Golden temples, street-food cities and some of Asia's best beaches. Thailand is the traveller's favourite for good reason: warm, affordable and welcoming, with a rare mix of buzzing cities, jungle-clad north, glittering temples and island beaches. It works equally well for a first trip to Asia and a hundredth.
Egypt is one of the driest, sunniest countries on earth. Expect hot summers, mild winters and rain so rare it makes the news — but conditions shift by region.
Hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters. Rain is rare — pack for sun and cool evenings from December to February.
Warm and bright all year with sea temperatures of 22–28°C. Prime diving visibility in spring and autumn.
Extreme daytime heat in summer but crisp, cold nights in winter. Best explored October to March.
The hot season (March–May) is genuinely hot, 34–40°C, before the southwest monsoon brings the June–October rains — warm, green, cheaper, and often just short afternoon downpours.
The cool, dry season (November–February) is the best weather of the year: 28–32°C, low humidity, blue skies. The north (Chiang Mai) can be pleasantly cool at night.
From glittering temples to island beaches — the places worth building a trip around.
Bangkok
The dazzling royal complex and the reclining Buddha, at the heart of a city of temples, markets, river life and legendary street food.
Chiang Mai
Moated old town, hundreds of temples, night markets and ethical elephant sanctuaries in the cooler, greener north.
Ayutthaya
The UNESCO-listed ruins of Siam's former capital — brick temples and serene Buddha heads wrapped in tree roots, an easy day trip from Bangkok.
The Andaman coast
Limestone karsts rising from turquoise water, long-tail boats and beaches that need no introduction.
The Gulf islands
White sand, world-class and affordable diving, and everything from luxury resorts to full-moon parties.
Sukhothai Historical Park
The graceful cradle of the first Thai kingdom — lotus-bud stupas and walking Buddhas, best explored by bicycle at dawn.
Thailand rewards very different travellers. Pick the trip that matches your Travel DNA.
Bangkok's Grand Palace, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.
The Andaman and Gulf coasts, diving and long-tail boats.
Street food, floating markets and cooking classes.
The northern hills, ethical elephant camps and trekking.
Spa resorts, yoga retreats and Muay Thai.
Getting there, getting around and getting the most from your trip.
Bangkok is a major Asian hub; many nationalities enter visa-free or with a simple e-visa for short stays.
Cheap domestic flights cover the long distances; overnight trains and buses are a scenic, budget alternative.
Ferries and speedboats link the coast and islands; in towns, tuk-tuks, songthaews and ride-hailing get you around.
The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro glide over the traffic; river boats are a fine way to reach the old town.
The finest weather of the year: dry, sunny and comfortable — and the biggest crowds and prices.
The hot season is quieter and centres on Songkran, the water-fight New Year.
The wettest and cheapest season, with lush scenery and short, sharp showers rather than all-day rain.
