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Thailand Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Thailand in a way like no other. Thailand is endless, from lush rainforests and tropical wildlife, to sugary beaches and magical waterfalls. Ancient ruins sit next to glittering temples, while floating markets lead to sizzling street food stalls. A Thailand holiday with Trafalgar will take you from the hill-tribe villages of Chiang Mai, to the crumbling ruins of Ayutthaya, and to the technicolour reefs of Phuket. We’ll navigate the vibrant flower markets of Bangkok, cruise the Chao Phraya River on an antique rice barge, and cross the historic Bridge over the River Kwai. Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, you’ll relish the friendly Thais and their relaxed approach to life, often expressed with the phrase ‘sabai sabai’. You’ll find your own tranquility as we practice T’ai Chi with locals, relax on the Phuket shoreline, learn how to cook delicious Thai cuisine, and meet a Buddhist monk in a golden temple. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.
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Thailand and the Temples of Angkor Summer 2023

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Saigon and Bangkok Explorer with Phuket

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5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 94,625 independent reviews
"From the blissful beaches and magical mountains, to the fun-loving locals and unforgettable food, Thailand will hold a place in your heart long after you leave."
Travel Director
Thailand at a glance
Thailand is endless, from lush rainforests and tropical wildlife, to sugary beaches, coral reefs and magical waterfalls. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director as you encounter ancient ruins, glittering temples, hill-tribe villages and and floating markets that give way to sizzling street food stalls.
Currency
Thai baht
Winter avg
25°C
Summer avg
33°C
Time Zone
GMT+7
Capital City
Bangkok
Language
Thai
Good morning
S̄wạs̄dī txn chêā kh̀a
Good evening
S̄wạs̄dī txn yĕn
Thai Curry

Our top 5 things to do in Thailand

Our Thailand holiday packages will reveal every side of Thailand, from the Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai to the glittering beaches of Phuket.

Practice your skills at a traditional Thai cooking class

Discover the secrets of traditional Thai cooking in a teak wooden house surrounded by beautiful gardens and an organic farm in Chiang Mai. You’ll visit a market to sample some local delicacies, pick fresh herbs from the garden, then learn how to cook your own Thai food, including Northern Thai cuisine and classic Thai favourites.
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Stroll through Pak Klong Talad market in Bangkok

Pak Klong Talad is one of the world’s most incredible flower markets, with flower species of every shape and colour from all over Thailand. It’s open 24 hours and the busiest time is just after midnight, when trucks full of fresh flowers arrive and the florists begin trading to find the best bouquets for their stalls.
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Meet a local monk and learn about Buddhism

Our Local Specialists will take you to Wat Suan Dok, a royal temple in Chiang Mai, where we'll meet a local Buddhist monk. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and you’ll learn about the monk’s sacred traditions against the backdrop of the temple's striking golden chedi.
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Join the locals for a graceful T'ai Chi practice

Live like a local and rise early for a peaceful T’ai Chi session in Lumpini Park. The park is a green haven with shaded lawns to practice the ancient art of T’ai Chi, and it’s a great way to ease into your day and the bustle of Bangkok.
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Relax at the beachfront in Phuket

With long stretches of powdery white sands and turquoise waters, the beaches of Phuket are one of the most beautiful sights in Thailand. Relax under palm trees, go swimming or kayaking on the ocean, or dive below the water to discover brilliant sea life in protected marine parks.
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Best museums in Thailand

Our guided trips to Thailand take you the country’s most incredible museums, from the former house of a Thai silk trader, to a sacred golden temple at the top of a mountain.
Bangkok

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the most iconic sights in Bangkok and we’ll take you on a journey through this dazzling complex. See the impressive Royal Reception Halls and the revered Emerald Buddha, a Buddha image carved from a single block of jade, dating back to the 14th century.
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Bangkok

Jim Thompson House

Located in Bangkok, the Jim Thompson House is the former home of James Thompson, an American businessman and architect. He dedicated his life to the revival of Thai silk and designed the house in 1958, with six traditional Thai-styled houses to showcase his large art collection of Thai paintings and historical Buddhist statues.
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Chiang mai

Wat Doi Suthep

Perched at the top of Doi Suthep mountain at an elevation of 1,073 metres, Wat Doi Suthep is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Thailand. We’ll take you up the 309 steps to find glittering shrines and statues, the holy gold plated chedi, and a sweeping view over the city of Chiang Mai.
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Best food in Thailand

The Thai cuisine is one of the best parts of a trip to Thailand and our Thai holiday packages will show you all the best places to try these beloved dishes.

Pad Thai

A delicious stir-fried noodle dish, Pad Thai is one of the most classic foods found in Thai street stalls. It’s a combination of egg, fish sauce, tamarind, and your choice of chicken, tofu and prawns. Top with bean sprouts and peanuts for crunch and chilli and lime juice for a zesty kick.
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Som Tam

The most famous salad in Thailand, Som Tam is a fiery dish of shredded green papaya, tomatoes and green beans. The vegetables are mixed with fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar and a healthy dose of chilli, and you can tailor the dish to your taste for extra sweetness or spiciness.
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Green Curry

You’ll find the beloved green curry all over Thailand and our Local Specialists will show you the best spots to try this spicy coconut milk curry. Green chillies give the curry its colour, and it’s filled with beans, Thai aubergines, the meat of your choice and served with steamed rice.
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What to pack for Thailand

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Adaptor plug

In Thailand the standard voltage is 220 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, C, F and O. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

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Reef-safe sunscreen & insect repellent

Protect yourself from the harsh Thai sun with SPF 30 or higher and protect the coral reefs with reef-safe sunscreen. You’ll also need to pack plenty of DEET insect repellent.

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Slip ons

In Thai culture, it’s required to remove your shoes before entering houses, temples and some shops and restaurants. Bring a comfortable pair of sandals so you can easily slip them off all day.

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Swimsuit

With plenty of islands ringed with golden shorelines and turquoise waters, you’ll definitely need a swimsuit for snorkelling, diving and blissful beach days in Thailand.

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Thai phrasebook

The Thai language is unique to the country, and you’ll gain plenty of smiles and appreciation from the locals if you attempt to learn a few phrases.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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