Thailand Travel Guide
Island beaches, temples and wellness, with Phuket as a hub
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Thailand offers a wide mix in one trip: Bangkok’s temples and street food, northern mountains and old city of Chiang Mai, and island beaches in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Phuket is the largest island and a common gateway to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi islands.
It suits many types of travellers, from budget backpackers to luxury resort guests, and is well known for massage, spa treatments and wellness retreats. This guide focuses on Thailand overall, with Phuket as the featured beach base.
Find a place to stay in Thailand
Compare hotels, villas and guesthouses with free cancellation on most rooms.
Search stays in ThailandWhy go
Beaches and islands
Andaman Sea islands near Phuket and Krabi, plus Gulf islands such as Koh Samui.
Food
Regional dishes and street food, plus cooking classes in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Wellness
Thai massage, herbal spas, yoga and detox retreats are widely available.
Culture
Temples, festivals and markets across the country.
Good value
Many accommodation levels, and strong domestic transport links by air, rail and bus.
Where to stay
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island, with beaches such as Kata, Karon and Nai Harn, plus Old Phuket Town for food and architecture. See stays in Phuket
Krabi and Railay
Limestone cliffs, climbing, beaches and island tours. See stays in Krabi and Railay
Koh Samui
A Gulf island with resorts, wellness retreats and beaches. See stays in Koh Samui
Bangkok
The capital, with temples, markets, rooftop bars and a big food scene. See stays in Bangkok
Chiang Mai
A northern city with temples, cooking classes and ethical elephant sanctuaries nearby. See stays in Chiang Mai
Phang Nga Bay
Limestone karsts and sea caves, visited by boat from Phuket. See stays in Phang Nga Bay
Top sights and things to do
Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Bangkok
Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
A mountain temple with views over the city.
Phang Nga Bay
Limestone islands including Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island).
Big Buddha, Phuket
A hilltop statue with panoramic views of the island.
Phi Phi Islands
Popular day-trip destination. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Similan Islands
A national park for diving and snorkelling, open during the dry season only.
Take a Thai cooking class
Popular in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket.
Get a traditional Thai massage
Widely available and generally affordable.
Hop between islands
Day trips by speedboat or longtail boat from Phuket and Krabi.
Visit a night market
Phuket Old Town, Chiang Mai and Bangkok have well-known markets.
Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
Choose a sanctuary that does not offer riding or performances.
Explore Old Phuket Town
Sino-Portuguese architecture, cafes and street art.
Tours and skip-the-line tickets in Thailand
Small-group tours, entry tickets and day trips, most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
See activitiesDay trips from Thailand
Compare guided excursions by reviews, duration and price.
Browse day tripsPractical tips
- Check current entry and visa rules on official government sources before travel.
- Dress modestly at temples: cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where asked.
- Choose operators carefully for boat trips and watersports, and check safety equipment and insurance.
- Avoid elephant rides and shows. Look for sanctuaries with observation-only policies.
- Be aware of the monsoon pattern: Andaman and Gulf coasts have different best seasons.
- Carry some cash for markets and small shops, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.
Shop the trip
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February for most places. For Phuket and the Andaman coast, November to April is generally best.
Is Phuket worth visiting?
Yes, if you want beaches, island tours and a wide choice of hotels. Choose your beach carefully, as Patong is busy and nightlife-focused while Kata, Karon and Nai Harn are calmer.
How many days do I need in Thailand?
Ten to fourteen days lets you combine Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a beach area without rushing.
Is Thailand good for wellness retreats?
Yes. It has a strong tradition of massage, yoga and spa, with many retreat options in Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Is Thailand expensive?
It is generally good value compared with Europe and North America, but island resorts in peak season can be pricey.