{"id":11067,"date":"2021-04-20T13:34:31","date_gmt":"2021-04-20T13:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=11067"},"modified":"2025-04-29T10:33:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T10:33:51","slug":"thailand-country-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide","title":{"rendered":"Thailand Country Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Inspiring books and films across the world, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a> might be the most popular of the South East Asian holiday destinations, but it\u2019s not without good reason. The surfeit of idyllic, coconut-strewn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/thai-islands-beaches-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beaches and hidden islands<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/khao-sok-national-park-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">colourful jungles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/bangkok-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">vibrant metropolises<\/a>, have long held fascination with travellers, and the combination of tropical and laidback, frenetic and exciting (and don\u2019t forget the history and food) is magical. So, where to start? Delve into our all-encompassing Thailand country guide and start planning your own Thai escape.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_11087\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-mai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11087\" class=\"wp-image-11087 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Chang-mai-Thailand-kodak.jpg\" alt=\"Thailand country guide\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Chang-mai-Thailand-kodak.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Chang-mai-Thailand-kodak.jpg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Chang-mai-Thailand-kodak.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Chang-mai-Thailand-kodak.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Chang-mai-Thailand-kodak.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Chang-mai-Thailand-kodak.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-11087\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lamplit Buddhist ceremony in Chiang Mai<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Central Thailand and the north<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand\u2019s<\/a> central and northern regions are a riot of culture, history and incredible cuisine. We hate to sound clich\u00e9, but the phrase, \u2018there really is something for everyone\u2019, most certainly rings true up here! The capital <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/bangkok-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bangkok<\/a> is just as you might imagine \u2013 loud, vivacious and glittering \u2013 and whilst it can be initially overwhelming, give the city a chance and you\u2019ll quickly fall in love. Take a boat out to explore the floating markets, hit the pavements to discover the famous street food scene, and wander amongst the tranquil temples. When the glitz and gold gets too much, head into the far north of the country and slow down in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-mai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Mai<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-rai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Rai<\/a>. Chiang Mai, with its beautifully preserved temples and elaborate historical architecture, will draw you in with its promise of cooking classes, markets and massages whereas Chiang Rai will take your breath away with the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Then there\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kanchanaburi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kanchanaburi<\/a>. Set near the border of Myanmar, the town and the infamous bridge will be on your radar if you\u2019re looking to find out more about Thailand\u2019s role in WWII. The hard truths aren\u2019t glossed over here and the area serves as a powerful memorial. Finally, history buffs need look no further than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/ayutthaya-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ayutthaya<\/a>, the ancient capital of Siam. This former trading port is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is packed with ancient temples and monasteries and surrounded by picture-perfect rice paddies and waterways.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The international airport in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/bangkok-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bangkok<\/a> has become one of the busiest hubs in Asia and needless to say, you won\u2019t have trouble finding your way here. For the far north, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-mai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Mai<\/a> is the gateway and is reachable from Bangkok by train (11-15 hours), bus (10 hours) or more speedily by plane (2 hours). Travelling by train or bus is a fantastic way to see the picturesque, rural landscapes of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a> but if you\u2019re in a hurry, the option of a flight is usually there to fall back on. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-rai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Rai<\/a> is a little trickier to get to but options from Chiang Mai include buses (3-4.5 hours) or private cars (3 hours). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kanchanaburi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kanchanaburi<\/a> is easily reached from Bangkok by train and takes a mere 3 hours; perhaps a tad far for a day trip, but there are some beautiful spots to stay overnight. Lastly, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/ayutthaya-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ayutthaya<\/a> is located not far from Bangkok and will take just over an hour on a train from the capital.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I start?