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Introducing Thailand

Make the most out of your trip to Thailand
While Thailand is famed for its world-class cuisine and southern beach getaways on stunning karstic islands, the country also offers a rich cultural history as the only Southeast Asian nation to have avoided European colonial rule. The spectacular natural beauty in the north is also not to be missed, home to a third of Thailand's extensive network of national parks.

When is the best time to visit? 
Thailand is best visited between November and February, the most popular time for travelers due to the reliably pleasant weather. It’s possible to travel to Thailand during summer months, but keep in mind that high temperatures, humidity, and heavy bouts of rain should be expected between April and October. Aiming for shoulder seasons can reward you with fewer crowds and lower prices, though the weather is less predictable. Learn more

Where to go in Thailand?
While you may be planning to spend your vacation lying on southern Thailand’s pristine beaches, there are priceless experiences to consider throughout the country. Make the long flight worth it by immersing yourself in Thailand’s nature and culture, learning about a different way of life and exploring the country’s unique landscapes.

The Thai islands are known to have their own localized weather systems, so make sure to speak to an expert as to which would suit your needs and fits best with your date of departure. Trekking and cycling can be great methods to get yourself into the rural communities of northern Thailand and experience the real heart of the country. 

How many days do I need?
One week would give you plenty of time to get a good feel for one section of Thailand, but if you’re planning a more encompassing visit, then you would be better off planning for eight days to two weeks. This would give you enough time for some active adventures in the north before having a few days of relaxation down south.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Thailand Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Spend an afternoon kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
Map of Best of Thailand - 8 Days
Best of Thailand - 8 Days

If you've ever dreamed of Thailand, this 8-day adventure covers the highlights with a perfect mix of guided tours and free time. Start off in vibrant Bangkok for iconic Buddhist sites and a gourmet dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Then fly north to Chiang Mai to explore the Old Town on foot and spend a day with elephants. Finish off in Phuket, where you'll kayak, island-hop, and relax on gorgeous white sand beaches.

Phang Nga Bay at Samet Nang She Viewpoint
Map of A Taste of Southern Thailand - 5 Days
A Taste of Southern Thailand - 5 Days

Go beyond the stunning islands and emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, and get a taste of the local lifestyle on this five-day trip to southern Thailand. You'll kayak through the lush jungle, unwind on pristine beaches, and eat authentic Thai food with a local family on your homestay in a small fishing village.

Ko Samui's turquoise water and lush vegetation
Map of Ultimate Highlights of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Ko Samui - 10 Days
Ultimate Highlights of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Ko Samui - 10 Days

Experience Thailand's amazing highlights from north to south on this exciting 10-day itinerary. Kick off the trip in Bangkok, equipped with a local guide, where you'll hit the city's best monuments and foodie options. From here, head to Chiang Mai for elephants and hiking trails in a pristine national park. Finish the adventure on the western gulf coast for your pick of powdery beaches and underwater activities.

Visit colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market just outside of Bangkok
Map of Thailand Authentic Grand Tour - 12 Days
Thailand Authentic Grand Tour - 12 Days

Get to the heart of Thailand on this 12-day tour, from urban neighborhoods to age-old traditions tucked away in the jungles and mountains. The adventure starts in the exotic capital, where your private guide will show you the best Buddhist sites and local eats. You'll visit the country's most unique markets before continuing west to the River Kwai and then north to Chiang Mai. Finish the trip in Phuket for some of the world's best beaches and island scenery.

Meet elephants on a family tour of Chiang Mai
Map of Culture & Nature Family Adventure in Thailand: Chiang Mai - 7 Days
Culture & Nature Family Adventure in Thailand: Chiang Mai - 7 Days

This week-long family tour of Chiang Mai offers active families seeking an authentic Thailand experience the perfect blend of culture, nature, and kid-friendly activities. Hike to stunning temples in the mountains before cooling off in the region's beautiful waterfalls. Play with elephants, take a family bike ride through paddy fields, and discover peace and tranquility in Thailand's temples as you and your family immerse yourselves in local life.

