Thailand Tours & Holidays

Thailand's climate is generally hot, humid and at times (like other South East Asian countries) monsoonal. The seasons differ from coast to coast, so depending on which areas you're visiting, the weather can vary.

Thailand's mainland region is great to visit from November to February when the weather is cooler and dryer.

If you are planning on visiting the Gulf Coast (east), avoid the northeast monsoon that brings rain from October to January. For destinations like Phuket on the west side of the peninsula, the best time is November to April to avoid the other monsoon which causes Thailand's wet season from May to October.

Read more about the best time to visit Thailand

Often considered the epicentre of Buddhism, religion permeates daily life in Thailand. Sprinkled throughout the country are thousands of golden temples, where you’ll find Buddhist monks in orange robes walking the streets. Young men are expected to spend some time as a monk as it bestows honour on their families. Visitors should be respectful of monks and dress modestly when visiting a temple (cover your knees and shoulders and remove your shoes).

Like other Asian nations, the concept of ‘saving face’ is important. This means avoiding conflict or embarrassment in order to preserve social standing, dignity and honour. Thai people will go out of their way to avoid ‘losing face’. Losing your temper or raising your voice are surefire ways to lose face and can be perceived as volatile or rude.

Thai food has everything from spicy dishes packed with chillies to milder coconut-based curries. With street stalls and night markets all over the country, it's really easy to pick up a snack wherever you are in Thailand. On many Intrepid trips, you'll be given the opportunity to have dinner with a local family – this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the local culture.

Things to try in Thailand

1. Pad Thai (Phat Thai)

A well-known dish but for good reason. This delicious plate of stir-fried rice noodles garnished with peanuts is full of flavour and can be served with fresh prawns, chicken, tofu or vegetables.

2. Tom Yum (Tom Yam)

Usually prepared with stock, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chilli, this soup is widely available in Thailand and has been popularised around the world. 

3. Green curry

One of many curries that Thais do so well. Green curry consists of chicken, Thai eggplant and chillies bathed in a coconut milk-based sauce.

4. Som tam (green papaya salad)

This northern dish of shredded raw papaya, cherry tomatoes and green beans is a tantalising mix of sweet, spicy and sour flavours.

5. Coconut water

For a super fresh thirst quencher, try coconut water straight from the husk.

6. Tropical fruit

Fruit shakes and fresh fruit juices are widely available from markets and restaurants – make the most of all the tropical fruits of Thailand.

Sharing borders with South East Asian neighbours Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma), Thailand's natural environment varies greatly from region to region. From the steamy jungles and misty highlands in the north to the white sand beaches and picturesque islands of the south, Thailand's everchanging landscape has been fascinating and entertaining travellers for centuries. 

The capital, Bangkok, is a heaving, urban jungle with skyscrapers, street vendors, markets, cars, tuk-tuks, bicycles and masses of people all competing for space. Despite this, there are pockets of quiet beauty to be found with parks, temples and traditional shop fronts scattered throughout the city. 

Rural areas in the north are typically quieter, with locals living a more traditional way of life; the frenetic pace of the city gives way to a more slow-paced, agricultural-based lifestyle. Houses are simple, there's more space and less of the modern conveniences. Jungles, rivers, bamboo huts and teak houses are more commonly seen here, and birds and other animal life are more abundant.

Early history

Communities based on agriculture (such as rice growing) inhabited Siam (Thailand) as early as the 6th century. In the following centuries, Siam came under the influence of the Khmer, Dvaravati and Malay cultures, with some temples and monuments in modern-day Thailand showing evidence of this influence. In the 13th century, the city of Sukhothai in northern Thailand became an important capital. The ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) feature remnants of the royal palace, temples and other buildings and highlight the artistic and architectural features of the era. 

Ayutthaya rose to prominence as the new capital in the 14th century and was considered a powerhouse of South East Asia as one of the most important centres of trade in the world. Enduring many battles, invasions, overthrows and coups, Ayutthaya's far-reaching trade with other regions ensured a flourishing influence of art, weaponry, religion and cuisine. Much wealth was generated by this enormous empire, with grand palaces, ornate buildings and huge temples featured throughout the city. All this came to an end when the Burmese invaded in the 18th century, bringing the kingdom to ruin and resulting in the loss of many artistic and cultural treasures. Despite this, the ruins of the city are still standing, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and are a great day trip from Bangkok.

Recent history

Thonburi was established as the capital of Siam by General Taksin in the late 18th century, yet this didn't last long, with Taksim being deposed and executed not long after. Bangkok was then named capital by General Chakri, who became Rama I - the first king of the Rama Dynasty.

Over the years, Siam (Thailand) remained the only South East Asian country to remain free from European colonisation. In 1932, the Siamese Revolution resulted in a constitutional monarchy being formed, and in 1941, Thailand invaded French Indochina, overpowered the French and claimed Laos.

In the last thirty years, Thailand has seen political power change hands many times, often due to coups, revolutions and protests. Despite this, Thailand’s economy continues to grow due to its strong tourist industry. Enduring all this, the much-loved King Rama IX has reigned as the Head of State since 1946 - claiming the title of the longest-reigning monarch in the world and providing Thai people with a stable figure to rely upon.

