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Discovery · Thailand
Thailand travel: when to go and where
Thailand links river cities, northern craft cultures, forested mountains and southern islands through a cuisine and hospitality shaped strongly by region.
In brief
In brief
From November to February most trips to central and northern Thailand are pleasant. For the islands, the coast decides: the Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Phi Phi) and the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui) follow different monsoon calendars, so match your dates to the coast you choose. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are city and culture trips; the southern islands are for slowing down.
Travel by Ildy tip
Highlights
In the northern town of Nan, visit Wat Phumin, whose cruciform hall dates from 1596; its late-19th-century Tai Lue murals mix Jataka tales with daily life – and even Europeans.
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Best time to visit
Best time to travel
November to February suits many central and northern routes, while Andaman and Gulf islands follow different monsoon calendars.
Travel tips
Travel by Ildy tips
- Dress for temples with covered shoulders and knees, avoid sleeveless tops and tight leggings, and take your shoes off where signs show or where others have left theirs; the Grand Palace is stricter than most.
- In Chiang Mai, order khao soi, the north's curry noodle soup with coconut milk, boiled egg noodles and a crown of crispy fried ones, served with pickled mustard greens and lime.
- Time a northern trip for Yi Peng, the Lanna festival of lights culminating at the full moon usually in November, when Chiang Mai fills with lanterns and temple ceremonies.
- Thai dates count in the Buddhist Era, 543 years ahead of the Western calendar – so tickets and receipts in 2026 show the year 2569.
Travel by Ildy recommends
Follow the rhythm of the place first, then shape the journey around the experiences that feel most like your own.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February suits most trips to central and northern Thailand. The two island coasts follow different monsoon calendars, so choose the month to match your coast.
Which Thai island should I choose?
Pick the coast first, based on your travel month. Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Phi Phi are on the Andaman Sea, Koh Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand; each has its own page here.
What is Yi Peng and when is it?
The Lanna festival of lights, which usually peaks at the November full moon, when lanterns and temple ceremonies fill Chiang Mai. The exact date changes every year.
Why do Thai tickets say 2569?
Thai dates follow the Buddhist calendar, which runs 543 years ahead of the Western one, so tickets and receipts in 2026 show 2569.
Location
Thailand on the map
Thailand
Interactive map: Thailand
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Where to stay
Stay ideas — Thailand