Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,599 pp
Let the temples of Bangkok and Chiang Mai and the laidback charm of Chiang Rai dazzle you on this suggested itinerary through Thailand’s culture and traditions. Tour the palaces, meet the locals in hillside tribes and learn to cook tasty...
Luxury holidays
Our favourite hotels
Whether you are planning a family holiday in Thailand or adventurous Thailand multi centre holidays, let us help you find the perfect accommodation. Browse our favourite places to stay in Thailand - we are here to help you find the perfect hotel.
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Things to do in Thailand
There’s a wealth of things to enjoy and explore in Thailand, from its fascinating culture and history, to scenic landscapes and flavourful cuisine. Discover bustling street food stalls and magnificent palaces in Thailand’s opulent cities, or maybe the glorious turquoise seas and luxurious beach resorts of the country’s exotic islands are more your calling? Wander through picturesque mountain towns with their ancient hilltop temples, and traverse jungles teeming with wildlife. With so many places to go, sights to see and tastes to sample, the beautiful Land of Smiles has everything you need to create an amazing journey and lifelong memories.
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![Wat Doi Suthep]( "Wat Doi Suthep")
Chiang Mai's temples
The relaxed city of Chiang Mai, in the mountainous north of Thailand, is home to over 300 ancient temples – some over 700 years old. From remote clifftop chapels to lavish golden temples in the heart of the old city, there are countless beautiful Buddhist sites to explore.
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Traditional Thai food
Thailand’s world-renowned cuisine offers a delicious variety of dishes to sample. Flavours and ingredients vary between regions but at its heart, Thai food balances salty, sweet, hot and sour flavours. Tuck in to aromatic curries, fresh salads, spicy noodles, hot soups and enticing rice dishes.
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Thai wildlife
Elephants, tigers, turtles, whale sharks – Thailand is home to a captivating wildlife population. Spot exotic birds in spectacular forest parks, dive beneath the waves to view marine life or spend time at a peaceful wildlife sanctuary where you can observe and help with day-to-day animal care.
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Thailand festivals
From traditional Buddhist festivals to wild Full Moon parties, Thailand celebrates a wide range of occasions throughout the year. Enchanting Loy Krathong (the Festival of Light) and playful Songkran (the Thai New Year Water Festival) are two of the best-known national events, but you can also discover some charming local festivals on your travels.
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Thailand island hopping
The tropical seas surrounding Thailand are scattered with an abundance of stunning islands – some beautifully unspoilt, others full of action. Hop from one to another, experiencing everything from white sandy beaches and colourful coral reefs to luxury hotels and indulgent spas as you go.
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Bangkok National Museum
Discover Thailand’s rich heritage at this fascinating museum in the grounds of the opulent 18th century Wang Na Palace. Home to a huge collection of art, architecture and artefacts, it beautifully tells the story of Thai history through the ages.
Best time to visit Thailand
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Steph
Direct Marketing Campaign Manager
“In Bangkok, make time to visit the Jim Thompson House Museum and Art Centre where you can discover the fascinating story of this eminent silk trader and explore the beautifully-crafted home he created.”
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Barbara
Destination Specialist
“Apart from the most upmarket restaurants and shops, Thailand is very much a cash-based economy so your credit card won’t be much use on a day-to-day basis. Make sure you carry enough Thai baht in small denominations to cover your everyday purchases, especially if you are travelling to places where ATMs are few and far between, such as the more remote islands in Thailand.”
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Clive
Content Editor
“If you ever find yourself on the vibrant isle of Koh Phangan be sure to taste the island's specialities called No Names. These spicy little fritters are served with a delicate dipping sauce and are perfect with a cold Chang beer or a coconut and pineapple milkshake – bliss.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Thailand holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Songkran
Thailand’s most famous festival is Songkran, celebrating the beginning of the Thai New Year. Over a number of days in April people visit temples and engage in exuberant water fights as they wash away the past and look forward to new beginnings during this important Buddhist festival.
Local Cuisine
Thai cuisine is known the world over, and it doesn’t get more delicious than enjoying an authentic dish. You can enjoy everything from fine dining to street food that costs pennies but bursts with freshness and flavour during your Thailand holiday. Here are a few of our favourite Thai dishes.
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Pad Thai
Pad Thai is probably the world’s best known street food - with its spicy rice noodle stir-fry with shrimp, bean sprouts and egg. We recommend you start with this classic.
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Som Tam Pu Ma
Make sure you try Som tam pu ma, the fermented blue crab papaya salad that is popular in specialist seafood restaurants.
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Tom Yum Goong
Tom yum goong is a hot and sour Thai soup that’s usually cooked with shrimp and flavoured with lemongrass, lime juice and fish sauce.
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Pad Kra Pao
A hugely popular dish in Thailand, pad kra pao features pork and fresh Thai basil in a stir fry, and is usually plated up with a healthy serving of jasmine rice.
Our Thailand destinations
Types of Thailand holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Why stick to one island when you can hop around to see even more of Thailand? Jump from hideaway paradise beaches to buzzing city breaks; whatever takes your fancy.
Marvel at coral and swim with stunning fish in Thailand, perfect for PADI divers and first-time snorkellers alike. We recommend Koh Tao for the best underwater experience.
From New Year festivities to springtime’s Songkran; Thailand is known for its festivals. Get ready to party and celebrate Thai culture during your stay.
Flights to Thailand take around 11 hours and 25 minutes. There are currently direct flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok from London Heathrow with British Airways, Eva Air, and Thai Airways as well as indirect options to Phuket and Chiang Mai. There are also in-direct routes to Thailand from other UK airports via destinations such as Doha, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
There are actually two islands known as James Bond island – they make up the Khao Phing Kan and they feature in the film The Man with the Golden Gun. They’re located in Phang Nga Bay in the Andaman Sea.
The typical Thai greeting that involves putting your hands together and bow is known as the ‘Wai’. The way in which you carry out the Wai depends on the social status of the person you are greeting. Men will accompany the Wai by saying Sawatdee-krap, and women must say Sawatdee-kah.
More Thailand inspiration
Exploring Thailand’s cities and beaches
There are hundreds of Thai islands situated in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, from luxury paradise beaches where every need is met, to more rustic island getaways, choosing the right one can seem a little mind-boggling.
4 Iconic Worldwide Recipes
Travel with your taste buds and discover how to make these delicious signature dishes from around the world.
Beat the clock in Bangkok
Bangkok is a thrilling city that not only offers temples, exciting cuisine and adventure, it also represents good value. You could easily spend a week wandering the labyrinthine-alley ways, markets and ancient palaces of this sultry metropolis without causing a dent in your wallet.
