Whether youβre craving cultural deep dives, beach hammock bliss, or full moon madness, Thailand delivers the lot. From the neon buzz of Bangkok to the turquoise bays of Phuket and Koh Samui.
Holidays to Thailand 2026 highlights
From glittering temples to ancient ruins, itβs culture overload in the best way possible.
White sands, turquoise waters, and that salty sea breeze... it's a yes from us!
Get your taste buds ready, Thai food is all about flavour - bold, spicy, sweet, and tangy.
Plenty of things to do, from markets to elephant sanctuaries and even Full Moon parties.
Fun Facts
π Fun Fact - Thailandβs known as the Land of Smiles, and itβs not just a saying β there are 13 different types of smiles used in daily life.
π¦ Tiny Mammal β The bumblebee bat, found in Thailand, is the worldβs smallest mammal, weighing just 2 grams - a tiny lil' thing, and a great, if niche, pub quiz fact.
π₯€ Red Bull Origin β Red Bull was inspired by a Thai energy drink called Krating Daeng - so we all have Thailand to thank for our midday boost.
Whereβs the best area to stay on your holidays to Thailand?
Thailandβs got something for everyone, whether youβre all about the party, the zen, or the family fun. Hereβs where to set up camp:
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Families
Phuket - The go-to for families. Loads of kid-friendly resorts with pools, waterparks, and kids' clubs, plus day trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay are dead easy to arrange.
Pattaya - Close to Bangkok, with a massive waterpark, a floating market, and Mini Siam to keep the kids entertained. Great value compared to the islands.
Koh Samui - A more chilled island option with calm beaches, family-friendly resorts, and the Big Buddha temple just up the road.
π Couples
Krabi - Jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, Railay Beach (only reachable by boat), and island-hopping trips to Phi Phi. Proper romance-ready scenery without the Phuket price tag.
Koh Samui - Boutique hotels, candlelit beachfront restaurants, and Fisherman's Village for evening strolls. Laid-back island vibes with a touch of luxury.
Hua Hin - A quieter, more refined coastal town popular with couples who want beaches, golf, and great food without the party scene.
π Groups
Bangkok - Rooftop bars, Khao San Road, night markets, and a nightlife scene that goes until the early hours. The obvious pick for a group city break.
Pattaya - Walking Street is built for big nights out, and by day you've got beaches, boat trips, and waterparks to recover at.
Phuket - Bangla Road in Patong for nightlife, plus easy access to island day trips and beach clubs with the squad.
The best beaches to hit up in Thailand
Now, let's talk beaches, baby - because no matter when you're jetting off (even if you're browsing our last-minute holidays, or looking to jet off during the kids' easter holidays) the beaches here are always up for a good time. Thailand's shoreline is, quite frankly, a stunner. Picture this: pristine white sands, sapphire blue waters, and swaying palm trees. Doesn't that sound like a dream? And there are so many to choose from!
Railay Beach, Krabi - Accessible only by boat, Railay delivers jaw-dropping beauty with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands - Made famous by the movie "The Beach," Maya Bay is the definition of a tropical paradise. Although it gets busy, the stunning beauty of this bay makes braving the crowds totally worth it. Note: It's been closed off and on for restoration, so check itβs open before you plan your visit!
White Sand Beach, Koh Chang - As the name suggests, expect mahoosive stretches of white sand fringed with coconut palms. This beach is a bit more chilled out, making it ideal for those who want to escape the more crowded tourist spots.
Patong Beach, Phuket - If youβre up for some fun in the sun with a side of buzzing nightlife, Patong is the place. Itβs always lively and packed with tourists, offering plenty of water sports, bars, and restaurants.
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui - Known for its soft, white sand and clear waters, Chaweng is the party hub of Koh Samui. By day, it's all about chill vibes and water activities; by night, the beachfront clubs and bars make it a party hotspot.
Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe - the clues in the name folks, the sunset views at this sandy paradise are to die for. We're thinking a romantic stroll with your SO, or maybe you'd rather stop off in the day for a snorkel above the coral reefs in the calm waters before letting the setting sun dry you off after - now that's our vision of a perfect day.
Our top hotels in Thailand!
