In as few as five days, you can experience authentic Thai culture on a trip to the southern bays or trekking around the villages in the country's north. With a week, there's enough time to go on an immersive tour of Chiang Mai or hit the trails on a multi-day hike of the northern mountains and rice paddies. And with 10 or 12 days, you can embark on a grand tour that includes Bangkok, the northern temples, and the sun-kissed southern beaches.
Discover the many different sides of Thailand on this 14-day tour, from the busy streets of Bangkok to the laidback and spiritual north and the beautiful beaches of the south. Start your adventure in the cosmopolitan capital, before heading up to Chiang Mai and Pai. Connect with nature at an elephant sanctuary, visit hill tribes, and ride a bamboo raft through a cave, and then fly down south to the sleepy fishing village of Khanom, before ending your journey on Koh Samui, the original tropical island paradise.
December is one of the best months to visit Thailand. The temperatures have cooled down so it's not miserably hot, and the rains have stopped just about everywhere (although some of the beaches still get storms, especially on the Gulf of Thailand). It's hot but not scorching and everything is open again. The only drawback: stellar weather draws lots of tourists, so you'll contend with more lines and crowds—still, it's a fantastic time to plan a visit.
November marks the end of the rain, once again entering the high tourist season in Thailand. The beaches along the southern peninsula remain wet and rainy, but the rest of the country sees dramatic drops in precipitation (and temperature), especially toward the middle and end of the month. It's a great time to visit just about anywhere in the country—the weather is rapidly improving, and most tourists haven't yet arrived.
October is a wet, rainy month in Thailand—but it signals the end of a long monsoon season, lending a celebratory air as people begin to anticipate the fairer weather to come. Bangkok and Chiang Mai begin seeing drops in precipitation, though there's still significant rain. In the south along the coasts, the monsoon patterns of September continue. Temperatures begin dropping slightly this month, making it less stifling and more pleasant.
The scenery is beautiful in Thailand during September, however, the weather is wet. In fact, it ties with October for the wettest month of the year in almost every major tourist region including Bangkok, as well as both coasts. The monsoons affect virtually every part of the country, bringing rain through the north and central mainlands, as well as the southern peninsula. The upside to the rain is that the crowds are minimal and most hotels offer significant discounts on lodging—it will be cheaper to stay and you won't encounter big lines or crowds at the tourist attractions.
Expect heavy rain in Thailand during the month of August—but that doesn't necessarily make it a bad time to visit. While it's right in the middle of the wet season. temperatures stay warm and the extra precipitation makes the countryside come alive with plants and foliage. Even better, the rain deters many travelers, so you'll have lots of regions to yourself (especially the beaches).
July can be a good time to visit Thailand, but you'll need to be prepared for rain. It's the middle of the wet season and most of the country experiences significant showers and thunderstorms from the southwest monsoons. The plus side is that the crowds are negligible and the prices are reduced. As a bonus, the rain makes the countryside lushly picturesque, and also creates perfect conditions for harvesting durian fruit.
June is a wet month in Thailand. The rainy season arrives in full force and most of the country becomes affected by the monsoons, particularly along the Andaman coast. That said, the rain doesn't necessarily make it a bad month to visit. Rain showers, though fierce and heavy, don't usually last long this time of year—instead, they come in short bursts in the afternoons. Plus, the hotels are cheaper and the tourist attractions are much less crowded.
May is the beginning of the rainy season in Thailand and, in most parts of the country, it rains at least half the month. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the western Andaman coast, downpours are often heavy—though they usually only occur in the afternoons or early evenings). Mornings, in fact, are often dry and can surprisingly be a great time for sight-seeing or other tourist activities. What's more, the hotels are extremely cheap this time of year so if you don't mind a little rain, it can actually be a good month to visit.
Depending on the type of vacation you're looking for, April can be a great month to visit Thailand. Yes, the hot weather deters many tourists—but it's also the month of the Songkran festival, one of Southeast Asia's biggest celebrations, which brings in masses of tourists to celebrate. In the major tourist centers, these two factors sometimes cancel each other out. Choosing to come to Thailand in April isn't for everyone, but it can be an amazing cultural experience.