Visit the floating markets in Bangkok, including Khlong Lat Mayom
Map of Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam - 14 Days
Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam - 14 Days

Hit the ultimate trifecta of beautiful Southeast Asian countries on this two-week journey to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In Thailand, you'll browse the floating markets, visit elephant sanctuaries, take cooking classes, and go island hopping. Then you're off to Cambodia to see the legendary Angkor Wat and Royal Residence (home of the King of Cambodia). Finish the adventure in Vietnam to enjoy street food in Hanoi and an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay.

Make the Most of Your Time in Thailand

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Lay out on Phuket's sun-kissed beaches
How Many Days to Spend in Thailand

In as few as five days, you can experience authentic Thai culture on a trip to the southern bays or trekking around the villages in the country's north. With a week, there's...

Thailand Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Thailand Content

Spend five days soaking up the sun on two tropical islands, including Ko Chang
Map of Hidden Gems of Thailand: Ancient Temples, Pristine Beaches & Hidden Waterfalls - 16 Days
Hidden Gems of Thailand: Ancient Temples, Pristine Beaches & Hidden Waterfalls - 16 Days

Discover some of Thailand's lesser-known destinations alongside iconic sites over 16 action-packed days. Begin in the vibrant capital, Bangkok, with a spa treatment, then head to the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and the lush landscapes of Khao Yai National Park. Continue to Surin and Khong Chiam, stopping to see ancient Khmer-style temples along the way. Next, explore Chanthaburi and hike in Namtok Phlio National Park before soaking up the sun on two beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

Visit a long-neck hill tribe village and learn about the locals' culture and way of life
Map of Cultural Treasures & Natural Beauty of Thailand - 16 Days
Cultural Treasures & Natural Beauty of Thailand - 16 Days

Explore seven iconic destinations in Thailand, including lesser-known treasures, over 16 days. Start in Bangkok, with tours of Buddhist temples and the Grand Palace. Discover nature and history in Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai as you transfer north to Chiang Mai for Lanna and Burmese-style temples. Then, head to the misty mountains of Mae Hong Son to explore Nam Lod Cave on a bamboo raft and meet hill tribe villagers. End your trip with beach time in Krabi touring the islands by speedboat.

Learn about Thailand's rich culinary traditions as you sample and learn how to make authentic Thai dishes
Map of A Gastronomic Journey Through Thailand: From Bangkok to Phuket - 16 Days
A Gastronomic Journey Through Thailand: From Bangkok to Phuket - 16 Days

This 16-day itinerary perfectly blends cultural exploration with culinary delights across Thailand. Start in Bangkok, where you'll set off on a food tour through Chinatown and enjoy a scenic dinner cruise. Then, explore Chiang Mai by Vespa before continuing to Khao Sok National Park, where you'll learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes with bamboo over a campfire. End in Phuket with a food tour of Old Phuket Town, a sunset dinner cruise, and a cooking class with a market visit to pick up fresh ingredients.

Thailand Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Thailand
Travel specialist Hien Do
active 5 hours ago

Hien Do

I was born and grown in Vietnam and deeply love my country. I traveled a lot around My country is full of beautiful places and friendly people. And this inspired me to start my travel company. It...

read more...
Travel specialist Ashley Nguyen
active 7 hours ago

Ashley Nguyen

I was born and grown in Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam. I have always been interested in travel and discovering other cultures and places. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a tour guide...

read more...
Travel specialist Tina Oo
active 10 hours ago

Tina Oo

I love traveling and it's my lifelong passion, and I am happy to share my experiences with fellow travelers. That is the reason I became a travel consultant and never got tired of this routine even...

read more...
Travel specialist Long Dao
active 1 day ago

Long Dao

Hi, my name is Long. I am a young and passionate travel specialist from Vietnam. I was in love with travel since I was a child and always wanted it to be a part of my life. My idea about...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Thailand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our local specialist Hoa was excellent in hel...
Thailand | Jun 22 - Jul 3, 2025

D
Donald K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2025
Our local specialist Hoa was excellent in helping plan our Thailand vacation! We appreciated her communication before, during, and after the trip. She would reach out daily to check on our group and address any issues that arose (there were none). Our tour guides Nana (Bangkok), Bam (Chiang Mai), and Billy (Krabi) took great care of everyone in the group, from the kids to the seniors. Also our guides during the excursions, Boy at Elephant Eco Valley and Mr. A at SeaKayak Krabi, were... Read more

Our local specialist Hoa was excellent in helping plan our Thailand vacation! We appreciated her communication before, during, and after the trip. She would reach out daily to check on our group and address any issues that arose (there were none).

