Your full Wanderlust guide to
Thailand
Azure waters lap the edges of sugar-sand beaches. Sizzling food fills street markets with mouth-watering smells. Palaces glitter and temples inspire. Elephants splash through lakes and waterfalls pockmark spinach-green rainforests. Located in the heart of the Indochinese Peninsula, Thailand extends its warmest welcome to you, matching its temperature in its genuine hospitality.
Bangkok’s local Wang Lang Market and numerous night markets are good spots for a taste of the authentic local food, and the Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a must-visit, but Thailand is far more than that.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Chiang Mai in the north is renowned for its cultural blossom of Buddhist temples – celebrate Yi Peng Lantern Festival by flying your own lantern into the night sky; and picturesque landscape – go for trekking in the lush mountains. The islands such as Phuket are calling for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, Old Phuket Town and vibrant nightlife. Koh Phi Phi off the western coast features beautiful beaches and serves as a perfect gateway to other nearby islands like Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island – fantastic for island-hopping.
Go to Koh Lanta island for its stunning national park and a gateway to other nearby islands like Koh Rok, Koh Ngai, and Koh Mook – fantastic for island-hopping. Visit the less-known Koh Kood island in the east for a peaceful getaway with stunning waterfalls.
With its tropical ingredients such as coconut, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, Thai food offers a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements, and has become increasingly popular over the years. With Pad Thai – noodles smothered with egg, peanuts and fish sauce, Tom Yum Goong – spicy and sour shrimp soup, and curries flavoured with green, yellow or red chilli paste and coconut, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Feeling too spicy? Accompany your meal with a sweet and icy Thai Tea or fresh coconut from the islands.
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When to go to Thailand
Thailand is pretty hot all year round, summers (March-July) are especially hot with daily temperatures ranging between 30-35°C, or even exceeding 40°C in certain central or southern areas. Winter (November-February) can also be hot with temperatures ranging from below 20°C to above 30°C.
Thailand’s best weather is between November and February. The Christmas holidays are a very popular time for package tourists, so be wary of this if you want to avoid crowds. March to May brings hot and dry weather, whereas the monsoon season from June to October sees the country drenched in rain, dyeing the landscapes an alluring green. The rainy season is an enjoyable time to travel if you want to avoid tourists.
International airports
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is 30km east of central Bangkok. Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 32km north of Phuket Town. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is 3km southwest of Chiang Mai city centre. Krabi International Airport (KBV) is 15km east of Krabi Town.
Getting around in Thailand
Domestic flights connect Bangkok to the rest of Thailand, and you can fly direct from the capital to Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and numerous other destinations. Thailand’s railway network connects all four corners of the country, making for a scenic travel option.
The underground and overground railway system in Bangkok is convenient to travel within the city. Tuk Tuks – the three-wheeled vehicles are indigenous mode of transport in Thailand, but they can be pricey. Cheap taxis are available. At the often-congested city centres, motorcycle taxis are convenient and cost-effective choices, just be reminded to wear a helmet.
Buses can be taken around the big cities in Thailand, but are less common in smaller cities, where songthaew – small pick-up trucks are more available.
Ferries and boats run within Bangkok and connect the coastal areas and islands, available for island hopping.
Health & safety
Avoid mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue fever and Zika virus by using insect repellent to ward off the mosquitos and take sensible precautions to prevent other bites and stings.
There are reported cases of rabies. Consult your GP or a travel health clinic for advice on which vaccinations you should have before visiting Thailand.
Visit gov.uk for more advice.
