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Thailand holidays
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Thailand has a fascinating Buddhist culture with a number of beautiful temples and stunning, lush mountain scenery in the north, spectacular beaches and islands in the south, and energetic Bangkok and its surrounds in the centre.
BangkokThe capital is an exciting mix of beautiful ancient Buddhist temples, golden royal palaces, riverside houses on stilts, traditional markets and a modern city of skyscrapers and malls. Delve into the culture of Thailand and visit the National Museum, Wat Pho (home of the giant reclining Buddha), riverside Wat Arun and the Grand Palace complex for a glimpse of the Emerald Buddha.
A city well-known for its cuisine, enjoy street food in the many winding streets, head to the Chinatown and one of many bustling food markets, enjoy sedate dinner cruises on converted rice barges, or journey further out of town to visit fascinating railway or floating markets.
AyutthayaOnce the powerful ancient capital of Siam, in 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army and much of the fabulously ornate city has been lost. What still remains of the now Unesco world heritage site provides a glimpse of life during the four centuries that the kings of Ayutthaya ruled.
KanchanaburiA poignant visit can be made to the RiverKwai inKanchanaburi province. Visit the bridge, the well-kept Allied war cemeteries and theJEATH Museum, which documents the building of the railway under harrowing conditions by AlliedPOWs. It is also possible to take a ride along the railway itself – the train slows down at the most spectacular points for some great views of the jungle scenery.
Chiang MaiThailand’s second city, Chiang Mai is considered to be one of the most beautiful, and is often labelled the ‘Rose of the North,’ or the ‘City of Golden Temples’ as it features more than 300 Buddhist temples. Walking the narrow streets of the old city within the ancient moats, one can see remnants of Chiang Mai’s dynastic past. Be sure to visit Wat Doi Suthep, a glimmering temple perched on a mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Southern Thailand is full to the brim with dazzling beaches, alluring coastline and isolated islands. Highlights include Hua Hin, one of the oldest and most traditional of the Thai resorts, famous Phuket, relaxing Khao Lak and the fishing town of Krabi. Islands like undeveloped Ko Lanta, inescapable Ko Samui and isolated Ko Kood are well worth the journey.
Hop on a beautifully restored rice barge and sail along the Chao Phraya river, the River of Kings. Flowing between Bangkok and the ancient capital, Ayutthaya, the river retraces the paths of former royal processions. Chao Phraya river has long been the lifeline of Thailand, and this journey offers an insight into the lives of rural communities that are still dependent on the ancient waterways. The hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Bangkok is replaced by the tranquillity of the countryside just a few hours into the journey.
Literally meaning 'Dawn of Happiness', Sukhothai was the first truly independent Thai kingdom. The main draw is the superb temples and monuments of the lovingly restored Sukhothai Historical Park, a Unesco world heritage site.
Visit Khao Yai, one of the country’s biggest and oldest national parks and only a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. It is home to almost 2,500 plant species and abundant wildlife including wild elephant, deer, tiger, gibbon, wild boar and more than 300 bird species. Venture further afield to Pha Taem National Park in Thailand's north-east, renowned for its collection of prehistoric paintings which are more than 3,000 years old. Nearby Kaeng Tana National Park covers an area of 80 sq km and is covered in deciduous dipterocarp forest on the plains, tropical evergreen forest along the rivers and grassland everywhere else. It is home to large mammal animal species including wild bear, macaque, civet, gibbon and common barking deer.
Chiang Rai is a laidback Northern Thai town, surrounded by green hills and located close to the Golden Triangle – the border between Thailand, Laos and Burma. The area is full of small quiet villages and ancient temples set in beautiful natural scenery where the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet and form the borders of three countries.
Cruise lazily around Thailand’s south, from Koh Tapu, known colloquially as ‘James Bond Island’, to Koh Phi Phi Ley where you can explore Maya Bay, which became famous after featuring in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. During the cruise between the islands of Krabi and Phi Phi, there are many opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing and going ashore to explore remote uninhabited islands and deserted white sand beaches.
See Thailand come alive in this image and video gallery, showing off some of the best areas that you can visit and explore.
Discover the temperatures and rainfall you can expect when visiting the main areas of Thailand, along with the best time to travel.
Find out more about what you can expect from travelling in the Far East – from internal flights to accommodation standards and local transport.
Learn more about the airlines we use to fly to the Far East, chosen for reliability and good service; as well as any available upgrade facilities.
Before travelling to the Far East, please read more about the entry requirements for each country, as well as any general health advice.
Get to know our expert Far East tour consultants, their personal recommendations and favourite hotels around the world.