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Asia
Thailand
Thailand combines a large, fast city with mountains in the north and islands on two separate seas. Domestic flights are short and inexpensive, so it is easy to combine contrasting places in one trip.
Best time · November to March is the driest and most comfortable period across most of the countrySuggested length · 8 to 12 nights to combine a city, the north and one island
Where should you go?
- Bangkok for food, markets and temples
- Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for the north
- Krabi, Phuket and Khao Lak on the Andaman coast
- Koh Samui and Koh Phangan on the Gulf coast
What should you do?
- Eat your way through Bangkok's street food areas
- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in the north
- Take a longtail boat between limestone islands
- Learn to cook a few Thai dishes properly
What should you eat or experience?
- Street food is the strength here: noodles, grilled meat, curries and fruit
- Regional cooking differs sharply between the north, north-east and south
Where is a good area to stay?
- Bangkok: riverside for views, Sukhumvit for transport
- Islands: choose one coast per trip rather than both
When should you visit?
November to March is the driest and most comfortable period across most of the country. The two coasts have opposite monsoon patterns, which matters when planning beach time.
How long should you spend there?
8 to 12 nights to combine a city, the north and one island.
Visa
Check the requirements and the official source before you book.
Thailand visa information