What To Do In Thailand: The Ultimate Holiday Itinerary

When you think of Thailand, you think of tropical jungles, sugary white beaches, aquamarine waters and a welcoming atmosphere. We’re here to help you narrow down which best bits to see first.

With this ultimate travel itinerary, you’ll know all the top spots and best attractions to include on your Thailand bucket list. Whether you’re seeking an immersion into a rich culture, the chance to relax in nature, a gastronomic experience unlike any other, exhilarating adventure activities or to simply soak up the sun on a world-class beach, it’s all available for you. Visit incredible destinations such as Krabi, Koh Samui, Khao Lak, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok to get a real sense of what the Land of Smiles is really about. The only question is: where will you start first?

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Get lost in nature

Your holiday to Thailand will take your breath away with an array of postcard-perfect natural wonders and a variety of landscapes. Explore Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, to discover misty mountains, lush rainforests and serene countryside. This destination is also home to the Doi Inthanon National Park, where you’ll find the highest peak in Thailand, hidden waterfalls, such as the multi-tiered Mae Ya, stunning panoramic views and diverse wildlife. For a truly unique experience in Chiang Mai, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. A Krabi holiday promises imposing limestone cliffs, mesmerising emerald waters, mangrove forests, sparkling lagoons and unspoilt views of the Andaman Sea. Krabi is also a great location if you wish to island hop to Koh Phi Phi, where you can kayak through ancient caves. Hua Hin, a favourite holiday destination of the Thai royal family, offers quieter escapes, peaceful beaches and slow-paced luxury living.

Dine on delicious cuisine

For mouthwatering dishes that are flavourful, fragrant and sometimes extra spicy, Thailand is the destination for you. With meals like Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, green and red curries and a myriad of delicious noodle soups, you’ll be in a foodie heaven. Bangkok, the dazzling capital of Thailand, is a great destination in particular if you’re looking to explore Thailand's food scene. Stroll down the busting roads of Chinatown for unmissable street food, floating markets along the Chao Phraya River and night markets. For the best of both worlds, Bangkok also offers world-class restaurants and Michelin-starred venues. Phuket and Koh Samui are both islands which are renowned for delectable seafood, including grilled prawns and fish curries like kaeng phet pla and kaeng khiao wan pla. You can also enjoy al fresco dining and beachfront bistros that promise views of the sea and breathtaking sunsets alongside the mouthwatering meals.

Adventure activities

Bursting with exciting activities to choose from, Thailand is the ultimate adventure destination. The crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are sublime for some water sports fun, with plentiful opportunities to try jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing and much more. Thailand is home to an abundance of vibrantly-coloured coral reefs. For captivating coral gardens not found anywhere else and a plethora of exotic marine life, head to the Similan Islands, situated off the coast of Khao Lak. Railay Beach in Krabi is one of the top spots in the world for rock climbing, while the jungles of Chiang Mai are home to the longest zipline in Asia, measuring up to 1,200 metres and promising pure exhilaration. The numerous islands nestled along the coast are excellent for thrilling speedboat tours and provide divine views of Thailand's scintillating shores.

Immerse yourself in culture

Discover the rich culture exuding from Thailand on your next getaway. A holiday to Phuket, a destination commonly known for its superb beaches and lively nightlife, will wow you when you visit the Old Town. Admire Sino-Portuguese architecture and Chinese shrines; this mix highlights the island’s multicultural heritage and colonial history. Thailand is famous for being home to a litany of exquisite temples. Bangkok is where you’ll find iconic sites such as Wat Pho, where the Statue of the Reclining Buddha resides, and Wat Arun, decorated with ornate seashells. Similarly, Chiang Mai is another hotspot for temple lovers. Tour locations like Wat Chedi Luang, the largest temple in Chiang Mai, or Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred structure dating back to the 14th century. Stay in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival to be inspired by the thousands of flowing orbs that are released into the night sky.

Enjoy beach bliss

From booming hotspots to quaint and cosy stretches, a beach holiday to Thailand will tick all of your boxes. Patong Beach, in Phuket, is a hub for water sports, beach clubs, bars and restaurants, providing a buzzing atmosphere day and night. It’s also superbly situated close to Kata and Karon, two beaches that offer a more laidback alternative. Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach has a similar vibe to Patong, with soft sands, lush foliage and tropical scenery, as well as numerous luxury hotels on the beachfront. Pattaya Beach is a four-kilometre-long paradise that’s perfect for all types of holidaymakers. Boasting quieter sections as well as lively party spots, it’s clear to see why this is the most popular beach in Pattaya. Hua Hin holidays mean bliss and relaxation on a long stretch of sand that’s great for families. You’ll also only be a stone’s throw away from many markets, cultural attractions and golf courses.

Sunwing Kamala Beach

Promising sensational family holidays, this incredible Phuket hotel will wow you with its plethora of child-friendly amenities. Little ones will love splashing in the swimming pool, zooming down the waterslides and playing in the kids’ club while the grown ups can relax in the spa, lounge poolside with a beverage or break a sweat in the fitness suite. Soak up the sun with an outdoor massage or venture to the nearby Kamala Beach for water sports fun and moments of serenity on soft sands.

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Ramada Khao Lak Resort

Soak up the sun beneath a towering palm tree as you overlook the aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea. Boasting a contemporary design, this luxury hotel is perfect for romantic escapes and family adventures in paradise. Kids can make memories in the Playland children’s club, as well as in the swimming pools, while sumptuous spa treatments, Thai cooking classes and the pool bar await the adults seeking some real R&R. Sassi’s Beach Club serves up a delicious array of local and international cuisine and offers serene al fresco dining.

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The Bush Camp Chiang Mai By Elephant Hills

This tropical retreat welcomes you with open arms to the lush jungles of Chiang Mai. Set alongside the postcard-perfect Ping River, guests can expect tranquil holidays and an unrivalled immersion into nature. The main attraction of this excellent hotel is obviously the chance to admire free-roaming elephants in their natural habitat, while you can also look forward to spacious accommodations that blend luxury with your lush surroundings. When you’re not getting lost in Thailand’s stunning beauty, you can relax with a dip in the swimming pool.

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