Thailand is known for its rich culture and divine food. It is also home to beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters.
Destination highlights
Over 2,000 miles of coastline and 8,000 islandsWorld-famous cuisineRich cultureFriendly localsJump to...
Beaches | Hotels | Food & drink | Nightlife | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |
What are the best beaches in Thailand?
Thailand’s beaches are truly in a class of their own. White sands, lush surroundings, vividly blue waters. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s real - we promise! Here are a few of our favourite spots:
Kata Beach, Phuket – palm trees and restaurants flank this family favourite, whilst clear waters make for the perfect snorkelling destinationRailay Beach, Krabi – accessible only by boat, this ever-peaceful beach is framed by limestone cliffs and steep jungle valleysHaad Rin, Koh Phangan – music pumps from the beachfront bars, and come nightfall, fire dancers can be found performing all along this stretch of golden sandBottle Beach, Koh Phangan – wander through a jungle trail to find pristine sands and freshly-caught fish for a more authentic Thai experienceLamai Beach, Koh Samui – a stunning crescent of palm-lined paradise with massage salons, food vendors of all types, and watersportsNang Thong Beach, Khao Lak – watch the sun set over the glittering Andaman Ocean, just a brief stroll away from the lively village of La On
What are the top hotels in Thailand?
Thai people are some of the most hospitable in the world. Don’t be surprised if you make a friend, whether you stay in a cosy cabin-style lodge, a lively family resort, or a luxury boutique. Here are some gems from the Land of Smiles:
The Surin Phuket - surrounded by coconut palms, the thatched cottages of The Surin Phuket sit on a gentle slope leading to the tranquil Pansea Beach.Baan Krating Phuket - nestled comfortably between jungle and beach, this affordable option doesn’t compromise on quality.Paresa Resort - boasting private infinity pools overlooking the spectacular coastline, Paresa is one of Phuket’s most stunning resorts.Bandara Resort & Spa - light and open accommodation right on the beachfront, with a choice of bars, an exciting kids club and a spaAvani Aonang Cliff Beach Resort - a boutique-style resort in Krabi with a stunning mountainous backdrop, perfect for a romantic couples holidayAmari Vogue Resort - a chic beachfront hotel with two top-class restaurants, located on the breathtaking west coast of Krabi.Click here to book your Thailand beach break
What’s the food like in Thailand?
Traditional Thai food is fresh, aromatic, and often has a spicy edge to it. Keep an eye out for these mouthwatering dishes you’ll no doubt want to recreate when you get home:
Guay Teow - a Thai staple - noodle soup, often made with a choice of chicken, pork, or beef, and always extra delicious when topped with sugar, lime juice and fish sauceTom Yum Goong - a spicy shrimp soup made with fresh prawns and silky coconut cream, flavoured with classic Thai ingredients such as lemongrass, chilli, and kaffir lime leavesSom Tam - a spicy green papaya salad with shredded vegetables, herbs, and spices which are combined using a pestle and mortarPad Thai - a stir fry found all over Thailand (with good reason), made with rice noodles, beansprouts, tofu, and a tangy sauce that’s sweet, sour, and savoury all in oneKao Niew Ma Muang - mango and sticky rice - it’s sweet, simple and delicious, making for the perfect dessertHungry? Grab a bite to eat at these hand-picked dining spots in Phuket:
Black Ginger - a surreal Michelin Plate restaurant in the middle of a lake - need we say more?Mom Tri’s - beautiful sea views and an extensive wine cellar make this venue perfect for a romantic meal out.Mor Mu Dong - hidden within the mangroves, you’ll find patrons sitting on the floor under thatched rooves eating delicious Thai food - it's as authentic and local as it gets.One Chun - situated in the historical Phuket Town, One Chun is a vibrant, casual restaurant popular with the locals, which says it all really!
Where's the best nightlife in Thailand?
Nightlife in Thailand ranges from laidback reggae bars, to craft markets, to all-night dancing on the beach. Whatever your idea of a good time is, Thailand can accommodate. Here are some spots we love:
Patong - a partying hotspot in Phuket that buzzes at night, with shows, clubs and music for every tasteCafé del Mar - a chilled-out, sophisticated beach club in Phuket, known for its A-list DJ line-upsCoco Tam’s - an open-air beach bar on the island of Koh Samui with a seemingly never-ending cocktail menu and a dazzling nightly fire displayCicada Night Market - a vibrant weekend artists’ market in the Hua Hin district, offering beautiful handcrafted goods alongside traditional Thai food, drinks, and live musicKhaosan Road - a backpacker's haven - this is one of Bangkok’s most famous roads, full to the brim with raucous bars and restaurants
What events can I go to in Thailand?
