Thailand luxury holidays

Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Thailand, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Bangkok

Central Thailand

Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand

Eastern Thailand

Southern Thailand & Islands

The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Weather

Best November- February. Hot March-May. Monsoon June-October.

Festivals

There are countless festivals in Thailand, some with deep religious significance, others national or local affairs. The Chiang Mai Flower Festival sees the northern city decked in flowers, as floral sculptures are paraded through the streets. Perhaps the most exuberant of the national festivals is Thai New Year, Songkhran, an excuse for a national water fight in April. There are also parades and beauty contests. Kanchanaburi holds the River Kwai Bridge festival in November/December at the bridge made famous by Japanese wartime atrocities. Held over ten nights, dramatic lightshows recount its powerful tale.

Food & drink

Highly spiced and fragrant dishes, including tom yam (coconut-milk soup with ginger, lemon grass, prawns or chicken), gang pet (hot 'red' curry with shrimp paste, coconut-milk, garlic, chillies and coriander) and kaeng dhiaw ('green' curry with baby aubergines, beef or chicken). Curries are served with rice. The popular dessert and breakfast dish of mangoes with sticky rice is worth trying. As is the whisky, either Mekhong, or SamSong.

Etiquette

Instead of shaking hands, Thais sometimes place their palms together and raise their fingertips level with the chest or face, a form of greeting called the wai. The exact position of the hands depends on the status, relationship, and many other factors of the person they are greeting. Visitors don't need to wai waitresses, doormen or other people who wai you as part of their job. Buddhist culture is an intrinsic part of many Thais' life, while the Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a temple.

Safety

Safe, apart from border with Myanmar.

International airport

Bangkok (BKK) is 22 km from city. Chiang Mai (CNX) is 15 km from town. Phuket (HKT) is 35 km from town.

Internal travel

Excellent road, rail and air networks. Buses, taxis, and car-hire available.

Visa

Not required.

Vaccination

BCG, Cholera, Diphtheria, Hep. A, JE, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2.

Driving

International Driving Permit, valid for three months, after which a Thai licence is required.

Capital

Bangkok.

Language

Thai.

People

Thai (80%), Chinese, Malay, Khmer.

Religion

Buddhist (95%).

Size

513,115.

Population

62,193,000.

Population density

121.2.

Life expectancy

M 69.39, F 73.88.

Currency

Baht (Bt).

Finance

Credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.

Business hours

0900-1700 Mon-Friday.

Time difference

+7.

Voltage

220 AC, 50 Hz.

International dial code

66.

The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Thailand. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Hong Kong, Bangkok & Phuket

Bangkok, the River Kwai & Elephant Hills

Best of Bangkok

Authentic Thailand

Three days in Mae Hong Son

Eastern & Oriental Express

Hill tribes of northern Thailand

Empire of the Khmers

River Kwai & Ayutthaya

Thailand Top to Toe

[See all itinerary ideas in Thailand]

The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Thailand. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Thailand, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Six Senses Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand

The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand

Aleenta Hua Hin, Pranburi, Thailand

Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa

The Surin, Phuket

Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket, Phang Nga

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

Boathouse Resort on the Beach

Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok

Tamarind Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Akyra Koh Samui, Thailand

[See all places to stay in Thailand]

The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Thailand. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Activity & adventure holidays

Cruise

History and culture

Spa breaks