Every trip to Thailand must include a stop to one of its breathtaking beaches, which are the reason for the nation's fame. Thailand's beaches are the perfect place to unwind thanks to its crystal-clear golden dunes and breathtaking blue waters. Just a few of the numerous beaches here are those at Koh Samui, Pah Tong, and Pattaya.
In addition, Thailand is well known for its adventure sports including skydiving, snorkelling, and scuba diving. It's also a must to indulge in the delectable seafood here.
Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is bordered by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia are nearby nations. The landmass is joined to Malaysia by an isthmus in the south and a mountain range in the west.
Thailand is located in the centre of Southeast Asia, flanked by Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar to the west, Laos and Myanmar to the north, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south.
Since much of Thailand is tropical, it is always humid with mild temperatures in the 28–35°C range; relief can be found in the mountains. Thailand's dry season, which runs roughly from November to April, is the ideal time to visit.
Winter - Although you won't notice the difference in the south and only need to carry a sweater if hiking in the northern highlands, where temperatures can drop as low as 5°C, it lasts from November to the end of February, doesn't rain often, and temperatures are at their lowest. Particularly around Christmas and New Year's or at Chinese New Year a few weeks later, this is the busiest travel season.
Summer - Thailand experiences heatwaves from March to June that can reach temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F). While this is great when relaxing on the beach with a drink in hand, it is not the best time of year to visit Bangkok's temples.
Rainy - Tropical monsoons affect the majority of the country between July and October, although they only fully start in September. This doesn't mean it pours all the time, but when it does, flooding is not unusual.
Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most visited country, and for good reason. From the golden Buddhist temples and floating markets, to thick jungles and exotic wildlife, to white-sand beaches and tropical reefs, there’s a myriad of attractions on offer. Bangkok justifies a trip all on its own, with its glut of markets, wats, palaces, bazaars, waterways and raucous nightlife. But the whirlwind of it all will leave you eager to break out into the country. You could head north to Chiang Mai, where acres of rainforest and the chance to go elephant trekking await. Or you could stray from the beaten path into the mountainous Chiang Rai Province, home to some of Thailand’s last remaining hill tribes. All that being said, it’s Thailand’s south islands that immediately draw the attention. The likes of Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan are undoubtedly geared towards younger travellers, with ample offerings of bars, nightclubs and beach parties. But thankfully there are other islands that are content to remain laid-back. Head over to Koh Lanta from Krabi – a popular climbing and watersports hub – or Koh Tao for a world-class reef diving experience. Alternatively, enjoy the best of both worlds on the twin islands of Koh Phi Phi, or the lesser-known Similan Islands 70 km offshore from Phang-Nga Province. Accommodation in Thailand is widespread, ranging from beachfront backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. Wherever you go, a warm welcome is always guaranteed.
Thailand offers reliable, if occasionally slow, transit. Long road trips without an aircraft can be challenging in Thailand. Especially if you have to accept uncomfortable seats with no air conditioning due to financial constraints. However, Thailand's abundance of transportation choices makes travelling around the country simpler than in other Southeast Asian countries.
Buses are faster, more affordable, more accessible, and sometimes even more opulent than trains, which are slower but safer and offer more opportunities for sleep on long trips. If you're travelling during the day, you're also more likely to take a more attractive route by rail than by road. Every major island can be visited by water, and you may also travel around in cosy, air-conditioned minibuses.
The culture of Thailand has evolved greatly over time, from its relative isolation during the Sukhothai era, to its more contemporary Ayutthaya era, which absorbed influences from all over Asia. Indian, Chinese, Burmese, Khmer and other Southeast Asian influences are still evident in traditional Thai culture.
