Thailand
Unlike her immediate neighbours - Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia - Thailand has never fallen to a European colonial power, meaning the country has remained utterly unique.
Also known as Siam, "the land of the White Elephant" or the country of the Muang Thai ("the free"), Thailand takes pride in a long tradition of independence, and now offers an irresistible combination of striking natural landscapes, inspiring religious and cultural heritage, renowned hospitality and culinary traditions. Impressive ruins and forgotten temples disclose a rich past, bustling Bangkok showcases Thailand's modern side, and the southern islands and beaches are world renowned for being a pristine paradise.
Northern Thailand, however, reveals a culture and cuisine distinct from those of Bangkok and the south. Lanna or Lannathai is the given name of a prosperous self ruling kingdom, once the power base of the whole of Northern Thailand. The title means 'Land of a million rice fields', and the area is completely different from other provinces of Thailand in cuisine, culture and custom. It is generally acknowledged throughout Thailand that the Northern women are the most beautiful and people friendliest and politest in the country. The charm and gentleness of the Northerners, and the spectacular, mountainous pine forest scenery never fails to impress.
A country that is now as well known for its array of stylish accommodation as it is for its beaches, Thailand makes for a wonderful extension destination to any of our Indochina trips.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Thailand
What to do in Thailand
A Day In The Life of a Mahout
Chiang Rai
Within the Golden Triangle of Thailand, visit Chiang Rai to learn how to become an elephant Mahout. You will be taught the basic commands needed to drive an elephant, alongside the elephant's own mahout. The day will begin by carrying out the routine duties carried by the mahout which these gentle giants have grown to love; these include bathing, scrubbing, and feeding your elephant before setting off into the Thai jungle, where you will have the opportunity to practise your own mahout skills.
Explore Bangkok Klongs
Bangkok
Experience an afternoon trip in a long-tailed speed boat along the bustling Chao Phya River and its contrastingly quiet Klongs (canals). Be taken back in time to a more traditional way of life, far removed from Bangkok's modern skyscrapers through picturesque scenes of teak riverside houses, noodle shops, fruit orchards and rice fields. A stop is usually made at the impressive "Temple of Dawn" (known as Wat Arun).
Visit stunning the temples
Bangkok
Leaving Bangkok, travel north for 86 km to Ayutthaya, a stunning complex of temples, shrines, stupas and monasteries that was the former Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th century. A UNESCO World Heritage, it is encircled by a wide water canal formed by the confluence of three rivers and the town's historical highlights are usually classified as being 'on' or 'off' the island. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest temple, known for its row of chedis (Thai-style stupas).
Learn to cook Thai food
Bangkok
In Bangkok you will meet your chef to discuss the ingredients you will need to cook a 4 course meal and then walk around the Bang Rak morning market to buy the ingredients. Walking around the market with an expert is a revelation as they will explain and advise on the usage of all the different Thai vegetables and the multi coloured spices of course! Back at the school you will be taught how to cook amazing Thai food and when everything is ready enjoy your own culinary creation in the convivial Thai setting of the Blue Elephant Restaurant.
Chill on Sandy Beaches
Koh Yao
Thailand is blessed with some of the best beaches anywhere in South East Asia; golden expanses of sand that are washed by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Offering everything from exclusive resorts to 'wild' tropical havens, we provide the opportunity to enjoy the popular resorts of Koh Samui and Krabi, as well as the quieter island retreats of Koh Yao and Koh Chang.
Dine in the Sky
Bangkok
Presenting one of Bangkok's most captivating dining experiences, The Dome at Lebua offers the culinary attractions of some of the best restaurants in the Thai capital. This eclectic ensemble includes the remarkable Sirocco, the world's highest al fresco restaurant. Occupying the 63rd floor, the restaurant offers live jazz, a superb Mediterranean menu and a breathtaking vista that looks out across the Chao Phraya River and the glittering skyline of Bangkok.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Thailand
Where to stay in Thailand
Anantara Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Thai-inspired quality and design meets naturally pristine white sand beaches at the Anantara Koh Samui. Even the...
Evason Hua Hin & Six Senses Spa
Hua Hin
Located a short drive from Hua Hin and only 3 hours from Bangkok, the Evason Resort and Spa is set in beautifully...
Nakamanda Resort & Spa
Krabi
The five-star Nakamanda Resort sits on the undisturbed Klong Muang Beach in Krabi, offering luxuriously equipped villas...
The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Resort & Spa
Koh Yao
Located in unique Phang Nga Bay, just an hour from Phuket and Krabi, The Paradise Beach Resort is made up of...
Banyan Tree Bangkok
Bangkok
Once voted one of 'The World's Best Places to Stay' by Condé Nast Traveller, the Banyan Tree Bangkok is set in...
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Bangkok
The Oriental five star hotel opened in 1876 and has a great location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The...
Old Bangkok Inn
Bangkok
The Old Bangkok Inn is a "boutique inn" that combines the charm of Bangkok's yester years with modern amenities....
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
Bangkok
The luxurious Shangri-La Hotel is centrally located in Silom District on the east bank of the Chao Praya River and is...
Amari Emerald Cove
Koh Chang
Just a short ferry ride from Trat airport, The Amari Emerald Cove resort is a modern Thai-style five star hotel set...
