Thailand
Bangkok's temples and street food, the limestone islands of Phuket and Krabi, and warm hospitality at prices that go a long way.
In this guide
When to go
November to March is the cool, dry season in Bangkok and on the Andaman coast around Phuket and Krabi, with calm seas for island trips. April and May are the hottest months, and Songkran, the Thai new year water festival in mid-April, turns the streets into one long water fight. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings rain and rough seas to Phuket and Krabi, and some boat trips stop. The Gulf side, including Koh Samui, stays drier from June to August.
The UAE winter break and Eid holidays are busy on Dubai to Bangkok routes, so book flights early.
Where to stay and how to plan the route
A first visit usually starts with three or four nights in Bangkok, then a short domestic flight south. Our Bangkok short break suits a long weekend, while the Phuket and Krabi family holiday splits seven nights between the two, with a private boat day to the islands.
Stay near the river or along Sukhumvit in Bangkok for easy access to the BTS Skytrain. In Phuket, Kata and Kamala are calmer than Patong; in Krabi, Ao Nang is the base for longtail boats. Chiang Mai is a good addition for mountain temples and night markets. Arjun Menon plans most of our Thailand itineraries.
Things to do
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then Wat Pho's reclining Buddha
- Wat Arun at sunset from across the Chao Phraya
- Longtail boat through Thonburi's canals
- Chatuchak Weekend Market for crafts, clothes and snacks
- Phang Nga Bay and its limestone towers by boat
- The Phi Phi islands and Maya Bay early in the day
- Railay Beach and the Krabi four-island tour
- An ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai or Phuket
Food, money and practical tips
Halal food is easy to find in Bangkok, especially around Ratchaprasong and the old Muslim neighbourhoods, and southern Thailand has a large Muslim population, so Krabi has many halal restaurants; look for the green halal certificate. Cards work in malls and hotels, but street food and markets are cash. A local SIM is sold at the airport with your passport. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and remove your shoes. Never criticise the monarchy. Tipping is modest: round up taxis and leave 20 to 50 baht for good service.
Rules change; we confirm the current requirements before you apply.
Thailand holidays from Dubai
Four nights on Phuket's Kata coast and three in Ao Nang, linked by a ferry through the Phi Phi islands, with Phang Nga Bay and a four-island longtail day included.
Four nights in a riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya, with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun by boat, a floating market morning and a guided Chinatown food walk.
Visa services for Thailand
Thailand: questions we are asked
Do UAE residents need a visa for Thailand?
What is the best month to visit Thailand?
How many days do we need?
Is Thailand family friendly?
What is the weather like in Thailand in August?
Can we combine Thailand with Bali?
Travellers back from Thailand
Quick reward trip for our team of eight after a heavy quarter. Private van, a Thai cooking class and a rooftop dinner were all arranged before we landed. Chatuchak on Saturday was chaos in the best way. Back at our desks on Sunday morning without feeling wrecked.
Good package and the Krabi hotel was excellent. In Phuket our room overlooked the car park and the street noise started early every morning. The Hong island tour and the night market at Ao Nang more than made up for it.
Four nights in Bangkok with my sister. Grand Palace and Wat Pho with a guide on day one, then the floating market at Damnoen Saduak. Our hotel was on the river so we used the boats instead of sitting in traffic. Mango sticky rice at every opportunity.
