Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Desert mornings, souks in the evening, and a stopover that can pay for itself on the way somewhere else.
Explore Dubai
Asia
Thailand
Markets and temples in the city, then longtail boats out to the limestone islands where the noise stops.
- Best months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Typical length
- 10–14 nights
- Flight time
- ~20h from the US East Coast
- Climate
- Tropical
The overview
Thailand is the rare long-haul destination where the daily cost drops sharply once you arrive. The standard shape is a few days in Bangkok followed by a beach region — but the two coasts have opposite weather patterns, and picking the wrong one for your month is the difference between sunshine and monsoon.
Why go
- The Andaman coast's limestone karsts are genuinely spectacular and easy to reach from Krabi or Phuket.
- Value is exceptional — luxury lodging costs a fraction of the Caribbean equivalent.
- Food is a reason to go on its own, from street stalls to fine dining in Bangkok.
- Wellness and spa culture is deeply established rather than an add-on.
Worth your time
Bangkok's temples and markets
Best in the early morning before the heat, with the river as the practical way to move around.
Island days by longtail
Phi Phi, Railay and Hong Island are day trips from the Krabi area, and timing avoids the crowds.
Chiang Mai and the north
Cooler, mountainous and culturally distinct, with ethical elephant sanctuaries worth vetting carefully.
Cooking and food tours
One of the few places where a cooking class genuinely changes how you eat at home.
Where to base yourself
- Bangkok
- Two to three nights. Dense, hot and rewarding.
- Krabi & Railay
- Andaman coast. Dramatic cliffs, calmer than Phuket.
- Phuket
- Most flight connections and the widest range of resorts.
- Koh Samui
- Gulf coast, so its best weather falls in a different window from the Andaman.
Where to stay
Property recommendations for Thailand come from Shanair directly rather than from a list — which resort or hotel is right depends on your party, your dates and your budget. That is the first thing the consultation call covers.
Get Thailand recommendationsThings worth knowing
- The two coasts have opposing monsoon seasons — this is the single most important planning decision.
- Temples have dress codes covering shoulders and knees.
- Domestic flights are inexpensive and usually beat long overland transfers.
- Confirm current passport validity, entry requirements and any recommended vaccinations with a medical professional before booking.
Thinking about Thailand?
Tell us your dates and who's coming, and you'll get honest advice on whether it's the right time to go — before you spend anything.