We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Thailand Tourism
Thailand has emerged as one of the most popular travel destinations across the globe. And the popularity of Thailand's tourism can be credited to a variety of factors. Be it natural scenic beauty and landscapes, including the beautiful islands, mountains, or diverse culture or local food and culture, you can find… read more
Although the climate varies throughout Thailand, you can visit all year round. If you are looking for the best time to go to Thailand, it pretty much depends on what experience you're looking for. But if you don't mind missing out on the crowds and still have pleasant weather, the shoulder season in September and October can be a good option when choosing the best period to visit Thailand.
The best season to visit Thailand is from November till early April. This is when the heavens are no longer pouring and the sky clears up. The days are warm and perfect for an outing at the beach or for checking out the numerous heritage sites. April onwards the heat gets oppressive and June is the start of the rainy season again.
Thailand, the jewel of Southeast Asia, is also known as the Land of Smiles and you will notice its people greeting you warmly as though you are a long-lost friend returning home. The country is developed enough to offer you a luxurious holiday at some of its ultra-modern cities, like Bangkok and Chaing Mai. And yet it retains enough of its natural wildness to offer you holidays that go off the beaten path to give you a once-in-a-lifetime-experience.
Beaches, mountains, islands and everything in between, Thailand is an exotic, unending potpourri of unusual experiences that will leave you asking for more. Whether you are planning a holiday with your family, or have decided to head there with friends, Thailand offers you much to see and enjoy.
Peak Season (November-February)
While this might be winter in other parts of the world, it is the best time to see Thailand. The air is less humid and the sun doesn’t shine down so harshly that you are drenched in sweat within minutes. Evenings are pleasant with a cool breeze blowing in from the sea.
Shoulder Season (September-October)
The weather is getting better, but we’ve not hit peak tourist season yet. There will be sporadic rainfall but the days are starting to get drier. Temperature and humidity also start to fall. The beaches are not as crowded and if you are willing to brave the occasional downpour, this can be a good time to visit.
Low Season (April-May, July-September)
They say there isn’t a bad time to visit Thailand, but there is an inconvenient time; actually two. The months from April to May are the hottest in the country, and if you cannot handle extreme heat, a holiday here is best avoided. July onwards starts the monsoon, and the next three months are the wettest and the least appealing ones to head to Thailand. The streets get flooded, the air is humid and stuffy, and you cannot do anything except sit in your hotel room and gaze out at the water cascading down the building.
|
Travel Seasons |
Min/Max Temperature |
Season |
|
March to July |
30-34 degrees |
Summer - Hot and humid |
|
July to October |
23-29 degrees |
Monsoon - Heavy rainfall |
|
November to February |
18-32 degrees |
Winter - Cool and pleasant |
Temperature: Avg. of 32 degrees high to 18 degrees low
Weather: Hands down winter is the best time to visit Thailand. The monsoon has moved on and the temperature is moderate. The air is dryer and the days are sunny, making them perfect for sightseeing or just lazing at the beach. However, as is wont to happen with any tourist destination with improving weather, Thailand during winter season gets crowded. This doesn’t take away the charm of the place though – in Thailand, the more the merrier.
If you stick to the coast, then the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you are heading up to the mountains or further inland, the nights can get cooler and you will need to carry a light shawl or sweater to keep the chill away.
Significant events: Winter in Thailand is a relatively quiet time. Yes, there is Christmas and New Year, but when it comes to the nation’s own festivals, there aren’t that many, except for the King’s birthday. December 5 is the birthday of the King of Thailand and it is a country-wide affair. The main celebrations are in Bangkok, where the streets come alive with pageantry, a candlelight vigil for the king’s long life and an appearance of the king himself, if his health is good. If you’re interested, you can stray back until January or February for the Chinese New Year. The date changes every year since it is based on a lunisolar calendar. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. With parades, lion dances, stage shows and lots of fireworks, it is a one-of-its-kind experience.
Location highlight: If you love warm weather, vibrant landscapes, and outdoor adventures, summer is the best time to go to Thailand for breathtaking experiences.
Why you should visit now: Thailand offers you the best of its climate during the winter. The sun, the surf, the dry weather and the low humidity all combine to make it the best season to visit Thailand.
Know before you visit: Winter is peak tourist season in Thailand. Book your tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid getting disappointed.
Tips: Winter in Thailand is warm and dry, but as you go inland, it gets cold. Also, apply sunblock every time you step out.
Temperature: Avg. of 29 degrees high to 23 degrees low
Weather: When it rains in Thailand, it literally pours. The skies open up and release all the water that they have. And they do that for 4 months, almost nonstop. If you like the monsoon and enjoy traipsing around in the rain, this is a good time to visit. But if staying dry and comfortable is closer to your idea of a holiday, then take our advice and go somewhere else; unless, yes, there is an unless, you like to travel with fewer tourists and are on a tight budget. During the monsoon not too many people visit Thailand leaving the country open to you alone. Also, tickets and accommodation rates are much lower now than in peak tourist times.
Significant events: The wet season sees Thailand come together in celebration for two birthdays – one is that of the King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is on July 28, and the other notable birthday is that of Queen Sirikit, on August 12, which is also marked as Thailand’s Mother’s Day. Both these days bring the country alive with cultural shows, a candlelight ceremony and sometimes even fireworks.
Location highlight: Rainy yet lovely, it is the ideal time to visit Thailand with its lush scenery, affordable prices, and less congested travel experience.
Why you should visit now: Weather of Thailand in wet season is ideal if you are traveling on a shoestring budget and are looking for great deals.
Know before you visit: Carry an umbrella and a raincoat with you every time you step out. Rainy shoes welcome too. Keep a book handy, just in case you can’t head out and are getting bored in your room.
Tips: You cannot visit the beach in this season. The water is too choppy, although it can be beautiful to sit by the beach and watch the rain lash an engorged sea.
Temperature: Avg. of 34 degrees high to 30 degrees low
Weather: Summer might be considered a low season in Thailand but there are several students and backpackers who choose to travel during these months. The days are hot and the nights are muggy, with a little breeze thrown in in the evening. And since that keeps many tourists away, weather in dry season of Thailand is actually a perfect time to get great deals on accommodation and tour packages.
Significant events: Summer is when most of the festivals and public celebrations take place. The Songkran Festival in April is a riot with people splashing each other with water, much like Holi in India. Don’t forget to get your own water gun! Once you are done playing, you can sit back and enjoy the many cultural programs and beautiful processions that weave through the streets.
Gorge on delicious fruits preparations at the Fruit Day in Chantaburi held during May and June. Once you are satiated, you can relax and enjoy the gentle sounds of music at the Hua Hin Jazz Festival in June, which features local as well as international artists.
Location highlight: It is a hot and humid season, but it is also the best time to go to Thailand if you want excellent bargains, fewer tourists, and lively cultural events.
Why you should visit now: Tourist footfall is low and hotels are willing to offer you discounts and better deals than the peak season.
Know before you visit: You will have a lot of Thailand to yourself, as well as a lot of the Thailand sun. It gets really hot and humid in summer. Stay hydrated and wear loose clothes.
Tips: Slather on the sunblock every time you step out. The harsh sun can cause severe skin damage if you are not protected.
Thinking of a trip to Thailand? At Thomas Cook, we can help you in prepping and planning for your vacation. Choose from any of our special Thailand Tour Packages depending on your preference. We can also assist you with booking your tickets and hotel accommodation. You can trust our experts for your visa and currency needs as well.
Although situated in the continent of Asia itself, Thailand is a very long way off from India. Hence, the most convenient way for one to reach its shores is via flight. Most Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata offer direct flights to the country’s capital - Bangkok. There are also routes available via 1 or 2 transit destinations, depending upon the airline of selection. While the quickest non-stop flight is approximately 2 hours 25 minutes from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, the quickest one stop flight is close to 8 hours. Furthermore, some airlines could take as long as 17 hours based on the transit destination and waiting period. Individuals may choose between the following airlines - Thai Airways, Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, IndiGo, AirAsia, Emirates, Sri Lankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, China Southern, Etihad Airways, Air Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, and Qatar Airways (this is not an exhaustive list).
Suvarnabhumi Airport is located just 30 km east of Bangkok. It is considered to be Thailand’s busiest airport. Equipped with duty free stores, restaurants lounges, cafes, ATM’s and currency exchange services, the efficient layout ensures that one has access to everything they may need. Upon arrival, one may choose between taxis, car rentals, shuttle buses, public buses and the Airport Rail Link to reach their desired destination.
Thailand is home to other well-connected airports such as Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
While air travel is the quickest and most reliable transportation option, there is another way to reach the country. This one, however, requires some grit and determination. One can travel from India to Thailand via the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. The road trip commences in north east India’s Manipur, manoeuvring all the way to Thailand’s Mae Sot. A 3,200 km drive in total, it would take approximately a week to complete. However, we would recommend this drive only between the months of November and February as the weather conditions are most conducive at this time. Individuals may opt for a 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler, depending upon their needs, but would need to take certain precautions first. For instance, one would have to carry a valid driver’s licence, an international driving permit and all vehicle documents - vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate. Other imperative carry-on items include drinking water, snacks and a medicinal kit as the trip is long and can be tumultuous. In-fact, it would be better if individuals take the yellow fever and malaria vaccination before commencing the trip. We would also recommend the packing of some loose cash and a guidebook, to aid with the region. The landscapes are gorgeous, so click-click away!
1)Which is the best time to travel to Thailand?
The best time to travel to Thailand is between the months of November to April as the weather remains cool and dry and perfect for outdoor activities.
2)Is visa on arrival available for Indian nationals in Thailand?
Yes, visa on arrival is available for Indian nationals who wish to stay no longer than 15 days in Thailand.
3)How many days can I stay in Thailand on a tourist visa?
A tourist visa for Thailand allows visitors to stay for up to 60 days. Following this, it can be extended up to 30 days but no longer than that.
4)When is the Songkran festival held in Thailand?
Songkran, which is the Thai New Year, is celebrated in the middle of April every year, usually between 13 to 15 April.
5)How many days are required for a vacation to Thailand?
To enjoy the different facets of this beautiful country, you need to stay here for at least 5 days. A better bet would be to stay here for 7 to 8 days.
6)Is Thailand safe for solo female travellers?
Thailand is quite safe for solo female travellers, so long as they avoid lonely places and use their common sense.
7)Can I use my Indian driver's license in Thailand?
Yes, you can use your Indian driver’s license in Thailand but it’s always a good idea to have the International Driver’s Permits as well.
8)Can I drive to Thailand from India?
Yes, it’s possible to drive to Thailand from India along the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
9)Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Thailand?
It is always a good idea to be prepared before you set out on your journey to Thailand. Vaccination for tetanus, hepatitis A and for Yellow Fever is usually recommended.
10)What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?
Typically, from May to October, it’s quite cheap to travel to Thailand, the cheapest month would be September.
