It’s the place where city chaos meets island serenity, where tuk-tuks thunder past golden Buddhas, and smiles are doled out at every turn.
Discover Thailand, the Land of Smiles, a country renowned for its ever-friendly locals. But there’s so much more to see than just happy faces. From the ancient capital of Sukhothai, with its sleek Buddhas and weatherworn pagodas, to Bangkok’s majestic palace and frenetic street life. The glittering temple complex at Doi Suthep, the night bazaars of Chang Mai, and the hilltribes in the northern jungles. Cruise down south to tropical islands as idyllic as it gets, and fuel your adventure with food that truly earns its worldwide fame.

What people say
My mom and I did the Thailand Unearthed trip and had so much fun. Seeing the sun set at Doi Sutheep temple in Chiang Mai was amazing. The temples and people were wonderful. And the best part was the cooking class where we tried several dishes and brought home a recipe book to try at home!
Thailand travel highlights

Meet the local community on a tour of Koh Yao Yai
Discover how a local project is helping to keep the islands in the hands of locals.

Admire the Grand Palace in Bangkok
Take in the glittering majesty of the Thai king’s residence and the nearby, larger-than-life temple complex of Wat Pho.

Visit Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park
Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to these incredible creatures.

Cycle around Sukhothai
Explore the ancient Thai capital, meaning ‘Dawn of Happiness’, by bike, seeing sleek Buddhas and weatherworn pagodas.

Hear stories of survival in Baan Talay Nok
Meet the local community and learn how the village of Baan Talay Nok has recovered from the 2004 tsunami.

Visit the home of the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai'
Travel along the Death Railway and learn about its dark history during World War II.
Our Thailand trips
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
Thailand tour reviews
Articles on Thailand
Thailand holiday information
Thailand facts
Local culture of Thailand
Geography & environment
Shopping guide to Thailand
Thailand festival calendar
Food & drink in Thailand
Further reading
Best time to visit Thailand
Health and Safety
Thailand travel FAQs
Visa requirements change often, so we recommend that you check the latest information before you leave. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after your arrival date in Thailand and should have a few blank pages left for a new stamp.
Tipping isn’t expected of you in Thailand. Nevertheless, a small gratuity is always appreciated.
You’ll have no trouble finding internet cafes and Wi-Fi access in places like Bangkok and Phuket, however internet may be hard to come by in rural and remote areas.
You’ll have mobile coverage in urban centres, but service may be unreliable outside these areas. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
Most toilets in Thailand are of the squat variety, however you may find Western-style toilets at some hotels and touristy areas. Soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided so you may like to carry some with you.
- Bottle of beer = 80-100 TBH
- Street food snack = 25 TBH
- Short tuk tuk ride = 50 TBH
- Market stall meal = 40-100 THB
- Sit-down dinner at a nice restaurant = 350-1000 THB
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Thailand. To help the environment, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply.
You’ll be able to use your credit card at major shops, hotels and restaurants, but it’s best to have some cash on hand to make purchases from small local businesses.
You’ll have no trouble finding internationally connected ATMs in Thailand’s major cities, but they’ll be harder to find in rural and remote places. Make sure you have cash when visiting rural areas.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day. For more information on insurance, go to: Travel Insurance.
For a current list of public holidays in Thailand go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/thailand/public-holidays
While there are no compulsory vaccinations for Thailand and Malaysia, it’s best to be up-to-date with your routine vaccinations before your trip. Recommended vaccinations include Typhoid and Hep A. There is a risk of malaria in some parts of Thailand, so check your itinerary against your government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information. If unsure, it’s best to visit your local travel doctor before you leave.
As a whole, Thailand is a hassle-free destination for LGBTQI-travellers, and Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket all have fairly prominent gay scenes. However, Thai people do not generally engage in public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation. For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or Smartraveller before you travel.