Top Thailand Tours & Vacations 2024/2025 [reviews & photos]

Thailand Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026

185 Thailand trips. Compare tour itineraries from 23 tour companies. 1,062 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Top Thailand Attractions

Cruise through Thailand and travel overland to explore its iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Immerse yourself in Thailand's rich culture, history, and natural beauty with our diverse range of vacation packages.
  • Experiencing the infamous Bangkok nightlife 
  • Hiking among beautiful landscapes in Chiang Mai
  • Exploring the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya
  • Enjoying a relaxing Thailand retreat and getting away from it all
  • Visiting the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak
  • Taking a traditional Thai cooking class
  • Learning the history of Chiang Mai
  • Admiring the intricate architecture of the Grand Palace in Bangkok
  • Elephant trekking in the lush jungles of Northern Thailand
  • Attending a traditional Muay Thai boxing match
  • Snorkeling in famous blue waters along Thailand's coastline of idyllic beaches
  • Embarking on a jungle safari in Khao Sok National Park
  • Relaxing on the pristine beaches of Koh Phi Phi
  • Tasting authentic Thai cuisine on a food tour and visiting bustling street food markets
  • Cruising through the scenic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay
  • Witnessing the serene beauty of the White Temple in Chiang Rai

Thailand Tours & Travel Guide

Thailand Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Thailand has long been Southeast Asia's most popular destination. Its capital, Bangkok, is home to a glittering Royal Palace, numerous wats (temples), and a series of klongs (canals) that can be explored by longboats. Chiang Mai, gateway to the northern mountains, offers a more traditional view of Thai life.

Thailand's southern beach resorts and islands have long attracted backpackers and those seeking respite from the frenzy of Bangkok. And, of course, the food — even at modest noodle stands — is world-class. It all makes Thailand a must-stop in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon — The City of Angels
The Thai name for Bangkok is a mouthful. Still, every local will say it in a heartbeat: "Krung Thep Mahanakhon amon Rattanakosin mahintara ayuthaya mahadilok phoP noppharat Ratchathani Burirom udomratchaniwet mahasathan amon piman awatan Sathit sakkathattiya witsanukam Prast." 

Thankfully, there's a short version: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (or Krungthep on some maps), which means "City of Angels" in English.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, located in the southern part of the country, on the Gulf of Thailand. It has gained a reputation for being one of the world's busiest, most vibrant cities, full of character, and known primarily for the nightlife and food scene. 

There's a reason it remained as Travel and Leisure's "World's Best City" for four consecutive years and still ranks among the top 10 in 2023.

In every part of the city, something different is happening — from a street full of Middle Eastern restaurants to upscale shopping, crowded walking streets, market stalls, street food, and various knickknacks for sale as motorcycles whizz by, adding to the heartbeat of the city.

Then there's Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand's most famous floating markets. It's a vibrant hub of activity where vendors sell fresh produce, souvenirs, and delicious street food from wooden boats. Visitors can explore the bustling market by boat and experience the unique charm of traditional Thai canal life.

Part of the city's charm is its insane crowding, haphazard centers, and city layout, which makes it an adventure anytime you try to find a specific address. Urban development and growth occurred too quickly and with very little planning, causing confusing, wild streets.

Of the world's Adventure capitals, Thailand might not spring to mind immediately, but it is undoubtedly a place to travel for adventure. And Chiang Mai is Thailand's Queenstown (NZ). 

The lush tropical atmosphere, from sea to waterfall to jungle, beckons outdoor enthusiasts for jungle trekking, surfing in turquoise waters, ziplining through bright green canopy, sea kayaking, river rafting, and so much more.

Some not-to-be-missed experiences for adventure travelers in Thailand include:

  • Waterfall Abseiling: This gorgeous national park is not just attractive to those wanting a pleasant walk through beautiful nature. Hard-core adrenaline seekers such as rock climbers flock here for waterfall abseiling. They get to apply their skills to an entirely new and more challenging environment. Feeling the spray and mist as adrenaline kicks in, leaning over the beautiful Doi Inthanon waterfall while rappelling down the 35-foot drop to the pool at the bottom.
  • Jungle Trekking: Feel like a true explorer as you venture into the jungle on an unforgettable trek, getting up close and personal with the natural animal and plant life of Thailand. The humidity, lush canopy, and constant buzzing sounds of the rainforest add to the experience.
  • Zipline: Chiang Mai's jungles are for more than just trekking. While you walk on the forest floor, you may hear another sound not traditionally of the jungle: thrill seekers above you soaring through the canopy on zip lines. This popular activity is exciting and a way to get a unique view of the jungle, eye level with what the monkeys and birds see.
  • Elephant Sanctuary: Many travel to Thailand for the country's diverse wildlife, namely elephants. Thailand has been in the hot seat regarding tigers and elephants due to many opinions surrounding the ethics of wildlife tourist experiences.

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary allows guests and volunteers to help animals while remaining responsible and supporting the rehabilitation of abused animals. You can arrange to visit alone or join one of the many guided trips through Thailand that make this a stop.

Visiting Thailand's Best Beaches
Thailand has a tropical climate and is known for its incredible beaches with tepid bright blue waters, soft white sand, and an inviting atmosphere. The best Thailand vacation packages include a day or two on the beach dedicated to relaxing, snorkeling, and exploring hidden bays via a longboat.

