Thailand is a country continually refining the art of welcome and with this in mind we thought we’d share some travel tips for the coming year. First up, there is some bureaucracy to get through ahead of your arrival, with new rules coming into play in 2026. Travellers must now complete a digital arrival card within 72 hours of landing, and while many nationalities still enjoy 60 days visa-free, that window may soon shorten to 30. Digital nomads continue to favour the Destination Thailand Visa, offering stays of up to 180 days per entry—though patience is essential, as processing can be inconsistent. Travellers should also stay alert to updated rules—vape bans, stricter drone registration and the reclassification of cannabis all carry real consequences.
Timing matters in Thailand. The dry season (Oct–Feb) delivers clear seas and comfortable heat, perfect for beach escapes in Koh Samui– home to Karma’s serene beachfront retreat Karma Panalee – and Phuket, where Members can settle into Karma Royal Boat Lagoon. January to June brings the best Gulf weather; March–April turns up the temperature; and the rainy season rewards the flexible with low prices, dramatic tropical skies and magical monsoon drama. Festivals add their own orbit: Chinese New Year in Phuket Old Town, Songkran’s nationwide water fights, and the twin glow of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in November. Costs vary widely, from $2,000 for two weeks to $10,000-plus for luxe itineraries. But the country’s new “value over volume” approach means better space, calmer rhythms and more meaningful experience- made even richer through Karma’s curated options in Samui, Phuket and partner properties nationwide.
