Holidays to ThailandDiscover Thailand with InsideAsia. Whether you want a relaxing honeymoon or an exciting family adventure, Thailand has something for every type of traveller. We offer a wide range of tailor-made holidays to Thailand that help you to experience this part of the world in exactly the way you want to.More visited than Paris or New York, Thailand isn’t short on attention. Maybe it’s the big, bold energy of Bangkok, the natural calm of Khao Sok, or the kaleidoscopic history of Chiang Mai – whatever it is, it makes people return.–Thailand is a country that first draws you in with its promise of tropical weather, friendly people (it's dubbed the Land of Smiles) and ease of travel. And once it's got you, it keeps you: 60% of Thailand’s visitors are returning travelers.Within your first 12 hours, you can hop in a tuk-tuk, try your first properly Thai pad thai, take a ferry down the Chao Phraya River and visit Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the Grand Palace temple complex.And where Bangkok welcomes you with a blast of energy, Khao Sok National Park calmly settles you in, with 5,000 square kilometers of ancient, protected forest, buzzing, howling and hooting with wildlife (there are 311 different species of birds alone). At 160 million years old, it's not just one of the oldest of Thailand's 156 national parks, it's three times older than the Amazon. Here, you can sleep in a floating lodge, kayak at sunrise across Cheow Lan Lake, and spot endangered elephants, great hornbills and sun bears.Treat each of our Thailand vacation trip ideas as a starting point: tell us what you love to do and how you want to spend your Thai baht, and we’ll design a tour itinerary that’s tailored to you.Read morePlan my trip Overview Trip ideas Experiences Places to visit Best time to visit Accommodation Trip ideasMore itinerariesPlan my trip Thailand Fully customisable 10 Days in ThailandIf you have ten days to spend in Thailand, this is the trip for you. Covering city and countryside stops, this is the perfect snapshot of what Thailand has to offer when you're short on time. Thailand Fully customisable Active Southern ThailandOne for the adrenaline junkies, this itinerary is packed with adventure — against the backdrop of southern Thailand’s beaches and jungles. Thailand Fully customisable Taste of ThailandA gastronomic adventure through one of the world’s great cuisines — from curry to coffee, and from street food to Michelin stars. Thailand Fully customisable Thailand Honeymoon Nowhere does honeymoons quite like Thailand. This trip is peak romantic adventure throughout. Thailand Fully customisable Highlights of ThailandSmall but perfectly formed, this pocket-sized trip to Thailand packs scenic and cultural highlights into a short space: perfect for those with limited time. Thailand Fully customisable Wild Thailand Family AdventureThis family trip has it all: tropical beaches, jungle adventure, hands-on culture and (best of all) elephants. Thailand Fully customisable Luxury ThailandThe finest accommodation, the most unique and exclusive experiences, the most comfortable transportation, the most knock-down-gorgeous locations. What more can we say? This is the very best Thailand has to offer. Thailand Fully customisable Thailand Family AdventureCity and countryside, action and relaxation, culture and fun — this trip has everything you need for an incredible family vacation in Thailand. Thailand Fully customisable Boutique ThailandExplore staggering scenery and remote communities in style on this high-comfort, low-exertion adventure through northern & central Thailand. Thailand Fully customisable Classic Thailand with a TwistCombine famous landmarks with offbeat activities to experience Thailand’s classic destinations in a new light. Thailand Fully customisable Trails of Northern ThailandChallenging but oh-so-rewarding, this one’s all about spectacular nature, minority culture, and getting out on the trail. Thailand Fully customisable Kingdoms of ThailandHow did Thailand become Thailand? Follow the threads of history back to the kingdoms and cultures that shaped Thailand today. Multi-country Fully customisable Thailand & Laos ExplorerExperience two unique but intertwined cultures as you cruise along the Mekong from northern Thailand to Laos. Top destinations in ThailandThailand's north and south offer completely different rhythms, flavours and landscapes – from Chiang Rai’s highland air and surrealist art houses, to the Andaman coast’s warm-water islands. You’ll find grilled sausage stalls tucked behind gold-leafed temples, simple home-cooked lunches shared on trekking trails with hill tribe hosts, and beaches where longtails still outnumber loungers. We’ve travelled the