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Thailand tours,
trips & holidays
A popular destination amongst backpackers, sun-worshippers and foodies, Thailand is a cultural haven full to the brim with beauty and rich heritage. Known globally as The Land of Smiles, Thailand is that country you visit once and yearn to return to. Its capital, Bangkok, is a city like no other in the world, with its blend of old and new, with trashy neon lights nestled in the midst of centuries of tradition. On the other hand Ancient Sukhothai offers travellers a true glimpse of Thai history, with its abundance of ancient ruins and temples.
From the elegant Grand Palace to the chaotic local markets, the pristine beaches of Phuket to the lush jungle of Khao Sok National Park, Thailand is a world of contrasts and yet comes together to create the perfect holiday destination. In addition, its fresh and mouth watering cuisine means Thailand is a paradise for foodies. Travelling Thailand is certainly a memorable experience and one of the highlights of a holiday in Southeast Asia.
Group Tours of Thailand with Tucan Travel
Tucan Travel is proud to have a wide range of group tours that visit Thailand. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Thailand or venture further and explore more of Southeast Asia, there are a range of options, dates and budgets to suit every adventure traveller. Tucan Travel tours include the highlights, with various internal flights along the way so you have more time to enjoy each destination. After something special? Our dedicated tailor-made department are waiting to put together your ultimate Thai honeymoon or private holiday! We understand that the allure of Southeast Asia is too hard to resist, and so we make it easy to travel through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore on one trip. You also have the option to combine Thailand with the lesser discovered Myanmar. Below are some of our best-selling holidays to Thailand and beyond:
Thailand in Two Weeks
Duration:13 Days
Route:Chiang Mai to Phuket
Tour Code:ICT2
Thailand and Malaysia
Duration:12 Days
Route:Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur
Tour Code:ICTM
Top 12 places to visit in Thailand
Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, and with so much to see and do it can be quite overwhelming knowing where to start! Whether you like culture, food, nature or cities, Thailand has it all. Below are a few of the highlights of Thailand which should definitely be on your list.
1. Bangkok
The chaotic capital is a must see destination in Thailand. Overflowing with cultural and historic sights, Bangkok will awaken your senses and overwhelm you with its unique way of life. Bustling local markets give way to modern skyscrapers, tiny street food stalls stand below elegant rooftop bars and tuk tuks command the road. While many see Bangkok as a stopover for flying into and out of Thailand, we highly recommend a few days to explore the vibrant city. Highlights include the opulent Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho with the famous reclining Buddha and the popular floating markets.
Bangkok is not only the gateway to other countries in Southeast Asia but a fantastic international hub with connections to airports all over the world. Your adventures are likely to take you through Bangkok at some point and we highly recommend spending a few days enjoying the capital. There are also various day trips you can take if the chaos of the city gets a bit too much!
Travel Tip
Bangkok is not a very walkable city, especially in the sweltering heat. Use taxis for longer distances and tuk-tuks for shorter ones. Always ensure the taxi has a meter or don't get in, and barter a price with the tuk-tuks.
2. Chiang Mai
Nestled in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a foodies paradise. Surrounded by majestic mountains and colourful hill tribes, travellers flock to Chiang Mai for the authentic cooking classes and Thai massages. The city is the largest in northern Thailand and capital of Chiang Mai Province, and is thought to have been founded back in 1294. Chiang Mai has an incredible 300 Buddhist temples with the most famous being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, dating back to 1383. The oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man, dates all the way back to the 13th century. Chiang Mai is a favourite amongst those who want to kick back and recharge their batteries!
3. Phuket
There is normally one image that comes to mind when thinking of Phuket - crystal blue waters, towering limestone formations and pristine white beaches. Phuket has long been a favourite holiday destination for beach lovers and island hoppers, and its allure doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. While the beaches are the most attractive part, the old town is also well worth exploring. The giant Buddha sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills at 45 metres tall and is quite a sight.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and translates to “mountain jewel” due to the landscape that surrounds it - around 70% of Phuket is covered in mountains. The biggest draw however is possibly the many smaller islands that surround Phuket, with their golden beaches and perfect swimming spots. While Phuket is undeniably one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, it is still possible to find quiet spots, you just need to spend the time and effort exploring the island for secret beaches. Patong, Kata and Karon are the most visited beaches so don’t be afraid to look further.
4. The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a must-see heritage site in Bangkok. Located in the heart of the old town overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the complex has housed various Thai Kings over the years. In fact the King, his court and the royal government were based in the palace until 1925 and in May 2019, the current King Vajiralongkorn was crowned here. The complex is considered the spiritual heart of Thailand and houses various temples, pagodas and statues. While a popular and often chaotic attraction, nothing compares to witnessing the true opulence of Thai culture as you wander past the dazzling colours, mosaics and golden tipped temples.
5. Khao Sok National Park
Did you know that almost one third of Thailand is covered in jungle? While travellers flock to Thailand for the white sandy beaches and warm waters, there are also various national parks that should not be missed. Khao Sok National Park is actually thought to be the oldest in the world and is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. With its dense jungle and towering limestone formations, this destination is a must see for anyone who wants to see a unique side of Thailand. Popular activities in the park include hiking and kayaking as well as various walking trails.
