Luxury Thailand Travel

Thailand has long drawn curious travelers looking to experience the enchanting traditions and landscapes of Southeast Asia. Postcard, palm-dotted beaches fringe the country’s coast, green jungles offer adventurous trekking and wildlife encounters, and buzzing cities such as Bangkok are marked by a symphony of urban sounds and flavors. With deep roots in Buddhism, travel to Thailand can also act as a contemplative journey, with time spent discovering quiet temples and time-honored rituals. 

No matter what draws you to Thailand, you’ll gain an understanding of the culture and community that is at the heart of a trip here. The people of Thailand radiate a warmth, generosity, and easy-going spirit embodied in a popular local idiom, mai pen rai, meaning “no worries”. Thai hospitality is synonymous with its world-renowned food, too. Whether dining at contemporary restaurants serving haute cuisine, tucking into street food at a lively market, or sharing a spicy som tam salad with locals in a tranquil village, you’ll savor regional flavors wherever you go. 

Just as varied as the country’s nature and culture is its accommodation. Check in to a high-end boutique hotel in the heart of the city, immerse yourself in the forest at a glamping retreat, or embrace barefoot luxury on the beach. A trip to Thailand places a rich tapestry of experiences at your fingertips.  

Thailand Travel Highlights

  • Discover a blend of tradition and modernity in Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, exploring a maze of buzzing streets, colorful markets, and serene temples
  • Head north to Chiang Mai’s rolling green hills for hiking, cycling, and ethical elephant encounters
  • Stay at a stunning tented camp in the northern Golden Triangle region, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet
  • Learn about Thailand’s WWII history from a local guide in Kanchanaburi, visiting the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai
  • Cycle through the ruins of Sukhothai, the country’s ancient capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Get off the beaten track in Khao Yai National Park and keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants
  • Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, trekking along lush jungle trails to hidden waterfalls 
  • Dine in the treetops in an elevated bamboo pod on the island of Koh Kood, where dinner is delivered via zipline
  • Decompress on the Andaman Coast with languid days on palm-strewn beaches
  • Check into a secluded villa on Koh Samui, where you can snorkel, kayak, and island hop 

What to Expect on a Luxury Trip to Thailand

  • Memorable Accommodations: Whether you’re seeking a sleek city stay or an adventurous nature escape, Thailand offers singular accommodation. Check in to an exquisite design-forward hotel in Bangkok, escape to a secluded island villa, or immerse yourself in the forest at a tented camp in the Golden Triangle. 
  • Expert Guides: Whatever you’re seeking from your time in Thailand, you’ll have friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking guides connecting you to the destination in a meaningful way, whether you’re temple hopping, cycling and hiking, cooking, or spotting wildlife.  
  • Exclusive Experiences: Every trip we design is bespoke, and we pride ourselves on giving you access to exclusive experiences tailored to the type of travel that resonates with you. Expect private tours, classes, or workshops, and excursions led by expert guides and knowledgeable locals. Try your hand cooking northern Thai cuisine in the home of a local Lanna family, set sail in a private long tail boat while island hopping along white-sand beaches, or hike along the historic Monk’s Trail to reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—all with insider info at your fingertips. 
  • Seamless, Worry-Free Travel: Journeying from Thailand’s southern beaches to its cultural heartland and northern jungles often requires expert logistics and scheduling. Your Thailand specialist will weave your trip together seamlessly, arranging all transfers, private drivers, and connections so you can simply enjoy the journey. 
  • 24/7 In-Destination Support: Our job doesn’t end when your boarding pass is printed. Extraordinary Journeys is always by your side while you’re traveling. We have reliable on-the-ground support, and a 24/7 concierge is just a phone call away.  

Thailand Travel FAQs

To get a sense of northern, central, and southern Thailand the sweet spot is about 12 to 14 days. We would recommend at least 10 days in order to make the journey to get there worthwhile. 

It’s also easy to extend your stay and explore neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Most international flights land in Bangkok (BKK), which serves as the primary gateway for travelers to Thailand. Other major entry points include Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), depending on your travel itinerary.

Currently, there are no direct flights between the United States and Thailand. US travelers typically connect through major international hubs including: Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Dubai, and Doha, depending on your departure city.

Thailand is generally a safe destination. Of course, it’s always good to practice common sense and situational awareness in busy urban centers. We recommend not wearing flashy jewelry or unnecessarily drawing attention to yourself as a traveler.   

American citizens do not need a visa for short-term visits to Thailand. You can enter the country without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 60 days. 

There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Thailand, however, we suggest you check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date recommendations, and discuss options with your healthcare professional.  