length of the country – and we help you join the dots that matter.Read lessFrom Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai – Thailand's citiesBangkok is the archetypal Southeast Asian megalopolis: big, bold and brash, for sure – but somehow beautiful in its dizzying, non-stop chaos. Explore each of its nine principal districts, so distinct, they could be classed as individual cities in their own right. You could spend a year in Bangkok – but we suggest you venture further.Chilled-out Chiang Mai is a city with a bit more space to breathe. Life moves at a slower pace, and its European influence brings tree-lined boulevards and a cool, contemporary art scene. But, the ancient Tha Phae Gate maintains Chiang Mai's ancient origins – acting as the entrance to the Old City and your landmark for navigating Chiang Mai. Spend your time visiting teakwood houses and temples, and plan your meals around night markets and street food stalls (pork and mint flavored laab is a Chiang Mai favorite of ours).Then, there's Chiang Rai. Encircled by mountains and a short drive from the Golden Triangle – where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos – Chiang Rai is often the base for northern Thailand treks and River Mekong cruises. But, it's also the best place to try "Lanna" food (think spicy sai ua sausage and khao soi noodle soup), in-between temple explorations. And don't miss the dark and artsy Black House (Baan Dam), home to Thai artist Thawan Duchanee and his idiosyncratic pieces of work (taxidermy and dark wood feature heavily).Northern Thailand Home to Chiang Mai and Chaing Rai, many visitors focus the northern section of their Thailand vacation within the big cities.But, if you love lacing up your walking boots and exploring by trail, northern Thailand provides epic trekking terrain. Hike past jungle-covered mountains, stop for lunch by waterfalls and visit hill tribe villages, like the Karen and Akha communities - eating dishes straight from home kitchens, if you're lucky enough to share a meal with them.Southern ThailandIt's all too easy to fly to Thailand's largest island, Phuket, and sunbathe for a week or two. And, while there’s nothing wrong with that, there's so much to explore along Thailand's southern trunk.From climbing the cliffs on Railay Beach, to learning how to make paper out of pineapple and elephant dung in Kui Buri, and relaxing on the powder soft beaches of Khao Lak (with just the right amount of tourist services and local originality locked in), there's many types of cultural adventure to be found in southern Thailand.Read moreMore placesPlan my trip Thailand BangkokBangkok is an assault on the senses. Clouds of aromatic steam battle with exhaust fumes, neon signs blink jarringly alongside confection-like temples, and 30-degree heat and humidity heightens the sensation that you’re simmering in a heady, spice-laden stew. Thailand Ko SamuiWith its trifecta of swoon-worthy tropical scenery, cutting-edge spas, and unbeatable, ocean-fresh dining, could Ko Samui be the most indulgent island getaway in the world? Thailand Chiang MaiIn contrast to the mile-a-minute chaos of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a breath of fresh air. Here, leafy boulevards and European architecture survive alongside temples dating back to the twelfth century. Thailand is a place where classic culture and contemporary life collide at 100 miles an hour in a chaotic explosion of lifeIt has ancient ruins, in which you can trace the birth of Thai culture, co-existing with modern, laid-back towns populated with rooftop bars, art galleries and hipster coffee shops.It is, of course, the original tropical paradise – beautiful beaches with seas as clear as glass and sand so white it threatens to burn your retinas. It has jungles three times as old as the Amazon, lakes with limestone caves and jagged karsts, and mountains threaded with hiking trails through paddy fields, forests, minority villages and hot springs.Thailand is so often classed as tacky: full moon parties, tourist-focused floating markets and the infamous Khao San Road. But your Thailand adventure can so easily avoid all that. " Experiences in ThailandGreat experiences start with people – whether it’s listening to your local guide's stories of war history, or learning how to make a killer green curry in Thai cooking classes.Read lessEthical elephant experiencesThe Bush Camp elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai is one of our recommended spots for meeting elephants in an ethical environment. At this African safari themed site, you'll learn how elephants live, watch them get their morning wash from their mahout carers, and sit back and admire the Chedi domes and mountain ranges from your own infinity pool.And, if you want to combine ethical elephant experiences with venturing into one of Thailand's national parks, there's Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park. Again, this sanctuary puts elephant quality of life front and center – elephant rides are banned, but helping to prepare elephant food and watching them bathe in mud are very much on the agenda.Wellness retreatsWhether you want to bask in natural hot springs behind the Krabi mountains, or stay within the walls of your hotel spa for ultimate relaxation and ease, if you want spa-based luxury, Thailand's the place.Thai cooking classesIf there is one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that Thai food is nothing short of godly. And some of us don't just want to eat it – we want to learn how to recreate that incredible local cuisine in our own kitchen.Whether you want to focus your entire Thailand itinerary on food (and why not?) or you learn to make Sukhohai classics in a chef's back garden as part of your trip, there's a cookery class to suit.Island hoppingHopping across the Thai islands is a popular focus for Thailand beach vacations. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that they're one and the same – each island has its own character. There's Ko Lipe, for example, part of Mu Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, favourited by generations of Thai travelers. Or Ko Lanta, a quiet slice of once-hippie beach life that's got a very different vibe to nightlife-driven Ko Phi-Phi and Ko Samui, now a place for luxury stays and wellness retreats.Speak to us to map out an island hopping itinerary that works for you – whether that's bars and restaurants within easy-reach of your sun lounger, or flawless, sandy beaches you can (almost) guarantee having to yourself.Read moreMore experiencesPlan my trip Bangkok • Thailand Bangkok after darkBangkok is the city that never stops eating, as you’ll discover on this late-night tuk-tuk tour of the city’s finest street-food spots and drinking holes. Thailand Island-hopping in the beautiful southOnce you’ve seen one island, you’ve seen them all — or have you? Spend a day island-hopping in Thailand’s beautiful south and discover a treasure trove of hidden coves, pearl-white beaches and vivid coral reefs. Chiang Mai • Thailand Trekking in northern ThailandRolling countryside threaded through with rivers, mountains speckled with crumbling ruins and minority villages surrounded by rice paddies: northern Thailand is a walker’s paradise. Chiang Mai • Thailand Half day Chiang Mai's spiritual sideBeginning in the old town center and working outwards to the peak of Doi Suthep, trace Chiang Mai’s spiritual heritage from city-center chedis, up the longest naga stairway in Thailand to one of the North’s most sacred sites. Khao Sok National Park • Thailand Meet gentle giants at Elephant HillsCombine luxurious, safari-style tents with a world-class, animal-friendly elephant sanctuary — all set against the backdrop of the magical Thai rainforest — and you get one of our favorite wildlife experiences in Southeast Asia. Bangkok • Thailand Kings & khlongs: Half-day tour of the canals of old BangkokBefore Bangkok became famous for its busy nightlife and glitzy malls, it was known as the “Venice of the East”: threaded through with hundreds of canals (or khlongs) and lined with teakwood homes and shrines. Thailand travel guide Best time to visit Thailand The dry season is considered by many as the best time for a Thailand vacation – from November to early May. But we don't think that's the only time to visit Thailand. Each season has its pros, cons and surprises.However, the only time we would discourage travel is to northern Thailand during burning season (March/April). This is when farmers burn crops in a traditional agricultural method known as “slash and burn”, which can lead to poor air quality. It’s also a particularly humid time of year.If you're after lush greenery and smaller crowds, the wet season (late May to October) could be your ideal time to go. Thailand's beaches are often quieter this time, too, if you aren't bother by the odd afternoon downpour (it can be rather refreshing).Find more details on the best time to visit Thailand. Reasons to go to Thailand Thai foodEven without any of its other draws, we’d probably still come to Thailand just to get a bowl of fragrant green curry, or to browse the steaming, sizzling food market stalls of Bangkok. And though you might think you’re familiar with Thai cuisine – think again. Sure, there’s old friends like pad thai and Massaman curry, but there’s also sesame dumplings, stir-fried crab, bread rolls filled with chocolate, mung bean candy and oyster pancakes. The list is (almost) endless, and it’s all gloriously, incomparably delicious.Thailand's beachesThailand is perhaps most famous for its paradise beaches – and with the fame come the crowds, so it's worth knowing where, and when, to go.Phuket, Ko Chang, Krabi and Ko Samui can get overcrowded, but are family vacation favorites for a reason. They've got genuinely beautiful beaches, plenty of hotels to choose from and they're easy to access from Thailand's mainland.Some less frequtented options (for now), include Khao Lak, Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai.Khao Lak is within easy reach of Phuket airport, just an hour's drive away, and connects brilliantly with Khao Sok National Park.Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi have a calm, Muslim focused culture – you won't find beach parties here. How Thailand's history led to tourism Thailand may look and feel like its neighbors in a lot of ways, but it has always charted its own course – evading colonization, while its neighbors have been dominated by Dutch, Portuguese, French and British powers.Back in the 13th century, the Kingdom of Sukhothai was known for its genius for adapting outside influences to domestic purposes. Culturally omnivorous, it sucked in art and knowledge from all corners of the world, fusing insights from Persia, Japan and France with local Khmer, Mon and Malay traditions to synthesize something entirely new. The resulting Sukhothai style is considered the birth of Thai culture, and has remained the bedrock of traditional art and architecture in Thailand ever since.When squeezed between colonial powers in the 19th century, the French in the East and British in the West, Thailand resisted colonization – the only country in Southeast Asia to do so successfully. Later, while Myanmar was languishing under a repressive military regime and Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos were suffering through the Second Indochina War, Thailand super-charged its economy by hosting American troops – then seamlessly transformed itself from a wartime R&R destination into Southeast Asia’s first international tourism hub. Combining Thailand with Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos You could easily spend a month or more in Thailand – and some of our customers do. But, if you've got the time to make your long-haul flight stretch further, and you want to explore beyond the Thai borders, we recommend heading onto Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam.There are so many ways to make a combination trip work – whether you cruise between Laos and Thailand via the Mekong River, like travel expert, Tyler did with his family, or you pick our Thailand and Laos Explorer itinerary to act as your trip template – Thailand needn't be the only stop on your Southeast Asian adventure. Guides and inspiration Thailand Best time to visit Thailand When to go to Thailand: weather, seasons, monsoons Thailand has a tropical climate consisting of two seasons: dry and wet. Dry season is... Thailand 10 reasons to visit southern Thailand There's more to Southern Thailand than the beaches of Phuket - here are our top ten reasons to explore the south. Thailand Elephant tourism in Southeast Asia: how to do it right Elephant tourism in Southeast Asia is a big draw: but if you want to see the magnificent creatures, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right. FAQs Sometimes you need a specialist. Whether your question is about visas, domestic flight combinations or how vegan-friendly Thailand is, we're here to help you. Is Thailand a good destination for a family vacation? Yes! Thailand is a great country to visit with kids in tow, (Asia specialist Tyler found on his family trip) as are many other Southeast Asian countries. Speak to us to book the rooms, transport and experiences that will make your family vacation a dream. Is Thailand easy to travel around? For many people, Thailand is their introduction to Southeast Asia. Thailand first began welcoming tourists back in the 1970s, long before its neighbors, and while this mean it’s by no means untouched (in fact, it’s one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world) it does means that this is one of the most well-connected, well-developed, and all-round delightful places to travel in the whole of Asia.Getting around is a breeze, accommodation is outstanding at all budgets, and the national cuisine is unbeatable, from beach shack curry on Ko Pha-Ngan to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Chiang Mai. Expect a warm welcome and good humor everywhere you go in the Land of Smiles - Thailand's friendliness is baked into its culture. Is Thailand too touristy? Thai people are long accustomed to foreign tourists, which