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Thailand · CocoVolare

Asia · Boutique

Thailand

The Land of the Free

T hailand is best understood by accepting that it is really several countries stacked beneath the same flag.

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The essence

A country that is not just one

T hailand is best understood by accepting that it is really several countries stacked beneath the same flag. Bangkok rushes between skyscrapers and eighteenth-century temples; Chiang Mai meditates to the rhythm of Lanna bells; the southern islands kick off their shoes and wade into the sea. The north speaks a dialect that the south sometimes doesn't recognise. This is a destination that requires authorship: it works when someone curates it with discernment, far from autopilot and the sealed package. The right climate window, the right sequence of city, north and coast, the right boutique hotels and a guide who comes from the community. Done that way, Thailand delivers the most balanced combination in Asia: culture, nature, cuisine and genuine rest.

40,000+ active Buddhist temples · wats across the country
5 restaurants on Asia's 50 Best · Bangkok alone
1782 Bangkok founded · Chakri dynasty to this day
3 seasons · cool, hot and rainy

Regions

The 5 faces of Thailand

Bangkok · Thailand 01 · Capital

3–5 nights

Bangkok

A capital to navigate, not merely contemplate

Bangkok operates in layers: the Chao Phraya River and its canals at street level, the Skytrain two floors above, rooftop bars thirty and forty storeys up. Within a single afternoon you can move from an eighteenth-century temple to a craft cocktail bar without walking six blocks. The gastronomic capital of Southeast Asia.

Hotels
The Siam · Mandarin Oriental · Capella Bangkok
Must-see
Grand Palace · Wat Pho · Wat Arun · Yaowarat
Best time
November to February · low humidity
Chiang Mai and the North · Thailand 02 · North

3–4 nights

Chiang Mai and the North

Ancient Lanna breathes differently

Capital of the Lanna kingdom since 1296, it retains its square moat and walls, thirty temples in the old city and the scent of sandalwood drifting from every wat. The base for Doi Inthanon, Karen villages, ethical elephant sanctuaries and the deep north of Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.

Hotels
137 Pillars House · Raya Heritage · Rachamankha
Must-see
Doi Suthep · Wat Chedi Luang · ethical elephants
Best time
November to February · avoid Mar–Apr for smog
The Andaman Islands · Thailand 03 · Andaman

4–6 nights

The Andaman Islands

Limestone rising from the sea

Krabi is the antithesis of Phuket: karst formations rising from the water, beaches reachable only by boat, jungle pressing down on the cliffs. Railay, Phang Nga, Phi Phi and Koh Yao Noi retain a human scale when visited with curation.

Hotels
Rayavadee · Six Senses Yao Noi · Phulay Bay
Must-see
Railay · Phang Nga by longtail · Hong Islands
Best time
November to April · calm sea and clear sky
The Gulf Islands · Thailand 04 · Gulf

3–5 nights

The Gulf Islands

The other sea, in its own season

Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao follow an almost inverse climate pattern to the Andaman: their prime window runs from January to September. Long beaches, world-class wellness, reef diving and the country's most charming airport.

Hotels
Cape Fahn · Kamalaya · Six Senses Samui
Must-see
Wellness · diving at Koh Tao · slow travel
Best time
January to September · Gulf coast
Ayutthaya and Sukhothai · Thailand 05 · Kingdoms

1–2 nights

Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

The capitals that founded the kingdom

Sukhothai was the cradle of Thai identity and the Thai alphabet; Ayutthaya was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world at its height. Two UNESCO World Heritage archaeological parks, serene ruins best explored by bicycle among paddy fields at the end of the day.

Hotels
Sala Ayutthaya · Sukhothai Heritage Resort
Must-see
Wat Mahathat · Wat Chaiwatthanaram · bicycle
Best time
November to February · clean light and cool air

Signature experiences

Moments to remember

Private access, guides born in the place and a rhythm designed around you.

Practical

The essentials before you travel

Information verified by our travel designers, updated for 2026.

Money

Currency
Thai baht (THB), divided into 100 satang. Reference exchange rate approximately 35 THB per USD (verify before travel).
Exchange
Change money at houses such as SuperRich or Vasu in Bangkok, not at the airport or hotel. Bring crisp, unmarked USD notes.
Cash
Budget 200 to 400 USD per person per week for cash expenses. Convert gradually rather than all at once on arrival.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, malls and upscale restaurants. Markets, tuk-tuks, massage parlours and street food are cash only.
ATMs
Available throughout the country, with a fixed fee of around 220 THB per withdrawal for foreign cards. Notify your bank before travelling.
Gratuities
Not obligatory but appreciated. 10% at full-service restaurants, 50 to 100 THB at spas, 200 to 500 THB per day for a private guide.