March is a fabulous month to visit Thailand. The weather is still pleasant, especially in the first half of the month, although the southern beaches will start getting some rain along the Andaman Sea. It's also the beginning of mango season, and throughout the country, the colorful fruit is piled high at roadside stands and on people's plates mixed with sticky rice. Best of all, the hot season hasn't arrived yet (which is often uncomfortably warm) so you can walk around outside without being miserable.
February is one of the best times to visit Thailand. In addition to all-but-guaranteed spectacular weather, it's the month of the famous Chiang Mai Flower Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration full of parades and dancing. The weather is dry and not as unbearably hot as it is during other times of the year. The only drawback is that the crowds are considerably thicker and lodging tends to be more expensive.
January is one of the best times of the year to visit Thailand. High season is in full effect with perfect weather in just about every part of the country. It's cooler than other times of the year, especially up north around Chiang Mai where January ties with December for lowest average temperatures. The Chinese New Year often falls in January, and when this happens, it brings all sorts of delightful festivities and celebrations (the only downside being larger crowds and pricier hotels—book in advance!).
Thailand is a long country, with mountains in the north and beautiful beaches in the south. It's almost uniformly hot, but some times of year are much hotter (and wetter) than others. Thailand is busiest (unsurprisingly) when the weather is at its best, from November to March. During low season, you should expect heavy rain, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time—you just need to know where to go. Here are some tips to know about the best time of year to visit Thailand.
This 12-day excursion begins surrounded by the forest in Myanmar and ends in the mountains of Thailand. In Myanmar, you'll learn about local crafts and storytelling at the Tanintharyi Museum, then visit villages and plantations making rubber, betel nut, and dried fish. You'll explore the Mergui Archipelago, eventually making your way to the Ranong pier in Thailand. While in Thailand, you'll visit the Seaside Retreat Elephant Camp and the Similan Islands.
Relax on white sand beaches, explore tropical forests, and get away from it all on this 12-day island hopping trip. Begin in Phuket, where jagged limestone caves and deep blue lagoons meet in hidden caves. Continue to Phi Phi and Krabi to soak in the sunshine, go snorkeling in the tropical water, and ride a zip line through the rainforest. End your trip in Loh Dalum Bay with the ultimate adventure—a full day planned by you, from a personal guide to romantic beach picnics!
With their white sand beaches, rustic seafront houses, and delicious food, Thailand's islands are the perfect place to get away and relax. Whether you want to enjoy drinks on the water, go snorkeling, or spend the whole day on the beach, this 10-day itinerary has something for you. Explore rural island life by bike, make friends with elephants, and soak in the tranquility of the island lifestyle.
Explore Thailand's natural and historic wonders on this romantic 12-day honeymoon getaway. Eat in Bangkok like a local, visit the Doi Suthep Temple, and make friends with elephants at the Patara reserve. View wildlife and enjoy boat rides in Khaosok, then end in Phuket, where stunning sea caves, tropical water, and endless beaches await.
The praises of southern Thailand have been sung for years; now it's time to explore the north! Starting at the shimmering White Temple in Chiang Rai, you’ll visit a Risu village and prepare traditional dishes alongside indigenous residents. You’ll also head to the city of Chiang Mai, home to artisan markets and elephant sanctuaries and where nearby you'll find the many waterfalls of the unforgettable Doi Inthanon National Park.
Get to the heart of Thailand on this 12-day tour, from urban neighborhoods to age-old traditions tucked away in the jungles and mountains. The adventure kicks off in the exotic capital where your private guide will show you the best Buddhist sites and local eats. You'll then visit the country's most unique markets before continuing west to the River Kwai, and then north to Chiang Mai. Finish the trip in Phuket for some of the world's best beaches and island scenery.