means that many people understand English, Westerner-friendly food is readily available, and every town has a proliferation of guides and operators ready to sell you cultural experiences, historical tours and outdoor adventures. It does also mean that you’ll have to contend with some pushy touts, tourist tat, and occasional crowds – but that’s the price you pay for beauty, ease and comfort.Thailand’s tourist industry grew at breakneck speed, before the world really knew about the perils of unregulated mass tourism, and that legacy lingers. Everyone has heard about the overdeveloped and overcrowded beaches, unethical elephant camps and tiger-petting experiences, the drug-fueled full moon parties, the infamous ping-pong shows and the thriving sex tourism industry. These things do exist, but they’re easily avoided.The good news is that, while Thailand has its detractors, we feel that it’s a case of a minority of bad actors garnering an outsized reputation. Thailand has learned a lot from the past 50 years of tourism, and things are improving all the time. Logging is now entirely banned, and eco-lodges, sustainable travel companies and community-based tourism initiatives are popping up like daisies (or orchids, perhaps).Also, everyone is just really friendly. Why book through a tour operator? If vacations to Thailand are so easy, would you bother with a tour operator? It’s a fair question – and you certainly can visit Thailand independently without much difficulty. The hard part is knowing what’s actually worth doing – knowing how to tell the truly great hotels, tours and experiences from the substandard ones. Choose poorly, and you risk contributing to exploitation and environmental degradation – but choose wisely and you’ll have the time of your life. That's why each Thailand itinerary we build is bespoke to what you want to do, and cherry picks those experiences you'll connect best with. Is Thailand safe to travel to? For the most part, vacations in Thailand are safe. Though political tensions have caused tourists to stay away in the past (most notably during the 2014 coup) such events are rare, and usually only felt in the capital. How much does a Thailand tour itinerary typically cost? The cost of your trip to Thailand depends on several factors, including the length of your trip, the destinations that you’re planning to go to, the type of accommodation that you’ll be staying in and the activities that you’re looking to do whilst you’re over there. Our Thailand itineraries all vary in price based on how extensive you want your visit to the country to be. Is Thailand a good place to visit with your family? Yes. Thailand is one of our top destinations we recommend for a family vacation – it's an exciting and safe place to travel for every age. From the calm beaches of Ko Samui to the beautiful wildlife of Phetchaburi and Kui Buri there are many ways to enjoy Thailand if you’re looking for a family-centric break. And there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. Your teens may want to try out a Muay Thai workshop, you could be keen on a craft village visit in Chiang Mai, and often entire families agree that meeting elephants is a Thailand trip highlight. Tell us what excites your family most about a Thailand vacation, and we’ll weave something in for everyone.We have specific itineraries that have been with families in mind. Our Thailand Family Adventure tour takes you on a cultural and historic tour through Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai over 12 nights, with experiences, accommodation and transfers all handpicked with families in mind. If you want a more active trip, then our Wild Thailand Family Adventure itinerary has a range of activities to create the perfect family vacation. What if I can’t find the right itinerary for me? All our trips to Thailand can be tailored and customized to help you experience this part of the world in your own way. Whether you want to add some extra nights on an itinerary, take your trip at a slower pace, or add in additional activities or excursions, our dedicated team can arrange that for you. Why book with InsideAsia? Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours. Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone. Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us. Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times. Speak with a Thailand specialist Friendly, dedicated people who care as much about your trip as you doGet a brochureMake an inquiry
Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours.
Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone.
Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us.
Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times.