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Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand

Golden temples, misty northern hills, warm-hearted people and island-dotted seas, with some of the best food in Asia along the way.

  • Best timeNov to Feb, cool and dry
  • Ideal trip10 to 14 days
  • Visa30 days visa-free for many
  • CurrencyThai baht (THB)
  • LanguageThai
  • Time zoneGMT+7
Private Thailand Itineraries

Thailand Tours, Made For You

From the temples of Bangkok to the misty hills of the north and the limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, Thailand rewards every kind of traveller. Every Orient Charm journey here is private and tailor-made, planned by local specialists around your interests, pace and travel style.

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Where To Go

Thailand At A Glance

Best: Nov to Feb

The North

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai

Old walled cities, hilltop temples, night markets and cool mountain valleys dotted with hill-tribe villages.

Best: Nov to Feb

Bangkok & The Centre

Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi

Riverside temples and street food in the capital, the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and the waterfalls of Kanchanaburi.

Best: Dec to Apr (Andaman coast)

The South

Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga Bay, Koh Samui

Limestone cliffs, island-hopping by longtail boat and long beach days on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

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Classic Route

The Classic Route

This route takes in the capital, the old kingdoms of the central plains, the temples and hills of the north and a slow finish by the sea. Every stop can be swapped, stretched or skipped.

  1. 1
    BangkokTemples by river boat, markets and the city’s legendary street food.
  2. 2
    KanchanaburiThe River Kwai, wartime history and the waterfalls of Erawan.
  3. 3
    AyutthayaTemple ruins of the old Siamese capital.
  4. 4
    Chiang RaiThe White Temple and the hills of the Golden Triangle.
  5. 5
    Chiang MaiOld city temples, cooking classes and night markets.
  6. 6
    PhuketBeaches, island-hopping and long sunset dinners by the sea.
See this 14-day journey
Thailand In Pictures

A Country You Will Fall For

Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok
Pai, Thailand
Pai
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Phang Nga Bay
The Chao Phraya River, Thailand
The Chao Phraya River
Northern Thailand, Thailand
Northern Thailand
The Andaman Sea, Thailand
The Andaman Sea
When To Go

The Best Time To Visit

Thailand is at its most comfortable from November to February, when the air is cooler and drier. March to May is hot, and the rainy season from June to October brings short, heavy showers and green landscapes. The Gulf islands such as Koh Samui follow a different pattern, with their wettest weeks in October and November.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Wetter or less ideal
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
North
Centre
Andaman

A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.

Things To Do

Experiences Not To Miss

Temples of Bangkok
Temples of BangkokWat Arun, the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha, best reached by river boat.
Old Chiang Mai
Old Chiang MaiDoi Suthep temple, the old city walls and lively night markets.
Elephants, the ethical way
Elephants, the ethical wayMeet rescued elephants at a sanctuary that does not offer riding.
Street food nights
Street food nightsPad thai, som tam, khao soi and mango sticky rice from the night markets.
Krabi and Railay
Krabi and RailayLimestone cliffs, longtail boats and some of the finest beaches in Asia.
Ancient Ayutthaya
Ancient AyutthayaThe temple ruins of the old Siamese capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Floating markets
Floating marketsBoats laden with fruit, flowers and snacks along the canals near Bangkok.
Erawan Falls
Erawan FallsSeven tiers of turquoise pools in the jungle of Kanchanaburi.
The White Temple
The White TempleThe dazzling, dreamlike Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai.
Island hopping
Island hoppingPhang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands and quiet coves by longtail boat.
Good To Know

Thailand Travel Questions

Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.

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Do I need a visa for Thailand?

Thailand updated its entry rules on 15 September 2026:

  • Visa-free for up to 30 days: holders of passports from 60 countries and territories, including the UK, the US, Australia and Canada, can visit for tourism without a visa. This replaced the earlier 60-day exemption.
  • Other nationalities: some can get a visa on arrival, and others need to apply for a visa before travelling.
  • Digital arrival card: complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before you arrive.
  • Passport: it should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

Rules change from time to time, so always check with the Royal Thai Embassy or official Thai government sources before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

November to February is cool, dry and ideal for most routes. March to May is hot, especially in Bangkok and the north. From June to October the rainy season brings short tropical downpours, lush scenery and fewer visitors. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is best from December to April, while the Gulf islands are usually driest from January to August.

How long should I spend in Thailand?

Ten to fourteen days lets you combine Bangkok, the north and a few days by the sea without rushing. With a week, we suggest Bangkok plus either the north or the islands. Our sample itineraries run from 3 to 14 days, and every one can be adjusted.

What currency is used, and can I pay by card?

The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants, while cash is best for markets, street food and smaller towns. ATMs are easy to find.

Is Thailand safe for travellers?

Thailand is a popular and generally safe destination. Watch your belongings in busy areas, use licensed taxis or ride apps, and take care on the roads and in the sea, where currents can be strong in the rainy season.

How should I dress and behave at temples?

Cover your shoulders and knees, take off your shoes before entering temple buildings, and never point your feet at a Buddha image. Speak respectfully about the Thai Royal Family: insulting the monarchy is a serious offence.

Should I tip in Thailand?

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated for good service, especially for guides, drivers and spa staff. Your travel specialist can share local customs before you go.

Will my phone work, and what plugs are used?

Local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport, and Wi-Fi is widely available. The power supply is 220V, and most sockets take two-pin plugs, so a universal adapter is useful.

Which dishes should I try?

Start with pad thai, tom yum soup, green curry and som tam papaya salad, try khao soi curry noodles in Chiang Mai, and finish with mango sticky rice.

Why travel with Orient Charm?

Every trip is private and tailor-made around your dates, interests, pace and budget. Our specialists and local guides plan the details for you, we favour local partners and low-impact activities, and our team looks after you from your first message to your flight home.

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