Thailand

You’ll never be stuck for things to do on holidays to Thailand! Get ready to discover vibrant cities, elaborate temples, floating markets and so much more.

• Explore Bangkok: Take a tour around busy Bangkok in a tuk-tuk. The Thai capital is brimming with colourful markets and great restaurants, plus it’s famed for its ornate Grand Palace which is right in the centre of the city.
  
• Enjoy the nightlife: Island nights out are all about tropical cocktails and barefoot vibes. Koh Phangan is famous for hosting the original Full Moon Party, while Phuket’s shores are awash with beach clubs.
  
• Discover Chiang Mai: Located in northern Thailand and surrounded by lush mountains, Chiang Mai is home to over 300 Buddhist temples. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep stands atop a mountain overlooking the city and is the most famous.
  
• Go shopping: Thailand breaks give you the chance to enjoy one of the most unique shopping experiences on the planet – floating markets! The most famous is Damnoen Saduak, which is around 90 minutes’ drive from Bangkok, although Pattaya Floating Market is the largest.
  
• Visit Angthong National Marine Park: Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Angthong National Marine Park is an archipelago of islands, sea caves, and coral reefs just off the shore of Koh Samui. Book a day trip and go snorkelling or kayaking in the waters.

Best beaches in Thailand

As well as serene sandy stretches on the mainland, Thailand holidays open up opportunities for secluded escapes to tranquil islands.

• Kata Beach: Phuket holidays are perfect for beach lovers, with plenty of beautiful sandy stretches to choose from. Kata Beach is popular for good reason. It’s great for swimming, isn’t too busy and has some fantastic restaurants nearby.
  
• Maya Bay: You’ll find Thailand's most famous beach on the Phi Phi Islands. Best reached by boat, Maya Bay boasts several sandy beaches and a coral reef. It’s also famous for featuring in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Beach’. Daily visitor numbers are capped, ensuring no overcrowding.
  
• Railay Beach: The Railay peninsula in Krabi comprises 4 stunning beaches. They are backed by limestone cliffs and feature several caves and inland lagoons. Hire a kayak to explore, go for a refreshing swim or simply soak up the sunshine.
  
• White Sand Beach: As its name suggests, you can expect to sink your toes into soft, white sand here. Located in Koh Chang, this palm-lined stretch is well worth a visit. Stay until the evening to enjoy the local nightlife.
  
• Chaweng Beach: Koh Samui is no stranger to stunning beaches, but this one is the most popular. There is a reef offshore making this a great spot for families, plus lots of water sports like kayaking, jet skiing and banana boats. There’s also a collection of beachfront bars and luxury hotels in the area.

Thai cuisine is known for its distinctive and fragrant ingredients, with dishes to suit every palate and price point. Here are a few we’d recommend trying on your getaway:

• Pad thai: You’ll find this popular dish at most restaurants and street food markets, making it a great option for a cheap meal. Stir-fried noodles are seasoned with tamarind and fish sauce, then tossed with bean sprouts, shallots and egg, before being sprinkled with peanuts.
  
• Seafood: Fresh seafood is easy to come by in Thailand. Phuket and Koh Samui have plenty of beachside eateries, while Hua Hin has several long-standing seafood restaurants, including Baan Itsara. It’s right on the beach and serves popular dishes like tom yum soup and crab curry.
  
• Curry: You’ll find many variations in Thailand, including green, red and yellow curries, as well as massaman and panang. Green and red curries are made with garlic, ginger, lemongrass and chillies, and have a spicy kick, while massaman and panang are milder and include peanuts. Take your pick from chicken, shrimp or veggie varieties.
  
• Som tam: Another traditional Thai dish you should add to your list is som tam. This spicy salad is made with green papaya, tomatoes, carrots, runner beans, palm sugar, tamarind, fish sauce and peanuts.
  
• Mango sticky rice: Satisfy your sweet tooth with Khao Niaow Ma Muang – a traditional and popular dessert in southeast Asia. The rice is sweetened with creamy coconut milk and served with slices of fresh, juicy mango.

Thailand couples holidays

Luxurious hotels with infinity pools, budget-friendly all inclusive resorts and some extraordinary dining experiences are all up for grabs on romantic Thailand breaks.

• Discover the Similan Islands: The sleepy Similan Islands are the ideal location for downtime with your other half. Book a day trip from Phuket and spend time lounging on pristine beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear Andaman Sea or enjoying a snorkelling session.
  
• Check into a luxury hotel: Make your stay extra special by checking into a lavish hotel. You’ll find romantic resorts in tourist hotspots like Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya and Khao Lak. Make the most of top facilities like dazzling infinity pools, elegant spas and à la carte restaurants. Opt for all inclusive for a hassle-free break.
  
• Treat yourselves to a tasty meal: For something unforgettable, book a table at the exclusive Tree Tops Signature Dining in Koh Samui. You’ll dine on a private platform nestled in a 120-year-old treetop canopy, surrounded by lush greenery. Sip on a glass of champagne as you admire spectacular sea views.
  
• Complete a cooking class: Book a Thai cooking class for a fun couples’ activity. Smile Organic Farm in Chiang Mai teaches you how to make healthy meals and how to grow vegetables in your garden. The highly-rated Chef LeeZ is one of the best classes in Bangkok, giving you the chance to master 12 authentic dishes.
  
• Book a spa day: Take time out from sightseeing and treat yourselves to an indulgent spa day. There are lots of beautiful spas across the country in tranquil settings surrounded by lush greenery. Some of the best hotels in Thailand also have peaceful spas on site where you can book in for cosy couples treatments.