Travel Designers If you love history and monuments to explore then a few days in Bangkok visiting all the temples with keep you entertained. For those beach lovers, you are just spoilt for choice. If sports your thing then diving, sailing, snorkelling, golf and many more activities await for you to try. Check our Manager Special Holiday offers for the latest holiday deals in Thailand.
People often ask how long and where should I go in Thailand. The answer is really down to the individual. Most international flights will arrive at Bangkok airport and from there you can take a road transfer to the nearby coastal resorts of Hau Hin, Pattaya or Cha Am or Ko Chang. If you prefer to visit one of the islands such as Phuket or Koh Samui an internal flight with Thai Airways or Bangkok air will be required as well as a visit to the North to Chaing Mai or Chaing Rai to visit the temples and rice fields of the north of Thailand.
Thailand Getting there
Daily direct flights from the UK are available with Thai Airways, Eva Air and British Airways/Qantas codeshare as well as many other airlines offering indirect options to Thailand. Internally Thai Airways and Bangkok air provide many connecting flights to the smaller islands of Thailand.
Bangkok the Crazy city that never sleeps –
A visit to Thailand is never quite complete without a visit to the capital city and main connector airport, Bangkok. A 3-night stay will help you get over the flight from the UK, explore the crazy night markets and top up on a few souvenirs and visit the famous Temples.
Night Markets Bangkok
Our favourite night markets to visit in Bangkok are Patpong market (also known for its array of go-go bars) but of late it has had a bit of a cleanup and the choice of shopping is quite vast wtih all the replica bags and clothes. A visit to the Asiatique market is also a must as there are so many shops to choose from but also many places to eat and lots of entertainment. Find out more on Asiatique night market Bangkok
Sports Thailand
Game fishing trips are offered from Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi.
Horse riding from Hua Hin Cha Am. windsurfing, sailboating, water-skiing, jet-skiing and para-boarding are available at, or near, most main beach resorts.
What to do in Thailand
Koh Phi Phi Leh – visit the pristine lagoon of Maya Bay where Leonardo di Caprio filmed the beach.
Phang Nga Bay – visit the scene used in the James Bond film “The man with the golden gun”
Live Board from Phuket to visit the island of Similan and Suri as well as the Merui Archipelago.
Koh Samui – visit the Ang Thong Marine park made up of 42 islands a 90 minute speed boat ride from Koh Samui.. Here you can visit Koh Mae Ko’s lagoon or snorkel at Koh Wao dragon island
Trang – south of Krabi Trang offers transfers to Hat Chao Mai National park and nearby islands including an Emerald cave tunnel to a sea lagoon.
Phuket Things to do
There are many day trips to experience and at night the area of Patong comes alive.
Check out Patong for the shopping and nightlife. They have a new mall called Junceleyon that is great for souvenirs. The bottom floor is all you need to bring presents back home. The bars get seedy at night but if you’re young that’s probably the fun place to be.
Go on the island tours!!! This is the only way to see the true beauty of the area. Our favorite is the Phi Phi island tour. Phang Na Bay is also nice and many do this with sea kayak tours of the sea caves which is amazing. If you want to see the Similan Islands you can only go Nov – April so plan accordingly. All the trips include snorkeling in crystal clear waters and private beaches.
Fantasea is a great place for a night out. Its a small theme park with a wonderful Vegas style show. Take a pass on the buffet dinner and the VIP tickets. We did both and wish we didn’t waste the money. The theatre is small so you can sit anywhere and see fine. You can ride elephants here and feed them before the show.
Simon Cabaret:
This is a fun show of all the “ladyboys” dressed up in drag. We had a good time watching them all. If you get a chance to go I would.
Siam Safari Elephant trekking:
This is a must-do if you’ve never done it before. You get to ride the elephants, watch them perform, feed them and see how the caretakers live. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a pricey tour so we didn’t go this time around.
Thailand Honeymoons
If you are considering a honeymoon in Thailand then a call to our office will help you to quickly plan the best itinerary for you. Our agents have the knowledge of many wonderful honeymoon hotels available in Thailand. If you are looking for total peace and relaxation then try one of the Thai hideaway islands such as Khao Lak, Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Koh Yao, Koh Samet or Koh Lanta.
These islands are perfect for a few days to hide away from the rest of the world then twin with a few nights in the city of Bangkok and or one of the more lively resorts such as Phuket or Koh Samui.
Let go easy travel plan the perfect honeymoon for you by sending your requirements on our Honeymoon Holiday Planner
Weddings in Thailand
For all weddings in Thailand, you must first apply for a license in Bangkok and this must then be translated into English. In order to do this, we recommend a stay of 4 nights in Bangkok not including a weekend stay as you will require at least 3 working days to process the wedding license. Speak to one of our Overseas wedding planners to help plan your beach wedding Wedding Abroad
Legal documents required; Proof of identity, proof of over 18 years of age, proof of being single (decree absolute if divorced, previous marriage certificate and spouses death certificate if widow/widower), change of name deed if applicable, adoption certificate if applicable, passports valid for at least 6 months. A minimum divorce requirement may be required as well as translation of documents.
Golf Thailand
There are over 200 golf courses to choose from in Thailand and many at very reasonable prices. The best areas to find golf courses in Thailand are BANGKOK, PATTAYA, KANCHANABURI, HUA HIN/CHA’AM, PHUKET and CHIANG MAI.
Thailand is made up of 76 provinces with Bangkok being the capital city.
Thailand Car Hire
Rent a car from Bangkok airport and drive out to the country or down the coast to the beaches of Pattaya or Hua Hin to name just a few. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the new airport servicing Bangkok which is situated 24 kilometers from the city center.
