Thailand holidays

Best hotels in Thailand

Barcelo Coconut Island Phuket

Thailand, Coconut Island

Flight & Hotel / 7 nights / Bed & Breakfast

from£910pp

4.4ATOL Protected

Cassia Phuket, part of Banyan Group

Thailand, Bang Tao Beach

Flight & Hotel / 7 nights / Bed & Breakfast

from£865pp

4.7ATOL Protected

Rawai Palm Beach Resort

Thailand, Rawai

Flight & Hotel / 7 nights / Bed & Breakfast

from£735pp

4.0ATOL Protected

OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort

Thailand, Khao Lak

Flight & Hotel / 7 nights / Bed & Breakfast

from£865pp

4.9ATOL Protected

Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort And Spa

Thailand, Karon

Flight & Hotel / 7 nights / Room Only

from£920pp

4.8ATOL Protected

Currency

Thailand is where adventure, relaxation and culture collide. From buzzing Bangkok to the paradise islands of Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, this is a country that delivers on every level. Whether you're after golden beaches, ancient temples, or mouthwatering street food, Thailand holidays promise memories you'll treasure forever – and with a low deposit from just £19pp, you can start planning today.

Top 5 Things to Do in Thailand

Marvel at Bangkok's Temples: Start your journey in the capital with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, home to the sacred Emerald Buddha. Don't miss Wat Pho's colossal Reclining Buddha and the city's vibrant street life.
Island Hop the Andaman Sea: Cruise from Phuket or Krabi to discover Thailand's famous islands, including the iconic James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan) in Phang Nga Bay, made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun.
Explore Thailand's Legendary Markets: Dive into the sights, sounds and flavours of Thai markets. Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is a must for everything from local crafts to coconut ice cream, while night markets in Krabi and Chiang Mai are perfect for foodies and bargain hunters. For a truly unique experience, visit one of Thailand's famous floating markets, such as Damnoen Saduak near Bangkok, offering a taste of authentic local life.
Embrace Outdoor Adventure: From rock climbing on Krabi's limestone cliffs to snorkelling in crystal-clear waters off Koh Phangan, Thailand is an outdoor playground. Trek through jungles or kayak hidden lagoons.
Unwind on World-Class Beaches: Sink your toes into powdery sands at Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Phangan. Whether you're after lively beach clubs or secluded coves, there's a stretch of paradise with your name on it.

5 Hidden Gems in Thailand

Koh Panyee Floating Village: Discover this unique fishing village in Phang Nga Bay, built entirely on stilts. Wander colourful walkways, sample fresh seafood, and learn about the fascinating history of this welcoming community.
ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary: For an ethical wildlife experience, visit ChangChill in northern Thailand. Here, elephants roam free and you can learn about conservation without riding or intrusive interactions.
Laem Singh Beach, Phuket: Tucked between Kamala and Surin, this hidden bay is a local favourite for its laid-back vibe, palm-fringed sands and excellent snorkelling - a true escape from the crowds.
Phrayanakorn Cave, Hua Hin: Hike to this dramatic limestone cave to find a royal pavilion bathed in sunlight - a magical, off-the-beaten-path spot for explorers and photographers.
Khao Sok National Park: Venture into one of the world's oldest rainforests for jungle trekking and boat rides across the stunning Cheow Lan Lake – a true wilderness adventure.

Thai Cuisine

No Thailand holiday is complete without diving into its legendary food scene. Start with Pad Thai, the country's signature stir-fried noodle dish, bursting with a balance of sweet, sour and savoury flavours, and topped with crunchy peanuts and a squeeze of lime. For a taste of true Thai comfort, try Tom Yum Goong - a hot and sour shrimp soup packed with lemongrass, lime and chilli for a real flavour kick. Curry fans are spoilt for choice: sample the creamy coconut notes of a classic Green Curry, or opt for the milder Yellow Curry, both simmered with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables.

Don't miss Pad Kra Pao, a spicy stir-fry of meat and holy basil, usually served with rice and a fried egg for that extra indulgence. And for something refreshingly different, tuck into Som Tam, a zesty green papaya salad that's crunchy, spicy and totally moreish. With every bite, you'll discover why Thai cuisine is loved the world over - and why you'll be coming back for seconds.

