Sky-scraping cities, mouth-watering street food, ancient temples and idyllic islands; Thailand holidays are as breathtaking as they are diverse. We recommend starting in the capital, Bangkok, a city of over ten million souls that positively thrums with unruly tuk tuks, buzzing bars and markets galore. Away from the hustle and bustle, Wat Pho’s Buddhist temple complex is home to a 150-foot reclining Buddha and one of the earliest massage schools. Up in the northern jungle, wilderness thrives and adventure beckons. Explore the temple-studded city of Chiang Mai and its famous night markets or go trekking through the jungle and white water rafting down mountainous rivers. Head to Thailand’s islands for a far-flung escape and you’ll find sun-kissed beaches of legendary status.

Thailand holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Thailand with Original Travel ?

Our team know a thing or two about Thailand, spanning its ancient temples to its colourful cuisine and idyllic isles. We’ll tailor activities to your specific tastes, be it an architectural boat tour of Bangkok or an authentic cooking class in Chiang Mai. Like our excellent team of guides on the ground, we're a creative lot, always designing new ways to tour famous sites, while our Concierges are just a WhatsApp away with insider tips and tricks. From family-run guesthouses to luxurious beachside villas, our vetted properties tick all the right boxes to make your Thailand holiday unforgettable.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Thailand

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Travel to Thailand by Region

Bangkok and Beyond

Bangkok is a vibrant bustling mega-city of more than 10 million people, and yet it still has an undeniable charm. Visit the most beautiful ancient temples and pagodas in Thailand - the 150 foot long reclining Buddha at Wat Po is a must visit - alongside experiencing the delicious and varied street food. See the city from the water on a long-tail boat trip along the Chao Phraya River (including a peek into the more interesting looking tributaries) and shop in a mix of traditional markets and high-end cosmopolitan shopping centres. Bangkok holidays can also include visits other ancient royal cities of Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, and of course the capital is the place from which to hop down to Thailand's beautiful beaches and islands.

Chiang Mai & The Golden Triangle

Chiang Mai and neighbouring Chiang Rai are well worth a visit after the buzz of Bangkok, to wander around the temples and old town of Chiang Mai and go trekking in the jungle of remote Chiang Rai. The city of Chiang Mai, capital of the eponymous province which borders Burma to the north, has a rich cultural heritage, with a striking mountain backdrop. That mountainous countryside around the city adds another angle to Chiang Mai holidays, with the Chiang Rai region mainly comprised of jungle and mountain ranges which are home to some of Thailand's distinctive hill tribes and superb trekking trails. Chiang Rai's 'Golden Triangle' is a particularly remote area, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma converge. It was once notorious for its connection to the opium trade, but the Thai portion of the area has now been transformed, making Golden Triangle holidays another chance to explore this wild and beautiful destination.

East Coast Thai Beaches

With white sands, gin clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery, East Coast Thailand holidays are a winner, especially in combination with buzzing Bangkok and the cultural and adventurous north around Chiang Mai. The East Coast is home to a number of top-class beach resorts, beaches that are nothing short of superb, and typically top drawer Thai hospitality. The coastal resort of Hua Hin lies half an hour's flight south of Bangkok, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. This is Thailand's original beach 'resort' and in contrast to some of the country's others, with their bright lights and nightlife, Hua Hin remains a much more peaceful, family-oriented place. As well as beaches and watersports, activities in the vicinity of Hua Hin include trekking and golf. Hua Hin town itself has good shopping, including a nightly street market. Elsewhere on the east coast, if you were to think of a Thailand idyll, it's likely Koh Samui would feature, as the archetypal tropical island. One of the first islands to be discovered by Westerners, Koh Samui is still a firm favourite, especially due to its accessibility - it has direct flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. Alongside picture perfect white beaches, Koh Samui has plenty of hidden coves and traditional Thai fishing villages, perfect for exploring.

West Coast Thai Beaches

Travel down the coast of Thailand and veer west for crystal clear waters and spectacular marine life that make it a favourite with divers and snorkellers alike, as well as miles of white sand beaches and magnificent scenery. The main draw of any Thailand West Coast holiday is Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, which has a tropical climate and long beautiful stretches of coastline. The surrounding region also boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Asia - a mountainous and heavily forested landscape. To the west of Phuket lies the Andaman Sea and the Similan Islands, while to the east lies the protected Gulf of Phuket, home to Phang Nga Bay and the beautiful islands of Koh Phi Phi. The islands make great day trip destinations by boat, and also offer superb diving. As well as stunning beaches, Phuket holidays are all about some of the finest hotels in Asia, offering first-class facilities, superb service, watersports, tennis, spoiling spas and, of course, delicious Thai cuisine. On the mainland of Thailand sits Khao Lak, which boasts no less than three national parks and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. The less developed and more deserted island of Koh Lanta is nearby. The beaches and rainforest here are spectacular, and while the island is now on the map, Koh Lanta holidays still offer a significantly lower tourist density.

