Thailand - Guide

By far the most popular travel destination in south-east Asia, Thailand’s rich, varied and colourful history has created a diverse country steeped in the arts of Buddhist culture and combines this with a warm and genuine friendliness. 

Known simply as the ‘land of smiles’, Thailand has so much to offer the traveller that for most people one visit just isn’t enough. Every holiday in Thailand offers the chance to relax on tropical golden beaches surrounded by deep blue seas, or explore the beautiful scenery and traditional way of life in the north as well as getting blown away by the hustle and bustle of modern Bangkok.

Although you are guaranteed sunshine, Thailand is so much more than a tropical beach paradise and for those wanting to enjoy an active trip there are countless outdoor pursuits available. Home to some of the best value for money diving in the world, the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand offer an array of diving options for both beginners and highly experienced divers. There are some superb trekking options on hand around Chiang Mai in the north where you can learn more about the various hill-tribes that help make Thailand such a diverse country. Other popular and easily arranged activities include climbing, mountain biking, sea kayaking and even jungle rafting. With an abundance of wildlife on offer, you can even combine a wildlife safari with some of the best fishing in Asia.

Thailand’s fascinating history means today there are hundreds of temples, palaces and interesting ruins to visit, including the ancient abandoned capital of Ayutthaya. The remarkably modern transport infrastructure also allows every traveller access to all parts of the country quickly and comfortably. Accommodation options are so varied in Thailand that you are sure to find the perfect place for your budget. With some of the world’s top 5 star hotels on offer for relatively cheap prices to low-cost, friendly guest-houses, the choice is vast.

With such an exciting blend of history, culture and modern comfort, Thailand offers the perfect holiday in so many ways and ensures that the exotic is never out of reach.

When to go

There is never a bad time to enjoy Thailand as long as you like the weather hot and humid. You will almost always experience temperatures above 20°C and humidity above 70%. The most comfortable time of year for most tourists is during the cool season (November to February) when rainfall is at its lowest, though still with intermediate showers, and the temperatures are between 20 and 30°C.

Though the ‘cool season’ is the best time weather-wise to visit Thailand you may find that this is also a more expensive time to travel. This is due to high season rates at the hotels/resorts and the busy Christmas holiday period. Thailand is a very popular destination for Australian and New Zealand families and as this is their main summer holiday period hotels can fill up quickly and sometimes well in advance.

There are also numerous full moon parties, all night raves, throughout the year (more in December and January) on Thailand’s southern island and beaches. These are very popular with revellers and backpackers and can book out a whole island within weeks of their dates being announced. Be aware of their undesirable reputation with locals & international embassies and if you are interested in joining the festivities be aware that not everything is as it seems (or labelled).

Highlights

• Bangkok – contrasts the old and the new perfectly, Thailand’s colourful capital has floating markets, temples, palaces and an unrivalled nightlife.
• Ayutthaya & Kanchanaburi – historically important sights within a stone’s throw of Bangkok.
• Wildlife - Khao Sok national park offers elephants, tigers and other exotic fauna and flora.
• Chang Mai – trek with hill-tribes or learn to cook Thai food in the country’s northern capital.
• Southern Islands – Deep blue tropical waters and soft, golden beaches surround the colourful coral reefs. Exciting nightlife can also be found on islands such as Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Krabi.