Close up of colourful decorative faces adorning the grand palace.

Thailand holidays

Called the ‘The Land of Smiles’ for good reason. There’s so much in this Asian gem to leave you beaming, from the invigorating local cuisine, world-famous beaches and the calm nature that runs through its people.

Thai people have a strong sense of identity and open and engaging nature. Meeting local people is one of the joys of travelling here.

This is closely followed by the food, whether it be steaming bowls of rice on a street, eating freshly cooked fish on the beach or pungent snippets of zingy flavours, spicy chillies and fresh fruit from the markets, Thailand will stimulate the taste buds. Thailand still offers fabulous value for money and should be considered for families, honeymooners or adventurers alike.

Blurry image of tuk tuk speeding through streets at night.
Tuk tuk in Bangkok
Buddist Monks Praying, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Monks praying in Chiang Rai

What to expect on your Thailand holiday

Bangkok is a fun and vibrant city. With funky gin bars and pop up restaurants occupying former warehouses in Chinatown and lovely riverside hotels, it is a frenetic and colourful city – be prepared for the crowds and pack broad shoulders for walking the city. As with many countries, there are pockets which have been cornered by the mass tourism market but we can ensure a well planned itinerary visiting less developed areas for some fabulous and typically Thai experiences.

The beach hotels are second to none, rivalling any in the world and with Michelin standard cuisine available, they are offering a dining experience to compete on a truly international stage. Less visited rural areas in the north allow for self-drive options and boats to Laos being a stunning and peaceful way to experience the Mekong. Buddhism is integral to the lives of Thai people and with that comes a sense of calm as well as some stunning temples and palaces.

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Explore Thailand

  • Bangkok
  • Northern Thailand
  • Koh Samui
  • Phuket

Experiences

A selection of activities and experiences you could consider including in your holiday to Thailand.

Buddha Statues, Ayuthaya, Thailand

UNESCO Ayutthaya

Visit the former capital of Ayutthaya exploring temples and daily river life from a private rice barge, before returning to Bangkok by road.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Elephant Family, Thailand

Encounter Asian Elephants

Learn more about the Asian elephant at the Four Seasons Tented Camp or Anantara Hotel Chiang Rai. With a focus on care and understanding, neither offer elephant riding.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Karen Long Neck Woman, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Experience a Homestay

Experience hill tribe culture through a homestay – trek to a hill village north of Chiang Mai and stay the night in a local home to gain an insight into life in this rural region.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Massage in Thailand

Learn Thai Massage

Relax on the beach, followed by a Thai massage or better still book a private Thai massage lesson.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Spice Market, Thailand

Local Market Cooking Class

Chiang Mai is home to some delicious regional food so a cooking lesson in the market is fun.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Villa in Puket, Thailand

Hire a Private Villa

Hire a private, staffed villa with friends and family for a stay of pure Thai comfort and hospitality.

Longtail Boats, Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh Island, Krabi, Thailand

Picnic on the Beach

Bundle up an beach blanket, a basket full of food and wine and a sun umbrella before being whisked by private boat to a deserted island for a beach picnic.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Station View, Eastern & Oriental Express, Bangkok, Thailand

Take the Sleeper Train

Journey on the local overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or treat yourself to Eastern & Oriental’s journey to Singapore.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Poppy heads, Northern Thailand

The Hall of Opium Museum

Take a day trip from Chiang Rai to the Hall of Opium Museum, set up to provide education and information on the opium trade, which once plagued this region.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Long Tailed River Boat, Bangkok, Thailand

Cruise Bangkok’s Canals

Explore the canals of Bangkok by long tailed boat – James Bond style.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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Frequently asked questions about Thailand

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