Thai is the country’s official language, but you’ll find many people working in hospitality in tourist areas speak English. Extraordinary Journeys will arrange English-speaking guides for the duration of your trip. 

It’s always appreciated if you know some basic Thai phrases, however. For example, “hello” is “sawasdee“. ” Thank you” is “khop khun” if you are male and Khop Kha” if you are female.

The Thai baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand. 10 U.S. dollars is equivalent to roughly 340 baht. 

Thailand: Best Time to Travel

The dry season, from November to April, is considered the best time to travel to Thailand, when you’ll enjoy less rainfall and sunny days, and make the most of outdoor activities. May to October brings heavy rains and higher humidity, sometimes making travel more challenging, but with a payoff of lush landscapes and fewer crowds.  

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Within the dry season, November to February is a bit milder while March to April can get hot, with temperatures soaring above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. But you can cool off during the annual Songkran Festival in mid-April, Thailand’s New Year celebration, where the streets come alive with playful water fights. Note, northern Thailand can drop to 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit during the dry season mornings and evenings, so it’s important to pack accordingly. 

Although you’ll likely experience a few showers if you travel during the wet season from May to October, there’s also fewer crowds, the landscape is green, and you’ll enjoy better rates, so it can be a nice time to visit if you’re not focused solely on beach activities. 

There isn’t an official shoulder season in Thailand, but as the rainy season tapers off, October can be a great time to visit. You’re unlikely to experience downpours while also still enjoying less travelers and cooler temperatures. It can be a beautiful time for exploring and enjoying the country’s natural beauty. 

Read Our Month-By-Month GuideThe Best Time to Visit Thailand

Where to Travel in Thailand

You’ll experience a rich, multifaceted trip if you allow yourself 10 to 14 days, weaving together time on sundrenched beaches, in buzzing modern cities, and incorporating slow countryside stays or forest hikes. 

Trekking enthusiasts won’t want to miss the rolling green hills of Chiang Mai in the north of the country, while sun seekers might want to linger on the Andaman Coast or the Gulf of Thailand for white-sand beaches and water adventures.  

Bangkok 

You’ll most likely fly into the capital city of Bangkok, and it’s worth spending a couple of days here to get a taste of contemporary food and culture, as well as timeless spiritual traditions. Wind your way through a Buddhist temple complex and take in iconic sites like the Grand Palace. But set aside some time to lose yourself in the city’s labyrinthine canals and markets, sampling the country’s famous street food along the way. 

Chiang Mai 

Known as Thailand’s trekking capital and a hub for the outdoors, nature lovers should make time for a few days in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai province. Here, you’ll enjoy hiking to waterfalls and temples, cycling along riverbanks, and kayaking through lush landscapes. This region also offers lovely ways to connect with locals in smaller villages, sharing food or trying your hand at a traditional cooking class. 

Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle  

If you’re looking to slow down for a few days, head to Chiang Rai, often known as Chiang Mai’s quiet sister province. Dubbed the Golden Triangle, this part of Thailand shares borders with Laos and Myanmar, making for a culturally diverse stay with a varied landscape, where mountains meet the storied Mekong River. There’s some singular accommodation in this region, too, including an enchanting luxury tented camp set in the rainforest, where you’ll also get the chance to have ethical encounters with elephants.  

Central Thailand 

The heart of the country beckons history and culture lovers, home to the infamous Bridge Over the River Kwai, the country’s first capital city, and a UNESCO-designated historical park. Led by your expert guide, you’ll glean fascinating insights into this storied region. There’s also adventures to be had in Central Thailand, whether that’s exploring Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s first national park, trekking in search of wild elephants, or cave excursions. 

The Gulf of Thailand  

Sun worshippers who appreciate a slower pace will love the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, where lazy days are spent on picturesque palm-fringed beaches and snorkeling over reefs. You can check into a secluded hotel on Koh Samui and take day trips to neighbouring islands, or head to a private beachfront villa on a fly-in only island that also offers hikes through the rainforest and dining in the treetops. 

The Andaman Coast 

This is perhaps the most popular and iconic region in Thailand, known for its jaw-dropping scenery on islands such as Phuket and at beach resorts such as Krabi. Just as beautiful are some of the lesser-known Andaman Islands, though, which offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region. You can also venture further off the beaten path and head into the rainforest for trekking and canoeing in Khao Sok National Park

Explore Thailand on a Map

Bangkok

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Andaman Coast

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Gulf of Thailand

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Central Thailand

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Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle

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Chiang Mai

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Our Favorite Best Thailand Hotels & Resorts

Easy Extensions

Thailand is often combined with neighbors Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Bangkok is a major hub within Southeast Asia and Asia more broadly, so adding extra time in India, Nepal, and Bhutan is straightforward, too.

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