What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The TDAC is a free online arrival form that every foreign visitor must complete, whether arriving by air, land or sea, and whether or not they need a visa. Submit it on the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th, within three days before arrival, including the day you arrive. You will need your passport details, flight information and your first night’s accommodation. Keep the confirmation to show at immigration. There is no fee, so avoid any site that asks for payment.

Is Thailand suitable for families with children?

Yes. Because every trip is private, activities are chosen around the ages of the children travelling. In Bangkok, children usually enjoy a cycling tour through the older neighbourhoods or a Muay Thai class, in Chiang Mai a cooking class, and on the southern islands a boat trip with snorkelling. See our 10-day family tour from Bangkok and family holidays.

Can we go hiking, and how hard are the walks?

Yes, mainly around Chiang Mai, where forest trails and hill scenery suit walking. Mae Hong Son and Pai are quieter areas with ethnic minority villages. Our walks are easy to moderate and last three to five hours, with length and difficulty set around your fitness. Because the trip is private, your guide can shorten a walk on the day if it is too much. Read our Northern Thailand guide.

What does the price include, and can I choose my hotels?

Quoted prices are per person, based on four travelers in standard hotels, and exclude international flights, which are usually cheaper to buy in your home country. They cover accommodation, private transport, an English-speaking guide, the listed activities and domestic flights where needed. Suggested hotels are listed in each itinerary, and you can propose your own. Request a free quote, or read how much it costs to travel to Thailand.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

It depends on your passport. Since 15 September 2026, travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most EU countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, down from 60. One extension of up to 30 days can be requested at a Thai immigration office. If you plan to stay longer, or your country is not on the visa-free list, apply for a visa in advance. Rules change often, so confirm your own passport before booking flights. See our Thailand visa guide.

How do we travel between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands?

Long legs are usually flown: Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and Bangkok to Phuket about 1 hour 25 minutes, against 10 to 14 hours by road. Domestic flights are included in the price where the itinerary needs them. On the ground you travel by private car with a driver, and island legs use ferries or longtail boats. If you would like the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai, ask your consultant. See how to get around Thailand.

Should I choose Phuket and Krabi or Koh Samui?

The two coasts have opposite rainy seasons. Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi on the Andaman coast are best from November to April, and the sea can be rough in the rainy months. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in the Gulf are best from about January to August, with rain from September to December. Phuket is livelier, Samui more relaxed. On free island days we can arrange snorkelling or island excursions. Compare them in our guide to choosing a Thai island or Phuket or Krabi.

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

The best time for most of Thailand is November to April, the dry season, with sunny days of roughly 28 to 34°C. The north is most pleasant from November to February, while March to May is hot and can reach about 37°C. The rainy season runs from May to October, and the two island coasts follow opposite calendars. For region-by-region detail, read our best time to visit Thailand guide.

How many days do I need for Thailand?

Ten days is the shortest of our tours and covers Bangkok, the north around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and one beach area such as Phuket. Two weeks lets you combine culture, the north and an island stay at an easier pace. Three weeks covers the north in depth, including Sukhothai, Pai and Mae Hong Son, then Krabi and Khao Lak. Distances are long, so most legs are flown. See our Thailand tourist map and distance guide.