Our tour guides Nana (Bangkok), Bam (Chiang Mai), and Billy (Krabi) took great care of everyone in the group, from the kids to the seniors. Also our guides during the excursions, Boy at Elephant Eco Valley and Mr. A at SeaKayak Krabi, were wonderful as well.

Hotel Reviews
Nysa Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
Bangkok

Great location, only 15 minute walk to Terminal 21 shopping mall. Very busy hotel. Breakfast buffet staff were not very friendly though. Some guests were sitting with their bare feet on the couch and coffee table in the lounge area.

Authenticity & Character
Breakfast dining staff could be friendlier.
Location
Close to 7-11 and Terminal 21 mall.
Staff
Breakfast dining staff could be nicer. It was very busy so maybe they were under a lot of stress.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean and spacious.
De Chai The Colonial Hotel & Spa
Chiang Mai

Great location, only 15 minute walk to the night market. Good breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Only a 15 minute walk to the night market.
Staff
Staff was friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and spacious rooms.
Solitaire Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
Bangkok

Great location, only 15 minute walk to Terminal 21 shopping mall. Excellent breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character
Clean and modern design.
Location
Close to Terminal 21 mall.
Staff
Staff was friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and spacious rooms.
Varana Krabi Hotel

Excellent breakfast buffet and restaurant. Great resort for active vacationers such as swimming, working out, yoga, rock climbing, Muay Thai boxing.

Authenticity & Character
Great for active people.
Location
Walking distance to the beach and restaurants.
Staff
All the staff was friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and spacious rooms.
Activity Reviews
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Bangkok

Great way to try the street food without the fear of getting sick.

Quality of Experience
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Half Day Kayaking at Ao Thalane
Private Half Day Kayaking at Ao Thalane
Krabi

Fun activity for all ages. No paddling required if you hire a guide to paddle for you. Beautiful scenery. Lots of animals to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mr. A and his crew were great. They were super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful for people in our group that couldn’t paddle.
Transport
Phi Phi Islands Discovery by Private Premium Speedboat
Phi Phi Islands Discovery by Private Premium Speedboat
Krabi

Great place to play on the beach, snorkel, and dine on the beach.

Quality of Experience
Food
Pomelo salad
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Billy and the boat crew took excellent care of everyone.
Transport
Private Elephant Rendezvouse & Bamboo Rafting in Mae Tang
Private Elephant Rendezvouse & Bamboo Rafting in Mae Tang
Chiang Mai

Highlight of the trip. Learned how to take care of elephants, feed them, make paper from their poop, and bathe them.

Quality of Experience
Food
Fried rice, chicken satay.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our excursion guide Boy was very knowledgeable.
Transport
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Touch of Nature
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Touch of Nature
Chiang Mai

Great place to go hiking and learn about the Hmong people native to the area.

Quality of Experience
Food
Tom Yum soup, fried fish.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chiang Mai Culture and Art
Chiang Mai Culture and Art
Chiang Mai

The kids enjoyed learning about the temple and the craftsmanship involved in the silver pieces. They loved making their own key chains out of aluminum.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wat Umong & monk blessing
Wat Umong & monk blessing
Chiang Mai

Very interesting tour about the history of the temple.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-guided Bangkok Exploration
Self-guided Bangkok Exploration
Bangkok
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Railway Market & Floating Market
Railway Market & Floating Market
Bangkok

Wonderful activity for all ages and to buy souvenirs.

