Thailand

Temple bells before breakfast. Mountains in the north. Islands in a quiet sea.

See the journey

Best months

November to February

Cool in the north, calm on the Andaman coast.

Suggested stay

10 to 14 nights

The journey on this site is twelve nights.

Climate

Hot and humid

Around 30 to 33°C in the south. Cool nights in the northern hills from December.

Local time

UTC +7:00

Bangkok No daylight saving.

Old capitals, northern hills and two different seas.

Thailand faces two seas, the Andaman and the Gulf, and each keeps its own seasons.

We choose the coast that suits your month, and the pace that suits you.

A longtail boat speeding across the river in front of a riverside temple

A bowl of curry noodle soup topped with crisp noodles, herbs and chilli

A tuk-tuk on a neon-lit street at night, with crowds and hanging banners

Best time to travel

Two coasts, two calendars.

When one side of the country is wet, the other is often at its best. We match the route to your month.

Bangkok and the centreBangkok, Ayutthaya

The northChiang Mai, Chiang Rai

Andaman coastPhuket, Krabi, Phang Nga Bay

Gulf islandsKoh Samui, Koh Phangan

A guide only. Weather varies from year to year, so we check it with you when we design the journey.

What to expect

Long distances, warm manners, real heat.

Pace

Distances are long. We fly between the north and the coast, and keep the drives short.

What to pack

Light, loose clothes. Something that covers shoulders and knees for temples, and a warm layer for northern evenings in winter.

Food

Khao soi in Chiang Mai, som tam and grilled fish by the sea. The heat is real. Tell us how you like it.

The wai

A small bow with palms together. Return it when it is offered. It goes a long way.

Before you go

Arrival cards, temples and the royal family.

We confirm each of these with you before you travel.

Checked against official sources in October 2026.

Entry

Citizens of the UK, the EU, the US, Australia and many other countries can visit without a visa for a short stay. The length allowed has changed often, so we confirm it when you book. Everyone completes the free digital arrival card within 72 hours before landing. Your passport should be valid for six months.

Official arrival card

Health

Speak to your doctor about vaccinations. Mosquitoes carry dengue, so bring repellent.

UK health advice

The monarchy

The royal family is held in deep respect, and criticising it is a serious crime. Stand when the royal anthem plays.

Temples

Cover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes. Women should not touch monks or hand them things directly.

Haze

In March and April, crop burning can bring smoke and haze to the north. We avoid those weeks in the hills.

Festivals

Loy Krathong falls on 24 November in 2026, with lanterns over Chiang Mai. The date moves each year with the full moon. Songkran in mid April means water in the streets for days.