In this article you'll find a description of Ko Tarutao, one of Thailand's many hidden paradises, often overlooked by mainstream tourism.

Ko Tarutao, a lost paradise

In this article you will find good ideas for trekking in the mountains of northern Thailand.

The northern mountains, a paradise for trekkers

In this article you will find a description of Bangkok, the gigantic capital of the country and even of the continent.

Bangkok, the capital of a continent

The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.

The magic of Pha Taem, north of Khong Chiam

Damnoen Saduak is a floating market that unfortunately has become too touristy and is no longer authentic.

Asia

Thailand

Damnoen Saduak

Kanchanaburi, in the west of the country, is a beautiful region visited mainly for the bridge on the River Kwai and for the national parks in the area.

Kanchanaburi

Situated to the east of Bangkok, Erawan is a national park that is best known for its turquoise blue waterfalls.

Erawan

Bang Pa In is a small village south of Ayutthaya Historical Park, mainly known and visited because of the royal summer palace located there.

Bang Pa In

Mae Salong, (also known as Santikhiri), is a small mountain village whose population is mostly of Chinese origin. 

Maesalong

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

Mae Salong feels like it's in China, despite the fact that it's closer to Myanmar. Walking down main street, I passed locals selling tea outside their houses, and a teacher at work with his students with a blackboard at the back of the class that was covered in ideograms. And indeed, we are crossing into the area where you get tea plantations, and the Chinese ancestors of its inhabitants came here at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Mae Salong is a rather sleepy mountain resort, calm and cool - especially in winter - and, for someone like me who lives with Bangkok's clamminess all year, a bit of cool air is good. For those who like going off the beaten path, Mae Salong is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding mountains and ethnic tribes. I was a bit surprised to meet a Frenchman who had moved there and opened a little restaurant. Some of the buildings look like chalets and with the ever present Chinese culture, sometimes you forget that you are in Thailand. For a view over the town and the mountains, I went to the chedi of Phra Boromathat Chedi, which is the perfect finishing touch to a charming stay in the Land of Smiles.

After passing through Chiang Rai I finished my exploration of northern Thailand on a high note with a visit to the famous Golden Triangle. I decided to go on a day trip that would take me around the area. The day began with an exploration of Mae Salong, a charming village crowned with the beautiful temple Wat Santikhiri which has a superb view over the surroundings. On my way back down I stopped to have a look at the tea plantations in the surrounding hills. Several women were at work with large picking baskets, a grueling job.  Mae Salong, like all of the mountain villages, is a peaceful harbor in the heart of luxuriant vegetation, and its picturesque authenticity makes it a pleasure to explore. From there, on to Mae Saen, with its immense Buddha and the river which separates Myanmar, Laos from Thailand.

<a href="/thailand/">During a stay in north Thailand</a>, Mae Salong is the place to go for lovers of nature, calm, and tradition.

