Land of Smiles — golden temples, jungle mountains, tropical islands and Pad Thai
Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia and for very good reason — it offers extraordinary value for money, incredible food, a fascinating Buddhist culture, warm hospitable people, and an impossibly varied landscape. Bangkok's Grand Palace and street food scene. Chiang Mai's elephant sanctuaries and night markets. Phuket and Krabi's emerald limestone islands. Koh Samui's luxury resorts. Whether you want to party, meditate, trek, dive, or eat your way across a country — Thailand delivers more experiences per dollar than almost anywhere else.
November to April is the best time for most of Thailand — dry season with clear skies. Bangkok is great year-round. Phuket and Krabi are best November–April. Chiang Mai is best November–February. May to October is monsoon season — some islands close, but deals are excellent and the northeast (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) stays dry.
Bangkok's most magnificent complex — the sacred Emerald Buddha Temple within the Grand Palace grounds
Maya Bay (The Beach movie location), snorkelling, cliff jumping, and stunning limestone karst scenery
Ethical elephant sanctuary — bathe, feed, and walk with rescued elephants in a natural environment
Railay Beach, 4 Islands tour, sea kayaking through mangroves and limestone caves
Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Mango Sticky Rice, Som Tam — world-class street food at every corner
Doi Suthep Temple, Yi Peng lantern festival (November), and the famous Sunday Walking Street market