Thailand
A hugely popular Southeast Asian destination that combines Buddhist temples and ancient cities, tropical islands, northern mountain towns and great food, with well-developed travel facilities.
Thailand lies in the middle of mainland Southeast Asia. Its capital, Bangkok, is a bustling international city, with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) as its signature sights. Central Thailand has the ruins of ancient capitals such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai; in the north, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai are known for mountain scenery and Lanna culture; in the south, Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman Sea, and Koh Samui and Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand, are island and beach resort destinations; and the northeastern Isan region retains a strong rural character. The best season is the cool season, from November to February. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are the main gateways, and Phuket, Chiang Mai and other cities also have international flights.
Destinations
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Pattaya
- Phuket
- Koh Samui
- Hat Yai & Songkhla
- Chiang Rai
- Ayutthaya
- Khao Lak & Similan Islands
- Krabi Ao Nang
- Koh Tao
- Udon Thani
- Koh Samet
- Koh Lipe
- Kanchanaburi & River Kwai
- Khao Sok National Park
- Koh Kood
- Pai & Mae Hong Son
- Lampang
- Hua Hin
- Chanthaburi
- Koh Chang
- Sukhothai
- Nan
- Trang & Islands
- Khao Yai
- Ko Lanta
- Khon Kaen
- Nakhon Ratchasima & Phimai
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Buriram
- Sangkhla Buri
- Koh Phayam
- Koh Phangan
- Cha-am
- Phetchaburi Old Town
- Khong Chiam
- Phayao
- Phrae
- Vientiane
Itineraries
- Isan Khmer Ruins & Mekong Loop – An extensive Isan route heading east from Khao Yai to Phimai and Phanom Rung, continuing to the Mekong River, and then…
- Classic Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Krabi – Head north from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, then fly to the Andaman Sea to experience historic temples, ancient cities, and…
- Ancient Capitals of Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai – Travel north through Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lampang, and Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to explore the ruins of the Siamese ki…
- Andaman Sea Island Hopping: Phuket to Langkawi – Island-hopping south from Phuket through Phi Phi, Railay, Lanta, Koh Mook and Koh Lipe, then crossing the sea to Langka…
- Thailand Eastern Seaboard, Koh Chang & Koh Kood – Travel along the eastern coast through Pattaya, Koh Samet, and Chanthaburi, then island-hop from Koh Chang and Koh Mak…
- Gulf of Thailand Trio: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan & Koh Samui – Take an overnight bus and ferry to Koh Tao for diving, pass through Koh Phangan, and fly out from Koh Samui on a seamle…
- Bangkok and Surroundings: Railway Market, River Kwai and Ayutthaya in – Three days exploring central Bangkok, then three day trips to Maeklong Railway Market, a night in Kanchanaburi on the R…
- Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand Day Trips in – Base yourself in the night market district east of the river. Beyond the city's classics, take day trips to Chiang Rai…
- Phuket, Khao Lak and the Similan Islands in – Stay four nights in Phuket for boat trips to Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay, then two nights in Khao Lak and a speedb…
- Lampang, Phrae & Nan Scenic Loop – Drive east from Chiang Mai through Lampang, Phrae, Nan, and Bo Kluea on a less-traveled mountain loop.
- Khao Lak, Khao Sok Rainforest & Krabi – Arrive in Phuket, cruise the Similan Islands, stay in a floating bungalow in Khao Sok, and fly out of Krabi.
- Phetchaburi & Hua Hin Railway Getaway – Take the Southern Line train to the historic city of Phetchaburi, pass through Cha-am to Hua Hin, and explore the cave…