Travel Guide Thailand – Uncover a diverse country.

Thailand is renowned for its vibrant cities, stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. From tranquil islands and lush jungles to ornate temples and bustling street markets, the country offers a blend of ancient customs and modern life. Thai cuisine is popular all over the world thanks to its bold flavours and exotic ingredients. Thailand's welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by its friendly people, who often refer to their country as the 'Land of Smiles'.

The Thai islands are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, featuring crystal-clear waters, pristine white sandy beaches and lush tropical landscapes. Popular destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe - which are located in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand - offer a variety of experiences, from vibrant nightlife and tranquil retreats to world-class diving sites. They attract visitors seeking adventure, relaxation or an insight into Thailand's rich culture and hospitality. This travel guide to Thailand has been compiled to help you maximise your stay and to enjoy everything the country has to offer.

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Look over the Thailand travel guide topics listed below and look at each page for information on a specific aspect of traveling in Thailand.

• Thailand Car Hire Guide - Everything you need to know about renting a car from us in Thailand.
• Thailand Driving Information - A useful list of driving tips for Thailand, including the country’s road rules and regulations.
• Thailand Fleet Guide Options - Explore all the car hire options available to you for renting in Thailand.

Road trips with my car hire in Thailand

With its breathtaking mountain ranges, winding roads and varied beautiful landscapes, Thailand is one of the best places in the world for an unforgettable road trip. It provides the perfect setting for road trips, offering a blend of vibrant urban experiences and charming rural areas. From the north to the south, it provides stunning coastlines and picturesque bays that are well worth exploring by car. Here are our top tips for your road trip, with plenty of options to choose from.

• Chiang Mai to Pai: The drive from Chiang Mai to Pai in northern Thailand is about 80-miles long and takes 3 to 4 hours - although it will take longer if you stop to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The scenic route winds through the mountains via Mae Rim and features 762 exciting bends that provide both thrills and stunning views. Highlights include a walk through the stunning Pai Gorge, a refreshing stop at Mok Fa Waterfall and a soothing dip in the Tha Pai hot springs. Upon arrival, Pai welcomes visitors with its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and picturesque rice paddies. A word of caution: drive carefully, as the roads can be narrow and steep in places.


• Bangkok to Kanchanaburi: This 80-mile journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi usually takes 2 to 3 hours by car and passes through Nakhon Pathom. This scenic route leads you to a region rich in natural beauty and history. Kanchanaburi's most famous sights include the famous bridge over the River Kwai, which is closely connected to the Second World War, as well as the museums and memorials dedicated to the Death Railway. Erawan National Park, renowned for its stunning seven-tiered waterfalls, is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Take a short detour on the way to the lively Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to experience traditional Thai culture. To make the most of your visit, it is recommended that you stay overnight so that you have time to see the moving Hellfire Pass.


• Mae Hong Son Loop: The best way to explore the 372-mile Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand is to allow 4 to 7 days travel time. The route starts and finishes in Chiang Mai, passing through picturesque towns such as Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and Pai. You can expect authentic hill tribe villages and misty mountain landscapes along the way, offering insights into the local way of life. Highlights include the tranquil temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu and the stunning sunrise views at Ban Rak Thai and Pang Oung. We recommend travelling the loop in a clockwise direction to make the winding roads easier to navigate.


• Phuket to Krabi: The 99-mile route along the southern Thai coast, from Phuket to Krabi through the picturesque Phang Nga region, takes around 3 to 4 hours. It offers magnificent views of Phang Nga Bay, renowned for its striking limestone cliffs and the iconic James Bond Island. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful coastal roads and discover hidden beaches offering a peaceful escape. In Krabi, be sure to visit the stunning Railay Beach, the refreshing Emerald Pool and the spiritual Tiger Cave Temple. To make the most your adventure, combine this trip with island hopping to experience the full charm of Thailand's southern coast.

What to do in Thailand

Thailand is a fascinating country with a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from endless sandy beaches to high mountains. It not only offers some of the world's best hiking trails but is also renowned for its thrilling water sports and adventurous activities. Its cities are full of interesting sites that showcase the country's heritage, as well as vibrant bars, restaurants and historical monuments. Read on for some suggested activities to enjoy in this amazing country.

• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew is located in central Bangkok. It is among Thailand's most famous and revered landmarks. The Grand Palace, a huge complex of ornate buildings, was the official residence of Thai kings for more than 150 years. Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, sits within the palace grounds and houses a highly revered Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade.


• Phi Phi Islands: Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand's Krabi province. They are renowned for their abundant marine life and stunning natural beauty. The archipelago consists of six islands, the most famous of which is Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. It is surrounded by white sandy beaches, high limestone cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters. The only inhabited island - Phi Phi Don, boasts a vibrant atmosphere, complete with beachfront restaurants, resorts and nightlife.


• Ayutthaya Historical Park: Ayutthaya Historical Park in Thailand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam, which was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The park is renowned for its magnificent collection of statues, temples and monasteries - which illustrates the splendour of Thai architecture and culture from the Ayutthaya era.


• Chiang Mai and its Temples: Chiang Mai located in northern Thailand, is a city with a rich history, culture and spiritual heritage. It is renowned for its stunning array of Buddhist temples, which reflect the Lanna people's devotion and architectural style over the centuries. One of the most famous temples is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city and exudes a deep sense of tranquillity.


• Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park: Founded in 1998, this Elephant Nature Park was the first elephant sanctuary located in the Mae Taeng Valley, approximately 37-miles north of Chiang Mai. This 100-hectare sanctuary rescues elephants from exploitative situations such as logging, trekking, entertainment and human trafficking, and offers them a life free from abuse. As well as elephants, the park is home to dogs, cats, water buffalo and other rescued animals.

Frequently Asked Questions about travelling in Thailand

We have compiled this list to answer some of the most common questions asked by tourists visiting Thailand. Here you'll find useful information on topics such as time zones, currency, power sockets and visa requirements. This concise Q&A section is designed to provide you with all the information you need about the country, as well as useful travel tips. If you can't find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us – our knowledgeable team will be happy to help.

Useful Links

Thailand Airport Information

Thailand Travel Information

Thailand Driving Information

Foreign Travel Information