22°C - 37°C

The climate in Thailand is tropical, so you’ll experience warm weather all year round.

View live forecast

12 hours

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is 30km east of Bangkok and is Thailand's busiest and biggest airport.

Map of Thailand

Thailand is best for...

Night owls: Party animals rejoice, Thailand has a varied nightlife scene. For drinks with a view, Bangkok’s sky bars won’t disappoint. If drinking in a dive bar will do, head to Khao San Road for a pub crawl instead. Or, you can always dance the night away among a sea of neon-clad revellers at the Full Moon Party.

Culture vultures: There are tons of ways to immerse yourself in Thailand’s rich culture. During the day most people gather at top sights including The Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, before sitting down for a cultural show in the evening. But the best way to experience the Thai way of life is through its bustling markets and tasty street food.

Beach lovers: When you think of Thailand, one thing comes to mind, and that’s its photogenic beaches. Peaceful waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and the whitest sounds - it’s a paradise for sunbathers. Most tourists head for the busy stretches belonging to Phuket, but if you’re after some peace and quiet, Koh Samui offers that away-from-it-all feel.

Fast facts for Thailand

Language: The official language in Thailand is Thai. However, English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas and hotels.

Currency: The currency of Thailand is the Thai Bhat.

Local time: Thailand is 7 hour ahead of the UK.

Fly to: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and reach the city by bus, taxi or rail. It’s around 50 minutes driving distance to the centre and around 25 minutes if you hop on the train. If you're looking to head for one of the islands, this airport offers great connections.

Flight time from UK: 12 hours

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at Thailand’s tourism website.

Visa / Health:
Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Do I need a visa?
If you’ve got a British passport, you don’t need a Thailand visa. This is known as ‘visa exemption’ and allows British nationals to stay in the country for up to 30 days. If your trip is going to be longer than that, or you’re going with the intent to work, you’ll need to apply for a Thailand visa before you fly. For further information on visas, please refer to the FCDO’s entry requirements.

Should I get travel health insurance?
While holidays are supposed to be a time for fun and relaxation, there’s always the possibility for unexpected and unfortunate situations. Travel insurance gives you the peace of mind that the cost of any medicines, hospital bills or emergency treatment will be met. If you’re taking Thailand holidays with specific activities in mind such as diving or climbing, check to see what your cover includes.

Thailand safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Thailand, please visit the FCDO website.

Any other tips?

Cash is king, so be sure to carry enough Thai Baht for your daily needs. Smaller notes and coins are particularly useful in markets, little shops and taxis. There are ATMs in Thailand, but the exchange rate can be steep, so it’s worth changing your sterling before you travel.
Whether you’re driving or on foot, watch the traffic. Thai roads are busy, and driving standards tend to be a little ‘random’. While renting a scooter might seem like a good idea at the time, taxis and rickshaws are a safer option.
Alcohol can only be sold from 11am – 2pm and 5pm – midnight.
Be sure to try the street food. While there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy on your holiday to Thailand, the best food is often found at street vendors and carts. It can be very spicy, but delicious.
Don’t touch anyone on the head. In the Thai culture, the head is seen as sacred and even ruffling a child’s hair could cause offence.

Thailand weather

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February, when you'll enjoy blue skies, dry weather, and comfortable temperatures around 27-29°C. In the southwest, Phuket and Krabi experience heavy rainfall from May to October, with September being the wettest month, but conditions turn cooler and drier from November. The hottest weather arrives between March and May, with temperatures soaring up to 35°C and plenty of sunshine, perfect for beach days.

Koh Phangan and the southeast see their wettest months from September to December, but temperatures remain steady, averaging 29°C - ideal for swimming and water sports year-round. In Bangkok and central Thailand, the cool, dry season runs from November to February, with pleasant temperatures between 18°C and 32°C, while March to June brings hotter days, often above 30°C. If you're travelling during the rainy season (July to October), expect short, sharp showers and high humidity, though the sun isn’t far behind. For wildlife lovers, the lush landscapes of Khao Sok National Park are at their best during the rainy season, with waterfalls in full flow and excellent chances for animal spotting.