Thailand tours & holidays
Savour the sights, sounds and soul of Thailand
Welcome to Thailand, where pristine beaches meet vibrant cities. Dive into the turquoise waters of Phuket for some epic snorkelling and chase waterfalls in Ko Samui. Zip around Bangkok in a colourful tuk-tuk and take in the capital’s sizzling street food scene and golden temples. From the street stalls of Chiang Mai to a homestay with the hill tribes of the Golden Triangle, these adventures go beyond the usual tourist traps.
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Thailand at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Bangkok (11 million)
POPULATION
71.8 million
CURRENCY
Thai Baht (THB)
LANGUAGE
Thai
TIME ZONE
(GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
CALLING CODE
+66
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin)
Learn more about Thailand
Best time to visit Thailand
Thailand’s warm, tropical climate varies by region, offering unique experiences wherever you go.
On the mainland, November to February brings cooler, drier days, perfect for exploring. If you’re heading to the Gulf Coast, October to January sees the most rain with the northeast monsoon season but does offer a time with fewer crowds. On the west coast, places like Phuket come alive from November to April with ideal conditions for island hopping.
History and culture
Often considered the epicenter of Buddhism, religion permeates daily life in Thailand and is home to golden temples and orange-robed monks symbolizing the nation’s deep spirituality. Visitors should be respectful of monks and dress modestly when visiting a temple (cover your knees and shoulders and remove your shoes).
Thailand’s history is rich with influences from Khmer, Dvaravatia and Malay cultures. Ancient capitals like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya offer glimpses into the past with their intricate ruins. In the last 30 years, Thailand has seen political power change hands many times but despite this, its economy continues to grow due to its strong tourist industry.
Festival seasons bring Thailand to life. In November, Loy Krathong and Yee Peng light up the waters and sky with candles and lanterns, while April’s Songkran transforms the country into a joyful New Year’s water fight. In February, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival fills the street with vibrant blooms, flower parades and celebrations.
Eating and drinking
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coconut water
For a super fresh thirst quencher, try coconut water straight from the husk.
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.
Geography and environment
Nestled in South East Asia, Thailand boasts a diverse geography bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia with coastlines on the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Its landscape spans from tropical beaches and islands in the south to misty mountains and dense jungles in the north.
In bustling Bangkok, the capital is a lively mix of skyscrapers, street vendors and temples, while rural areas offer a quieter, traditional lifestyle.
Top places to visit in Thailand
1. Chiang Mai
This northern mountainous city is bursting with all the best of Thai culture. Stroll through some of its 300 temples or dive into a cooking class to unlock the delicious secrets of Thai cuisine. When the sun dips, hit the lively Night Bazaar's street food scene and cap the evening with a foot massage worth raving about. For a bit of adventure, cruise the mountain roads and swing by ChangChill to hang out with the elephants. What’s a trip to Thailand without meeting its gentle giants?
2. 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.
3. Phuket
Welcome to Phuket, one of Thailand’s most recognisable gems. Paddle through emerald-green waters, where towering limestone karsts jut out dramatically from the sea. Along Kata Beach, dive into a blend of lively shops and nightclubs that buzz after dark. Each beach here has its own vibe, from laidback to action-packed – think Thai boxing exhibitions, snorkelling galore and, of course, scenic swimming.
4. Hilltribe Country
In the heart of Hilltribe Country, you’ll find life moves at a refreshingly different pace. Hike along buffalo trails through the colourful H’mong, Karen and Lisu villages and when night falls, finish the day with a homestay with warm local hosts who share their stories and traditions. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal set against the mountain scenery.
5. 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.
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. 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.
Money matters
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).
Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors and family-run restaurants in rural areas. Market stalls and street vendors will not accept credit cards. In Thailand, cash is king!
ATMs are widely available in larger cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.
Thailand travel FAQs
Travellers from most nationalities need a visa to enter Thailand. Travellers with passports from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States are exempt from a tourist visa if they are travelling for 30 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry to Thailand.
If you plan on staying longer as a tourist or travelling for a reason such as study or business, you may need a visa. For more information, please visit the government of Thailand's website or the Essential Trip Information.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.
You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Tipping isn’t customary in Thailand, but feel free to leave restaurants, drivers or service workers a small tip if the service has been particularly good. It’s always appreciated.
Dress standards are typically conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect local culture, we strongly recommend modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Loose, lightweight, long clothing is respectful and ideal for the hot climate, but what you will need will depend on your trip style and when you are travelling.
When visiting religious sites, long trousers, a long skirt or a sarong are required.
For more information, check out our ultimate packing list.
Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Thailand. Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.
The Internet can be accessed at hotels and internet cafes in large cities and tourist areas but is limited in rural and remote areas.
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Thailand’s urban areas but may not be available on some of the islands and in more remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.
Squat toilets are most common in Thailand, although western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser, as they are not always provided.
As a whole, Thailand is a hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket all have fairly prominent gay scenes. Be aware that Thais typically do not engage in public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Thailand directly support our foundation partners, EcoThailand Foundation and World Animal Protection.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
EcoThailand Foundation
EcoThailand Foundation is on a mission to educate and empower local communities, on the tourist Islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Paluay, about environmental issues like climate change, waste management, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainable lifestyles. Donations from our trips help EcoThailand's environmental guardianship education program for children in local state schools.
Find out more or make a donation
World Animal Protection
World Animal Protection are on a mission to free captive elephants in Thailand from suffering. Donations help them advocate for better living conditions for elephants in captivity and rescue elephants from inhumane conditions.
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.