Start planning for your dream Thailand holidays this year. Situated in Southeast Asia, this country boasts a rich ecological environment characterised by lush green forests, pristine beaches and pleasant climate settings, allowing tourists to spend an amazing vacation in the country.
Enjoy a long-haul flight from London to Bangkok, which will take approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes. You can spot tourists around popular destinations in Thailand throughout the year. As of the statistical data of 2024, Thailand had welcomed over 35 million visitors from different corners of the world. Despite catering to tourists and the presence of influences from other countries, the cities in Thailand have never lost their Thai charm.
In this travel guide, we have covered the areas necessary to help you gain significant insight about Thailand. Especially, if you are a first timer, this travel guide will help ensure you do not miss the important places and activities on your trip to Thailand.
Travel Guide to Thailand for First Timers
The strategic location of Thailand, along with stunning natural landscapes and rich heritage, places it high on the travel agendas of many. In fact, some tourists pick this country as the starting point of their foreign tours. Tourists travelling for the first time in Thailand are filled with excitement and thrill about travelling to the iconic attractions and experiencing authentic Thai experiences. However, you must take into account the cultural gap between the UK and Thailand, where people follow different traditional beliefs.
| BASIC INFORMATION ON THAILAND | |
| CAPITAL | BANGKOK |
| POPULATION | OVER 71,668,011 (AS OF 2024) |
| OFFICIAL LANGUAGE | THAI |
| CURRENCY | THAI BAHT |
| AREA | 513,120 SQUARE KILOMETRES |
| NICKNAME | LAND OF SMILES |
| TIMEZONE | GMT+7 |
Weather of Thailand
Most of the year, you get to experience warm temperatures, allowing tourists to explore different parts of Thailand and indulge in various activities on their vacation. However, there are three different seasons, each with its own characteristics.
The Wet Season (May - October)
During the wet season (reudu fon), you will encounter monsoons blowing from all directions and there will be heavy rains. You can consider this as the off-season, when the hotel and flight fares will be considerably lower.
The Cool Season (November - February)
The change in the prevailing wind direction of the north-east monsoon brings in the cool season (reudu nao). It is one of the best times of the year to visit Thailand, allowing you a pleasant climate to explore various cities and their points of interest.
The Hot Season (March - May)
One of the most notable seasons of Thailand is the hot season (reudu ron), when you can expect minimal rainfall. You will also find the weather warm and crowds of tourists, as it is also a peak season.
Best Places to Visit in Thailand
A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without seeing its top attractions, dotted around the country. So, plan ahead to avoid missing out on visiting the attractions stated below:
Bangkok
Visit the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, where you can explore ancient temples, amazing markets and vibrant nightlife. The various historical places will help you attain an understanding of intricate Thai architecture and its timeless elegance.
Chiang Mai
The city offers you with a rich tapestry of culture and history, with ancient temples, lush forests and shopping markets, catering to the needs of a wide number of tourists. You can also spend time with elephants at the elephant sanctuary, offering you a memorable experience.
Phuket
Surrounded by some of the magnificent beaches in Thailand, Phuket offers you an ideal getaway experience. Besides spending a splendid beach time, one can also visit different popular attractions dotted around the city.
Koh Samui
Dive into the cultural richness and natural beauty of Koh Samui and enjoy an amazing holiday. The city presents a tapestry of possibilities waiting to be discovered by the tourists. You can also encounter an abundance of adrenaline-inducing activities, making your vacation memorable.
Pattaya City
Pattaya is the most charming city of Thailand, renowned for its vibrant nightlife. It also offers the tourists a myriad of experiences catering to their diverse needs and preferences. One can also indulge in a wide array of beach activities, adding thrill to their trip.
Best Things to Do in Thailand
Some of the best things to try out on your Thailand trip are stated below:
Take a Spiritual Dive by exploring the temples – Thailand is home to over 40,000 temples dotted around the country. It is too petite to name just one of the best temples around Thailand, as each temple has certain unique characteristics that will make you gasp.
Enjoy the gastronomic delights of Thailand – Savor a wide array of cuisines that will help you understand the gastronomy culture of Thailand, as each of their dishes is infused with local ingredients, spices and culinary steps passed down for decades.
Go island hopping – Thailand is known for its islands, attracting a number of tourists. There are a number of islands like Phang Nga Bay, Rassada Pier, Ko Khao Phing Kan, Phuket and many more. Visit different islands to witness surreal scenery and gain new experiences.
Go on a shopping spree at Thailand’s best markets – If you are a shopaholic, then Thailand offers you some of the best markets to shop. Markets like Flower market, Cicada market, Chatuchak market, Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa are popular places to find a wide array of local crafts, souvenirs and other gift items.
Take a dive into the history of Thailand – Get to know about the rich history of Thailand by visiting some of the popular museums around Thailand, like Museum Siam, Jim Thompson House Museum and many more.
Explore marine life – If you are keen on exploring marine life, then opt for activities like deep-sea diving or snorkelling in order to witness the rich and vibrant marine ecosystem. There are a number of places around Thailand, where you can explore marine life, such as Ko Phi-Phi, Phuket, Ko Pha-Ngan and many more.
Traditional Cuisines of Thailand
Here are some of the traditional cuisines of Thailand that you must try on your visit to Thailand.
- Pad Thai
- Tom Youm Goong
- Khao Soi
- Khao Pad
- Kaeng Lueang
- Gaeng Daeng
- Gaeng Keow Wan Gai
- Pad Kra Pao Moo
- Laab
- Khao Niao Mamuang
Popular Festivals of Thailand
If you are eager to experience the local traditions and customs, then plan your visit during the festivals that take place in Thailand throughout the year. Some of the popular festivals that take place in Thailand are stated below:
| Name of Festivals | Month |
| Chiang Mai Flower Festival | February |
| Songkran – Water Festival | April |
| Boon Bang – Rocket Festival | May |
| Phi Ta Khon – Ghost Festival | July |
| Ubon Ratchathani – Candle Festival | July |
| Jay Festival – Vegetarian Festival | October |
| Bang Fai Phaya – Naga Fireballs Festival | October |
| Loy Krathong – Festival of Lights | November |
| Yi Peng Festival – | November |
| New Year’s Eve | December |
Travel Tips
This travel guide to Thailand will remain incomplete without travel tips. These tips shall help you enjoy a memorable vacation without facing any hassles.
- If you are planning to visit Thailand, then make sure to book your flight tickets and rooms in advance.
- In order to fly to Thailand, make sure your passport has at least one blank page and a period of 6 months before expiry.
- Make sure to purchase Thailand travel insurance before setting off for your vacation.
- Ensure booking a two-way ticket to Thailand, to avoid the hassle of ticket booking and increase the chance of obtaining a visa.
- Book a travel package from a trusted travel agency to reduce your expenses.
- Carry the necessary medications prescribed by your doctor to address any health issues during your trip.
- Carry refillable water bottles to stay hydrated during the hot season in Thailand.
- Be aware of scammers, thieves and pickpockets.
Conclusion
Thus, take a break from your monotonous routine and set out on an exciting journey to Thailand, witnessing their rich culture, heritage,traditions and cuisines. For first-timers, it is recommended to combine thrilling adventures, culinary offerings, and cultural exploration, as your vacation period is limited.
If you are having difficulties in designing your Thailand itinerary, then you can check out the packages available at our website. If you wish to prepare your own itinerary with our aid, then reach our travel expert, who will prepare an itinerary based on your budget and preferences.
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