Australians have a major love affair with Thailand. Whether you’re seeking tranquil island escapes, bustling street markets, ancient temples or lush jungles, Thailand really does offer it all. 

So where do you start?  To help you plan the ultimate Thailand escape, here are a few of our favourite activities and attractions that are well worth adding to your travel itinerary. 

• Take a temple tour in Bangkok – Bangkok is brimming with vibrant and bustling street life and plenty of cultural experiences. Taking a temple tour is a great way to take in the many sights of the capital city while becoming acquainted with the country’s rich Buddhist history. 

• Explore Bangkok’s floating markets – Bangkok is home to several floating markets, where you can get an authentic experience of Thai life while taking in the unique sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Thailand. 

• Soak up Thailand’s beautiful beaches – Thailand is famed for its beautiful beaches and many tourists visit the nation purely to take in the white sand, pristine waters, lush palm trees and breath-taking natural scenery. Phuket and Koh Phi Phi are ideal destinations if you want beautiful beaches backed up by a thriving nightlife, but if you’d prefer something a little more laid-back, Krabi may be more to your taste.  

• Stay overnight in an elephant sanctuary – Particularly if you’re travelling with kids, staying at an elephant sanctuary will be an unforgettable experience where you can take care of retired elephants, helping to feed and wash them. Just be mindful to research the individual elephant sanctuary before booking, as some are known for their unethical practices. 

• Explore Chiang Mai’s Old City – If you want your Thai experience to include much more than just beaches, consider travelling to the more mountainous region of Thailand to the likes of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll be able to explore the historical Old City, taking in temples like Wat Lok Moli, Wat Chiang Man and Wat Chedi, along with other attractions like the Three Kings Monument and the Buak Haad Public Park. Make sure you also enrol in a cooking class while there as it’s an experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

*Sub limits apply (Basic has limited covers), # Waiting periods, ~ Limited to 12-month period, ^When on-trip claim has been approved, using the PassportCard, + T&Cs apply, ¹PassportCard Travel Insurance recognised in Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2025 – more information on the awards research methodology at Mozo. The Canstar 2025 Innovation Excellence Award was received in April, 2025 for PassportCard Travel Insurance.. All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions listed in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement and on other policy documentation, including the schedule.  

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All set for your Thailand escape?  

Make sure you’ve ticked these items off your checklist before you head off: 

• Check your passport is valid with at least 6 months of validity left from the date you plan to leave the country 

• Ensure you meet the visitor entry requirements for Thailand 

• Speak to your doctor to check if you’ll need any vaccinations. Most doctors will recommend you be vaccinated for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid, but they may also recommend a rabies vaccination or anti-malarial prophylaxis depending on the regions you will be visiting 

• Arrange a travel currency card or another method of payment to cover expenses while you’re away 

• Notify your financial institution of your plans to travel 

• Contact your phone provider to ensure your phone plan will cover you while you’re away or purchase a pre-paid international sim card 

• Arrange accommodation for each location you plan to stay in 

• Consider booking any tours or activities you want to do in advance, particularly if you will be visiting during peak season when things can book out well in advance 

• Remember to pack your mosquito repellent and use mosquito nets when available in your accommodation, as Thailand is home to many mosquito or insect-borne diseases such as malaria, zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis 

• Provide details of your travel plans to a family member or close friend not travelling with you so you can be contacted in case of an emergency 

• Save the details of how to access emergency consular assistance in case you need it 

• Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard.