Thailand is the easiest first step into Asia and a place seasoned travellers keep returning to: the gilded temples and street food of Bangkok, the gentler, greener north around Chiang Mai, and two coastlines of beaches to choose from depending on the month.
It's warm, welcoming, superb value and endlessly flexible — a city-and-beach week, a family trip or a honeymoon. Here's our short brief.
Best time to go
November – MarchThe cool, dry season — the best all-round window for Bangkok, the north and both coasts.
April – MayHot, and Songkran (the water-festival new year) falls in April — great fun if you don't mind getting soaked.
June – OctoberThe green season, with rain. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui) often stays drier when the Andaman is wet.
What not to miss
BangkokThe Grand Palace and Wat Pho, a longtail boat on the canals, and the night markets.
Chiang Mai & the northTemple-crowned hills, an ethical elephant sanctuary and the White Temple of Chiang Rai.
Andaman beachesPhuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi islands — dramatic limestone and clear water.
The Gulf islandsKoh Samui and its neighbours — a good bet in the mid-year months.
AyutthayaThe atmospheric ruins of the old Siamese capital, an easy day from Bangkok.
Visas & entry
Malaysians and many nationalities enter Thailand visa-free for tourism. We'll confirm the current allowance for your passport so there are no surprises at the airport.
Visa & OCI servicesPractical tips
- Pick your coast by season — Andaman (Nov–Apr) or Gulf (much of the year) — and we'll time it right.
- Dress modestly at temples: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off.
- Street food is a highlight — eat where it's busy and freshly cooked.
- Agree tuk-tuk fares before you set off, or use the ride apps in the cities.
