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Thailand holidays

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Phi Phi Island, Thailand

Beyond the white sandy beaches and luxury hotels, Thailand holidays offer a feast for the senses, with world-class street food, floating markets, and Buddhist temples. And you can expect warm hospitality – it’s affectionately known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, after all.

Bangkok – the electric capital

Bold and beautiful, Bangkok boasts a fun and friendly personality. Tuk-tuk rides take you from bustling floating markets to foodie hotspots and lively clubs on Khao San Road (a budget-friendly hub for backpackers). Sunset cocktails at a sky bar treat you to the finest views of Bangkok’s awe-inspiring architecture, from the Grand Palace in the city centre to the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Best time to visit Thailand

A top winter sun destination, Thailand in December and January is warm and dry – ideal for beach holidays and city escapes. For an unforgettable taste of the country’s colourful culture, visit during Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, choosing a hotel near the ocean to keep you cool as the temperatures soar. Green season (between May and October) brings heavy tropical monsoons, but there can sometimes be good deals to be had during those shoulder seasons.

Where to stay in Thailand

Scenic Krabi, the ideal base for island hopping, impresses with its dramatic limestone cliffs and secluded Railay Beach, only accessible by boat. Family-friendly Khao Lak has quieter beaches (including Thai Muang, where turtles lay their eggs), prime snorkelling and diving spots, and lush national parks for hiking. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is home to the beach party capital Patong, but also features quieter corners, like peaceful Mai Khao. As a tamer Gulf Coast alternative, the island of Koh Samui is a health and wellness specialist with a surprisingly upbeat nightlife.

Multi-Centre and jungle adventures

Settling on just one spot is no easy feat in this kaleidoscopic country. Our Thailand Multi-Centre holidays let you tick off two or more places in a single trip, so you can start your adventure in energetic Bangkok and end it snoozing beneath a coconut palm on an island beach. If you fancy seeing even more, think about a TUI Tour. These itineraries let you spend a week or two island hopping or working your way across the country, soaking up the northern traditions in Chiang Mai then getting back to nature in the jungle at Khao Sok National Park’s Elephant Hills.

Popular hotels in Thailand

Latest reviews

Facts about Thailand

Capital

Bangkok

Currency

Thai Baht

(THB)

Population

69,518,555

Language

Thai

Time zone

GMT +7

Flight duration

12 hours from Gatwick

FAQs

Some FAQs are AI-generated. Use them as a helpful guide and confirm details before making travel decisions.

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What travel adapter do I need for Thailand?

When visiting Thailand, you'll find two-pin round or flat sockets. We recommend bringing a Type A two flat pins or Type C two round pins adapter. Most hotels also offer universal sockets, but it's best to be prepared with your own adapter.

What are the best beaches in Thailand?

Thailand offers Railay Beach in Krabi with limestone cliffs and clear waters, Maya Bay on Phi Phi Islands known for its natural bay setting, and White Sand Beach on Koh Chang with soft sand and calm conditions ideal for swimming.

What's the nightlife like in Thailand?

Thailand's nightlife varies by location. Bangkok and Phuket offer lively scenes with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. In resort areas, you'll find beachfront bars and cultural shows. Many hotels also provide evening entertainment programs for a more relaxed nightlife experience.

Where are the best places to shop in Thailand?

Thailand offers diverse shopping experiences. In Bangkok, you'll find modern malls like Siam Paragon alongside traditional markets such as Chatuchak Weekend Market. Phuket and Koh Samui also have vibrant night markets where you can find local crafts and souvenirs.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Thailand?

When visiting Thailand, locals greet with the wai, a slight bow with palms together. Tourists are not expected to initiate it, but returning it is polite. Dress modestly at temples, covering shoulders, chest and knees with loose-fitting clothing. Remove shoes before entering temples and homes.

Should I tip in Thailand?

Tipping isn't a widespread custom in Thailand, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is welcome if a service charge isn't included. For other services, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is a kind gesture.

Where can I try local food in Thailand?

Traditional Thai cuisine can be found throughout the country. We recommend trying local street food markets for authentic flavours. Many resorts offer Thai cooking classes and themed nights. For a special experience, visit a floating market or try a traditional Khantoke dinner in Chiang Mai.

What should I pack for Thailand?

For Thailand, pack light cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes for exploring and beachwear for beaches and hotel pools. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, plus insect repellent for rural and coastal areas. Include modest clothing for temple visits covering shoulders and knees, and a light wrap for air-conditioned spaces.

Events in Thailand

January

Lunar New Year

It depends on the lunar cycle, but January’s usually the time when the Chinese community in Thailand ring in the lunar new year with things like street food markets and lantern displays.

February

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Chiang Mai is at its most colourful during February’s Flower Festival. Huge floral displays pop up all over the city for the event, which is marked by parades, concerts and street markets.

March

National Muay Thai Day

Thailand’s national sport’s celebrated in gyms and stadiums across the country on National Muay Thai Day on 17th of March. If you’re here then, it’s a good excuse to grab a ticket to see a fight.

April

Songkran

Songkran – AKA Thai New Year – is marked each April with massive water fights all over the country, with the main ones in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It’s the perfect excuse to party with the locals.

May

Koh Samui Regatta

This huge annual sailing event attracts over 200 teams and thousands of spectators from all over the world. As well as watching boat races, you can soak up the party atmosphere on dry land.

June

Thailand Pride Month

Pride Month in Thailand is marked with bold, bright celebrations – the biggest being held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Live music, colourful parades and street food are among the highlights.

July

Asanha Bucha

This event, commemorating the Buddha’s first sermon, is held during the full moon on the eighth lunar month, which is usually in July. If you’re here, look out for candlelit processions near temples.

August

Mother’s Day

In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated in tandem with the Queen Mother’s birthday on 12th of August. Expect decorations, blue flags and fairy lights popping up all over to mark the occasion.

September

Hungry Ghost Festival

In early September, Chinese communities across Thailand leave food outside homes and temples for the ghosts of their ancestors, who they believe visit our realm at this time of year to eat.

October

Awk Pansa

Awk Pansa marks the end of Buddhist Lent, and is held on the last full moon of October. All across Thailand, the occasion’s celebrated with illuminated boat processions and races.

November

Loy Krathong

This festival – celebrated on the night of the full moon in the 12th lunar month – sees people all over Thailand release lit lanterns onto rivers and lakes. And yes, it’s as picturesque as it sounds.

December

Wonderfruit Festival

This festival’s probably the closest thing Thailand’s got to Glastonbury. Held in fields near Pattaya in December, it combines live music with talks, art exhibitions and plenty of good food.

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