Phuket
When you book your Thailand tour, Phuket (pronounced 'poo-ket') is more likely to be on the itinerary. It's the largest island in Thailand, boasting over 30 beaches with several fantastic bars and restaurants. As the most popular tourist site, it does get quite crowded, and if you're looking for more local fare, it's not the most authentic Thai beach experience.

Since it's one of the most famous destinations in Thailand, most food options are not Thai, and the main beaches along the west coast are a dotted shoreline of resorts, hotels, and restaurants. 

Although Phuket still offers a lovely beach experience — there's a reason it's so well known — if you're visiting Phuket solely for the beach, you may have to brave the crowds. 

However, beyond the beaches, there's much more to explore! Phuket is home to some beautiful historical sights. Walk through Old Town to see stunning architecture, cultural sights, shops, and cafes. It's a great place to relax and learn about Phuket's history.

Remember to visit the Phuket Rum Distillery to witness the rum-making process and taste some delicious samples.

Best Beaches of Thailand Away From Crowds
The best beaches in Thailand are found on the smaller islands. They're easily accessible, just not as well known as Phuket. Here are some of the top:

  • Ko Lanta Island: It's a great place to visit, but it's pretty large — technically a district containing two main islands — so plan to stay a few days to explore it fully. The national park offers a lush rainforest atmosphere and wildlife sightings. You can take a classic motorbike tour of the island and lounge on its many, widely dispersed beaches — Long Beach is one of the best for escaping crowds.
  • Ko-Kraden Island: It takes around three hours to kayak around the entire island, which is the perfect tropical beach getaway. There's only one resort, but the beach is public and offers spectacular views of the mainland and an ocean dotted with other islands and rock formations. It's a great destination for snorkeling in the shallow waters. The island's small size and safe shallow waters make it the perfect day excursion for families.
  • Railway Beach, Krabi Island: Railway Beach is compact but usually relatively quiet. Limestone rock formations burst out of the sea, making for an otherworldly view while you sunbathe on the idyllic soft sand. Bring a pair of binoculars and observe rock climbers in the distance!
  • Koh Kood Island: The least populated island off the eastern coast of Thailand, Koh Kood is perfect for nature lovers looking for a quiet getaway. It's not a place for nightlife, so you'll be there for the ocean and the beach. Kayaking is one of the most popular activities, or take a short walk inland to the Klong Chao waterfall with its beautiful, calm pools, perfect for swimming.
  • Koh Samui: Not as less visited as the ones above, Koh Samui is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and luxury resorts. With its vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches like Chaweng, and cultural attractions like Wat Phra Yai Temple, which has a 12-meter-tall Big Buddha statue, Koh Samui offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
  • Phi Phi Island: Made famous by the movie "The Beach," Phi Phi Island is a tropical paradise with turquoise waters, stunning limestone cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and beach hopping on the idyllic shores of Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island.

Food in Thailand
The street food scene in Thailand is second to none — it's a classic experience not to be missed. Bangkok is the epicenter of Thai street food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Let's set the scene:

The narrow streets are crowded and busy, with some semblance of organized chaos. It's an assault on the senses, not necessarily positive or negative, simply a lot. Rapid speaking in multiple dialects reaches your ears as locals and tourists haggle, take samples, and attempt to discern the best item from various stalls. 

The sounds of sizzling fryers, dough slapped on hot surfaces, and sharp chopping cleavers mingle among the street noise.

Smells converge from both sides — sweet dumplings, tropical fruits, savory broths, seafood, grilling meat — a torrent of unidentifiable (to foreign noses) but mouthwatering exotic aromas.

Watching the food being prepared is like watching a finely rehearsed dance. Hands move deftly and quickly as they respond to orders and questions, never stopping the movement of ladling, dicing, and stirring. And, of course, there's the delicate rolling out of thin pancakes, followed by the folding into a perfect meal, each one after the other impossibly identical. Everything is done with a fantastic combination of precision and abandon.

Tips for Street Food Safety
If you aren't a fan of street food or are concerned about hygiene, Thailand is one of the safest non-western countries for street food, but you still want to be cautious about where you choose to partake.

Following are some of the tips for safe street food consumption:

  • Go where the lines are. This is usually a good sign of deliciousness, but also repeat visitors and locals, so the odds of getting ill are minimal. 

  • Look for items made to order.

  • Do a quick scan of the stall for indications of general cleanliness, and follow your instincts. 

  • Join a Thailand food tour and let your guide take you to the tastiest and the safest stalls and local eateries.

Thailand Reviews & Ratings

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K

Kim

Mar 2024

Written on

Customized Tour

I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a travel...

H

Heather W

Feb 2024

Written on

Outstanding Services!

Exotic Voyages is first class all the way. Lacey our travel advisor helped plan a trip for my brother and I to Thailand. I gave Lacey a rough of idea of what I wante...

M

Mariann Z

Apr 2023

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Magical Family Adventure To Thailand

We had a trip of a lifetime to Thailand thanks to the perfect planning from Exotic Voyages. They covered every detail the moment we stepped off our international fli...

S

Supercarkids

Apr 2023

Written on

Wonderful family adventure!

"We just returned from an amazing family adventure to Thailand, with many thanks to Lacey at Exotic Voyages! We had little time to plan the trip and left almost ever...

J

Jim

Jun 2020

Written on

Another Great trip to Thailand

Mai Phuong put together Another wonderful trip for us. (She booked our beautiful trip to Vietnam in 2017). We went to Thailand over New Year’s and Mai took care of e...

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