Plan Your Journey

Thailand

Discover Thailand: Beyond the Land of Smiles

Thailand is a country of contrasts, where ancient temples and bustling cities, tropical islands and misty mountains, vibrant markets and refined hospitality come together. Beyond its famous beaches, Thailand offers a rich cultural journey shaped by centuries of history, distinctive traditions and some of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated cuisine.

Begin in Bangkok, where ornate temples, riverside neighbourhoods and lively streets create an endlessly fascinating city. Travel north to discover the cultural heritage and mountain landscapes of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside, or head south towards tropical islands and coastal landscapes where days unfold at a slower pace.

Whether you are drawn to culture, nature, food, adventure or relaxation, Thailand offers countless ways to experience the country at your own rhythm: from iconic highlights to quieter places waiting to be discovered.

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Places to Discover in Thailand

Bangkok
Thailand’s vibrant capital is a city of contrasts, where ornate temples, bustling markets, modern architecture and the Chao Phraya River come together. Discover the Grand Palace, visit Wat Pho and its famous Reclining Buddha, explore lively neighbourhoods and experience the city from the water. Bangkok is also a wonderful introduction to Thai cuisine, from street-food stalls to refined restaurants.

Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand
Surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed perspective on Thailand. Explore ancient temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, wander through local markets and discover the traditions of northern Thailand. Beyond the city, villages, forests and mountain landscapes offer opportunities for hiking, cultural encounters and slower-paced experiences.

Ayutthaya
Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most fascinating historical destinations. Its atmospheric ruins, ancient temples and Buddha statues scattered among the trees offer a glimpse into the country’s past. The former capital is particularly rewarding to explore by bicycle or with a local guide.

Sukhothai
The birthplace of the first great Thai kingdom, Sukhothai is home to an impressive historical park surrounded by peaceful landscapes. Ancient temples, elegant Buddha images and lotus-filled ponds create a very different atmosphere from Thailand’s larger cities and make Sukhothai ideal for travellers interested in history and culture.

Southern Thailand & the Islands
Thailand’s southern coastline is famous for its tropical landscapes, turquoise waters and spectacular islands. From the beaches of Phuket and the quieter shores of Koh Lanta to the limestone cliffs of the Andaman coast, the south offers countless ways to combine relaxation, nature and adventure. Boat trips, snorkelling, diving and island-hopping can easily be incorporated into a tailor-made journey.

Krabi & the Andaman Coast
With dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the sea, secluded beaches and lush islands, Krabi is one of southern Thailand’s most spectacular regions. Explore Railay, discover nearby islands by boat or simply enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. The region is particularly well suited to combining outdoor activities with time to relax.

Pai & the Northern Countryside
For travellers looking beyond Thailand’s classic highlights, Pai offers a peaceful escape among mountains, rice fields, waterfalls and hot springs. Its relaxed atmosphere and surrounding countryside provide an opportunity to experience a quieter side of northern Thailand.

When to Travel

Thailand can be visited throughout the year, although weather conditions vary between regions.

November to February is generally the coolest and driest period and is particularly comfortable for exploring cities, cultural sites and northern Thailand.

March to May is the hottest period, with higher temperatures across much of the country. It can still be an excellent time to travel, particularly when combining cultural experiences with time by the coast.

June to October is the wetter season in many parts of Thailand. Rainfall often comes in short, intense showers, while the countryside becomes particularly lush and green. Weather varies between coastlines, so the best region to visit depends on the type of journey you have in mind.

Practical Information

Currency: The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Cash remains useful for local markets, smaller restaurants and rural areas, while cards are widely accepted in hotels and established businesses.

Language: Thai is the official language. English is widely used in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants.

Getting Around: Thailand is easy to explore by domestic flight, train, private transfer, bus and boat. In cities, taxis, tuk-tuks and local public transport offer convenient ways to get around.

Visiting Temples: Visitors should dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered. Shoes are normally removed before entering temple buildings.

Luang Prabang and the Mekong River at golden hour in Laos Previous Laos

Practical Information

  • Best seasons November to early April
  • Language Thaï
  • Currency Thai Baht (THB)
  • Time zone UTC+7
  • Getting around Private transfers, domestic flights, trains, buses and boats
  • Visa Visa requirements depend on nationality and length of stay

The best time to visit Vietnam

If you want to visit Vietnam, you might be wondering what the weather is like in different months. Well, it depends on where you go and what you want to do. Vietnam has a diverse climate, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, I’ll give you a general overview of what to expect in each month, based on the average weather patterns. You can also check out the holidays and events that happen in each month in Vietnam.

January
This is a good month to enjoy the dry and pleasant weather in most parts of Vietnam, except for the north. The north can get quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. You might need some warm clothes and jackets if you go to places like Sapa and Ha Giang. If you’re looking for some beach time, head to Phu Quoc, where the sun is always shining. Just be aware that Halong Bay can be foggy this month, so you might not see the best views.

February
The weather gets warmer in most of Vietnam, except for the north, which still feels chilly. This is a high season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices. But it’s also a great time to experience the TET festival, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It’s a big celebration with lots of food, fireworks, and fun. Just keep in mind that many shops, museums, and restaurants are closed for about a week during TET.

March
This is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as the weather is fantastic everywhere. You have more options for beach destinations, such as Mui Ne, Con Dao, and Nha Trang. Hoi An is also a lovely place to enjoy the beach and the old town. This is also a great time to visit Halong Bay, which should have clear blue skies and no fog.

April
Like March, April is another great month to visit Vietnam, with amazing weather everywhere. This is also a high season for tourism, so be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.

May
The weather gets hotter in May, but it’s still a good time to visit Vietnam before the rainy season starts. You might get some rain in the north and south by the end of the month, but nothing too serious. You can also take advantage of the lower prices after the high season.

June
You might get some rain in the north and south of Vietnam, but it’s usually not too bad. You can still enjoy the sunny days in Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay. The best place to be is in central Vietnam, where the weather is still dry and sunny. You can relax on the beaches of Lang Co and Hoi An, or explore the countryside and culture. This is also a good time to travel before the school holidays start next month.

July
Central Vietnam is still the best place to be in July, with lots of sunshine and little rain. The rest of Vietnam might have some showers, but they won’t ruin your fun.

August
Central Vietnam is still a good place to visit in August, although you might get some more rain by the end of the month. The rest of Vietnam might also have some rain, but it’s not too bad. You can also enjoy some discounts on flights and hotels during the low season.

September
This is a good month to catch the last sun on the central coast of Vietnam before it gets too rainy. The north and south are usually very wet this month, but you can still find some bargains on hotels.

October
The weather gets better in the north of Vietnam in October, and this is a great time to visit places like Sapa or Ha Giang. You can admire the stunning scenery of rice terraces, valleys, and mountains that change color with the seasons. You can also hike, bike, or stay with the local people who live there. This is not a good month for beach lovers, but Vietnam has so much more to offer than just beaches. And traveling in October means you avoid the crowds.

November
The high season starts again in November, as many people come to Vietnam for the cooler winter months in the north. By the end of the month, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again, except for the central region, which might have some rain.

December
There is still a chance of rain in the central part of Vietnam in December; however, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again. The beach season starts again on Phu Quoc island. You should book early for Christmas time, as it can get very busy.