Land of Smiles · Southeast Asia
Ancient temples, emerald islands, vibrant street life and the warmth of Thai hospitality.
Thailand is one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world, and it is not hard to see why. A country of extraordinary variety, it offers everything from the bustling energy of Bangkok — with its glittering temples, rooftop bars and legendary street food — to the emerald-green waters and limestone karsts of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the misty mountain villages of the north, and the ancient walled cities of the central plains.
Bangkok, the capital, is a city of sensory overload in the best possible way. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — home to the revered Emerald Buddha — stand as breathtaking monuments to Thai history and artistry. Nearby, the labyrinthine lanes of Chinatown, the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat and the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho all reward the curious wanderer.
Beyond Bangkok, the ancient capital of Chiang Mai offers a slower pace, elephant sanctuaries and hundreds of temples; the islands of Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Lanta deliver paradise-level beaches; and the northern city of Chiang Rai is home to the extraordinary White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Thailand genuinely has something for every traveller, at every budget.
From Bangkok's Grand Palace to Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep and Chiang Rai's White Temple — Thailand's sacred architecture is simply stunning.
The Andaman Coast and Gulf of Thailand offer world-class beaches, crystal-clear snorkelling waters and dramatic limestone scenery.
Widely considered one of the world's great food cultures — from pad thai and green curry to mango sticky rice and spicy som tam salad.
Chiang Mai's ethical elephant sanctuaries offer unforgettable encounters with Thailand's national symbol in a responsible setting.
The cooler highlands around Chiang Mai and Pai offer trekking, hill-tribe villages, waterfalls and a completely different side of Thailand.
Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loi Krathong (the lantern festival) are among the most visually spectacular celebrations in all of Asia.
November–February is the cool dry season — ideal for most of the country. March–May is very hot. June–October brings the monsoon (but fewer crowds and lower prices).
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international hub, with direct flights from Europe and worldwide. Don Mueang (DMK) handles budget Asian routes.
Thailand caters to every budget, from basic guesthouses for a few euros a night to world-class luxury resorts on the islands and in Bangkok's Sukhumvit district.
Pad thai, green and massaman curry, tom yum soup, khao man gai, mango sticky rice, fresh papaya salad and crispy pork belly from a street market.