Cheap Holidays to Thailand

Thailand holidays offer endless tropical beaches with sugar-white sands, incredible dive sites, verdant mountains, magnificent Buddhist temples, rich culture, vibrant cities, buzzing nightlife, a superb culinary scene and fantastic shopping. With beautiful islands to explore holidays in Thailand are the perfect tonic to hectic schedules and grey skies back home!

Love beaches? The tropical sands of Maya Bay, Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Phi Phi Don and PhraNang Cave Beach are among the most beautiful in the country. Caressed by azure waters and tropical forests, the picturesque beaches are also hotspots for watersports: surf in Bang Saphan Yai, dive with whale sharks in Ko Tao, scale the sea cliffs of Krabi or kiteboard in Hua Hin. The resort of Phuket offers you an array of beaches to choose from – tranquil sands in Mai Khao or the party hotspots such as Patong beach.

If you want some outdoor action, Thailand has it all. Take a break from those beautiful beaches and you can trek through forests on elephants, raft on rivers, head to incredible scuba sites, kayak around tiny islands, head to the mountains and visit picturesque temples or take cooking classes on the beach.

If you want a change of scenery, swap sunny sands for cityscapes and explore the capital city of Bangkok that is home to majestic royal palaces and ancient Buddhist temples, which stand in contrast to glamorous hotels, scintillating nightlife and a cosmopolitan vibe. Head to the 'Land of Smiles' and enjoy fabulous weather, lively nightlife and mouth-watering food.

All inclusive resorts offer holidaymakers the lap of luxury and the island of Phuket is ever popular thanks to its range of luxury hotels and powder-soft beaches. Explore the islands by iconic longtail boats, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and find your own bit of paradise, or lose yourself in bustling Bangkok. Friendly, colourful, exotic and tropical, Thailand holidays are a perfect escape for everyone.

Places to Go and Things to Do

Raft, Sail and Explore

Islands and kayak trips are very popular. Get one step closer to nature in Phang Nga Bay, by hopping on a Chinese junk boat or traditional sea-kayak and exploring the breathtaking caves and lagoons. Alternatively, sail around the bay looking across to the fishing village Koh Panyee and James Bond Islands' cliff-like karsts that jut out of the water, before stopping at a hidden beach.

The Big Buddha

This iconic white marble statue stands at the top of the hills overlooking the southern part of the island, so you can’t miss it. It’s around 45m tall and deserves to be seen during your stay in Phuket. Make the most of the views when you reach the top of the hills, they're amazing.

Party Hard on Bangla Road

Located at the heart of Patong Beach, Bangla Road is the unmissable centre of the resort’s buzzing nightlife. Don’t be surprised at what you’ll see here – exotic dancers are commonplace. Remember, an open mind is essential – avoid with kids.

Wander Around Old Phuket Town

If you do spend time away from the beach and resorts, visit the pretty streets of Phuket Old Town, particularly Thalang Road, which has been lovingly restored and preserved. It’s full of local markets, colourful shophouses, quaint streets with abandoned mansions, and plenty of eateries where you can stop and enjoy some island delicacies and a refreshing drink as you watch the world go by.

Essential Information

Getting Around

Travel facilities around Thailand are efficient and very inexpensive, especially the buses that operate around the resorts, towns and cities. In more rural areas and smaller towns, open-ended vans (songthaews) are popular, as are taxis, tuk-tuks and samlors. There is also an extensive train network if you’re travelling over larger distances, and ferries and longtail boats are a common sight on waterways. Most tourists stick to taxis as they are most convenient and inexpensive.

Travelling by bus or car

The bus network is extensive, and most buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. Many services run frequently, particularly in the popular areas, and travel is extremely cheap. They can get crowded, though! Most tourists stick to taxis.

Most tourists tend to stick to hotel shuttles and taxis as driving can be arratic and roads are hard to navigate.

Passports and Visas

Your passport should be valid for a minimum 6 months after the date of entry. British citizens shouldn’t need a visa for their holiday, as long as they’re staying for less than 30 days. For more information and advice, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements or the Foreign Office at www.fco.gov.uk/en/

Health and Safety

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential; make sure it covers any activities you plan on doing, such as diving. For more info, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/health

Vaccinations

There are no specific jabs required for a holiday in Thailand, other than the standard ones which should be up to date. Check the latest medical advice with your GP before you fly.