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/discover-thailand-s-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Thailand&#8217;s History trip<\/a> is the perfect way to explore the country\u2019s cultural heart, leading you through every single one of the above hotspots in an all-singing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a> experience. With a full 13 nights spent getting under the skin of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/ayutthaya-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ayutthaya<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kanchanaburi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kanchanaburi<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/bangkok-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bangkok<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-mai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Mai<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-rai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Rai<\/a>, you\u2019ll be sure to return home packed to the gills with Thai history and full of that delicious northern cuisine.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-mai-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Chiang%20Mai&regionId=298\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"60\" data-region-id=\"298\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/298\/original\/Chang-mai-Thailand-Timbuktu-h1.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=left center\"data-country-id=\"60\" data-region-id=\"298\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Chiang Mai Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Chiang Mai<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&countryName=Thailand&countryId=60\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"60\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/countries\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/060\/original\/Koh-yao-noi-Thailand-Timbuktu-hc.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"60\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Thailand Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/countries\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/060\/original\/Koh-yao-noi-Thailand-Timbuktu-hc.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"60\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Thailand Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><span class=\"timbuktu_destination\" style=\"color:#128d8d\">Thailand<\/span><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Design your own trip<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Design a trip<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_11070\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-samui-trip\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11070\" class=\"wp-image-11070 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg\" alt=\"Thailand country guide\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-11070\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Explore the lush and languid bays of Koh Samui<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>The south and the islands<\/h2>\n<p>Dreaming of turquoise waters and endless beaches? The south and its megawatt islands are for you. Here, you\u2019ll find the palm fringed coves, pristine dive spots, and powder-soft sands you\u2019ve been dreaming of. First up is the mainland, and lovely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/krabi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Krabi<\/a>, a place of emerald seas and jutting limestone karsts where snorkelling and kayaking is a must, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/khao-lak-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Khao Lak<\/a>, a collection of small fishing villages and a smattering of pretty beaches. Onto the islands and you\u2019ll undoubtedly have heard of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/phuket-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Phuket<\/a>, the most well-known of the isles, and whilst it may have incurred its fair share of negative press over the years, there are still magical places to discover and luxury resorts to indulge in. For serious peace and quiet, look no further than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-yao-noi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Yao Noi<\/a>, or laid-back <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-lanta-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Lanta<\/a>, or get totally off the beaten track on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-kood-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Kood<\/a>, an under-the-radar island off the east coast of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a>, right next to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/cambodia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cambodian<\/a> border. And there\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-samui-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Samui<\/a>. A much-visited spot that\u2019s a favourite for all the right reasons, the island has everything from quiet beaches to lush rainforests, waterfalls ripe for swimming and a host of five-star spas \u2013 and a healthy nightlife scene if that\u2019s your cup of tea. And, if sun, sea and sand isn\u2019t quite what you\u2019re looking for, try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/khao-sok-national-park-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Khao Sok National Park<\/a>. Truly paradise found, you\u2019ll discover the raw beauty of Thailand amongst the jungle-topped karsts, an immense collection of wild flora, and all manner of unusual birds and beasts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/phuket-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Phuket<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/krabi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Krabi<\/a> serve as excellent southern hubs with their busy airports and good selection of local and international flights, and most of the islands are easily reached from one of the two, usually by ferry. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-yao-noi-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Yao Noi<\/a> feels like an island adventure from the off, given that it can only be reached by boat. You can travel here from either Krabi or Phuket, by speedboat or ferry, and it will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-lanta-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Lanta<\/a>, it\u2019s a ferry from Krabi, and once you get going (sometimes there\u2019s a bit of a wait), it will take around 2 hours. The trickiest to get to is probably <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-kood-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Kood<\/a>, but a 5-hour drive will take you from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/bangkok-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bangkok<\/a> to Laem Sok Pier, and from there it\u2019s just a one hour boat journey to the island. If you\u2019re short on time and in need of an accessible paradise, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-samui-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Koh Samui<\/a> has its own airport with flights to and from Bangkok and Phuket. On the mainland, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/khao-lak-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Khao Lak<\/a> is just 80km north of Phuket and a 1.5 \u2013 2 hour car or bus journey, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/khao-sok-national-park-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Khao Sok National Park<\/a> is also easily reachable by car or bus from Phuket Airport, taking between 2-3 hours.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do I start?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/explore-the-rainforests-beaches-of-thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore the Rainforests &amp; Beaches of Thailand trip<\/a> will give you time to discover the delightful chaos of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/bangkok-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bangkok<\/a> before whisking you off to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/khao-sok-national-park-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Khao Sok National Park<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/thai-islands-beaches-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beaches and islands<\/a> for a spot of down time. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/the-best-of-thailand-from-north-to-south\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Best of Thailand from North to South<\/a> is one of our favourite Thai trips and combines the tranquillity and culture of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/chiang-rai-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang Rai<\/a> with the buzz of Bangkok and the laidback ease of the beaches. A perfect blend if you ask us.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/koh-samui-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Koh%20Samui&regionId=307\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"60\" data-region-id=\"307\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/307\/original\/Koh-Samui-Thailand-Timbuktu-h1.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"60\" data-region-id=\"307\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Koh Samui Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Koh Samui<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/wizard\/start?action=StartTheWizard&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000001\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Start the wizard<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The land of dreamy isles, antique cities and seriously good food<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":11069,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[2139,5125,4502,3442,5122,5123,4845,2549,5126,1344,1503,5124,5128,5134,5132,5131,5133,5130,5127,5129,5120],"class_list":["post-11067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-adventure","tag-ayutthaya","tag-beaches","tag-boat-trip","tag-chiang-mai","tag-chiang-rai","tag-country-planning-guides","tag-culture","tag-discover-thailands-history","tag-family","tag-food","tag-kanchanaburi","tag-khao-lak","tag-khao-sok-national-park","tag-koh-kood","tag-koh-lanta","tag-koh-samui","tag-koh-yao-noi","tag-krabi","tag-phuket","tag-thailand"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The ultimate Thailand country guide - Timbuktu Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thailand&#039;s combination of coconut-strewn beaches and hidden islands, colourful jungles, vibrant metropolises and lip-smacking food is pure magic. Dive in!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The ultimate Thailand country guide - Timbuktu Travel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Thailand&#039;s combination of coconut-strewn beaches and hidden islands, colourful jungles, vibrant metropolises and lip-smacking food is pure magic. Dive in!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Timbuktu\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/timbuktutravel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-04-20T13:34:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-29T10:33:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/timbuktutravel.imgix.net\/2021\/04\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg?fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1420\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"947\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Timbuktu\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@timbuktu_travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@timbuktu_travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Timbuktu\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Timbuktu\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/88be6ff63366302bf83eb7a1d655e839\"},\"headline\":\"Thailand Country Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-20T13:34:31+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-29T10:33:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide\"},\"wordCount\":1374,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/cdn-cgi\\\/image\\\/quality=50,format=auto\\\/https:\\\/\\\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"adventure\",\"Ayutthaya\",\"Beaches\",\"boat trip\",\"Chiang Mai\",\"Chiang Rai\",\"Country Planning Guides\",\"culture\",\"Discover Thailand's History\",\"family\",\"food\",\"Kanchanaburi\",\"Khao Lak\",\"Khao Sok National Park\",\"Koh Kood\",\"Koh Lanta\",\"Koh Samui\",\"Koh Yao Noi\",\"Krabi\",\"Phuket\",\"Thailand\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Planning Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide\",\"name\":\"The ultimate Thailand country guide - Timbuktu Travel\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/cdn-cgi\\\/image\\\/quality=50,format=auto\\\/https:\\\/\\\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-20T13:34:31+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-29T10:33:51+00:00\",\"description\":\"Thailand's combination of coconut-strewn beaches and hidden islands, colourful jungles, vibrant metropolises and lip-smacking food is pure magic. Dive in!