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Thailand Guide

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Thailand Testimonials

4 reviews
4.8 / 5
"Excellent throughout. The trekking experience and guides were fantastic, and the first night's accommodation by the waterfall. Very memorable! The Concierge is a really excellent service. It was really helpful for restaurant bookings etc."
Patricia - Surrey
Published on 3rd January 2025
"Great support whenever we had a question and great peace of mind to know we had someone we could reach out to in case of any issues. Frances was exceptional in her care to plan this trip for us - from exploring ideas, to choosing the hotels and activities, her patience to review the options and make adjustments!"
Kirstin - London
Published on 6th April 2024
"We had a great time. Everything went well and according to the plan. The hotels were all outstanding and in Samui we got a free upgrade to one of their residences with a private pool - what an experience."
Eric - Brighton
Published on 5th November 2018

Our Thailand
specialists

Thailand's varied landscape of bustling cities, thriving nature and palm-fringed shores have long captivated our consultants, one of whom lived and worked there and another who grew up in the region. We're more than well-equipped to plan your trip, be it a family affair or part of a solo South East Asian adventure. No matter your interests, be they culture or cuisine, we'll create a bespoke itinerary to help you experience an authentic side of Thailand. On your holiday, our friendly Concierges are always on hand to keep everything running smoothly.

Useful information for your Thailand holiday

What is Thailand known for?

Thailand is best known for its dazzling diversity. In the mood for a seaside escape? Its beaches are blessed with picture-perfect white sands, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. Want to explore a buzzing city? Destinations like Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer an intriguing mix of modern living and cultural traditions. Need a nature retreat? You guessed it – Thailand has all the mountains, forests, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife you could ever want.

What is the food like in Thailand?

Thailand’s cuisine is famous for its flavourful dishes. It may seem simple on the surface – rice, sauce, meat, fish and vegetables – but the intricately balanced spices are divine. Expect curries, noodles, soups, salads and stir fries, all seasoned to perfection. Popular options include pad Thai (wok-fried noodles), tom yum goong (spiced shrimp soup), khao pad (fried rice), som tum (papaya salad) and kai med ma muang (stir-fried chicken with cashews).

There’s also an abundance of juicy fruit, from pineapples and mango to durian and papaya.

What is the drink like in Thailand?

A wide array of fruit juices and soft drinks are available to enjoy, and tea and coffee are served just about everywhere.

As for alcohol, you’ll likely come across local beers like Singha and Tiger. Mekhong was the first spirit brewed in Thailand and while it’s labelled as a whisky, it’s most similar to a flavoured rum. Smooth and sweet, it provides the perfect base for an evening cocktail enjoyed in the warm Thai air.

Do you tip in Thailand?

Tipping in Thailand is at your discretion and not expected. Align your tips with the local economy – a tip equivalent to the price of a cup of tea or a local beer is often sufficient.

What is the etiquette for visiting temples in Thailand?

There are several rules for visiting temples:

  • Always look for signs or ask staff before taking photos, never use flash photography and never playfully pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
  • Show respect to monks – you should sit lower than them, and women should avoid touching them.
  • Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and legs, and remove your shoes before entering.

If you can, visit temples around 5pm during the monks’ prayer time for a truly mesmerising and peaceful experience. For early risers, witnessing the Tak Bat ritual at dawn is equally unforgettable. Just before sunrise, a procession of monks in saffron robes collect offerings from people in the streets. If you attend, stay silent and be discreet so as not to disturb the ceremony.

Is there any other etiquette to be aware of in Thailand?

Keep smiling even in the face of conflict – a pleasant approach always wins over a frustrated one here.

Although the use of electronic cigarettes is fairly widespread in bigger towns and cities, they’re officially banned throughout the country.

What can you find in Thailand that you won’t find elsewhere?

Thailand is brimful of Buddhas of all shapes and sizes; standing, reclining or gleaming in gold. Journey to Bangkok to lay eyes on the famous Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha - the country’s most sacred - while in the north lies another must-visit, Ayutthaya, the one-time capital of the ancient Siam kingdom, once resplendent with gilded temples and splendid palaces. As for wildlife, it is plentiful. Visit elephant orphanages and watch as they play in the water; or steal out into the jungle on a night safari to perhaps encounter squirrel monkeys and capybaras. South Thailand’s island escapes, such as Koh Samui and Phuket, portray the idyllic beauty that inspired the cult novel, ‘The Beach.’ Think coconut groves, phenomenally soft sand and driftwood beach shacks. There’s much to be said in praise of Thai cuisine, arguably the most delicious in southeast Asia. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, lose yourself among street food stalls, where vendors serve up stir-fried crab meat and aromatic pad thai like you’ve never tasted before. The shopping is also incomparable, with innumerable markets stuffed with souvenirs.


Who is Thailand best for?

Art lovers and history buffs should make the pilgrimage around Thailand’s capital city and the country’s north-east, which are packed full of ancient archaeological sites and Buddhist statues. There’s a huge variety of architecture on show from soft teak-wood houses to old stone carved temples. Wildlife enthusiast? Roam the lush mountainous north, criss-crossed with jungle trails connecting remote tribal villages. Any spa fan will tell you that Thailand trumps pretty much anywhere thanks to its bespoke wellness retreats and outstanding massage institutions. In short, Thailand holidays work for pretty much anyone you can think of from honeymooners and families to adventurers and those taking a sabbatical.


What are the best ways to discover Thailand?

Start in the capital city of Bangkok to come face to face with a bewitching blend of modernity and tradition. Our little black book of contacts and best addresses will help you scout out the must-visit markets, restaurants and Buddhist pagodas as well as some of the most exceptional hotels. For lesser-known Thailand, seek out off-grid adventure around Chiang Mai and the languid northern landscapes. We recommend rounding off all Thailand holidays with ultimate relaxation. Laze the days away at a pampering beachfront resort, drink in hand, toes dug in the sand.


Special things to do in Thailand

Take the sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Take your family on a wildlife adventure, elephant trekking, mountain biking and white water rafting. Stay in exceptional hotels, from mountainous spa hideaways to luxury beachfront retreats.

Best places to go in Thailand



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