As one of Southeast Asia’s top travel spots, the Land of Smiles has long welcomed travelers to its dazzling cities, idyllic islands, and temple-topped highlands. From the bright lights of Bangkok to the lush jungles of the north and the beautiful beaches of the south, Thailand has something spectacular everywhere you look. That said, some of the best things to do in Thailand are less about sights and more about sensation—like the feeling of zipping around the capital in a tuk-tuk, joining street-food cooking classes, or relaxing in a hammock under a coconut palm.
The best time to visit Thailand depends on what you want out of your holiday—if you’re looking to bask on the country’s world-famous beaches, visit the Andaman Coast between November and April, and the Gulf of Thailand from February through August for the sunniest skies. You’ll find the most consistent weather across the whole country—from the mountain regions of Chiang Mai to the humid streets of Bangkok—between January and April.
The traveler trail in Thailand is well-trodden, so the country boasts a transport infrastructure that makes scaling the landscapes a breeze. You can explore most of the country by train, as the five railway lines cover everywhere from Chiang Mai in the north to Sungai Kolok right at the southern tip, via Bangkok—the capital also has an efficient metro and SkyTrain. Islands off the Andaman Coast and in the Gulf of Thailand are accessible by ferry or speedboat, while AirAsia is a reliable budget airline offering cost-effective flights across the country.
While it might feel that nowhere in Thailand remains undiscovered, there are plenty of places that make you feel as if you’ve left the beaten path. The very first Thai capital, Sukhothai, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town home to atmospheric temple ruins, giant Buddhas, and lily pad–filled ponds. It’s a great place to watch monks collecting alms in the morning, and its market offers an authentic glimpse into Thai local life.
Local Currency Thai Baht (THB) | Time Zone ICT (UTC +7) | Country Code +66 | Language(s) Thai | Attractions 241 | Tours 6,872 | Reviews 141,844 |
Thailand is known for its warm hospitality, bustling capital city of Bangkok, and paradisical landscapes, from beautiful beaches and lush landscapes to dramatic hills and mountains. It’s also known for its many gilded temples, flavorful and spicy cuisine, and partying.
...MoreKey attractions include Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Buddhist temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho. Outside the capital, there’s the Damnoen Saduak floating market, Sukhothai ruins, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai’s White Temple, and UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya. Finally, the beaches and islands of Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are popular, as are national parks like Erawan, Khao Sok, and Khao Yai.
...MoreMany consider the southern part of Thailand the most beautiful. It’s home to many of the country’s most popular beaches and islands, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and the limestone karst landscape of Krabi. But the northern hills and mountains of Doi Chiang Dao and Doi Inthanon National Park are also stunning.
...MoreThe nickname “Land of Smiles” first originated as a marketing gambit to attract tourists and sell them on Thailand’s amazing hospitality. The locals can be warm and friendly, and certainly do smile a lot, though in Thailand a smile is a subtle form of interpersonal messaging that isn’t always meant to signal happiness.
...MoreYou should avoid insulting the king, royal family, or Buddha; touching monks or people’s heads; showing too much skin; and riding elephants or taking photos with captured animals. And don’t forget to take off your shoes in temples, homes, and some shops and restaurants.
...MorePlan for two weeks in Thailand. Spend three days visiting Bangkok and nearby attractions like Ayutthaya, two to three days visiting Chiang Mai and the north, a day or two in a national park, and the rest of your time on a southern beach or island, such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, or Samui.
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