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/cdn-cgi\\\/image\\\/quality=50,format=auto\\\/https:\\\/\\\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/cdn-cgi\\\/image\\\/quality=50,format=auto\\\/https:\\\/\\\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg\",\"width\":1420,\"height\":947},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/thailand-country-guide#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Thailand Country Guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Timbuktu\",\"description\":\"Stories from Africa\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Timbuktu Travel\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/timbuktutravel.imgix.net\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/logo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ixlib=php-3.3.1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/timbuktutravel.imgix.net\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/logo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ixlib=php-3.3.1\",\"width\":696,\"height\":696,\"caption\":\"Timbuktu Travel\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/timbuktutravel\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/timbuktu_travel\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/timbuktu_travel\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/88be6ff63366302bf83eb7a1d655e839\",\"name\":\"Timbuktu\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/bb6646d3a66630873088dcd2a575b89e54ad9c05ba11ecb7c0cd39d1cfdf3ba6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/bb6646d3a66630873088dcd2a575b89e54ad9c05ba11ecb7c0cd39d1cfdf3ba6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/bb6646d3a66630873088dcd2a575b89e54ad9c05ba11ecb7c0cd39d1cfdf3ba6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Timbuktu\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The ultimate Thailand country guide - Timbuktu Travel","description":"Thailand's combination of coconut-strewn beaches and hidden islands, colourful jungles, vibrant metropolises and lip-smacking food is pure magic. Dive in!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"The ultimate Thailand country guide - Timbuktu Travel","og_description":"Thailand's combination of coconut-strewn beaches and hidden islands, colourful jungles, vibrant metropolises and lip-smacking food is pure magic. Dive in!","og_url":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide","og_site_name":"Timbuktu","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/timbuktutravel\/","article_published_time":"2021-04-20T13:34:31+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-04-29T10:33:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1420,"height":947,"url":"https:\/\/timbuktutravel.imgix.net\/2021\/04\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg?fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Timbuktu","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@timbuktu_travel","twitter_site":"@timbuktu_travel","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Timbuktu","Estimated reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide"},"author":{"name":"Timbuktu","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/88be6ff63366302bf83eb7a1d655e839"},"headline":"Thailand Country Guide","datePublished":"2021-04-20T13:34:31+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-29T10:33:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide"},"wordCount":1374,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg","keywords":["adventure","Ayutthaya","Beaches","boat trip","Chiang Mai","Chiang Rai","Country Planning Guides","culture","Discover Thailand's History","family","food","Kanchanaburi","Khao Lak","Khao Sok National Park","Koh Kood","Koh Lanta","Koh Samui","Koh Yao Noi","Krabi","Phuket","Thailand"],"articleSection":["Planning Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide","url":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide","name":"The ultimate Thailand country guide - Timbuktu Travel","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg","datePublished":"2021-04-20T13:34:31+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-29T10:33:51+00:00","description":"Thailand's combination of coconut-strewn beaches and hidden islands, colourful jungles, vibrant metropolises and lip-smacking food is pure magic. Dive in!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2021\/04\/Thailand-blog-kodak.jpg","width":1420,"height":947},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/thailand-country-guide#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Thailand Country Guide"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/","name":"Timbuktu","description":"Stories from Africa","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Timbuktu Travel","url":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/timbuktutravel.imgix.net\/2025\/08\/logo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ixlib=php-3.3.1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/timbuktutravel.imgix.net\/2025\/08\/logo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ixlib=php-3.3.1","width":696,"height":696,"caption":"Timbuktu Travel"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/timbuktutravel\/","https:\/\/x.com\/timbuktu_travel","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/timbuktu_travel"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/88be6ff63366302bf83eb7a1d655e839","name":"Timbuktu","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bb6646d3a66630873088dcd2a575b89e54ad9c05ba11ecb7c0cd39d1cfdf3ba6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bb6646d3a66630873088dcd2a575b89e54ad9c05ba11ecb7c0cd39d1cfdf3ba6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bb6646d3a66630873088dcd2a575b89e54ad9c05ba11ecb7c0cd39d1cfdf3ba6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Timbuktu"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11067","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11067"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11067\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11069"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}