Cheap Holidays to Thailand

How Hot?

Thailand's tropical climate is warm and humid with temperatures averaging 85ºF (31ºC) all year round, the hot and dry season is from March to June, where temperatures in Bangkok average around 93ºF (34ºC), and sometimes reaching 104º F (40ºC). April is typically the hottest month across the country.

The ideal time to visit Thailand is from November to February when there is a cooling breeze thanks to the northeast monsoon, during this cool season temperatures in Bangkok range from 64ºF to 89ºF and, in northern and northeastern Thailand morning temperatures can be as low as 46ºF to 53ºF.

There are specific climate zones in Thailand, where the area north of Bangkok has three seasons; November to May is the dry season, however this is broken up into the periods November to February affected by the cooling breezes of the northeast monsoon, and then March to May where the temperatures are higher, the other season is the rainy one, from May to November it's dominated by the southwest monsoon, when rainfall is heavy.

The southern peninsula has only two seasons; wet and dry, though these seasons differ from the east and west sides of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain from April through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December.

Out and About

Picturesque beaches, stunning natural scenery, exquisite Buddhist temples and a unique culture make Thailand a fascinating place to visit at any time of the year. In addition, Thailand has in excess of 100 national parks where you can enjoy cycling and hiking along-side beautiful rivers, gorges and waterfalls.

In the heart of Thailand, the city of Bangkok boasts many parks, statues, monuments and cultural attractions. Museums and art galleries to browse include the Childrens Discovery Museum, the Jim Thompson Museum and the National Gallery Museum. Admire the architecture of the Grand Palace and the Vimanmek Palace; visit the Temple of Dawn and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and climb the Golden Mount for spectacular views.

Leisure activities in Bangkok are endless; you can go jogging in Lumpini Park, see the animals at Safari World and the fabulous aquariums at Siam Ocean World; ride the rides at Siam Park City and relax in the gardens of Sirikit Park.

Bangkok is also a mecca for shoppers and bargain hunters with choices ranging from the upmarket fashion boutiques around Siam Square and Chidlom to the 9000 stalls at the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Phuket, in southern Thailand, boasts mile upon mile of impressive, long, white sandy beaches backed by palms and evergreen trees. There are also a number of small islands just off the coast to which you can take boat trips. The clear waters and coral reefs are a paradise for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, watersports and fishing.

You can stroll amid the charming architecture of the shopping streets in Old Phuket and, for markets, visit the Naka Weekend Market, which is held in the evenings. Visitor attractions include the Phuket Zoo, Phuket Aquarium and the Phuket Butterfly Farm and for a dazzling evening show, head for the Phuket Fantasia. Cultural attractions in Phuket include the Thalang National Museum, the Big Buddha Temple and the Thai Village and Orchid Farm.

Out for Lunch!

There's no shortage of eating options in Thailand, whether it's to savour seafood at a seafront restaurant, experience Thai style dining, enjoy a moonlit dinner cruise, taste exquisite food from around the world at your hotel restaurant or a quick stop at a roadside noodle stall or well known fast-food joint whatever you choose, and wherever you are staying, you won't be disappointed.

Thai cuisine can be broken down into the four main regions of the country, with each region sharing its cuisine and similar foods of the neighbouring countries. The south has many influences from Malaysia, central from Vietnam and Cambodia, the north from Burma, and north-eastern dishes are similar to southern Lao cuisine.

Regional specialities; if travelling to the central region chilli dip (nam prik) is a typical dish served with in-season fresh vegetables, the south features lots of seafood dishes such as prawns with bamboo shoot in coconut soup (goong ga-thi nor mai sod) or fried crab with yellow curry (poo pad pong gari) and fried prawn with twisted cluster bean (goong pad sataw). A popular dish of the North is 'khao soi', which is crispy rice or egg noodle in a curry sauce, and a north-eastern delicacy is 'som tam' a spicy raw papaya salad mixed with chillies, garlic, tomatoes and green beans.

Quick Facts

Flight Time - From London 12 hrs 30 mins, From Manchester 13 hrs 30 mins, From Glasgow 12 hrs 30 mins

Currency - Thai Baht

Nightlife - Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Strip clubs and Cafes - mixed

Best Time to Visit: November and March

Thailand Resorts

Thailand Deals

Phuket Patong Beach
from London Heathrow

9 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
Orchid Hotel Kalim Bay Phuket
Phuket Patong Beach

from £1179.76

(per person including flights)

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Krabi
from Manchester

13 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
Krabi Chada Resort Hotel
Krabi

from £1015.09

(per person including flights)

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Bangkok
from London Heathrow

14 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
The Sukosol Hotel
Bangkok

from £1286.23

(per person including flights)

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Phuket Karon Beach
from Manchester

13 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
Dewa Karon Beach Resort
Phuket Karon Beach

from £1690.77

(per person including flights)

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Phuket Kamala Beach
from London Gatwick

14 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
Cape Sienna Phuket Hotel
Phuket Kamala Beach

from £1831.47

(per person including flights)

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