1. Bangkok

Whether you're travelling by tuk-tuk through the crazy streets, cycling along backroads or taking a longtail through the khlongs, the journey in Bangkok is definitely half the fun. Drop into the stunning Grand Palace, see the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and wind your way through floating markets.

2. Chiang Mai

This northern capital is overflowing with experiences. Temple-hop through some - or all - of its 300 temples, take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine and explore the Night Bazaar for delicious food, designer goods and a foot massage to die for.

3. Ko Tao

If you ever wondered what was below Thailand's turquoise waters, this is the place to look. Learn to dive or pull on snorkelling gear to discover the fish and reefs that call this coastline home. Shark Island is close by for adrenaline seekers.

4. Hilltribe Country

Thailand's north is home to many of the country's minority groups. A hike along buffalo tracks will take you through colourful H'mong, Karen and Lisu villages. Spend a night as their guest for a unique insight into their life.

5. Ayuthaya

Modern meets ancient in Ayuthaya. The current city intertwines itself with the remnants of what was once one of Asia's great capitals. Walk the streets in search of clues to its imperial past and hire a bike to ride through the countryside, exploring the area's ruins.

6. Sukhothai

This former capital is a history buff's heaven. Nicknamed the 'Dawn of Happiness', Sukhothai still recalls Siam's golden age with its superb statues, marvellous monuments and lotus flowers in full bloom. A trip to the night market is a real eye-opener; try everything from fried rice to fried bugs.

7. Krabi

The waters surrounding Krabi are dotted with hundreds of limestone karst islands. Kayakers and rock climbers will love exploring them, while others can travel to the nearby floating villages or just relax on one of the region's perfect beaches.

8. Golden Triangle

The area where the Thai, Laotian and Burmese borders meet has long been associated with colourful cultures and illicit opium trade. The opium may have gone but the colour hasn't and the markets offer all sorts of amazing local handicrafts.

9. Khao Sok National Park

For a real jungle experience, spend a couple of days in Khao Sok National Park. Thick rainforests, limestone cliffs, waterfalls and mountains make a wild playground.

10. Kanchanaburi

This tranquil town is the jumping-off point for visits to the infamous Hell Fire Pass and River Kwai. Be sure to take a ride along the tracks of the Death Railway and reflect on the atrocities of war at the Jeath War Museum.

1. Chiang Mai

Visit a park that provides a sanctuary for elephants – many of which have been rescued from the cruel practices of the elephant riding industry.

2. Krabi

Spot schools of colourful tropical fish as you snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Ao Nang.

3. Phuket

Dive into the warm waters of Phuket and experience a little bit of paradise.

4. Erawan National Park

Cool off in the waters of Erawan National Park or simply stand back and watch the idyllic waterfalls.

5. Bangkok

Follow the scent of chilli and lemongrass to one of Bangkok’s many delicious food markets.

6. Sukhothai

Pedal around ancient temples and ruins built as early as the 13th century at the World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historic Park.

7. Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay, is perhaps one of Thailand's most recognisable gems. Kayak around the green waters, admiring the sheer limestone karsts that jut dramatically out of the sea.

Bustling street markets filled with colourful vendors selling an assortment of goods can be found in small villages and large towns throughout the country. Luxurious, multi-level shopping malls that rival those in European cities are increasingly popping up. 

The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is perhaps the largest and most extensive market in the world. Here vendors sell everything you can think of, from ceramics to Thai silk to vintage clothing. Bartering is expected at markets and most small vendors. As a rule of thumb, if the price isn’t listed, it’s negotiable. But remember Thais appreciate friendliness and a sense of humour. The more aggressive you are in trying to get a deal, the less likely you are to get one.

Things to buy in Thailand

1. Vibrant fabric cushions, tablecloths and hammocks
2. Silver jewellery (Look for reputable stores) 
3. Handcrafted umbrellas or parasols
4. Thai silk scarves, ties, wraps and clothing
5. Colourful Celadon ceramics
6. Tailor-made clothing

Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)

During the 12th lunar month, people across the country gather around lakes, rivers and canals to symbolically let their worries float away in the most magical way – by releasing colourful lotus-shaped rafts holding candles, incense and flowers onto the water.

Yee Peng (or Yi Peng)

At the same time that Loy Krathong is taking place, Chiang Mai also celebrates Yee Peng. Religious events, cultural activities and street parades all mark this Buddhist tradition. But what makes this festival truly spectacular is the release of thousands of sky lanterns that illuminate the sky.  

Songkran (Thai New Year)

What happens when New Year’s Day falls during the height of summer? It morphs into a giant water fight. Some towns celebrate just on the day (April 13), while others stretch it out for several days of concerts, ceremonies and other wet festivities.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Flowers are used in ways you never thought imaginable at this colourful three-day event in February. Come for the parade of impressive floral floats, and stay for the tasty Thai street food, music and performances.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Makha Bucha Day

• Chakri Day

• Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

• Labour Day

• H.M. King's Coronation

• Visakha Bucha Day

• Queen Suthida's Birthday

• King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday

• Buddhist Lent Day

• Queen’s Birthday

• Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol

• Chulalongkorn Day

• King’s Birthday

• Constitution Day

Please note dates of Thai public holidays may vary.