Quality of Experience
Food
Fried bananas, mango and sticky rice, noodles.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Hoa Tran
Hoa
Hoa Tran
Local specialist in Hanoi Vietnam | Replied on Jul 07, 2025

Hi Donald,
Thank you so much for such an amazing review! It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your family's Thailand vacation, and I’m so happy that we were able to make it a memorable experience.
It’s wonderful to hear that Nana, Bam, Billy, Boy, and Mr. A helped make your trip even more special — they’ll be so happy to hear your kind words!
Wishing you and your family many more amazing adventures ahead. Hope to see you again soon in your next trip to my home country Vietnam🤗🥰
Warmest,
Hoa

Family Thailand holiday
Thailand | Jun 14 - Jun 28, 2025

Dianne
Dianne M.
Australia | Reviewed on Jul 06, 2025
The process of getting a trip plan organised and the communication with Tina/Kim Kim throughout the process was great. It is possible that there was some misunderstanding about exactly what we were after but this was probably not Tinas fault. We were disappointed with Bangkok and found our tour to be too long, too detailed and the family lost interest. We cancelled our day 2 tour for this reason. Our excursions in Chang Mai were generally great, except for mountain trip which was completely... Read more

The process of getting a trip plan organised and the communication with Tina/Kim Kim throughout the process was great. It is possible that there was some misunderstanding about exactly what we were after but this was probably not Tinas fault. We were disappointed with Bangkok and found our tour to be too long, too detailed and the family lost interest. We cancelled our day 2 tour for this reason. Our excursions in Chang Mai were generally great, except for mountain trip which was completely fogged out and we could see nothing. The elephant sanctuary and the cooking class were fabulous. The company we did our diving in Koh Tao was also a great. Some of the other tours were not as good. When you say small group tours I expected maybe 10 people, not 30 something as was the case with the Ang Thong Marine Park trip. The boat was packed, no room to move and you could not see out of it. The whole day was like herding sheep from one overcrowded destination to another with too much time at each. I would have much preferred a private trip and would have been happy to pay for it.

Hotel Reviews
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
Surat Thani

The resort is lovely. The grounds and accommodation are beautiful & the pool and private beach superb. the staff are just lovely and the breakfast is great. My only small criticism is that the resort is a 15 minute ($20 aud) grab ride from Chaweng. As such I think the resort should offer a regular free shuttle service in and out.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sairee Hut Resort
Surat Thani

Lovely stafff and great location. Rooms are a bit dated but very comfortable .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Inside House
Chiang Mai

Amazing hotel, just beautiful. Staff and amenities and the attention to detail was superb. Cannot rate highly enough.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Angtong National Marine Park
Angtong National Marine Park
Thailand

This was sold to us as a small group tour. I do not consider 30 plus people a small group. the trip to the first island takes nearly 2 hours. You are squashed in a speedboat with your knees touching the seat in front of you. You cannot see out of the boat unless you stand up. The destinations are pretty but are overcrowded with 100's of people on similar excursions. You spend too much time at each place and it is like herding sheep.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fun Diving (Scuba diving certification not need)
Fun Diving (Scuba diving certification not need)
Koh Tao

We had a great day and the company we used were very professional and lovely. Unfortunately we got bad weather and the second dive was very average.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Grandma's Home Cooking School
Grandma's Home Cooking School
Chiang Mai

This was a really fun day. The food we cooked, our guide and the whole experience was wonderful

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Elephant Nature Park Visit
Elephant Nature Park Visit
Chiang Mai

This was a great morning. The elephant sanctuary is wonderful and to be up close to the elephants and see them thriving in their new environment was wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A Day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park!
A Day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park!
Chiang Mai

There is no point in going on this day trip if the weather isn't perfect. We were ill equipped. It was wet and cold. We could see nothing as there was a fog completely blacking out the views and the pagodas. We felt it was a waste of a day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Thai Massage at Fah Lanna Spa
Traditional Thai Massage at Fah Lanna Spa
Chiang Mai

This was not a pleasant experience for the family as a whole. I enjoyed the massage as I like a firm remedial massage however my family hated it. I don't understand why you would recommend this type of experience. It would have been so much nicer if it was a relaxation massage with oil not a pounding. Really disappointed

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We all loved Mr Toy. What a delight
Transport
Koh Kret Island Adventure: Culture, Biking, and Local Experiences
Koh Kret Island Adventure: Culture, Biking, and Local Experiences
Bangkok

Didn't do it. Was told there was nothing open on the island on a Monday, it was super hot and wondered why it was suggested.

