Be tempted by Thailand

Thailand caters to travellers of all budgets and tastes, so whatever kind of holiday you need – Thailand has you covered. Here are a few ideas to give you a taste of Thailand and get you ready to book.

Maya Bay, Phi Phi Ley

Australia's love affair with Thailand kicked up a notch when a young Leonardo DiCaprio stepped out onto Maya Bay in the 2000 hit movie The Beach. Since then, the Country of Smiles has been on the radar of every Aussie with wanderlust.

Thailand from the top

Ok, it’s not technically at the top end of the country, but most visitors enter Thailand through Bangkok, so it counts!

It’s tempting to treat Bangkok as a pitstop on your way to the country’s regions or tropical islands, but we recommend you give it a few days to explore.

Simply put, Bangkok is buzzing! This city is an exciting blend of traditional and modern with opulent temples, luxury fashion, markets, street stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Visitors to Bangkok should start with the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) - two elaborately decorated and important cultural and religious landmarks that can been visited together. Entry to the complex costs 500 Baht (roughly $20) per person. Don’t forget there is a dress code here – so no shorts, thongs or singlets.

Chatuchak Market, Bangkok

Bangkok is a shopper's paradise and there is a heap more on offer than the souvenirs you can pick up along Khaosan Road.

Visit one of the markets and live like a local. We love the expansive Chatuchak Market (running Fridays to Sundays) and the quirky Chang Chui night market with its Tristar plane.

For all your needs in one place, Asiatique The Riverfront has shops, food and entertainment on offer in a beautiful location.

If you’d prefer something more luxurious, head to the city’s largest shopping mall – Siam Paragon.

Tastes of Thailand

Pad Thai - the nation's most famous dish

Thai food is a solid Aussie favourite, but there is nothing like tasting the real thing!

Of course, when you’re in Thailand you have to try their ubiquitous Pad Thai; delicious fried rice noodles with juicy prawns, marinaded tofu and crunchy peanuts. This dish is best eaten fresh and hot from a street stall. Locals always know best so follow the crowds and buy from the busiest vendors.

Tom Yum Goong is another foodie favourite. This spicy shrimp soup with hints of lemongrass and kaffir lime should be eaten with a combination of dishes, so make sure you add it to your order. This dish is Thailand’s answer to chicken soup and is perfect for those suffering the day after the night before!

Feel like splurging on something special? There are plenty of world-class dining options in Bangkok and beyond.

For an incredible 360 degree city vista, make sure to reserve your table at Mezzaluna. SEEN Restaurant & Bar also has the views plus its fabulous 7 deadly sins cocktails. Staying down South? Make a booking for Phuket’s first Michelin starred restaurant, PRU.

To the regions

Thailand is a wonderfully easy country to navigate with several very reliable and comfortable domestic airlines as well as a great train network connecting Bangkok with the regions.

We think one of best reasons to get out of Bangkok and explore Thailand is for its range of incredible and unique places to stay.

Sleep on the water in Khao Sok National Park

One of our top picks for quirky stays are the floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park. Thanks to the growing popularity of this region, there are now a range of options to explore the park during the day and sleep on the water. Set your budget and choose your level of accommodation – from basic, handcrafted bamboo bungalows to premium glamping options. Make life easy with a 2-day, 1-night tour including transport, wildlife spotting and southern Thai meals. Prices start from $255 per person, based on two people travelling.

Prefer a view?

Baan Phuvara Retreat in Krabi offers hillside villas with mountain views and your own private jacuzzi from around $90 per night. Or, on the other side of the country, travellers can relax and rejuvenate at the breath-taking Jamahkiri Resort & Spa looking down over Shark Bay. Koh Tao has a thriving scuba diving industry attracting great instructors and charging very reasonable rates. Consider booking a package and learn to scuba dive during your stay.

Image credit: Jamahkiri Resort & Spa, Koh Tao

Finally, if you're looking for comfort on a shoestring budget, don't discount the amazing hostels across Thailand.

As a backpacker haven, you have no end of choice for good quality hostels at great prices. Us Samui on Koh Samui is a relaxed, adults-only hostel with rooms and dorms made from shipping containers. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and free Wifi. A single room with twin beds and a private bathroom starts at only $17 a night! Popular Lub d Koh Samui with its Insta-famous beachfront infinity pool has a range of options from high-end dorms starting at around $30 per person, per night to deluxe double rooms with balconies and city views from $95.

Image credit: Us Samui

Plan your amazing getaway now!

Getting there

Fly from Perth to Bangkok with Thai Airways
Order your Thai Baht in advance from Travelex
Start your holiday early with a visit to Perth Airport’s ASPIRE Lounge

All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.