Thailand hotels offer a gorge selection of bases to set up shop, ranging from ultra-luxurious all-inclusives to budget-friendly cheap holidays, suitable for every type of traveller, we're talking all the best 2026 holidays, as well as our 2027 holidays way down the line. Whether you're after for a swanky spot in the bustling city or a serene beach retreat, Thailand has it all. Hereβs a rundown of some of the best hotels that offer top-tier places to rest your head and much, much more:
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Families
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort - Sprawling five-star resort right on Kata Noi Beach with six pools, a kids' club, and six restaurants. Very well reviewed and a firm favourite with returning families. The Bhuri Wing is purpose-built for families with a water play area.
Barcelo Coconut Island - A five-star private island resort with a complimentary water taxi, beachfront villas, a kids' club, water sports, and multiple dining options. Properly special for a family holiday with a bit of adventure baked in.
Melati Beach Resort and Spa - Five-star on Koh Samui with two pools, a kids' pool with water slides, a kids' club, and Thai cooking classes. Most villas have their own private pool, which is a proper treat for families who want space and privacy.
Pullman Pattaya Hotel G - Five-star beachfront in Pattaya with a private beach, two pools, a kids' club, and family rooms with bunk beds. The only proper beach club in Pattaya, and handy for day trips to the waterparks and floating markets.
π Couples
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort - Award-winning five-star spread over 22 acres on Koh Samui's west coast with cliffside villas, private plunge pools, and views across to Angthong National Park. The rooftop Air Bar at sunset is seriously special. Very well reviewed.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort - Perched on a hillside overlooking Kamala Bay with panoramic sea views from most rooms, the biggest pool in Phuket, and a marine biology centre where you can snorkel the house reef.
Vijitt Resort Phuket - Boutique five-star with proper Thai character, set in a quieter corner of the island. Beautiful traditional design, a great spa, and an intimate beachfront setting that's ideal for couples who want something a bit more peaceful.
Peace Resort Samui - Beachfront on Bo Phut's Fisherman's Village strip on Koh Samui, with a huge freeform pool, a beachfront restaurant, and a weekly seafood BBQ. Relaxed, romantic, and right on one of the island's prettiest stretches of sand.
β¨ Luxury
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort - Also earns a luxury shout. Private white-sand beach, cliffside and beachfront villas with plunge pools, a full-service spa, and views of the Five Islands that are properly jaw-dropping.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort - 850 metres of private beachfront, six pools, six restaurants, a full-service spa, and an adults-only Thani Wing for those who want the five-star treatment without the kids' club soundtrack.
π° Value
Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa - A solid four-star perched above Patong with Andaman Sea views, three pools, multiple restaurants, and a free shuttle into town. Great value for the location and facilities, with an all-inclusive option available too.
Seaview Patong - Beachfront in Patong with sea views, a pool bar, and a beach bar. No-fuss, well-located base for a cheap holiday that still feels like a proper treat.
π See all Thailand hotels π All-inclusive Thailand holidays
πΊοΈ Thailand Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Families
Splash Jungle Waterpark in Phuket - slides, wave pools, and a lazy river that'll keep the kids happy for a full day.
Cartoon Network Amazone in Pattaya - Thailand's biggest themed waterpark with over 150 rides and slides. Absolute chaos in the best way.
Elephant Nature Park - an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai where families can feed and walk with rescued elephants. Book as a day trip from Bangkok.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - wooden boats piled high with fruit, street food, and souvenirs. A brilliant morning out from Bangkok that the kids will love.
π Couples
Sunset longtail boat trip around Railay Beach in Krabi - limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and nobody rushing you back to shore.
Dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok - watch the Grand Palace and Wat Arun light up at night from the water. Proper date night material.
Fisherman's Village in Bo Phut, Koh Samui - candlelit beachfront restaurants, boutique shops, and a Friday night walking market with live music.
Couples' spa day at a beachfront resort in Phuket - traditional Thai massage, flower baths, and ocean views. Most five-star resorts offer packages for two.
π Groups
Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan - neon paint, fire shows, DJs on the sand until sunrise. Book a boat from Koh Samui and brace yourselves.
Bangla Road in Patong, Phuket - the main nightlife strip with clubs, bars, and live music. Goes from zero to full send once the sun goes down.
