Bangkok
Glittering temples and the Grand Palace, longtail boats on the Chao Phraya, street food stalls, rooftop bars and gracious riverside hotels.
Best for Food, temples, a lively start
Why Thailand
Thailand combines Bangkok's temples and markets, the mountains and night markets of the north and some of Asia's most beautiful islands.
Highlights
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai and the north
- Phuket and Phang Nga Bay
- Koh Samui
Where to go in Thailand
The places our travelers love most, and what each one does best.
Getting between the highlights
- Siem Reap to BangkokAbout 1 hour by air
- Bangkok to Chiang MaiAbout 1 hour 15 minutes by air
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand’s cultural heart, with hundreds of temples, mountain views, night markets and cooking schools. We work with ethical elephant sanctuaries where you observe rather than ride.
Best for Culture, cooking, slower days
Thailand’s islands
Phuket and the Andaman coast for limestone islands and sunsets; Koh Samui in the Gulf for a quieter, villa-style escape. Each has its own best season, and we choose accordingly.
Best for Beaches, honeymoons, families
When to go
November to April is cool and dry across most of the country.
November to February is cool and dry almost everywhere. The two coasts swap seasons: Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman Sea are best from November to April, and Koh Samui in the Gulf from January to August.
- JanCool, dry and clear
- FebDry, sunny Andaman coast
- MarHeating up, still dry
- AprHottest month; Songkran
- MayRains begin
- JunGreen season; Samui drier
- JulGulf islands at their best
- AugGulf sunny, Andaman rains
- SepWettest month in Bangkok
- OctRains easing in the north
- NovDry season returns; Loy Krathong
- DecCool and dry; book early
Peak season Shoulder season Low season
Average temperatures and rainfall
Jan0.9″
Feb0.8″
Mar2.0″
Apr3.7″
May8.5″
Jun7.8″
Jul7.5″
Aug8.9″
Sep13.2″
Oct11.4″
Nov1.8″
Dec0.5″
Average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches. Bangkok is warm all year, while Hanoi has a genuinely cool winter, so pack a light jacket for northern Vietnam from December to February.
Ideas by month:
Trip ideas
Starting points only. Every Thailand trip we plan is built around you.
Bangkok, the North and the Beach
Temples, an ethical elephant sanctuary and the Andaman coast.
Thai Island Hopping
Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi.
Where you'll stay
Riverside hotels, jungle retreats and pool villas. We choose every hotel ourselves and know which rooms have the view.
Good to know
The small things that make a big difference once you land.
Paperwork, country by country
Each country has its own visa and online arrival card rules, and some change with little notice. We confirm the current requirements for your route and tell you exactly what to file, and when, using only official government sites.
Dress for the temples
Shoulders and knees should be covered at temples and royal sites, including the Grand Palace in Bangkok and Angkor Wat. A light scarf and breathable long pants or a skirt make it easy.
Cash and cards
Cards work well in hotels and better restaurants, but markets and small shops prefer local cash. In Cambodia, U.S. dollars are widely used; bring crisp, undamaged bills.
Power and plugs
Outlets run on about 220 volts and plug shapes vary by country, with Singapore using the UK-style three-pin plug. Pack a universal adapter and check that your chargers are dual-voltage.
Pace yourself in the heat
We schedule temple visits and walking tours for early morning and late afternoon, with time back at the pool or spa in the heat of the day.
Tipping, gently
Tipping isn’t expected the way it is at home, but it’s appreciated for guides, drivers and great service. Singapore restaurants usually add a service charge. We include simple guidance in your travel documents.
Thailand questions
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to April is cool and dry across most of the country.
How long should I spend in Thailand?
Most of our travelers spend 10 to 14 days in Thailand. We'll shape the length around what you want to see and how you like to travel.
Can Global Escapes plan a private trip to Thailand?
Yes. Every trip we plan to Thailand is designed around you, with hand-picked hotels, private guides where they make a difference and support while you travel. Call 706.549.1164 or tell us about your trip below.
Tell us about your Thailand dream.
Share as much or as little as you like. A member of our team will reach out personally to start shaping your trip.
Rather talk it through? Call 706.549.1164