Visa

Latin America
Colombians, Mexicans, Argentinians and most South Americans do not require a tourist visa.
Length of stay
Since 2024 Thailand extended its visa exemption to 60 days for many nationalities, with a free entry stamp on arrival.
Spain
Spanish nationals also do not require a tourist visa to enter Thailand.
Passport
Valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Immigration rules change · verify before travelling.
Documents
Confirmed onward ticket, international insurance and the first accommodation voucher to hand on arrival.

Health

Mandatory
None from Latin America or Europe, except yellow fever if you arrive with a long layover in an endemic country.
Recommended
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, up-to-date tetanus and Japanese encephalitis for rural areas during the rainy season.
Dengue
Endemic year-round, with peaks in the rainy season. Bring repellent with 20–30% DEET or picaridin.
Insurance
Essential · minimum USD 100,000 medical cover and evacuation. Thailand has first-class private hospitals.
Water
Always bottled, even for brushing teeth. Industrial ice with a hole through the centre is safe.

Transport

Domestic flights
Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and AirAsia connect Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket and the islands on short hops.
Grab
Southeast Asia's answer to Uber, operating in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. Avoids 90% of fare disputes with taxi drivers.
Private longtail
The CocoVolare standard on the Andaman: a dedicated boat, not a shared ferry with forty other tourists.
Bangkok
The Skytrain (BTS) and metro (MRT) are fast and cheap, covering 80% of tourist sites without traffic.
Overnight train
Bangkok–Chiang Mai in a first-class sleeper cabin: costs less than a hotel and saves a travel day.

Language

Official language
Thai, with its own alphabet derived from ancient Khmer. Regional languages include Isan, Lanna and Pak Tai.
English
Functional in hotels, upscale restaurants, with guides and at airports. Limited in everyday transport and rural provinces.
Local touch
CocoVolare assigns guides with certified English and, where applicable, functional Spanish for Latin American clients.
Useful phrases
Sawadee (hello) · khop khun (thank you) · aroi (delicious) · mai phet (not spicy) · jai yen (keep calm).
Apps
Download Google Translate offline for deep provinces like Phrae or Nan, where English is scarce.

Etiquette

The head
The most sacred part of the body: never touch anyone's head, not even a child's in a gesture of affection.
The feet
Never point your feet at a person, a Buddha image or an altar. Do not step on banknotes · the king's image appears on them.
The monarchy
The king and royal family are beyond reproach. The lèse-majesté law applies to tourists as well. Never joke about this.
Temples
Remove your shoes, cover shoulders and knees, remain quiet and avoid flash photography. Women must not touch monks.
Jai yen
The cool heart: never raise your voice. Arguing in public causes loss of face and rarely resolves anything.

Climate

When to travel and why

Thailand is best experienced from November to March, in the cool dry season. The south has two coasts with almost opposing climate patterns. The chart shows all twelve months with estimated cost, temperature and iconic festivals. Marked in gold, the windows we recommend experiencing Thailand with us .

Most recommended month November · opening of the optimal season
Best value vs. experience November and February · shoulder season
Once-in-a-lifetime window November · Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai

The climate, month by month · Bangkok

Reference city: Bangkok Best season Temperature °C Relative rainfall
15° 20° 25° 30° 35° 40° Jan: 22° – 32°C · 15 mm 32° Jan: 15 mm Jan Feb: 24° – 33°C · 20 mm 33° Feb: 20 mm Feb Mar: 25° – 34°C · 40 mm 34° Mar: 40 mm Mar Apr: 26° – 35°C · 80 mm 35° Apr: 80 mm Apr May: 26° – 34°C · 190 mm 34° May: 190 mm May Jun: 25° – 33°C · 150 mm 33° Jun: 150 mm Jun Jul: 25° – 33°C · 160 mm 33° Jul: 160 mm Jul Aug: 25° – 32°C · 185 mm 32° Aug: 185 mm Aug Sep: 24° – 32°C · 310 mm 32° Sep: 310 mm Sep Oct: 24° – 32°C · 255 mm 32° Oct: 255 mm Oct Nov: 23° – 31°C · 60 mm 31° Nov: 60 mm Nov Dec: 21° – 31°C · 10 mm 31° Dec: 10 mm Dec

Highlights of the year: Apr · SongkranSep · MonsoonNov · Loy Krathong

November to February is the cool, dry season, Thailand's golden window. From March to May the heat is truly fierce and from June to October the monsoon rules, though in the gulf (Koh Samui) the best season shifts towards summer.

