THE SEASON AHEAD
Too many people rule out holidays to Thailand at this time of year. While it’s of course the perfect destination for winter sun, low season in Thailand – which falls during our summer – has so much to offer. It’s very unusual to get constant rain, particularly between May and July, and the different climatic zones on Thailand’s coastlines means you can still enjoy a luxury beach holiday at this time. Choosing a luxury resort in or around Koh Samui should bring plenty of warm sunshine for you to enjoy on the beach. Furthermore, Thailand delivers great value for money for a family summer holiday. You can stay in a luxury resort or spacious villa on the beach for considerably less money than other destinations at this time of year. And there are endless activities to keep the whole family entertained, including snorkelling, diving, island hopping, and jungle adventures.
From late August and into September you’ll see the most rain in Thailand. But by October the country is beginning to dry out again. Everything feels fresh and green, and it’s a great time to explore temples and national parks before the peak season begins. The beach resorts on the Andaman Sea are getting drier too, which means you can escape to a quieter island paradise such as Khao Lak. It’s the perfect tonic to set you up for the long winter back home!
Sam – July 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Thailand is a year-round destination, with a stable climate and experiences to enjoy in every season. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the northern hills pair well with coastal relaxation at any time of year, as long as you choose the right beach. The Andaman Sea, including Phuket, Koh Yao Noi, and Khao Lak, is driest between November and April. The Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, works better between February to October. Beyond the beaches, the climate in the rest of the places you are likely to visit in Thailand follows two broad seasons.
The dry season, from November to April, is the most popular time of year to visit Thailand for a luxury vacation. Average temperatures sit between 26C and 32C (79F and 90F), though March and April can sometimes feel hotter. The drier weather is perfect for an active Thailand holiday, exploring temples and historic cities, and discovering the jungles and hill tribes of the north. Round off your luxury Thailand tour with beach relaxation on the Andaman coast. There is something to suit every taste here, from the family-friendly beach resorts of Phuket to boutique hideaways on Koh Lanta and peaceful Khao Lak.
May to October is a quieter time of year to visit Thailand due to higher humidity and increased chance of rain. Rain tends to arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day downpours, and it does not affect the whole country. The wettest month is usually September. This means you can still have a wonderful Thailand holiday during much of the low season, as long the itinerary is planned carefully. Bangkok and Thailand’s historic cities are compelling year-round, with rainfall unlikely to impact what you are able to see and do. Northern Thailand can also still be enjoyed in the low season. Our expert private guides will plan your days with the weather in mind so that you can still take full advantage of all the exciting activities in the region. On the beach, it is dry season on the Gulf of Thailand. This makes a beach resort or private villa on Koh Samui the perfect place to relax at the end of a tailor-made Thailand holiday. It is also a great destination for a family holiday if you are travelling in July and August.
Where are the best places to visit in Thailand?
Covering over 150,000 square miles from north to south, Thailand is a land of great diversity. Ancient cities, dense rainforest, limestone karsts, and endless sandy beaches all come together here. The best places to visit in Thailand on a luxury holiday therefore depend on what you are hoping to experience, and the time of year you are travelling. Our destination specialists will help you narrow down the right places for you, but these are just some of the highlights:
- Bangkok – The Thai capital rises from the Chao Phraya River in layers of gold, glass, and incense. Rooftop bars look out across a skyline of towers and shrines, while the river carries the city’s old trading spirit through its modern heart. Longtail boats skim past temple spires and teak houses, monks cross courtyards at Wat Pho, and flower sellers work through baskets of jasmine and marigold in bustling markets. Beyond the Grand Palace, the city slips into narrow canals, historic neighbourhoods, and late-night kitchens where woks fire over charcoal. On our private guided tours of Bangkok we’ll show you the hidden corners of the city, travelling along the canals in a longtail boat or e-biking through riverside neighbourhoods and inner city forests.
- Chiang Mai – The northern city of Chiang Mai and the surrounding hills and jungles introduce you to Thailand’s beautiful green heart. Chiang Mai’s old city is traced by moats, brick gates, and temple roofs burnished by the sun. Within the lanes, saffron robes move between monasteries and market stalls scented with chilli and lemongrass. Outside the city, scenic roads climb towards Doi Suthep, passing teak houses, coffee farms, and rural villages. Here, wood carving, ceramics, and handwoven textiles remain part of daily life. Cookery classes with local families here are some of the best in Thailand. There are also endless opportunities to connect with nature. You can hike through forests to remote hill tribes, visit elephant sanctuaries, and uncover hidden temples and waterfalls in the Doi Inthanon National Park.
- Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle – Northeast of Chiang Mai, the landscapes are characterised by rolling hills, plantations, and river valleys. The Mekong shapes both the geography and history here. Once associated with the opium trade, the region is now best known for its tea and coffee estates, and the rescued elephants cared for in Elephant Valley. Its cooler, breezier climate lends itself to active days outdoors, from walking mountain trails and swimming beneath waterfalls to cycling between terraced rice paddies. Chiang Rai itself also has some striking cultural landmarks, including Wat Phra Kaew, home to a fine replica of Thailand’s sacred Emerald Buddha, and the dazzling White Temple.
- Kanchanaburi – Kanchanaburi stretches west from Bangkok into limestone hills, bamboo forest, and the wide, slow waters of the River Kwai. The province carries profound wartime history. The Thailand-Burma Railway, Hellfire Pass, and the cemeteries of Kanchanaburi give powerful context to the landscape. Beyond the World War II memorial sites, wooden rafts drift along the river and waterfalls drop through the tiers of Erawan National Park. Riverside lodges backed by jungle place nature and history side by side.
- Ayutthaya – Just over three hours north of Bangkok, the former Siamese capital stands on an island of rivers. Banyan roots coil around weathered Buddhas, temple towers rise above clipped grass, and fragments of palace walls hint at a city once filled with diplomats, traders, and royal processions. A private guided tour brings Ayutthaya to life, from Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram to the quieter monasteries beyond the main circuit. We’ll complete your tour with a private longtail boat cruise to view the island from a different perspective.
- Phuket – One of Thailand’s best known beach destinations is popular for good reason. On the west coast, white-sand beaches run below forested hills. Offshore, private boats cut towards Phang Nga Bay, where limestone cliffs rise sheer from jade-green water. Sailing, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and island-hopping are all part of Phuket’s appeal. The island’s old town adds another layer, with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, shrines, markets and cafés painted in bright pastels. If you are tempted by Phuket but want to ensure a peaceful and authentic experience, our specialists will help you choose the right base. We work with luxury beach resorts on quieter stretches of beach, or hidden in the hills for complete privacy and stunning views.
