Population
70,254,534
capital
Bangkok
Language
Thai, English, Chinese, Burmese, Malay
currency
Thai Baht
Flight time
11 hours and 25 minutes from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT +7 hours
best time to go
Nov-May
Introducing Thailand
Book your next holiday in “The Land of Smiles”, the beautiful and humble country of the Thai people. There’s no other place in the world quite as welcoming as Thailand so if you’re looking for a tourist friendly destination filled with fun, exploration and indulgence all designed for the curious traveller, we promise you that Thailand has it all. From party beaches and music festivals on the many paradise islands to skyscraper rooftop dining and luxurious hotel suites in the city that never sleeps, this smiling nation has an awful lot to give and you won’t believe how easy it is to eat well. Street food culture is at its finest here and you haven’t tried a real Pad Thai until you’ve had it from a street vendor down Sukhumvit Road. And whether you’re tasting the Nam Phrik Oong of Chiang Mai in the North of tucking into a comforting coconut curry in the South, there’ll be so many regional varieties to tantalize your taste buds. Affordability is also one of the biggest draws of this dream-filled destination in South East Asia and for those who love the finer things, you can really make your money go further to treat the whole family. From the best nightlife to the most extravagant family resorts and spa hotels, this beautiful and interesting country has something for everyone. There’s a seascape, mountainscape or cityscape for every type of traveller and wherever you go in beautiful Thailand, you will soon agree that Thai hospitality simply can’t be beaten.
For a 5 star holiday escape with city, beach or jungle, come to Thailand, the friendliest tourist destination in Asia.
Family
Thailand has something for everyone so it’s ideal for families. There’s something to do for every age group and the Thai people are extremely welcoming of children in their establishments. Pretty much all resorts, hotels and restaurants are kid friendly and it’s generally a very safe country to travel in. You may also find that younger kids receive a lot of attention from locals as foreign babies are like instant celebrities in Thailand so be prepared for the friendly locals! The best regions with activities for children include Phuket and the Andaman Coast, Eastern Seaboard and Ko Chang, Ko Samui and Lower Gulf as well as the Upper Gulf area, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Cuisine
Some of the must-try foods of Thailand include Boat noodles, Pad Thai noodles, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Som Tum (spicy papaya salad) and Nam Prik Ong lettuce wraps. For families travelling with children, you can rest assured that food here is fresh, clean and wholesome and there are many menu choices cooked with milder spices to suit youngsters. Western menus are also available in restaurants and cafes.
History and Culture
There are more than 75 ethnic groups in Thailand and the country is diverse, warm and welcoming. The Thai-Lao and Lanna Tai account for about 40% of the population, although they were not assimilated into the national culture until the 1900s. There have also been large groups of Chinese Thai communities for many centuries. There is widespread Buddhist custom across the nation and it is customary to greet people with a bow but to never touch a person on the head as a sign of respect.
Recommended Thailand Specialists
Top Locations in Thailand
Bangkok
The city of Bangkok is a must, even if it’s just for a few days. The choice of luxury hotels will blow you away and you won’t want to miss the incredible street food at Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) or Silom Road. For sightseeing, go to the beautiful Grand Palace Complex, Wat Phra Kaew temple and Wat Arun. Khao San Road is famous for nightlife and the Patpong district is the place to go for Thailand’s legendary night markets.
Read more
Phuket
Home to the Full Moon Party, Phuket is a popular region for young holidaymakers. But the area is just as great for families and couples looking for a little piece of paradise. Abundant in luxury spa resorts, Phuket is also a beautiful beach destination for those who want to wind down. There are more than 30 beaches in Phuket, many of which are family friendly and some of the best beaches to visit include Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Bangtao Beach, Surin Beach and Kamala Beach.
Read more
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand dates back to the 1200s and is rich in history. Its Old City is a fantastic destination to see old ruins and there are stunning temples dotted around the entire surrounding region. Don’t miss Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, Wat San Dorg or Wat Ched Yot. The Elephant Nature Park is also a must and this rescue centre offers volunteer projects to people of all ages.
Read more
Phi Phi Islands
For a famous movie location, hit the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat from Krabi of Phuket. Here, you will find a little piece of paradise for every kind of holiday. Ko Phi Phi has a vibrant party beach but head to Laem Tong Beach and you’ll find a row of luxury private resorts. Other islands to explore from your base at Phi Phi Don include Phi Phi Leh (where The Beach was filmed), Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island.
Ko Samui
This is one of Thailand’s largest islands and it’s a family friendly, couple friendly destination with sun, sea, sand and sightseeing. It offers everything from waterfall walks and power soft sandy beaches to temples and cultural activities. For untouched nature, head to Ang Thong Marine National Park or for the ultimate spa and relaxation, head to Tamarind Springs.
Read more
Let’s start your Journey