Thailand’s unique annual celebrations are the cherry on top of this incredible holiday destination’s cake. Whether you're jetting off for a last-minute holiday or you're planning your annual getaway, there's always something going on here. Keep your eyes peeled for these events:
Chiang Mai Flower Festival (February) - a dizzyingly colourful celebration of the flowers in bloom at this time of yearSongkran Festival (April) - a celebration that marks the start of the Buddhist new year - grab yourself a water gun and get involved in the country-wide aqua-monium!Phi Ta Kon (June/July) - Dan Sai, a sleepy farming village, is transformed by colourful masked spirits who dance through the streets to re-enact a Buddhist parableMothers’ Day - Queen Mother’s Birthday (August) - a national holiday celebrating mothers and the Queen Mother herself, with many donating offerings to monks and presenting their mothers with jasmine - a flower symbolising purity, gentleness, and motherhoodThe Nine Emperor Gods Festival (October) - thousands flock from across Asia to partake in rituals such a cleansing the mind and body with a vegetarian diet, and extreme acts such as coal-walking and body-piercing to invoke the godsYi Peng (November) - known as the light festival, thousands of lanterns illuminated by flickering candles float through the skies of Northern Thailand in this sacred ceremonyLopburi Monkey Festival (November) - an extravagant feast held in temple ruins for the thousands of local macaque monkeys, which are thought to bring luck to the people of LopburiFull Moon Parties (Monthly) - Haad Rin Beach truly comes alive once a month with legendary all-night celebrations known among travellers of all ages from across the globeThings to do in Thailand
Island-hop your way around the Andaman Sea
Snorkel through pristine waters, let the sunshine seep into your every pore, and sink into powder-soft sands in this little pocket of Southeast Asia.
Grab a bargain by boat
Floating markets are common throughout the country, and a morning ritual for many locals. Get there early to beat the crowds and bob through the throngs of rickety boats filled with food and goods in the Thai waterways.
Those boots are made for walking!
With UNESCO World Heritage Sites and countless other natural wonders to be found through the whole of Thailand, it’s time to lace up and get your hike on!
Visit a temple, or ten
Thailand is overflowing with enchanting temples that will take your breath away. Get in touch with your spiritual side and soak up the Buddhist culture.

What's the weather like in Thailand?
There’s no need to pack a puffer when it comes to Thailand’s tropical climate (extra case space, always a winner). Averages for the beachy southern peninsula are always balmy, so even in the months that have a little more cloud cover, the ocean will always feel like an inviting bath.
Month | Average temp. | Sea temp. | Hours of sunshine per day |
Jan | 27 °c | 28 °c | 7 h |
Feb | 28 °c | 28 °c | 8 h |
Mar | 29 °c | 29 °c | 8 h |
Apr | 29 °c | 30 °c | 7 h |
May | 30 °c | 30 °c | 6 h |
Jun | 29 °c | 30 °c | 5 h |
Jul | 29 °c | 29 °c | 5 h |
Aug | 29 °c | 29 °c | 5 h |
Sep | 29 °c | 29 °c | 5 h |
Oct | 28 °c | 29 °c | 5 h |
Nov | 27 °c | 29 °c | 6 h |
Dec | 27 °c | 28 °c | 6 h |
Click here to book your Thailand beach break »
How long does it take to fly to Thailand?
Flights from the UK to Thailand take around 12 hours.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Thailand?
The local time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of the UK.
What currency do they use in Thailand?
The official currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht.
What language do they speak in Thailand?
The official language spoken in Thailand is Thai.
Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Thailand?
We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to the Thailand on the FCDO website.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Thailand?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need a visa to travel to Thailand?
British passport holders can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.
Customer reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Thailand for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
Maria Lush:
Quick and easy process to follow and super fast confirmation. Excellent service.
Mr & Mrs Harmes:
We have booked with On The Beach several times and never had any issues. Looking forward to another stress free holiday next year.
Lee Farrell:
Quick and clear pricing and options. No issues.