Thailand travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

Whatever you’re into, Thailand delivers on a great holiday. From serene yoga retreats to booming beach bars, mountain hikes to island dives – and not forgetting the thrilling cities – there are myriad adventures to be had in the “Land of Smiles”.

Friendly, good-natured locals and a veteran tourism industry have maintained Thailand’s place as a traveller’s favourite for generations. But in a country laden with both comparatively unspoilt nature and an ascendent eco-lodge scene, there are still lesser-trodden paths to be found.

This South East Asian favourite is home to a diverse but universally delicious cuisine, with a host more esoteric local flavours hiding in its various regions. It’s also a deeply spiritual place – 93 per cent of the populace practises the national faith of Buddhism, and there are Buddhist temples and meditation centres to visit across the country, as well as being a popular place to come and experience back-to-basics retreats.

Current travel restrictions and entry requirements

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into the country and have at least oe blank page.

While Thailand is a reasonably safe country to visit, it’s always worth checking the FCDO guidance before booking and travelling.

Best time to go

Weather wise, the best time to head to Thailand is from October to March, when most of the country is clear of the rainy season and milder temperatures kick in – particularly in the north and centre of the country. Some southern islands do still experience rains into November, so check the local weather reports for yours before booking.

Locals will tell you that the best time to experience Thailand is during one of its national festivals, such as Songkran. This huge springtime festival welcomes in the Buddhist new year with country-wide water fights, parades and parties, which usually fall in mid April, depending on the date of the full moon that month. Another stunner is Loy Krathong – Thailand’s ‘festival of lights’ – that takes place in mid-November, with Thais releasing candles on little floral nests to float downstream or sending glowing lanterns into the night sky, depending on the part of the country you’re in.

If you prefer to travel off-peak, but are still keen to avoid the rains, there are…