When to go · season & budget

Seasons & estimated cost CocoVolare recommends High Mid Low
Jan: High season · ≈$585 per person/day $585Jan Feb: High season · ≈$565 per person/day $565Feb Mar: Mid season · ≈$475 per person/day Mar Apr: Mid season · ≈$430 per person/day Apr May: Low season · ≈$360 per person/day May Jun: Low season · ≈$360 per person/day Jun Jul: Mid season · ≈$450 per person/day Jul Aug: Mid season · ≈$450 per person/day Aug Sep: Low season · ≈$350 per person/day Sep Oct: Low season · ≈$370 per person/day Oct Nov: High season · ≈$520 per person/day $520Nov Dec: High season · ≈$630 per person/day $630Dec

In our recommended dates, the estimated cost ranges from $520 to $630 per person/day (Premium level, international flights not included).

Investment

What it costs, no fine print

Thailand invented the Asian luxury resort and still offers the continent's best equation: legendary hotels, next-level spas and Michelin-starred street food at prices that would be unthinkable in the Caribbean.

Experience levels · guide budget

Thai baht (THB) · 1 USD ≈ 35 THB USD · per person/day
Boutique essential Boutique essential: $250 USD · per person/day $250 Riverside boutique hotels in Bangkok and charming villas in Chiang Mai, curated street food and private transfers. Premium Premium: $450 USD · per person/day $450 Addresses such as The Siam or Rayavadee in Krabi, one auteur table, daily spa and a private longtail between islands. Signature Signature: $800 USD · per person/day $800 Mandarin Oriental and Amanpuri, a private-pool villa, a Thai chef at home and a yacht across Phang Nga Bay.
Pad thai or curry at a legendary stall USD 2–5Tasting dinner at a starred table (Bangkok) USD 120–250One-hour Thai massage USD 10–25Private longtail across Phang Nga Bay USD 150–300Grand Palace admission (Bangkok) USD 15Domestic flight Bangkok–Phuket USD 50–120

Indicative 2026 values per person, excluding international flights. Every CocoVolare quote is tailored to season, hotels and travel pace.

Signature itineraries

Six Thailands · choose yours

Zero templates: every itinerary is rewritten 100% to your measure. Prices per person in double occupancy, boutique category, international flights not included.

5 days · 4 nights · City and north

Thailand Essence

Bangkok → Chiang Mai

Thailand distilled to its essence · compact yet perfectly paced

  • The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun with a guide specialising in Buddhist iconography
  • Tasting Thai fruits at the award-winning Or Tor Kor premium market
  • A full mahout day at an ethical elephant sanctuary · no riding

FromUSD 2,800

7 days · 6 nights · Full north

Balanced Thailand

Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai

City, Lanna north and the Golden Triangle in a well-measured week

  • Bangkok with imperial temples, street Yaowarat and a boutique cooking class
  • Chiang Mai: the walled old city, ethical elephants and northern cuisine
  • The White Temple and the Black House en route to Chiang Rai

FromUSD 4,200

10 days · 9 nights · City, north and islands

Deep Thailand

Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Andaman

Four Thailands in one journey · with room to breathe

  • Three days in Bangkok with imperial temples, Yaowarat and Ayutthaya by boat
  • Chiang Mai with ethical elephants and the Golden Triangle above the Mekong
  • A full day on a private longtail through Phang Nga Bay

FromUSD 6,500

14 days · 13 nights · Kingdoms, north and islands

Extended Thailand

Bangkok → Sukhothai → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Andaman

Ancient kingdoms, Lanna north, the Golden Triangle and turquoise islands

  • The deep route: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Andaman
  • Sukhothai, the cradle of the Thai kingdom, by bicycle among paddy fields
  • Five nights on the coast for snorkelling, a private longtail and daily spa

FromUSD 11,000

10 days · 9 nights · Romance

Southeast Honeymoon

Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Koh Yao Noi

Beginning the rest of your life in a private pool villa above the Andaman

  • River-view suite upgrade at The Siam in Bangkok
  • Dawn photography session at a temple closed to the public
  • Private pool villa on Koh Yao Noi and a candlelit dinner on the sand

FromUSD 9,500

7 days · 6 nights · Gastronomy

Thai Flavours Route

Bangkok → Chiang Mai

One of the world's great cuisines · table by table

  • Street-food tour of Yaowarat with a local food obsessive
  • Tasting dinner at Le Du or Sorn, both on Asia's 50 Best
  • Lunch at Jay Fai, the Michelin-starred street-food cook

FromUSD 5,200

None of them fits? We design your own. WhatsApp →

Gastronomy

The flavors of Thailand

From the morning sai ua sausage to a Michelin-starred tasting menu. Thai cuisine balances five flavours in every dish with the precision that French manuals take as a benchmark. Where a unique larder becomes a lasting memory.

