Thailand
Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant culture. From the bustling city of Bangkok to the lush forests of the north, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Thailand.
One of the must-see destinations in Thailand is the capital city of Bangkok. Here, you can explore the bustling streets and markets, visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), or take a long-tailed boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. For a more relaxed pace, head to the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, where you can lounge on the sandy shores or participate in water sports such as sea kayaking, snorkeling and diving. In the north, you can visit the ancient city of Chiang Mai and explore the surrounding temples and forests. Don’t forget to try the delicious Thai cuisine, which is known for its spicy flavors and fresh ingredients.
Overall, Thailand is a fascinating and diverse country with a rich history and culture. It is an excellent destination for travelers who are looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Take a look at the sample itineraries below that we can use as a starting point to design your unique trip.
Thailand Tour Itineraries:
Thailand Weather Patterns
Thailand consists of three main regions, the North (Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai), the Central (Bangkok), and the South (Phuket on the west coast, and Koh Samui on the east coast). If you’re going to visit all three regions, the best times to visit are from November through early March, which is the cooler, drier season.
Late March through May starts to become very hot and humid. High temperatures average in the upper 90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius). Although this period usually remains dry, rain storms occur more frequently in the month of May, which is a transition period towards the wet season. In north Thailand this is also the time when the skies can become thick with haze and smoke due to forest fires and farmers burning their fields.
June through early October mark the monsoon season when daily heavy downpours can bring relief from the oppressive heat, though humidity is very high. The days often start sunny, with showers mostly occurring in the afternoon or evening, lasting for 1 to 4 hours. Beach activities during this time should be focused on the east coast such as Koh Samui. The west coast has rougher seas and limited visibility for water activities like swimming, snorkeling and diving.
Our Recommended Thailand Hotels and Resorts
We’ve inspected and stayed in hundreds of hotels throughout the country. We will not only recommend which hotel may be best for you, but which room category. Here’s a few that we highly recommend based on the quality of the rooms and facilities, cleanliness, standard of service, and locations. These aren’t always the cheapest hotels, but they are among the best hotels in their category. We tend to have a preference for high-quality boutique hotels that have a great location, excellent food, and a local ambience, or perhaps a colonial style atmosphere that conjure images of former eras.
Six Senses Yao Noi, Yao Noi Island, near Phuket
If you have the budget, this is our choice as one of the best beach resorts in Thailand–in fact, all of SE Asia. Six Senses Yao Noi resort sets the highest benchmark for island resort living in Asia. The iconic limestone pinnacles rising from the waters of Phang Nga Bay create a surreal backdrop and a sense of privacy and adventure. Pool Villa accommodations provide generous personal space, a variety of views and present an uncompromised lifestyle.
Six Senses has a true dedication to sustainability.
Riva Surya Bangkok, Bangkok
A boutique hotel, situated along the Chao Phraya River and close to the heritage sites of the Grand Palace, the Golden Mount, Wat Po and Wat Arun, Riva Surya Bangkok offers an idyllic urban getaway in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. This modern hotel with a Thai feel features 68 beautifully designed rooms, elegant dining options, a riverside swimming pool and leisure facilities for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is equipped with a fitness center and two swimming pools for adults and kids. The location is also close to many local restaurants and shops. The daily breakfast is not to be missed.
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort, Chiang Mai
With just 45 rooms and a great location next to the Ping River and walking distance to the night market, this is truly a romantic resort. The outdoor swimming pool is perfectly designed for indulgent relaxation. The on-site restaurant offers peaceful views of the Ping River.
Boasting modern Northern Thai style, all rooms at this property feature an air conditioning, flat-screen TV and comfortable seating area. Certain rooms offer a living room. The en suite bathroom comes with a bathtub and complimentary premium amenities. Slippers and bathrobes are provided for guests’ comfort.
Friendly staff are 24-hour available at the front desk to assist all guests.
No Thailand Visas Required for Up to 30 Days!
Most nationalities, including U.S. and Canadian citizens carrying a tourist passport and in possession of an onward or return airline ticket do not require a visa to enter Thailand for a stay of up to 30 days. The passport must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond the last day of their trip to be allowed entry.
Upon entry, Thai immigration officials will place an immigration stamp in the passport permitting a 30-day stay in Thailand if arriving by air or land. This time limit may subsequently be extended for an additional 30 days by paying an additional fee to the Thai Immigration Bureau office.
Tourist Visas
If you want to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days, you can get a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country prior to arriving in Thailand. The tourist visa must generally be used within 90 days from the date of issue and allows an initial stay of 60 days. After arrival in Thailand, a tourist visa may be extended at the discretion of an immigration officer once for an additional 30 days with the total period of stay no longer than 90 days.
Covid-19 Restrictions as of January 9, 2023
Travelers don’t need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Thailand.
All travelers arriving from a country that requires a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result on a return must have proof of health insurance on arrival in Thailand.
Travelers are recommended to wear masks in all public places and on public transportation.
For full details and exemptions, see:
Common Questions and Answers about Thailand
What are the typical costs of your Thailand private tours?
If booking a private, customized tour with us, costs can range from $350/day/person for staying in nice 3-star quality hotels to well over $500/day/person in high-end luxury hotels. Staying in small luxury boutique hotels can cost an average $400/day/person. These cost estimates include not just accommodation, but also internal flights, airport transfers, tours and activities, entrance fees, private guides, and private vehicles with driver.
What are the benefits of a private tour?
There are so many that it’s hard to quantify, but here’s a few major benefits: 1) the tour is customized for your interests, which means you get to see and do the things you’re most interested in. 2) you’re not running on a fixed daily schedule, which means you have flexibility to stay as long as you want or move on early from something or even skip it altogether if that’s what you decide on the spot. 3) We’re able to design the activities at popular sights to avoid the crowds!
Is it possible to avoid peanuts and peanut oil if I’m allergic?
Yes! With a private tour, it’s much easier as your guide can tell you how to avoid peanut oil and peanuts and other items you may have an allergy to.
Can you drink water from a tap or served in glasses at restaurants?
It’s generally best to avoid tap water, drink bottled or purified water, and ask about the source of water in restaurants, but ice is usually safe.
Is it possible to use my mobile phone from North America in Thailand?
Yes, 4G connectivity is very good in Thailand. Some plans, like T-Mobile allow for free unlimited data internationally, though it is usually at a 2g speed. However, that’s often good enough for texts and emails and some browsing.
What electrical adapters are needed?
Almost all hotels in Thailand have US-style outlets that are fine for plugging in electronics. However, the voltage is 240 volts, so be sure your devices can handle that. Most can!
What’s the best way to get local currency?
ATMs are great and plentiful and most accept international debit cards. However, they charge a whopping $7 per transaction. So be sure to withdraw at least $200 at a time to make it worthwhile. You can exchange cash at money changers, just shop around for the best exchange rates that they offer. We’ve found that Bangkok Bank ATMs are the most reliable. Using other ATMs can sometimes result in unusual fees withdrawn from your bank account besides the typical 220 Baht transaction fee.
Call us at 206-568-0710 or fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you within 1 business day!
Please provide as much information as you can so we can generate some ideas before contacting you. For example:
- Number of travelers – adults and children with ages
- When you want to travel – are your dates fixed or flexible?
- Destinations of interest – country or countries, plus destinations within a country
- Activities of interest – like beaches, wildlife, hiking, shopping, art, local culture, adventure, etc.
- Purpose of trip and Special Occasions – holiday, honeymoons, important birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
- Approximate budget per person
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