About
‘All Points East are the Thailand specialists. If anyone can show you the real Thailand, All Points East can.’ Chris Lee, Director of Marketing (UK), Tourism Authority of Thailand
Thailand Tours
Stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Andaman Sea’s turquoise waters, Thailand possesses an exceptional array of spectacular and varied landscapes. These include the dramatic mountains and forests of the north to the lush jungles and myriad islands of the south.
Vibrant cities, remote and often still very traditional villages, friendly inhabitants, a justifiably world-renowned cuisine, rich culture and plentiful historical sites as well as an excellent transport infrastructure, make destinations in all four corners of the kingdom easily accessible.
Some 20 per cent of the country is set aside as national parks, while Thailand possesses 8 World Heritage sites.
Not without reason then, one of the most popular destinations in the world, yet the vast majority of foreign visitors see only a tiny handful of the best-known, most famous sites and large swathes of the country remain undiscovered.
Our Thailand small group tours allow you to explore some of the country’s best off-the-beaten-track destinations as well as its famous sites. We’ll take you from the hidden back lanes and canals of Bangkok and local markets of Chiang Mai to the rugged mountains of the Golden Triangle with their numerous hill-tribe peoples and from the awe-inspiring but rarely seen Angkor-period temples of the northeast to the steamy jungles and tropical islands of the far south.
Thailand Family tours
In addition to our regular group tours, we also offer two, private family tours with island choices on either coast depending upon the season. Note, these are suggestions and can be tailored to suit your family’s requirements.
Extensions
Also note that we also offer a range of unaccompanied island extensions, suitable for any time of year, on either the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea coasts.
Itineraries
If you want to lie by a pool in a busy resort or join a coach tour to visit a 'long-neck' village, then our tours probably aren't for you but if you wish to experience the real Thailand then our escorted, small group tours, combining famous sites and hidden secrets, may well be what you're looking for.
Hidden Thailand Tour
Discover some of the most picturesque, yet rarely visited, parts of northern Thailand From £1,875 / 14 Days
South Thailand Tour | Mountains and Rainforests
2-week south Thailand tour - famous sites, hidden secrets From £1,925 / 13 Days
Thailand World Heritage | Isan Tour
Northeast Thailand, a rich culture, superb landscapes and 3,000 years of history From £975 / 7 Days
The Emerald Triangle | Thailand, Laos, Cambodia
A little-known but fascinating and picturesque region of Southeast Asia From £2,060 / 15 Days
The Golden Triangle | Thailand and Laos Tour
From Chiang Mai through the remote mountains of the Golden Triangle From £2,325 / 14 Days
‘Unexplored, The Far North’ | Thailand, Laos and Vietnam Tour
Number 1 in Wanderlust Magazine's Top Long Journeys list From £3,450 / 21 Days
Thailand Family Holiday | ‘Reefs and Rainforests’
Exciting and varied 2-week family tour to South Thailand From £1,825 / 14 Days
Thailand Family Tour | ‘Jungles and Islands’
Thailand family tour; spectacular sights and a wide range of activities From £1,875 / 14 Days
Bangkok | ‘Behind the Scenes’
The famous sites plus nooks and crannies of this fascinating Southeast Asian city From £510 / 4 Days
Chiang Mai Tour
Ancient temples, vibrant street markets and Doi Inthanon National Park From £395 / 4 Days
Lampang Tour
Visit the charming, historical and rarely visited north Thai town of Lampang From £265 / 2 Days
Koh Lanta
4-day stay at a beach-side resort on the Andaman Sea island of Koh Lanta From £350 / 4 Days
Koh Libong
Stay at a comfortable, low-key resort on an unspoilt island in Thailand's Andaman Sea From £325 / 4 Days
Koh Mak
4-day extension to a beautiful and unspoilt tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand From £425 / 4 DaysHighlights
Just a few of our favourite things to see, do and experience in Thailand...
Trang
Andaman Coast - the limestone scenery, turquoise waters and largely unspoilt islands of lesser-known Trang Province, lie just to the south of more hectic Krabi
Isan
Northeastern Thailand - discover the spectacular Angkor-period temples, picturesque national parks and friendly and traditional villages of this little-visited part of the kingdom
Khao Sok National Park
National parks - explore the stunning limestone scenery of mountains, caves, lakes and rain-forest at one of Thailand's best national parks
Chiang Mai
Northern Mountains - ventue into the remote, jungle-clad mountains of northern Thailand with their still often traditional hill-tribe inhabitants
Bangkok
Food - deservedly world renowned, we'll show you authentic Thai cuisine in the streets, markets and restaurants where the locals eat
The map is currently being updated...
