Thailand

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Thailand?

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia for good reason: the temples are extraordinary, the food is among the best in the world, the landscape ranges from mountain forests in the north to tropical islands in the south, and the Thai culture of hospitality is not a performance - it is simply how people are. What an escorted tour adds is coherence and depth. Moving between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands without a plan is possible but inefficient; with a structured itinerary, you see significantly more and understand it better.

Thailand is one of our most popular long-haul destinations among British-Indian passengers. The country's large Buddhist Thai-Indian community, the extensive vegetarian options, the familiarity of spice-forward cuisine and the accessibility of Indian temples and ashrams in Bangkok and Chiang Mai all contribute to this. Many of our Thailand departures include passengers joining from India - please ask about join-from-India arrangements when booking.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Thailand Tours

• Indian dinners included on most evenings of multi-day tours, typically four or more per week
• Vegetarian options excellent throughout Thailand, where Buddhist culture makes plant-based cooking genuinely sophisticated
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included meals
• Hindi-speaking representatives on selected departures - confirm when booking
• India departure add-on available on most Thailand itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181 for details
• Indian temples and community in Bangkok and Chiang Mai - Sri Mahamariamman Temple and others

Best Time to Visit Thailand

November to February is the classic high season: cool and dry across the country, comfortable temperatures in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and excellent sea conditions on both coasts. The best period for most travellers.

March and April are the hottest months. Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April is a major national celebration and one of the world's great street festivals - but book far ahead.

May to October is the monsoon season, with the Gulf of Thailand coast (Koh Samui) receiving rain from May to October, and the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) from May to November. Internal northern regions including Chiang Mai are generally manageable with some rain.

Popular Destinations Within Thailand

Bangkok - the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Arun across the river, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the floating markets and the extraordinary street food culture of Yaowarat (Chinatown).

Chiang Mai - the northern cultural capital, with over 300 temples within the old walled city. The Sunday Night Market, the nearby hill tribe villages, elephant sanctuaries and Thai cooking classes all make it an excellent base for several days.

Ayutthaya - the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with spectacular ruined temples and headless Buddhas rising from the jungle. A half-day or full day from Bangkok.

Sukhothai - the first capital of the Thai nation, with a historical park of temple ruins set in formal gardens. More serene and less visited than Ayutthaya.

Phuket and the Andaman Islands - the island of Phuket itself is large and varied; the real draws are the day trips to Phang Nga Bay (the James Bond island setting), Phi Phi islands and the Similan Islands marine park.

Koh Samui and the Gulf Islands - the Gulf of Thailand coast offers Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, generally calmer and more accessible in the monsoon months.

Practical Information

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
• Language: Thai; English spoken in tourist areas, hotels and major restaurants
• Time zone: Indochina Time (GMT+7). No daylight saving.
• Electricity: Type A, B and C plugs (220V). A multi-adapter is useful.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Thailand holidays are fully protected