18 June 2026
In this guide
When it comes to a tropical getaway, few countries can rival Thailand. Known as the “Land of Smiles”, it draws millions of travellers every year. Lively cities, a rich cultural heritage, grand temples and beautiful beaches all come together here. Whether you are planning an active trip, a romantic honeymoon or a stress-free family holiday, Thailand works beautifully.
One of the main reasons travellers fall for Thailand is its variety. From the neon-lit streets of Bangkok to the misty mountains of the north and the islands of the south, the country changes completely within a few hundred kilometres. You can spend one day at a centuries-old royal palace, the next zip-lining over the forest, and end the week on a white-sand beach with a fresh coconut in hand.
For food lovers, Thailand is a delight. Its street food is famous for flavours that balance sweet, sour, spicy and salty. Walk through any local market and you will smell pad thai sizzling in the wok, creamy green curry, tom yum soup and mango sticky rice. Some of the best dishes in the country are eaten right on the pavement, for a dollar or two.
Thailand is also easy to get around, and good value. Beautiful boutique hotels, traditional Thai massage, domestic flights or trains: everything costs far less than in many Western countries, so your budget goes further.
Above all, it is the hospitality of Thai people that leaves the deepest impression. Their warmth, easy smiles and helpfulness make you feel safe and welcome from the moment you land.
What to see in Thailand
Bangkok – the high-energy capital
Your journey will most likely begin in Bangkok, a thrilling city where old meets new. It is renowned for the Grand Palace and its riverside temples, such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho, home to the giant golden reclining Buddha. Beyond the temples, it is a shopper’s city, with huge modern malls and the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Phuket – the big island of the south
For beach resorts and nightlife, Phuket remains the classic island choice. It is Thailand’s largest island, known for lively Patong Beach, its beach clubs and day trips to the Phi Phi Islands. It makes a good base for island-hopping, diving or simply watching the sun set over the Andaman Sea.
Chiang Mai – culture and mountains
For a completely different, more relaxed feel, head north to Chiang Mai, a city ringed by misty mountains and forest. It is the cultural heart of northern Thailand, with hundreds of old temples, lively night markets and ethical elephant sanctuaries. The cooler mountain air and slower pace make it a favourite with nature lovers.
Krabi and Railay Beach – cliffs and climbing
Krabi has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world. Railay Beach is known for its limestone cliffs rising straight out of the emerald water: a world-renowned rock-climbing spot. Reached only by long-tail boat, Railay feels peaceful, almost unreal.
Ayutthaya – the ancient kingdom
A short drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is an essential stop for history lovers. The former capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of palace ruins, monasteries and stone Buddhas. Cycling around the historical park feels like stepping back in time, with superb spots for photographs.