Culture and Customs
Knowing what to expect from local culture and customs will help you get more out of your Thailand tour
Location
Thailand borders, from west to east, Burma, Laos and Cambodia while south of Bangkok Thailand stretches down the narrow peninsula between the Gulf & Andaman Sea to Malaysia
Geography
Covers many geographical zones from tropical rain-forests & coral-fringed islands in the south via paddy-filled plains of the Chao Phraya to temperate, rugged, mountains in the north
Climate
Thailand has a typical tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons; cool and dry from November to February, hot and dry between March and May and hot and damp from June to October
People
Thais, closely related to Lao & Shan, comprise the majority with large, urban Chinese minorities. Lao & Khmer in the northeast & Malay in the south are also important groups
Beliefs
Around 90% of the population ascribe to Theravada Buddhist beliefs with the remainder, aside a small Christian minority, being Muslim. Some northern hill-tribe groups have remained animist
Food
World famous Thai cuisine needs no introduction though its rich, regional specialities and fabulous street stall and market food are far less-known among foreigner visitors
Local Experts
Genuine local knowledge is what turns a good travel experience into an unfforgettable one. Here's our shout-out to the locals that help maket that happen.'
Wi (Wipaporn)
Born in the suburbs of Bangkok but a long-term resident of Chiang Mai, award-winning (silver medal at the Wanderlust World Guides Awards), Wi specialises in Thai family tours when she's not busy running our Chiang Mai office.
Sarawut Thinpathom (Oh)
Oh returned to his homeland of Thailand after spells in Australia, the US and Laos, and now takes great pleasure in showing off his country to our passengers with equal amounts of fun, enthusiasm and knowledge. Seen here preparing for a jungle trek in Thailand's Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary on the Thai/Burmese border.
Aor
Aor specialises in leading and guiding tours in her home town of Bangkok as well as central and southern Thailand. Bubbly, fun and easy going Aor is also one of our family tour specialists.
Things To Know
Useful information and practical tips you should know before you travel to Thailand. (For visa info please see respective tour page)
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Handy Info
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FAQs
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Packing Guide
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Weather
Helpful Country Info
Official Name
Kingdom of Thailand
Capital City
Bangkok
Population
c 68 million
Timezone
+7 GMT
Currency
Thai Baht (c 45 for 1 UKP & 32 1 USD
Banking Services
ATMs readily available
Power/Electricity
220V; sockets are variable but usually 2 pin flat or round
Internet
WiFi available in all hotels
Phone/Mobile
5G SIM cards available
Dialling Code
+66
Language
Thai with Lao, North & Southern dialects widely spoken
Religion
Theravada Buddhist with c 10% Muslim
Frequently Asked Questions
Question #1
When’s the best time to visit Thailand?
The cool, dry season is from Nov to Feb although, while we avoid the north during the hottest months of March and April and the wettest month of September, we'd say pretty much any other time of year is great to visit. As we change coasts for beach stays according to the season, the south of the country is fine at any time.
Check out our blog posts Best Time to Visit South Thailand and Best Time to Visit North Thailand
Question #2
Why should I visit Thailand between April and September?
The rainy season - generally lasting from May to Sept – offers several significant advantages for travel in Thailand. It’s also known as the ‘green season’; the scenery looks its best, waterfalls most spectacular and flora and fauna lushest and most abundant. Destinations are also far less busy while flight tickets are cheaper. Note that rain is usually in the form of short sharp showers, (often evening and night times), so often the worst-case scenario involves sheltering in a coffee shop for 30 minutes.
Question #3
Are our Thai tours suitable for single travellers?
Our policy of genuinely small groups, with meals taken together family style, is intended to give you the impression of travelling with a group of friends rather than a typical tour group. Neither do we impose surcharges for single persons although, if you prefer not to share, single-room supplements are available.
Question #4
If we book flights to Thailand with you, which airlines do you use?
You have the option of either booking a tour inclusive of return flights from the UK, or a land-only version. In the former case, we usually recommend Thai Airways, Etihad or Qatar but we’re willing to discuss any options with you and we’ll do our best to find optimum times and prices.
Question #5
Are there any mandatory or recommended vaccines for Thailand?
There are no compulsory inoculations for Thailand although hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and polio are all recommended. Certain areas are classified as low-risk for malaria (see below) but if you are considering antimalarials we recommend you consult a specialist.
A useful resource for travel health info is the Travel Health Pro site.
Question #6
Is malaria a problem in Thailand?
Areas of Thailand carrying a malaria risk are strips of jungle along the western border with Myanmar and southeast with Laos. The remainder of the country, including all urban areas, is designated zero to low risk. If you are considering antimalarials then we advise consulting a specialist.
Question #7
Is tipping customary in Thailand?
While tips for local staff are always discretionary drivers, local guides, hotel and restaurant staff etc do appreciate gestures for their hard work and efforts. It's tricky giving a precise guideline before a tour as it does vary according to group size and number of days although more details on tipping are available on our individual tour pages.