Le Du

Silom · Bangkok

One Michelin star. Chef Ton Tassanakajohn leads the contemporary Thai new wave with local produce. The most decorated restaurant in its school.

Sorn

Sukhumvit · Bangkok

Two Michelin stars, specialising in the cuisine of southern Thailand. One of the most sought-after dining experiences in Southeast Asia.

Jay Fai

Phra Nakhon · Bangkok

One Michelin star for street cooking. The owner cooks wearing a motorcyclist's goggles; her crab omelette is iconic. Reservations essential well in advance.

Sühring

Yen Akat · Bangkok

Two Michelin stars. Contemporary German cuisine by twin brothers Mathias and Thomas Sühring, executed in Bangkok. The best Sunday brunch in the city.

Huen Phen

Ratchamanka · Chiang Mai

Classic Lanna cooking in a traditional wooden house: nam prik ong, gaeng hang lay and sai ua. Northern cuisine in its most authentic form.

Khao Soi Khun Yai

Old City · Chiang Mai

The most respected khao soi in the city, in a modest yard with ten tables. A queue of locals, open only until two in the afternoon.

Calendar

Dates worth traveling for

A well-chosen date turns a trip into a memory. We design your itinerary around the moment that matters most to you.

Chinese New Year · Jan · Feb

Bangkok's Chinatown lights up with parades, dragons and festive food. Dates vary according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

Makha Bucha · Feb full moon

One of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar, with candlelit night processions at temples throughout the country.

Flower Festival · Feb

On the first weekend of February, Chiang Mai fills with floral floats, orchids and roses in the clear winter light.

Songkran · 13–15 Apr

The Thai New Year transformed into the world's greatest water fight. Chiang Mai is the epicentre, around the moat of the walled old city.

Visakha Bucha · May full moon

Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. Candlelit processions around temples after nightfall.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival · Sep · Oct

Nine days of Taoist-Chinese origin, with purification processions, intense rituals and strictly vegetarian cuisine.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng · Nov full moon

Candlelit floats on the rivers and, in Chiang Mai, thousands of paper lanterns rising into the night sky. Thailand's most iconic image.

Optimal season · Dec · Jan

Cool and dry across the whole country, with genuine cold spells in the north. The best window for any type of journey to Thailand.

CocoVolare recommends

What we would tell a friend

Advice from our travel designers: what we book first, what we avoid, and the details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

01

Choose the sea by the coast, not by the photo

Thailand has two seas with opposite calendars: the Andaman (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) shines from November to April, and the gulf (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) from January to September. A well-designed itinerary picks the right coast for your dates, not the other way around.

02

In Bangkok, the river and the BTS; taxis at rush hour, never

Bangkok traffic can turn five kilometres into an hour. Move by Skytrain, metro and the Chao Phraya boats, which double as the city's best ride. Stay by the river: Mandarin Oriental, The Siam or Capella.

03

The temples enforce a dress code, and they mean it

At the Grand Palace and Wat Pho you cannot enter with bare shoulders, shorts or open sandals in some areas. Go at 8:30 when it opens, in light clothing that covers, and never touch or climb on a Buddha image: it is a serious, even legal, offence.

04

The king's head and the royal family are untouchable

Thailand punishes offences against the monarchy with prison: no comments or jokes, not even about banknotes, which carry the king's face. Nor do you touch anyone's head or point with your feet: the country's two greatest discourtesies.

05

Chiang Mai deserves three nights and an ethical sanctuary

The north is the other Thailand: mountain temples, night markets and a cuisine of its own. Choose only elephant sanctuaries without riding or shows (truly rescued elephants are not ridden) and avoid February to April, the agricultural burning season with heavy air.

06

No visa for up to 60 days, with a roomy passport

Colombians enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days under the 2024 exemption: just a passport valid for six months and an onward ticket. Verify the current rule before travelling and carry baht in cash for markets and taxis: exchange rates in the city beat the airport.

In motion

Thailand, live

Gallery

Thailand

Testimonials

What our travelers say

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The longtail picked us up at half past six, before any ferry had arrived. We reached Bamboo Island with breakfast served on deck and not a soul on the horizon. That difference, multiplied across the entire trip, was an entirely different Thailand.”

