Thailand by Kuoni

Explore Thailand

Explore Thailand

Awe-inspiring scenery, rich cultural traditions and vivacious energy; a holiday to Thailand will leave you utterly spellbound.

Our connection with Thailand traces back half a century. As travel pioneers, we introduced the first weekly charter flights to Bangkok in 1965 and to this day, our deep-rooted passion for this country remains unwavering. We’re here to share our first-hand recommendations, handpicked hotels and tried-andtested experiences with you.

Thailand is wonderfully diverse and you can explore from many angles. We can design a trip that’s all about romance, including boutique hideaways with knockout views and beachside dining under the stars. Travellers will be blown away by the cacophony of colour, goldglittering temples and curious wildlife. Wellness seekers can retreat to a private pool sanctuary where oceanfront yoga and spa treatments await.

Ask us where you can dine in a treetop bird's nest, when is the best time to snorkel in the Surin Islands and how you can recreate Thai dishes under the expert guidance of a master chef. And if you love one-of-a-kind hotels, we'll tell you about a resort with villas that resemble miniature Thai Palaces and where you can spend the night in a jungle bubble, with the gentle giants of the forest as your neighbours.

Whatever travel experiences are high on your wish list, we have the insider know-how to help you get the most out of your visit to this captivating country. Get in touch to start planning an unforgettable holiday to Thailand.

Thailand: the essentials

Thinking about taking a trip to the Land of Smiles? This mini travel guide features must-see spots, hidden gems and special places to stay.

Wat Yai Chaimongkon, Ayutthaya, Thailand

Where to go

Thailand is a rare destination where dynamic cities, rainforests and beaches coexist. You can easily head straight to the beach, but you'd be missing a trick by not spending a couple of days in Bangkok. Some arrive daunted by its chaos, but most leave thrilled by its vibrancy, tradition and culture – it's the classic city and beach combo where you can stay among skyscrapers before relaxing on the golden sands of a slow-paced island. For more in-depth adventures and to experience Thai culture at a less frenetic pace, head north to Thailand's Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, go hilltop hiking in Chiang Mai and visit Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins or add a wild twist with a night or two in an ethical elephant camp.

When to go

The best time to visit Thailand depends on the region. The peak season is from November to early April, when the climate is warm and mostly dry, making it ideal for destinations like Phuket and Krabi. If you're heading for sun and snorkelling in the UK summer months, islands in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Samui or Koh Samet, will bring the best beach weather. We can plan your itinerary based on your priorities, whether it's weather, budget or avoiding crowds.

Good to know:

• The wai is a customary greeting in Thailand. Bow your head, join your hands in a prayerlike manner, and reciprocate the gesture as a sign of respect.

• Thailand is an extremely proud nation. While in public places such as the Skytrain stations in Bangkok, you’ll hear The National Anthem playing daily at 8am and 6pm.

• The Skytrain is a great way get around and avoid traffic if you have limited time in Bangkok.

• Keep a shawl to hand when visiting temples; it's respectful to keep knees and shoulders covered and remove your shoes before going in.

• If you’re visiting Thailand during April, be prepared to get wet. Songkran, the biggest and best festival in Thailand, takes the form of a huge, country-wide water fight.

How to get around

For shorter journeys, hop into a taxi or a tuk-tuk. To cover longer distances, there’s an excellent network of internal flights. We can also arrange road and boat transfers (private where possible), seamlessly whisking you between hotels on your journey.

Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camp, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Bangkok

Destination highlights

Thailand is a land of contrasts. There’s Bangkok, the energetic capital, scenic villages surrounded by rice terraces and ancient kingdoms that whisper tales of old.

Journey south and you’ll find coves backed by majestic karsts and sparkling reef-ringed islands. Then there’s Thailand's wild side, national parks, both on land and underwater, where diverse wildlife thrives.

Lumphini Park & downtown Bangkok City, Thailand

Bangkok

Bustling markets overflowing with fruit and delicious street food, temples adorned with intricate gold designs and sleek urban hotels topped with skyline view swimming pools. Expect surprises on every corner of this 24hour city.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the gateway city to Northern Thailand. There are renowned cookery schools and night markets offering handcrafted treasures. Beyond the city walls, explore terraced rice fields, elephant camps and hill tribe villages.

Phuket

Phuket, Thailand's ultimate island playground, is a vibrant tapestry of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and non-stop excitement. Join in the revelry among the bright lights and buzzy bars of Patong or seek refuge at a luxe hotel on a quiet, palm-lined beach.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a laid-back island scattered with romantic resorts and white-gold beaches. Don’t miss a trip to Wat Phra Yai, home to a towering golden Buddha, and head out on a Jeep Safari to uncover hidden gems and swim in a picturesque waterfall.

Hua Hin

Discover the royal allure of Hua Hin, a popular seaside town favoured by Thailand’s Royal Family. You’ll find long pretty beaches, stylish seafood restaurants, a colourful night market and even a vineyard. Plus, it’s just a three-hour drive from Bangkok, which adds to its appeal.

Bangkok street food

Pa Pong Piang mountain hills valley, Chiang Mai

Phuket

Namuang waterfall, Koh Samui

Hua Hin

Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai

Sukhothai

THAILAND

Uthai Thani

Ang Thong

River Kwai

Bangkok

Hua Hin

Ayutthaya

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Koh Samet

Koh Chang

Travel times by flight:

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – 1hr 20 Mins

Bangkok – Chinag Rai – 1hr 25 Mins

Bangkok – Phuket – 1hr 30 Mins

Bangkok – Krabi– 1hr 25 Mins

Bangkok – Koh Samui – 1hr 10 Mins

Travel time by road transfer:

Bangkok – Hua Hin – Approx 3 hrs

Suggested Itineraries

We’ll work with you to design your own imaginative itinerary – these routes offer a taste of what's possible and popular.