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for family tours with kids

Family tour ideas in Thailand

Thailand may be known as a party destination, but it is also well-established as a <a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/">family destination</a> with more family-friendly activities than you could ever hope to discover on your trip. Swimming or snorkelling in Ko Chang, learning to surf in Phuket, ziplining and cycling in Chiang Mai or experiencing the bustling markets in Bangkok; our <a data-destination-id="64" data-internal-link="destination">tailor-made Thailand tours</a> have an option for every family and every type of getaway. Thailand is also amazing for families due to its prices, which are generally incredible value for money, unlike some other destinations, meaning you can save your cash for activities which will make incredible memories. <h3>Best things&nbsp;to see and do in&nbsp;Thailand with kids</h3>Thailand is one destination which offers the perfect mixture between cities, countryside and seaside, meaning that there is something here to please every family. In <a data-place-id="22332" data-internal-link="place">Bangkok</a>, you can visit all of the main attractions, such as palaces and temples, however, Bangkok is also home to some attractions that are especially suited to families. Visit Alpaca View, which is a petting zoo featuring all kinds of animals, including their main attraction, the alpacas, or The Children’s Discovery Museum, which is a hands on experiential museum made for younger visitors. Bangkok is also the perfect place for families who enjoy theme parks and waterparks, with places such as the Fantasia Lagoon Waterpark to be found right in the centre of downtown Bangkok. Head out of the city to visit <a data-place-id="4952" data-internal-link="place">Phuket</a> which also has numerous activities for family visitors, including a wake boarding park, aquarium and guided snorkelling and sea canoeing tours. Phuket is also a great place to relax on the beach and enjoy some family downtime in the sun. Older children&nbsp;can&nbsp;able to enjoy snorkelling and surfing to their heart’s content.&nbsp;Other beach locations include&nbsp;<a data-place-id="5043" data-internal-link="place">Krabi</a>, where you’ll find stunning beaches and&nbsp;fewer tourists, and <a data-place-id="1266" data-internal-link="place">Koh Samui</a>, with its coconut groves and abandoned island atmosphere that seems as though it has been lifted straight from Robinson Crusoe. For an experience of Thai culture, visit <a data-place-id="9997" data-internal-link="place">Chiang Mai </a>where you can roam the night markets together, trying all kinds of Thai food (which goes down well even with fussier eaters), buy souvenirs and even complete a cookery course as a family. Accommodation here is excellent value for money and so you will be able to stay in total comfort without breaking the bank, meaning you can save any spare cash for fun activities or cultural visits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wherever you choose to visit in Thailand,&nbsp;you’re sure to leave your trip with some unforgettable family memories that you and your children will cherish for years to come. <h3>Best time to visit&nbsp;Thailand as a family</h3>Thailand’s climate is divided into three categories, each falling at different times of the year. These are; the rainy season from May to October, the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to May. The rainy season’s length and exact timings varies from year to year, but even at its worst, travellers can expect no more than an hour or two of rain in the afternoons. In fact, it can be an extremely positive thing since it alleviates the humidity and gives worn out families some down time in the afternoon. The cool season is the perfect&nbsp;<a data-document-id="3006" data-internal-link="article">period&nbsp;to travel</a> for active families, since the weather is still warm and pleasant but doesn’t reach the scorching temperatures of the high summer months. Be warned though - it can still become quite hot during the day! The summer months are a great time to visit the coast where you and your family can easily cool off in the sea, however, temperatures can be extremely hot so make sure to find some shade for a siesta. <h3>Family holiday tips for travelling to&nbsp;Thailand</h3>With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Thailand, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday. <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Try to avoid the mistake of trying to squeeze too many activities into a shorter space of time. Take your time and appreciate this wonderful country by planning a few extra days to relax, even if this means cutting down on some activities. You’ll thank us in the end. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas where pickpockets are rife. Keep cash and any important documents in a safe a hidden place. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">As with any visit to a foreign country, check with your GP before leaving whether there are any vaccinations or medicines that you need to get. Bring along plenty of mosquito spray too, to avoid the annoyance of itchy bug bites throughout your trip.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Make the most of the cheap prices here to sign up to some unforgettable family activities. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Young children, especially those with blonde hair and blue eyes, will feel like little celebrities, with locals even asking to hold younger children. This is meant in good will and is completely normal in Thai culture but if it bothers you, you can simply politely say no. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Try to avoid the tap water where possible, since this can lead to stomach bugs which can quickly ruin the perfect family holiday. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Learn a few key phrases. Learning some choice words and phrases can be extremely handy should you find yourself in a situation where no one speaks English. Learning a new language can also be a great new challenger for your children. If nothing else, it always goes down well to greet locals in their own language.</li></ul>

Start planning your family tour in Thailand

The best tailor-made Thailand tours for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect family holiday with a local expert in Thailand

Thailand family holidays

Family Tours

Family Holidays in Thailand | Child-Friendly Tours

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for honeymoon tours

Honeymoon tour ideas in Thailand

The best tailor-made honeymoon tours and experiences in Thailand, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect honeymoon in Thailand with a local expert

Honeymoon in Thailand

Honeymoons

Honeymoon Tours in Thailand | Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for two week tours

Two week tour ideas in Thailand

The best two week tours to explore Thailand, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect two week tour with a local expert in Thailand

Two weeks in Thailand

Two Week Tours

Two Weeks in Thailand | 14 Day Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for one week tours