Question #8
How do I pay for my Thailand tour, and is there a surcharge for credit cards?
In order to confirm your tour, you are required to pay a 10% deposit upon booking with the balance due no later than 60 days prior to departure. There are no surcharges for card payments and all major cards are accepted.
Question #9
What are the hotels like on a Thai tour?
Our preference, where available, is for smaller, boutique-style hotels and resorts. All fall into a 3-4* category with ensuite bathrooms, air-con and, usually, swimming pools. Beach and island accommodation will generally be individual chalet-style.
Question #10
What are the meals like on a Thai tour?
Lunches and dinners are either inclusive or ‘free’ with a 50-50 split on most tours. The idea of the former is to provide a guided tour of Thailand’s wonderful cuisine – in addition to the tour of landscapes and cultural/historical sites - with guides selecting authentic local dishes in tried and trusted eateries while the latter allows you the chance to do your own thing and take a break, if required, from the rice and noodles.
You can find more info on Thai food at this link.
Question #11
Is Thailand suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Fish sauce is a ubiquitous flavouring although - with a few minor tweaks - the majority of Thai dishes lend themselves readily to both vegtarian and vegan versions. Dairy products are largely absent from Thai cooking.
Question #12
Is Thailand good for LGBT travellers?
Absolutely with the very easy-going, tolerant Thail culture and people making what is probably one of the best destinations in Asia in this respect. Note however that rural areas are still often conservative and outward displays of affection - of any orientation - are still rather frowned upon.
Packing Guide
Packing light is a virtue, it'll make getting around easier and gives you room for souvenirs and the special things you find along the way. Packing "as little as possible" doesn't mean you have to forego comfort and any items you may forget are usually available locally for a fraction of the price.
What to Bring
Here is our list of what to pack based on our experience travelling in Thailand...
- Day pack/small pack Sufficient to carry water, sun block, camera etc
- Suitcase/Bag Any smallish bag that can be easily carried over short distances.
- Waterproof bag*Opt Useful for boat trips etc if you want to carry cameras etc
- Hat Cheaply available locally
- Light hiking boots or sandals Note trekking often involves wading through streams so something waterproof is useful.
- Light waterproofs*Opt Useful for rainy season – but remember it’s still hot. Easily purchased locally
- Lightweight cotton clothes Long sleeves for evenings are useful. Nights may get cool during winter
- Swimming costume*Opt Some hotels have pools.
- Towel*Opt Towels are provided for use in all hotels and guesthouses
- Warm clothes (e.g. Fleece)*Opt Necessary at certain times of year – it can be cool in the mountains during winter (Dec to Feb)
- Umbrella*Opt Small umbrella can be useful
- Sarong*Opt Useful multifunctional item, widely available locally
- Inoculations The World Health Organisation recommends Hep A, Polio, Typhoid and Tetanus. Yellow fever is required if coming from an infected area www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk is a useful resource.
- Anti-malaria drugs*Opt If you are considering taking them or require further information consult a specialist
- Basic medical kit*Opt Tour leaders will carry one and you will never be far away from a pharmacy so basic is the operative word.
- Mosquito repellent*Opt Containing DEET.
- Guide book*Opt Please bear in mind that even the most recent copy is still a minimum of 1 year out of date
- Mobile phone*Opt Refillable SIM cards can be purchased locally. For roaming and 3G check with your local provider. Internet access can easily be found in larger towns and cities.
- Multi-plug adapter*Opt A general multi-plug is useful, easily purchased at your departure airport. Sockets can vary from hotel to hotel.
- Passport Valid for at least 6 months after date of return (UK info only – other nationalities please consult your passport authorities)
What NOT to Bring
There are somethings you just don't need to worry about when travelling in Thailand...
- Film/Camera equipment Most common film types and brands are widely available as are batteries, digital camera cards etc.
Weather and Climate
Travel News
Blog posts related to Thailand ...
Thai festivals – dos and don’ts
The dos and don'ts and pros and cons of the most popular Thai festivals and celebrations
15 October 2026
Religions of Southeast Asia
Which are the dominant religions in Southeast Asia today, which form do they take and what are the significant religious minorities in each of the region's nations?
5 October 2026
Thailand’s Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread architecture in Thailand - what is it and where can you find it
23 September 2026
Off-the-beaten-track and not so off-the-beaten-track tours of Southeast Asia
Certain itineraries, by nature of the region travelled, lead to significantly more off-the-beaten-track tours than others
21 September 2026
How much does a beer cost in Southeast Asia?
What's the average price of a glass, can or bottle of beer in our Southeast Asian destinations?
14 September 2026
The Akha Swing Festival
An account and photos of the famous Akha Swing festival, also known as 'Bo Chong Tu' or 'Yae Khuan A Fa Faew'
8 September 2026