Koh Phangan

Koh Samui

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Lak

Koh Yao Noi

Krabi

Koh Yao Yai

Phuket

Koh Lanta Koh Phi Phi

Dive

The Legend Chiang Rai Resort & Spa – 3 nights

Bangkok – 4 nights

Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa, Koh Samet – 4 nights

Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort – 4 nights

1. Authentic Thailand

deep into under-the-radar pockets of Thailand on this 15-night tour. This trip features smaller beachfront hotels and bonafide Bangkok experiences.

2. Honeymoon heaven

This 2-week romantic escape is centred around hotels in stunning locales, including a barefoot luxury resort with exquisite pool villas and a Chiang Rai elephant camp with unique bubble lodges.

U Chiang Mai – 3 nights

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai – 1 night

Saii Phi Phi Island Village – 3 nights

The Shore at Kata Thani – 4 nights

Banyan Tree Bangkok – 2 nights

3. Travel with a positive impact

Choose an eco-friendly tour of Thailand, starting with a stay at an EarthCheck Gold-certified hotel in Bangkok. Venture to the countryside for a three-day nature immersion then switch off at an intimate eco-resort.

Banyan Tree Bangkok – 3 nights

Elephant Hills Jungle & Lake Camp

Safari – 2 nights

Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa – 7 nights

4. Enriching family adventures

Experience new sights, cultures and flavours together on this family-focused itinerary. Blend time in an extraordinary elephant camp with downtime on Koh Samui and the high energy of Bangkok.

Kantaray Hills Chiang Mai – 3 nights

The Bush Camp Chiang Mai – 1 night

Bandara Resort & Spa, Koh Samui – 7 nights

Oriental Residence Bangkok – 3 nights

5. Thailand wellness journey

Prioritise wellness with indulgent spas and soul-stirring scenery. Try aerial yoga, Muay Thai boxing, soak in volcanic hot springs and stay at a trio of beautiful hotels.

Banyan Tree Bangkok – 3 nights

Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta – 4 nights

Rayavadee, Krabi – 4 nights

Iconic experiences in Thailand

Enjoy ethical elephant encounters

Soak in a jungle hot spring spa

Krabi

Whip up a feast in a Thai cooking class

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

Boat through floating markets

Bangkok

Elephant Hills Jungle Safari, Khao Sok National Park

Go snorkelling in a marine park

Taste sizzling street food

Unwind in a rainforest spa

Stay in a jungle bubble

Dine by a waterfall

The Surin Islands

Banyan Tree Samui

Chiang Mai Night Market

The Sarojin, Khao Lak

Chiang Rai

Witness history at the Bridge on the River Kwai Kanchanaburi

Great for a jungle-meets-beach escape: With one of the best locations in Phuket, this great-value resort is surrounded by tropical jungle, yet just a short hop from the markets and eateries of Karon.

The best places to stay

Here's just a tiny selection of where you can stay in Thailand, from boutique jungle and beach hideaways to modern luxury resorts.

Great for slowing down the pace: Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa's quaint thatched cottages are set on the silky shores of sleepy Koh Samet. Plunge into the infinity pool for a cooling dip and de-stress with rejuvenating treatments in the spa.

ROCKY'S BOUTIQUE RESORT

Great for secluded romance: This adults-only resort is tucked on a golden beach in Koh Samui. The attentive staff will enhance your stay with thoughtful gestures, like delivering refreshing treats as you chill by the pool.

MARINA PHUKET RESORT

LE VIMARN COTTAGES & SPA

Great for be-blown-away beauty: You can't help but be starstruck by the breathtaking beauty of Koh Phi Phi. Stay at the secluded Saii Phi Phi Island Village – we love the Hillside Pool Villas nestled amid the rainforest slopes.

Great for traditional tranquility: At this palatial-style resort in jungle-clad Koh Chang, master the art of fruit carving, kayak on the emerald waters and visit Bao Bang Floating Village for boat-fresh seafood.

Great for beach house vibes: You’ll find this seaside-chic boutique haven on the small intimate isle of Koh Yao Noi. Spot hornbills in the trees, pedal around the island and ignite romance at the moonlit cinema.

SAII PHI PHI ISLAND VILLAGE

SANTHIYA TREE KOH CHANG RESORT

CAPE KUDU HOTEL

City delights

The contemporary urban hotel is hidden in Bangkok’s leafy Langsuan neighbourhood, a central location to explore ornate shrines, temples, palaces and street life.

This boutique bolthole is hidden behind the ancient city walls in the heart of the old town. Engage in Thai culture with activities like alms-giving, Thai boxing and a flavourful cooking class.

Somewhere special

A super-exclusive hideaway perched on a cliff above Kamala Beach, you’ll feel like you’ve been let in on the islands best-kept secret. The private pool villas have mesmerising ocean views.

This world-class retreat, nestled between dizzying limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, has natural eye candy every way you turn.

PARESA PHUKET

RAYAVADEE, KRABI

SINDHORN MIDTOWN HOTEL BANGKOK, VIGNETTE COLLECTION

U CHIANG MAI

Go Wild

Surrounded by bamboo forests in northern Thailand, this luxurious resort has its own elephant camp. Spend a night in a jungle bubble with views of the roaming herd below.

On a 2-night wild glamping getaway at the award-winning Elephant Hills camp, enjoy up-close elephant encounters and activities such as trekking and canoeing.

ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE ELEPHANT CAMP & RESORT, CHIANG RAI

ELEPHANT HILLS JUNGLE & LAKE CAMP SAFARI