One week tour ideas in Thailand

One week in <a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/thailand/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/thailand/">Thailand</a> is exactly the break you’ve been looking for; relaxing beaches, bustling cities, interesting cultural sites and welcoming people. No matter where you go, you’re bound to have the trip of a lifetime on this 7 day itinerary. Explore rural areas, take a cooking course in the city or go on a motorbike roadtrip to see as many sites as you could dream of. Best things to see and do for one week in Thailand What to see in one weekWith historical and cultural sights at every turn, it can be hard to know where to start with what to see in Thailand. Thailand’s temples are always fascinating and stunning places to visit and you’ll be spoilt for choice, with so many options and each more beautiful than the last. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in the <a data-place-id="27708" data-internal-link="place">Chiang Mai Province</a> of Northern Thailand for ornate golden buildings, bright colours and stunning temple interiors. Next, the historical park of Ancient Siam is the perfect way to make learning about Thailand’s history in a beautiful setting. Take a day tour and enjoy the sites and stories that your local guide will introduce you to. To see Thailand’s wildlife head to the national parks, just two good options of which include <a data-place-id="31061" data-internal-link="place">Khao Yai National Park</a> and <a data-place-id="11223" data-internal-link="place">Khao Sok National Park</a>. Here you can see a huge range of native Thai wildlife and learn all about each species.What to&nbsp;do in one week With one week in Thailand, you’ll be able to discover many of Thailand’s hidden gems. Why not organise a boat tour and go island hopping to avoid the crowds? You’ll feel as though you’re uncovering hidden lands as you cross the crystal waters and explore caves, coves and deserted beaches. For more islands, head to the <a data-place-id="29726" data-internal-link="place">Phi Phi Islands</a> where you’ll be able to snorkel and explore the underwater paradise here. For scuba diving, <a data-place-id="31395" data-internal-link="place">Ko Lanta Yai</a> is unbeatable and scuba divers and snorkellers alike flock to these coral-fringed beaches for an underwater experience unlike any other. Next, move on to <a data-place-id="4949" data-internal-link="place">Phang Nga Bay</a> for even more adventure. Here you can sea kayak, climb and explore caves before heading back inland. Follow the coast on a moped road trip for a road trip experience that is unique to Southeast Asia. See how locals live as you travel around using the national mode of transport and feel the wind in your hair as you take in the incredible views.<h3>Best time to travel to Thailand for a week</h3>Thailand is generally considered a year round destination and so <a data-document-id="3006" data-internal-link="article">the best time to visit</a> will depend on what you plan on doing and where you plan on going during your one week itinerary in Thailand. The climate can vary in different areas of the country but generally speaking, the dry season runs from November to April and is the most popular season to travel. It is also slightly cooler during these months than during the humid summer season where rains and intense storms are frequent. Each season has its own benefits, with the rainy season meaning reduced prices and more availability. Whenever you decide to visit Thailand, you’ll want to come back as soon as your 7 day itinerary is over.

Start planning your one week tour to Thailand

The best one week tours to explore Thailand, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect one week tour with a local expert in Thailand

One week in Thailand

One Week Tours

One Week in Thailand | 7 Day Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for hiking and trekking tours

Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Thailand

The best hiking and trekking tours and excursions in Thailand, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect hiking tour with a local expert in Thailand

Hiking in Thailand

Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand | Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for island tours

Tour ideas for exploring Thailand's islands

The best island holidays and island-hopping tours in Thailand, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect island holiday in Thailand with a local expert

Islands in Thailand

Islands & Island-Hopping

Island Holidays in Thailand | Explore Thailand's Islands

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for snorkelling and diving tours

Diving and snorkelling tour ideas in Thailand

The best snorkelling and diving tours in Thailand, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Experience diving in Thailand with a hand-picked local expert

Diving in Thailand

Snorkelling & Diving

Diving & Snorkelling Tours in Thailand | Diving Excursions

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for cycling tours

Tour ideas for exploring Thailand by bike

The best cycling holidays and bike excursions in Thailand, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect cycling tour with a local expert in Thailand

Cycling in Thailand

Cycling Tours

Cycling Holidays in Thailand | Explore Thailand By Bike

The best local travel agencies in Thailand for Summer tours

Summer tour ideas in Thailand

The best tailor-made tours to visit Thailand in Summer, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Maesalong Holidays

Maesalong: How to get there?

Maesalong: See when to go?

Maesalong: For how long?

Maesalong: What to see nearby?

Thailand: our articles for your holidays