Tropical beaches, wild elephants and legendary parties – holidays to Thailand are bucket-list worthy for a reason.

Something truly different

Welcome to ‘The Land of Smiles.’ From the buzzy metropolis of the capital, Bangkok, to the old-and-new mix of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, and the green countryside of the south, holidays to Thailand offer everything you could want from an exotic getaway. There are the kinds of picture-perfect islands, beaches and natural wildlife you’d see on Instagram, plus some of the best food in the world, whether that’s in a hidden-away restaurant spot or by stocking up on street food from the night markets. Many have Thailand on their bucket list – and for good reason.

Thailand's hotspots

If you’re after a buzzing beach scene, head to Phuket – it’s Thailand’s prime island and is full of party vibes alongside stunning Instagram backdrops. Relax on sparkling white sand at Bang Tao and Tri Trang Beach, or party hard at Patong’s Bangla Road. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, Khao Lak, on Thailand’s southwest coast, is for you. It’s a relaxed spot, but you can keep busy, too. There are sprawling beaches here, a night market and plenty of water-based excursions to sign up to. Elsewhere, Koh Samui is the place to start when you have a hankering for some island hopping, with green jungles, traditional markets and world-class eateries.

Capture the culture

It’s not all moon parties and pad thai in Thailand. There’s plenty of history to soak up. Make sure you stop by the Wat Paknam temple in Bangkok to admire the Big Buddha, or climb the steps into the Dragon Cave Temple in Khao Lak. You’ll also want to visit Thailand’s parks, such as Erawan National Park, which is filled with waterfalls, clear water lakes and Insta-worthy backdrops. Best of all, that’s where you’ll find some free-roaming elephants – Kui Buri is the one of the best elephant sites in the country. You can check out our approved experiences to spy them out on a safari or visit the most animal-friendly sanctuaries.

At a Glance

  • Party on Phuket’s bustling Bangla Road
  • See free-roaming elephants in Khao Lak
  • Snorkel the reefs in the Similan Islands

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