THAILAND

Thailand is one of the most popular holiday package destinations for South Africans, and with good reason. The scenery is inspiring, the food is delicious, the Thai people are the friendliest you’ll ever meet – and that’s just a taste of what to expect on a Thailand trip.

The ‘Land of Smiles’ offers a choice of absolutely beautiful beach destinations, some on charming little islands. Among the many tourist attractions, there are jungles and mountain retreats to visit, and glittering royal temples and ancient monasteries to explore. There are street markets and sophisticated city plazas, all brimming with fabulous items to buy. And did we mention that Thailand holiday packages are very reasonably priced?

Things to do in Thailand:
Go jet skiing, kayaking and sailing on Phuket’s Patong Beach – or just laze in the sun.
Learn to cook traditional Thai food in a lush mountain setting in Chiang Mai.
Explore Bangkok’s glittering Royal palaces, temples and traditional markets.
Shop until you drop in shopping malls or street markets around Thailand.
Stay at Elephant Hills, a luxury tented camp, where you can go on safari.
Enjoy snorkelling in the stunning Similan Islands near Khao Lak.
Explore Koh Phi Phi and the surrounding islands. Please note that Phi Phi Leh island's Maya Bay, where the movie The Beach was filmed, is closed for environmental reconstruction due to the number of visitors over the past decade. The opening date has not been released by the Thai Government.
See Krabi’s magnificent natural wonders, such as Noppharat Thara Beach National Park.
Go coral diving outside of Krabi to the surrounding islands, home to some of the most beautiful reefs on earth.
Visit a hill tribe village in Mae Hong Son, Northern Thailand and discover the unique customs and cultures practised by one of the most popular hill tribes called the Karen Hill Tribe.
Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to experience the oldest and traditional way of farmers selling food, fruit, flowers and many other local products from their boats.
Sample some Thai street food in Bangkok, known to be the best city in the world for street food.
Enjoy a fun ride in a tuk-tuk which is a cheaper way of exploring the cities – depending on your negotiation skills.
Visit Wat Rong Khun, the picture-perfect White Temple in Chiang Rai.
Explore the underwater world in Koh Tao, Thailand's most popular island for diving.
Visit the Phuket Big Buddha, which is one of the tallest statues in the world and enjoy the best view of the island.
Celebrate Thai New Year, also known as the Songkran Festival, where locals enjoy local entertainment and splash water on everyone. This is believed to bring good health, prosperity and longevity.


Thailand is an all-year-round destination. However, there are factors to consider when planning your holidays, such as seasonal weather and prices of flights and accommodation.
Thailand has a tropical climate throughout the country, which means it is hot and humid year-round. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 38°C.
March to May: High humidity and temperatures.
November to February: Dry, cool temperatures and low humidity, the best time to travel.
May to October: Rainy season, generally sunny with quick showers in the late afternoon and evening.