Experience Thailand's amazing highlights from north to south on this exciting 10-day itinerary. Kick off the trip in Bangkok, equipped with a local guide, where you'll hit the city's best monuments and foodie options. From here, head to Chiang Mai for elephants and hiking trails in a pristine national park. Finish the adventure on the western gulf coast for your pick of powdery beaches and underwater activities.
This 12-day adventure through Thailand's exotic capital, mountainous north, and beachy south delivers a truly special getaway for you and your new spouse. From learning the secrets of Thai cooking and enjoying the country’s most beautiful turquoise waters to jungle excursions with elephants and nighttime canoe rides, your new marriage will certainly benefit from the 'Land of Smiles.'
If you've ever dreamed of Thailand, this 8-day trip covers the highlights with the perfect mix of guided tours and free time. Start off in vibrant Bangkok for iconic Buddhist sites and a dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya River. You'll then fly north to Chiang Mai to explore the Old City and spend a day with elephants. Finish off in Phuket where you'll kayak, island-hop, and choose between dozens of white sand beaches.
Bangkok is a tropical metropolis where centuries-old temples sit alongside sleek skyscrapers. The same contrast can be found in the city's boutique accommodations—heritage properties and futuristic hotels rub shoulders, with each architectural style representing a radically different side of this dynamic capital. Check out Bangkok's best boutique hotels with this list.
Set off on an active adventure through the forests and villages of Northern Thailand. Experience the local culture and food of the Chiang Mai area while trekking through the natural beauty of the woods and villages that make up this rural and remote region.
Every member of the family will be satisfied on this trip, with a wide range of activities and experiences in both Northern and Southern Thailand. Sleep in a rural homestay as well as top-notch resorts by the beach. Scramble up waterfalls and kayak through peaceful mangroves. Go fishing with local fisherfolk and snorkeling in incredible bays. You'll see that Thailand is an amazingly diverse country with something for everyone.
This week-long tour of the Chiang Mai area of northern Thailand offers the perfect mix of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From exploring the region's stunning waterfalls to playing with elephants to browsing authentic crafts markets, there's so much to see and do. Spend your week cycling, kayaking, and walking around the highlights of beautiful Chiang Mai Province. You'll hike to an ancient temple on a mountain, discover the bustling city of Chiang Mai, and feast on bold northern Thai cuisine.
Get ready to spend a lot of time on your bike as you travel to villages in the rolling green hills of the countryside, taste incredible local flavors and home-cooked meals, and immerse yourself in the history of Northern Thailand. You'll explore the impressive temple ruins in the ancient city of Sukhothai, stay with the Karen tribe in their village, and hang out with a herd of wild elephants.
There's so much to see in beautiful northern Thailand, and this four-day trip offers a quick hit of the highlights. Enjoy spectacular mountain vistas, challenge yourself on a high-octane rafting adventure, and explore the temples and culture of Thailand's diverse people. You'll swim in waterfalls and hot springs, drink coffee in a Hmong village, and feast on flavorful Chiang Mai delicacies.
Adventurous travelers rejoice: this 14-day itinerary runs the gamut of Thailand's most iconic scenery and sights. You'll bike, river raft, and trek your way to ancient temples, traditional villages, and vibrant night markets. Lace up your hiking boots and prepare to immerse yourself in all this colorful country has to offer.
From the third highest peak in Northern Thailand to the authentic night markets of Chiang Rai, this 7-day trek is a great choice for avid hikers who also want a taste of Thai city life before heading home. Enjoy sweeping mountain panoramas, intricate temples, and bustling, colorful night markets.
This trip offers breathtaking views and encounters with the hillside communities that make northern Thailand so unique. You'll visit sacred temples, climb some of northern Thailand's tallest peaks, and experience village culture off the beaten path.
Go beyond the stunning islands and emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, and get a taste of the local lifestyle on this 5-day trip to southern Thailand. You'll kayak through the lush jungle, unwind on pristine beaches, and eat authentic Thai food with a local family on your homestay in a small fishing village.