Mariana Restrepo

Bogotá · Honeymoon · 10 nights

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“We arrived in Bangkok afraid of the chaos. The team gave us two nights just to acclimatise, private transfers in those first days and the Grand Palace at opening time with no queues. The city stopped overwhelming us and started to fascinate us.”

Javier Mendoza

Mexico City · Couple's journey · 12 nights

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The elephant day was the one we feared would turn out to be a tourist performance. It wasn't. A genuine ethical sanctuary, no riding, in a group of six. We bathed an elderly elephant in the river and my children have not stopped talking about it since.”

Andrés Lozano

Medellín · Family journey · 14 nights

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?

Travellers from Colombia, Mexico, Argentina and Spain do not need a tourist visa: since 2024 Thailand extended its exemption to 60 days, with a free entry stamp on arrival. Your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry, and a confirmed onward ticket is advisable. Immigration rules change · always verify before travelling.

What is the best time to visit Thailand?

November to March is the optimal general season: dry and cool, between 22 and 32 degrees. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Yao Noi) is at its best from November to April; the Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Tao) have their prime window from January to September. Avoid March and April in the north due to agricultural burning that reduces air quality.

How many days do I need to see Thailand?

Seven days cover Bangkok plus a second stop, north or south. Ten to fourteen days allow you to add Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and a week on the coast. Eighteen to twenty-one days bring in Sukhothai, a lesser-known island and time for a retreat or slow travel. CocoVolare designs itineraries from five to thirty days according to pace, profile and season.

What currency is used in Thailand?

The Thai baht (THB), with a reference exchange rate of around 35 THB per USD. Exchange at houses such as SuperRich or Vasu in Bangkok, not at the airport or hotel · and bring crisp, unmarked USD notes. Cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants; markets, tuk-tuks and street food are cash only.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand?

Yes, Thailand is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for tourists, with a strong police presence in tourist areas. Violence against foreigners is exceptional. The real risks are different: motorcycle accidents on the islands, transport and jewellery scams, and minor food-related upsets. CocoVolare designs itineraries within the standard safety perimeter.

What vaccines do I need for Thailand?

Thailand requires no mandatory vaccinations from Latin America or Europe, except yellow fever if you arrive with a long layover in an endemic country. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and up-to-date tetanus are recommended, along with Japanese encephalitis for rural areas during the rainy season. Dengue is endemic · bring DEET or picaridin repellent. International insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

How much does a trip to Thailand cost?

A boutique ten-day trip, excluding international flights, falls in the comfort band between USD 4,500 and 7,700 per person in double occupancy. CocoVolare signature itineraries start from USD 2,800 per person for five days. Every quote is adjusted to your actual travel window.

Is the Andaman or the Gulf better for beaches?

It depends on the month. The Andaman coast (Krabi, Phuket, Koh Yao Noi) is best from November to April; the Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao) from January to September. This means that almost any month has a good coast available if you know how to choose. CocoVolare matches the island to the traveller, not the other way around.

How do I choose an ethical elephant sanctuary?

The criteria are clear: no riding, no shows, freedom of movement and no forced bathing with visitors. Lek Chailert's Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai has been the benchmark since 1995. There are imitators that use the word "sanctuary" without qualifying. CocoVolare only works with verified sanctuaries.

Is it worth doing the islands by private boat?

A group tour takes you with a hundred people to Maya Bay at noon, with the beach packed. A private longtail or speedboat takes you with four people to the hongs of Phang Nga or to Phi Phi at dawn, with no one else in sight and lunch on board. That difference, multiplied across the whole trip, is an entirely different Thailand.

Is Thailand a good destination for foodies?

Yes, it is one of the best in the world. Bangkok concentrates one of the planet's densest street-food scenes and over thirty Michelin stars, with restaurants such as Le Du, Sorn, Sühring and Gaggan Anand on Asia's top lists. The cuisines of the central plains, the Lanna north, the Isan and the south each offer completely distinct flavour profiles.

Can I travel to Thailand with children?

Yes, and it is one of the best long-haul destinations for families. The key is fewer temples per day and more storytelling, with guides who narrate legends as tales. The ethical elephant sanctuary, snorkel-friendly beaches and hotels with kids' clubs such as Anantara or Six Senses work very well for children over six.

What does a CocoVolare trip to Thailand include?

Itinerary design from scratch, domestic flights where applicable, boutique hotels with breakfast, a private longtail on the Andaman, private transfers with a driver, expert local guides, signature experiences, site admissions and 24/7 concierge. Every journey is designed from zero according to your profile, pace, dates and budget.

Thailand

No molds, made to measure

Tell us what excites you and we will design a tailor-made proposal in under 24 hours, with a dedicated travel designer.

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