Thailand is one of the world's great travel destinations and it knows it. The temples of Bangkok, the full moon parties of Koh Phangan, the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui: these are iconic for good reason and they absolutely deserve their reputation. But Thailand holidays have a lot more depth than the headlines suggest. For those returning for a second or third visit who want something beyond the well-worn trail or first timers who'd rather find the places locals actually talk about, there's a whole other Thailand waiting to be discovered. Here's where to find it.

There are few experiences in travel quite like a Full Moon party in Thailand. Every month, tens of thousands of people descend on a single beach in the Gulf of Thailand for one of the world's most legendary all-night parties — fire dancers, neon body paint, buckets of cocktails and a sound system that rattles your chest. It's chaotic, euphoric and absolutely unforgettable. If you're planning Thailand holidays and have even a passing interest in nightlife, the Full Moon party deserves a place on your itinerary. Here's everything you need to know.

There are travel experiences that look beautiful in photographs and then there are the ones that make you forget you're holding a camera. Thailand's lantern festival is firmly in the second category. Standing in a field as thousands of glowing paper lanterns drift silently into a dark sky above you is one of those rare moments that genuinely takes your breath away. It's spiritual, joyful and utterly unlike anything else in the world and it's one of the most compelling reasons to book a Thailand holiday package deal in the second half of the year. Here's everything you need to know.

Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in Southeast Asia and thankfully for parents, plenty of it is well suited to travelling with children. From calm, shallow bays perfect for little swimmers to resort towns kitted out with kids' clubs and family pools, there's no shortage of choice when it comes to finding the best beaches in Thailand for families. Whether you're after a lively resort base or a quieter stretch of sand, here are ten of the best spots to consider for your next family holiday.

Working out what to pack for Thailand isn't quite as simple as throwing in a few swimsuits and some flip-flops. Thailand's tropical climate means you'll want clothing that keeps you cool and comfortable but the country's religious customs also play a big part in what's considered appropriate, particularly when visiting temples. Add in humidity, sudden downpours during rainy season and long days of sightseeing, and a bit of planning goes a long way.

Thailand is a country where celebrations never seem to end. Whether you’re wandering through lively Bangkok streets or exploring the cool mountain air of Chiang Mai, you’ll quickly discover that a Thailand festival is more than just an event. It’s a window into a culture built on tradition, spirituality and joyful community.