It's hard to summarize the diversity of travel to Thailand. Its capital, Bangkok, is a teeming metropolis with gilded temples and palaces, while the two coastlines, on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, have postcard-perfect beaches. In the mountainous interior, hill tribes live as they have for millennia. And wherever you travel in Thailand, there's the food: fresh seafood, countless curries, and noodle dishes so delicious you'll never want to return to your local Thai take-out. Your most lasting impression, however, will be the friendliness of the locals - calling Thailand the "land of smiles"; may seem cliché, but it has a foundation in truth. Read our Thailand travel guide to make the most of your visit to this beautiful nation.
Things Not to Miss in Thailand
You may not be able to cover the whole country in one vacation, but here are the cities, islands and activities you absolutely can't miss when you travel to Thailand:
• Shop in Bangkok's Siam Square, and enjoy the city's nightlife
• Relax on the tropical beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui
• Visit the temples and churches of Chiang Rai
• Take in the lush greenery and ancient cities of Chiang Mai
When to Go to Thailand
When you plan to visit Thailand, remember that there are three seasons: summer, winter, and the wet season. The rainy season runs from May until November in most of the country, meaning Thailand travel during that time will bring rainy days. In the South, however, the monsoonal rains fall from April to October along the Andaman Sea coastline, and from September to December along the Gulf of Thailand coast.
-
The Top 10 Cities in Asia
Spanning more than 17 million square miles, the world’s largest continent is home to over half of the earth’s population. This is Asia: a beautiful,... Read More
-
The Top 15 Cities in the World
When it comes to urban charms, Travel + Leisure readers just can’t get enough of Mexico. San Miguel de Allende, which topped our list for the past two... Read More
-
The Top 10 Islands in Asia
The flight time (and resulting jet lag) required to get to Asia from the U.S. is no joke. But the heaps of praise readers bestowed on the best islands... Read More
-
The 10 Best City Hotels in Asia
There are endless reasons to visit Asia’s dynamic, culture-rich cities, from the centuries-old Forbidden City grounds in Beijing to the cutting-edge... Read More
-
The Top 15 Resort Hotels in Asia
Despite the time it takes to get to many of the best Asian resorts, making the journey is totally worth it to T+L readers. The properties that travelers... Read More
-
The Top 5 Hotels in Bangkok
There’s much to love about Bangkok. The Thai capital offers an extraordinary sensory experience that includes a vibrant street-food scene, a dense mix... Read More
-
Top 10 Southeast Asia Resort Hotels
Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant, dynamic cities: Bangkok, with its ornate architecture and youthful energy; the street food... Read More
-
The 15 Best Islands in the World
One of the greatest rewards of traveling — discovering the new — is reflected in T+L readers’ picks for the world’s best islands. Not only do several... Read More
-
This Gorgeous Bar Just Opened at the Top of Thailand's Tallest Skyscraper (Video)
The best view in Bangkok also comes with the best food and drinks. Just make sure you’re not afraid of heights.Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar, Thailand’s... Read More
-
Which Beach You Should Be Sitting on Right Now, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
With summer drawing near, almost everyone is envisioning the warm sun hitting their face and the sand beneath their toes. And while your local beach may... Read More
-
This Sun-drenched Retreat in the Gulf of Thailand Wants to Improve Your Posture
There was nothing wrong with me when, earlier this year, I visited Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa on Koh Samui, an island off Thailand.... Read More
-
13 Affordable Family Vacations to Take This Summer
Summer is right around the corner, and for families thinking of where to plan their next getaway, there are plenty of destinations that won't break the... Read More
-
The Most Luxurious All-inclusive Resorts Around the World
All-inclusive and luxury don't have to be mutually exclusive, especially when you book a stay at one of these standout properties that have managed... Read More
-
6 Destinations You Should Travel to in Your 30s — Even If You've Already Been
As you head into your fourth decade here on Earth, you're wiser, savvier, and likely equipped with more disposable income. So it's... Read More
-
20 Luxury Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable
Planning a vacation is never an easy task, especially when it's time to talk about budget. But hey, luxury doesn't always mean crazy expensive. We think... Read More