6. Ancient Sukhothai
One of the top historic destinations in Thailand, Ancient Sukhothai was the capital from 1238 to 1376. Translating to 'dawn of happiness', the city is thought to have had a triple wall and four gates in its heyday, complete with temples and a monastery. Over recent years over 140 temples have been excavated providing a wonderful glimpse of what the city once looked like. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological park is best explored by bike, cycling through elegant ruins, statues, pillars and stupas.
7. Ayutthaya
Founded in the 13th century, Ayutthaya became the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom after Ancient Sukhothai. It existed from around 1350 to 1767, when it was destroyed by the Burmese after years of struggle and war. The historical park is one of the best places to see traditional ancient temples. One of the most popular attractions is the Wat Mahathat. During the Burmese attacks, it is said the head of Buddha was cut down and fell to the ground. Over the years tree roots grew around the ruins and have resulted in the Buddha head being entwined by roots - making it a popular photography site in Thailand.
8. Kanchanaburi & The River Kwai
This famous bridge of the River Kwai was built by the Japanese during the Second World War to build a railway from Thailand to Burma. They used prisoners of war for the construction, many of whom died under appalling conditions. This lead to the line being known as the “Death Railway” and resulted in the famous film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” being made in 1957. The railway is accessible from Bangkok and is great for anyone interested in history. In the area you will find several museums dedicated to the history and people who lost their lives.
9. Pai
Located in northern Thailand, it is said that the journey from Chiang Mai to Pai has over 700 twists and turns. The sleepy village is popular amongst travellers, with its laid back way of life and stunning walking trails. You can hike to waterfalls, swim in the warm waters and kick back with a beer. Bike rides through the countryside, passing rice fields and farms is also a popular activity. While it has changed drastically over the years due to the rise of tourism, if you stay on the outskirts and venture off the tourist trail, you are sure to find a small slice of countryside heaven.
10. Koh Samui
One of the most popular islands in Thailand, Koh Samui screams beautiful beaches, palm fringed coastline and azure blue waters. While a popular destination for most travellers, if you seek out hidden areas of the island you will enjoy a much more peaceful experience. Highlights include Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village, various tropical beaches and the beautiful Namuang Waterfall. For something a little more unique, you can also visit a Mummified Monk! Whether you are after a backpacking hostel, high end hotel or anything in between, Koh Samui has you covered.
11. Hidden Beaches
If Thailand is famous for one thing, it’s beaches. With the rising popularity of beach holidays, it has taken its toll on some of the most known in Thailand. In fact Maya Bay, which rose to popularity after Leonardo Dicaprio’s film "The Beach", has been shut until roughly 2021 due to the damage caused to the ecosystem. You don’t have to venture to the Phi Phi Islands or Krabi to find the best beaches, and we highly recommend spending time finding the more remote and quieter beaches of Thailand. And when you do find a little slice of paradise, remember to respect the environment and “leave nothing but footprints”!
12. Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
Further north than its neighbour Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai was founded in 1262. A lot less visited and subsequently more peaceful than Chiang Mai, the city has a host of temples and cultural sites. Once capital of the Mengrai Dynasty, it was conquered by the Burmese in 1557 and under their rule for thousands of years until the Lanna Kingdom drove them out and joined the Siam Kingdom. The most popular attraction in Chiang Rai is the Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as the “White Temple” with its sparkling exterior and intricate details.
Why book with Tucan Travel?
“Travel Southeast Asia” is scrawled over bucket lists all over the world! As a culturally rich, historically significant and outright beautiful corner of the world, travellers have been flocking to the countries of Southeast Asia for years. Thailand is definitely one of the most popular, and not just because Bangkok is one of the main international hubs for the region! With so much to see and not knowing where to start, a group tour can be a wonderful introduction into such a huge region. Whether you want to throw yourself into every corner of Thailand or explore its neighbours of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam or Malaysia, Tucan Travel have a variety of tours to suit every date and budget.
Travel doesn't need to break the bank and group tours to Thailand with Tucan Travel are a great way to see as much as possible on a budget. Our tours are built to be the perfect balance between ticking off the highlights but allowing for free time to see the things at the top of your list. As an adventure tour specialist, we work hard to provide a truly authentic experience. We are proud to maintain strong relationships with our accommodation, transport suppliers and our local guides. We only work with the best and take extra care to make sure we are supporting the local businesses and communities in a sustainable and ethical way.
To make the trip as authentic as possible, we predominantly use local, family run hotels and lodges, so the money spent on tours gets pumped back into the local community rather than large corporate run chains. If you need any more reasons to book a holiday to Thailand with Tucan Travel, we are proud to have won numerous awards, picking up no less than 6 this past year. But don’t take our word for it! Have a look at our Trustpilot reviews and see for yourself!
Thailand Travel Blogs
7 best things to do in Thailand
Tropical Thailand has thick jungle and stunning beaches as well as unmissable heritage sites. Here’s a round-up of our favourite places to visit if you are planning a trip to this magical kingdom.
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