Rock climbing at Railay Beach, Krabi - limestone cliffs right above the sea, with half-day beginner sessions available. A proper story to bring home.
Khao San Road in Bangkok - street food, cheap drinks, market stalls, and a buzzy backpacker atmosphere that's been going strong for decades.
π£οΈ Local Lingo
π Sawasdee (ka/krap) - Hello (ka for women, krap for men)
π Khob khun (ka/krap) - Thank you
π Mai pen rai - No worries / it's all good
π½οΈ Aroi mak - Delicious
π Chuay duay - Help!
π° Tao rai? - How much?
π Thailand Destinations
Bangkok - Thailand's buzzing capital. Temples, rooftop bars, floating markets, and some of the best street food on the planet.
Phuket - The big one for beach holidays. Golden sand, jungle waterfalls, Bangla Road nightlife, and easy access to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay.
Koh Samui - Chilled island vibes with palm-fringed beaches, the Big Buddha, and Fisherman's Village. A step quieter than Phuket.
Krabi - Dramatic limestone cliffs, Railay Beach, and world-class island hopping. Brilliant value and properly stunning scenery.
Pattaya - Close to Bangkok with waterparks, floating markets, and a lively nightlife strip. Great for families and groups.
Hua Hin - A quieter coastal town popular with couples. Good beaches, great food, and a more laid-back pace than the islands.
π More Asia & Indian Ocean Destinations
Bali, Indonesia - Rice terraces, jungle temples, surf beaches, and yoga retreats. A completely different vibe to Thailand but just as unforgettable.
Vietnam - Street food capital of the world, Ha Long Bay, and brilliant value. Try Hanoi for culture or Da Nang for beaches.
Sri Lanka - Beaches, tea plantations, ancient temples, and one of the most scenic train rides on the planet. A great alternative if you want something less touristy.
Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers, Langkawi's beaches, and Borneo's rainforests. A proper melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Maldives - Private island resorts, overwater villas, and lagoons so clear the fish look like they're floating on air. The ultimate luxury escape.
Popular Thailand hotels
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Weather in Thailand
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Thailand doesnβt do boring when it comes to weather β this place brings the heat and the drama. Weβre talking year-round warmth, with tropical temps that generally sit between 25Β°C and 35Β°C.
Down south β where the beaches are calling β the climate stays toasty all year long. Even when the skies get a bit moody, the seaβs still like a warm bath.
But hereβs the tea β Thailandβs got a tropical monsoon vibe, which means May to October can bring the odd dramatic downpour. Donβt panic though β these rain showers usually show up fast, throw a bit of a tantrum, then clear off and leave behind dreamy green scenery and cooler, fresher air. Umbrella in one hand, cocktail in the other β it's still a vibe.
The real sweet spot? Thatβd be November to February β aka the cool season. Think blue skies, gentle sunshine, and that perfect βletβs go explore a waterfall without sweating through our shortsβ weather. Itβs also the most popular time to visit, so expect great beach days and al fresco everything.
Long story short β Thailandβs weather is reliably warm, often sunny, and always holiday-ready. Whether you're dancing through a tropical shower or basking in dry-season sunshine, itβs all part of the adventure.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Thailand?
How long does it take to fly to Thailand?
It takes about 11-12 hours to fly to Thailand direct from the UK/Ireland.
Whatβs the time difference between the UK and Thailand?
Whatβs the time difference between the UK and Thailand?
Thailand is seven hours ahead of the time in the UK.
What currency do they use in Thailand?
What currency do they use in Thailand?
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht.
What language to they speak in Thailand?
What language to they speak in Thailand?
The official language spoken in Thailand is Thai.
Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
Thatβs a hard no. The tap water isn't safe to drink, and you don't want your jollies ruined by a dodgy tummy. Stick to bottled water (which is super cheap at 7-Eleven) for drinking and brushing your teeth. Top Tip: The ice in drinks is usually fineβif itβs round "tube ice" with a hole in the middle, itβs made in a factory and is safe!
What plugs do I need for Thailand?
What plugs do I need for Thailand?
Leave your UK three-pin plugs at home; they won't fit here. Thailand uses a mix of flat two-pin (Type A) and round two-pin (Type C) sockets. Youβll definitely need a universal travel adapter to keep your phone charged for those sunset selfies.






