Our Thailand sales expert, Joanne Chandler, on what to consider when planning and preparing for your Thailand holiday.

Planning your Trip

Luxury hotels in Thailand tend to book up quickly, especially during high season. It’s a good idea to start planning your trip at least a few months in advance.

Thailand offers a wide range of luxury experiences, from beachside resorts to jungle retreats and cultural immersion tours. Consider what kind of activities you’re interested in and what kind of atmosphere you’re hoping to create, then we can plan around that for you.

Thailand has a tropical climate, so it’s hot and humid all year round. The rainy season is from June to October, but the showers are usually brief and the crowds are smaller. The high season is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny.

Thailand offers a variety of unique experiences that can add a touch of luxury to your trip. Here are a few ideas:

• Take a private cooking class and learn how to make traditional Thai dishes.
• Go on a private elephant trek through the jungle.
• Charter a yacht and explore the islands off the coast of Phuket or Krab

Packing & Preparing

1. Be prepared for a different culture

Thailand is a very different country from many Western countries. It’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dress modestly when visiting temples.
• Take off your shoes when entering a temple or someone’s home.
• It’s considered rude to point your feet at someone or something.
• When greeting someone, put your hands together in a prayer-like position (wai).

2. Be prepared for weather changes.

Thailand’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack an umbrella and a raincoat, even if you’re traveling during the dry season.

3. Take comfortable shoes!

You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Thailand, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes. Sandals or flip-flops are fine for most occasions, but you may also want to pack a pair of closed-toe shoes for exploring temples or hiking.

4. Learn a few basic Thai phrases.

A little bit of Thai will go a long way. Even if you just learn how to say hello, thank you, and goodbye, it will be appreciated by the locals.

5. Pack light, loose-fitting clothing

Thailand can be hot and humid, so pack light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen.  Also remember to pack respectful clothing to visit temples.

6. Don’t forget to tip

Tipping is not expected in Thailand, but it is appreciated. A small tip of 20-50 baht is usually sufficient.