Exploring Bangkok by local transfers and walking tour
Exploring Bangkok by local transfers and walking tour
Bangkok

Nina was a wealth of information, however we didn't really want to know every intricate detail about each temple. She was lovely but when I tried to explain that the family was losing interest she didn't really understand. In the end we cut the tour short.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Bangkok!
Welcome to Bangkok!
Bangkok

As our plane was late, we only went to the food street. We felt rushed through the street and not really able to stop and look at things. At the end we found out we weren't going to go back up the street. We ended up having dinner in a nearby restaurant. We did not need a guide to do this.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Tina Oo
Tina
Tina Oo
Local specialist in Thailand | Replied on Jul 07, 2025

Hi Dianne,
Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm really happy to hear you had a great time and truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback.
Warm regards,
Tina

Nuii is the BEST guide ever!!
Thailand | Jun 25 - Jun 30, 2025

K
Kendall M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 02, 2025
We were welcomed to and shown all around northern Thailand by our amazing guide Nuii and our driver Mr. Kai. Their preparedness, professionalism, and thoughtfulness made the trip exceptional! The van was clean, stocked with water and fresh fruit as snacks, and we expertly navigated the winding mountains between Chiang Rai, Pai, and Chiang Mai. The most memorable stops were the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge in Pai and the Chai Lai Orchid elephant sanctuary (with wonderful guide Tatu) in Chiang Mai!... Read more

We were welcomed to and shown all around northern Thailand by our amazing guide Nuii and our driver Mr. Kai. Their preparedness, professionalism, and thoughtfulness made the trip exceptional! The van was clean, stocked with water and fresh fruit as snacks, and we expertly navigated the winding mountains between Chiang Rai, Pai, and Chiang Mai. The most memorable stops were the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge in Pai and the Chai Lai Orchid elephant sanctuary (with wonderful guide Tatu) in Chiang Mai! (The transportation to and from the elephant sanctuary from the Aksara Heritage hotel got messed up, which was the only stressful error / issue of the trip. Kien from Kim Kim, Nuii, and the lovely staff at the Aksara all tried to help us sort out the problem.)
We would highly recommend Nuii and Mr. Kai for your trip! They went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable, cared for, and they were flexible to pivot the itinerary around our energy levels and changes in the weather. This was a truly an unforgettable trip made more special by the lovely and warm accompaniment of Nuii and Mr. Kai!

Hotel Review
Aksara Heritage
Chiang Mai

This hotel was BEAUTIFUL!! The staff was attentive, gracious, and provided exceptional service! The rooms were large, clean, comfortable and everything from meals to laundry were lovely! We would highly recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Great food/drinks and design
Location
Proximity to street market and old city attractions
Staff
Very helpful, went above and beyond to support when a tour got messed up
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, smelled great, and excellent service
Local specialist: Kien Nguyen
Kien
Kien Nguyen
Local specialist in Hanoi | Replied on Jul 02, 2025
Hi Kendall, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful and detailed review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that Nuii and Mr. Kai's professionalism, thoughtfulness, and flexibility made such a positive impact on your journey. We also greatly appreciate your kind words about the Aksara Heritage hotel. It's fantastic to know that the staff's attentiveness, the beautiful design, the convenient location, and the cleanliness all contributed to such a lovely... Read more

Hi Kendall,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful and detailed review!

We are absolutely thrilled to hear that Nuii and Mr. Kai's professionalism, thoughtfulness, and flexibility made such a positive impact on your journey. We also greatly appreciate your kind words about the Aksara Heritage hotel. It's fantastic to know that the staff's attentiveness, the beautiful design, the convenient location, and the cleanliness all contributed to such a lovely stay.

Regarding the transportation mix-up to the elephant sanctuary, we sincerely apologize for that moment of stress, but we're very glad that our collective efforts, along with Nuii and the Aksara staff, helped to sort it out quickly and ensure the rest of your experience was smooth.

It truly warms our hearts to know this was an unforgettable trip, made even more special by the warm accompaniment of our team. We hope these cherished memories inspire many more adventures for you in the future!

Warmly,
Kien

Why travelers love kimkim

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Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.