From the gilded spires of Bangkok to the limestone karsts of Krabi and the lantern-lit nights of Chiang Mai, Thailand is the perfect first step into Southeast Asia.
Thailand is where most travellers fall in love with Asia for the first time. The country wraps you in warm hospitality from the moment you arrive — a quick "sawasdee" and a wai will get you a smile back almost everywhere you go. It is one of the most accessible countries on the continent, with excellent infrastructure, affordable prices and a tourism industry built around making your trip easy.
Whether you have one week or a full month, Thailand offers a near-perfect mix of city, mountain, jungle and coast. Here is how we suggest exploring it.
Bangkok: The Glorious Chaos
Bangkok is loud, fast, and unforgettable. The city moves on a million scooters and you will hear the call of street vendors, temple bells and BTS Skytrain announcements all in the same minute. Don't fight it — lean in.
Start your first morning at the Grand Palace and neighbouring Wat Pho, home to the 46-metre reclining Buddha. Drift along the canals of Thonburi in a long-tail boat to see Bangkok the way it was a hundred years ago — stilted houses, floating vendors, kids waving from doorways. By night, the street food markets of Yaowarat (Chinatown) and Bang Rak come alive: pad kra pao, boat noodles, mango sticky rice, all eaten on plastic stools under neon light.
Don't skip a sunset rooftop bar. Vertigo at the Banyan Tree and Sky Bar at Lebua both deliver staggering views over the Chao Phraya River.
Chiang Mai: The Northern Soul
Head north to Chiang Mai for a softer, slower Thailand. The old city is a square moat ringed by 14th-century walls and more than 300 temples. It is small enough to walk, friendly enough to relax in, and surrounded by mountains that beg to be explored.
The classic itinerary:
- Doi Suthep at sunrise — the golden chedi above the city, best with monks chanting at dawn.
- A cooking class in a riverside kitchen — most include a market visit and you'll come away knowing how to make khao soi at home.
- A day with rescued elephants at an ethical sanctuary in the surrounding hills.
- The Sunday Walking Street — for handmade silver, mountain coffee and one of the best night markets in Southeast Asia.
If you can time your trip for early November, the Yi Peng lantern festival fills the sky with thousands of glowing paper lights and is one of the most beautiful things in Asia.
Chiang Rai & The White Temple
Three hours further north, Chiang Rai is the gateway to the Golden Triangle. The standout sight is Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) — a surreal, mirror-encrusted contemporary work of art that doubles as a temple. It is unlike anything else in Thailand.
The South: Beaches Forever
The south is all about water. The Andaman coast — Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta — is famous for emerald sea, hidden lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs perfect for rock climbing and kayaking. On the Gulf side, Koh Samui and Koh Tao deliver palm-fringed beaches, full-moon parties, and some of the best beginner diving in the world.
Our favourite island days
- Railay (Krabi) — kayak around the headland, climb if you're brave, swim at Phra Nang Cave Beach.
- Koh Lanta — easy-going, perfect for families, golden sunsets every night.
- Koh Tao — get your PADI Open Water for less than anywhere on earth.
The Best Time to Visit
November to February is cool, dry and the most pleasant across most of the country. March and April are very hot — perfect if you're island-bound; less so for temple-hopping. The green season (May–October) brings afternoon storms and the best prices.
Bring light clothing, a scarf for temples, sunscreen, and an empty stomach. Thailand is going to feed you well.
Travel experts crafting unforgettable journeys across Asia.