Diving in Thailand
The best time to dive in Thailand is from October to April in the Andaman Sea and May to September in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao provides excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities and is just a short hop from Koh Samui. Resorts to stay at for the best diving are PHUKET, KHAO LAK, KRABI, and KOH SAMUI. You will find underwater caves to explore, coral reefs of the Surin Islands marine national park, and lagoons of the Ang Thong marine national park to name just a few.
The best routes to the airport from Bangkok are as follows:
- Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway (Highway No. 7)
- Km.15 Bang Na – Trat Highway
- Rom Klao Road
The road system is good in Thailand and well posted with signs written in English. An international driving license is required. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, the maximum speed limit in Thailand is 60KM/h in the towns and between 90 and 120KM/h on the expressways and country roads. Seat belts are compulsory and drink-driving laws apply.
Travel Tips to Thailand
The Royal family are very well respected in Thailand by the Thai people and visitors should show the same respect whilst in the country.
Always cover up when visiting shrines and Buddhist temples, never go topless or wear shorts when inside the temples.
Women may not touch Buddhist monks and if wishing to hand something to them, they must pass it to a man to give to the monk.
Thai people do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, instead, they press their palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai.
Beware of unauthorized people who offer their services as guides. Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offenses are very severe in Thailand.
Northern Thailand – The Golden Triangle
The north of Thailand is home to the hill-tribes each with their own language and culture, Temples, and stunning scenery of this region. Bordering Laos and Myanmar you will explore the countryside enjoying the views from some of the highest mountains, the lushness of the jungles, and the amazement of the temples dating back over 700 years. To get the most of Northern Thailand to consider a Golden Triangle tour or at least stay in tow different areas to explore. Our favorite towns to consider staying are Chang Mai and Chang Rai, from there you can explore the Northern Thailand countryside.
From Chang Mai things to do
Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 temples, but the very best include the 14th century Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which is outside of the city center.
Visit the famous night bazaar and the many markets throughout the day.
Visit Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s tallest mountain
Visit Fang a small village near to the border of Myanmar and close to the Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park which will give you vistas of steep mountain ranges and home to the Fang Hot Springs.
Visit Pai a very sleepy village with a hippy feel to it which makes it popular with backpackers and one to go and chill out for a few days. From here you can visit Pembok Waterfall or Pai Canyon where you can walk the narrow trails and watch the beautiful sunsets.
Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, part of the Himalayan Mountain Range also known as the “The Roof of Thailand” here you can view many waterfalls, walk the mountain trail or enjoy the flora and wildlife with over 362 bird species and 65 different types of mammals.
Visit Doi Pui Tribal Village and National Park which is famous for beautiful waterfalls and is 1685 meters above seawater.
Visit Doi Suthep a historic and spiritual place in Thailand that dates back over 700 years and offers views over the city from this holy place.
Take a night safari and visit one of the animal zones such as; Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, Jaguar Trail chooses to tour by foot or in an open-sided tram.
Temples to visit are Wat Cheid Luang built around 1385 and is 80 meters tall. Wiang Kum Kam the underground ancient City and take a horse-drawn carriage to enjoy the ruins of this temple.
Visit Mae Sa Elephant camp and watch the elephants paint, play football, and dance.
Visit Chiang Dao to see the Karen Long Neck Tribe and Chiang Do Caves and see the limestone formations and Buddhist shrines in these caves.
From Chiang Rai things to do
Visit Phu Chi Fah on the border of Laos a 3-hour journey from Chiang Rai which will give you views of the jungles of Laos in the valley below.
Visit Chiang Saen similar to Ayutthaya or Sukhothai but not as busy or crowded. Here you will find smaller temples and Chedis in amongst the jungle
Visit the Pu Kaeng Waterfalls these 9 tiered waterfall flows through the jungle and is accessible through a small almost overgrown trail through the jungle.
Visit Khun Korn Waterfall which is the tallest waterfall in the Chang Rai province over 70 meters in height
Visit Wat Rong Khun a crazy looking white Temple which lies 5kms south of Chang Rai still unfinished like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona this temple is the work of local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat
Chang Rai Clock Tower built in honor of Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Hill-Tribes Museum and Education Centre
King Mengrai the Great Monument a life-size monument dedicated to King Menfrai the great and founder of the Lanna Kingdom.
Wat Klan Wieng a striking Temple built-in 1432 with ornate relief decorations housing the original city pillar shrine.
Other temples to consider are Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong,
Things to do in the Kanchanaburi region
Hintok River Camp experience
Hikes in the Erawan National Park where you can walk and hike and explore the parks Pra That Cave.
Bamboo river trip
Bridge over River Kwai a historical landmark which was erected by the British, Dutch and American war prisoners of World War ll
Hell Fire Pass and Memorial Museum which is a 500m long portion of rock that the prisoners of war dug out of hand. You can take a 4-5 hour walk of the old railway track into the jungle and visit the museum.
Death War Museum is a replica of an actual prisoner of war camp located in the ground of Wat Chai Chumphon.
Don Rak War Cemetery is the resting place of 7000 prisoners who died constructing the famous Death Railway.
Three Pagodas Pass which marks the Tahi-Burmese border.
Sri Nakarin National park is home to the hot springs and a range of wildlife and waterfalls reached by boat or 4WD vehicles
The beach resorts in Thailand
Central & East
Ayutthaya
Cha-Am, Hua-Hin
Kanchanaburi
Ko Chang
Pattaya
South
Hat Yat
Ko Samui
Krabi
Phuket
Phi Phi
Khao Lak
Essential Information about Thailand
Capital City – Bangkok
Language – Thai, English, Chinese
Currency – Baht
Electricity – 220V
Flight Time – average from London 11 hours
Time Difference – GMT +7 hours
For more information browse the official website for the Thailand Tourist Board
Visa requirements None for Uk Passport Holder