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Thailand
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Thailand
Thailand Travel Guide
Bangkok
Bangkok, or Krung Thep to the locals, is a vast city blending modern day sophistication with centuries old culture. The Siamese Capital was built 223 years ago as a small trading centre and port community serving Ayutthaya, which was the capital of the nation (then known as Siam). Presently, Bangkok has a population of approximately 10 million and it is considered one of the biggest, fastest-growing and most economically dynamic and socially progressive cities in South-East Asia.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 to 1767. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impressive ruins remain of what was once a stunning complex of palaces, shrines, stupas and monasteries. The main town is encircled by a wide water canal formed by the confluence of three rivers, and the town's historical highlights are usually classified as being 'on' or 'off' the island.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a small town in western Thailand where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge into the Mae Klong River. It was here, in 1942, under Japanese control, that the infamous 'Bridge over the River Kwai' was built by allied prisoners of war, over which the so-called 'Death Railway' ran. The area itself is very attractive and there are a number of minority villages in the lush jungle with opportunities for elephant trekking and bamboo rafting.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is the most northern province of Thailand, a province of mountainous landscape covered in tropical rain forests. This stunning backdrop is rich in cultural diversity, being home to many different ethnic communities. The town itself was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai and was the first capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of a Million Rice fields). It acts as a great base for boat tours and trekking into the surrounding jungle and is home to the famous night bazaar making it a very worthwhile destination for travellers.
Chiang Mai
Situated up in the north of Thailand Chiang Mai has long been eagerly sought as a cool refuge from the heat and noise of Bangkok due to its elevation of 300 m. Lying amongst some of the highest mountains in the country, Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in the north of Thailand. It was founded by King Mengrai in 1296, and succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lannathai kingdom. It soon established itself as an important city on ancient trade routes and today it is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels.
Hua Hin
Huan Hin BeachHua Hin is located south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand and it takes about three hours to drive there form the capital. One of the country’s oldest beach resorts it was first frequented by the Thai royal family in the beginning of the twentieth century and the current King spends most of his time here now. As well as splendid beaches and its close proximity to Bangkok, Hua Hin is also only 60km from Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and there are a number of golf courses in the vicinity. Other possible excursions include Phetchaburi, a delightful ancient provincial capital with over 30 Wats that dominate the skyline, the Damnoen Saduak floating markets and the old summer palace of Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island and also its wealthiest province, Phuket is an excellent destination for those who want some variety in their holiday and the island boasts some of the best water sports and diving facilities in the country. There are a large number of things to do from horse riding and deep-sea fishing to elephant trekking and sea-canoeing. Bang Tao bay is a particularly beautiful area with a series of lagoons and for those staying there a there are lots of family based activities such as rock climbing and arts and crafts that all can join in.
Koh Yao
Koh Yao is a small island (12km at its longest point) on the edge of Phang Nga bay. It has truly magnificent views in all directions and is perfect for those looking for a tranquil getaway. The islanders themselves live a simple life, earning their livings from rubber and coconut plantations and fishing. The rural ambience makes a pleasant contrast from some of the more developed resorts and the quiet interior of the island is well worth exploring. All sorts of wild animals can be found and there are trails running alongside paddy fields and through small settlements. Mountain bikes can be hired too as can boats to take excursions around the idyllic bay.
Krabi
Krabi itself is a small fishing town on the Andaman sea coast in southern Thailand. While an important transport hub to the islands it is an attractive place in its own right. It’s very lush and green with mangrove-lined shores and large limestone outcrops on every horizon. There are several nice beaches to visit and an interesting thing to do is go on a long-tail boat tour of the mangrove swamps. As well as getting a close up view of this landscape you’ll also see the famous Khao Kanab Nam – twin limestone outcrops that rise a hundred metres above the water and have become a symbol of Krabi. 10km northeast of the town is Wat Tham Seua. This working monastery is set in tropical forest and there are splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Khao Yai National Park
The Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's oldest and most visited reserves. Located about two hours northeast of Bangkok, the park covers 2,172 square kilometres of lush, evergreen forest, jungle and grassland rising from 400 to 1351 m at the summit of Kha Rom. The reserve hosts some 2,000-2,500 plant species, over 350 bird species and large mammals. Khao Yai has a network of over 50 kilometres of trekking trails and is an absolutely paradise for nature lovers.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is Thailand’s second largest island, measuring about 30km by 8km. It is part of a maritime national park that comprises an archipelago of 52 islands and is noted for its stunning natural beauty. Until recently it was home to just a few fishing families and now it is becoming popular with Thais as a place to get away to. The island has chains of long, sandy beaches and a central spine of forested hills, the highest peak of which rises to 740m. There’s plenty of scope to explore the interior, either on elephants, mountain bikes, horses or on foot. Heading out into the clear waters there are a number of reefs around the island and lots of opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
Sukhothai
The fantastic ruins at Sukhothai were once Thailand's first capital, flourishing from the 13th century to the late 15th century. The Sukhothai Kingdom represents the golden age of Thai history and the ruins that constitute the old city are an internationally recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruined temples are interspersed with moats, lakes and bridges. To the north, Wat Phra Phai Luang contains the remains of a number of buildings and a large prang with stucco reliefs. Wat Si Chum hosts a massive seated Buddha figure peering through an opening in its enclosure.
Koh Samui
Lying in the country's east coast, with its white sand beaches and clear emerald waters, Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island and has long been one of the preferred Gulf islands for tourists looking to relax in a paradisiacal atmosphere. It was fist settled by Malay and Chinese fishermen around 15 centuries ago who lived pretty much self sufficiently until late into the 20th century with little control by the Thai authorities. Today it is known as something of a paradise - a reputation it gained from its stunning beaches and clear waters. The interior, a lush jungle, is a great place to go for a day out and there are numerous interesting natural coves and lagoons around the coastline. Koh Samui also now has a number of first class resorts that offer every imaginable service and level of comfort to make a stay here one that won't be forgotten.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Thailand
Thailand Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Thailand, but this can be obtained on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
If you would prefer to obtain your visa before arrival - this can be arranged through:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road Battersea
London
SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insuran
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Thailand though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria can be a risk outside of Bangkok and vaccinations against dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis is also recommended for those travelling to rural areas. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Thailand
