Best European Destinations for Thai Tourists in 2026

Europe has long captured the imagination of Thai travelers — the architecture, the history, the food, the fashion, and the sheer variety of experiences packed into a relatively compact geography. A well-planned European tour can deliver Rome's ancient ruins, Paris's romantic boulevards, the Swiss Alps, and Munich's beer gardens all within a single trip.

Here are the European destinations Thai tourists consistently rate highest, based on Smile Memory's tour booking data and traveler feedback.

1. Switzerland — The Alpine Dream

Why Thai travelers love it: The scenery is simply unlike anywhere else in the world. Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Lake Lucerne, and the Matterhorn offer postcard-perfect moments at every turn. Swiss chocolate and watch shopping are major draws.

Best for: First-time Europe visitors who want the "classic" Europe experience, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, honeymoon couples.

Top experiences: Jungfraujoch railway, Rhine Falls, Lucerne Old Town, lake cruises, mountain cable cars.

Best time: June–September for mountain access; December for Christmas markets.

2. Italy — Art, History & Cuisine

Why Thai travelers love it: Italy offers an extraordinary density of UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-famous cuisine, and fashion shopping. Thai visitors consistently rank Italian food as among the best they've encountered in Europe.

Best for: History enthusiasts, food lovers, art buffs, shopping addicts.

Top experiences: Colosseum and Roman Forum (Rome), Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Florence's Uffizi Gallery, Venice's Grand Canal gondola rides, Cinque Terre coastal villages, Tuscany wine country.

Best time: April–June and September–October (avoiding peak summer crowds and heat in July–August).

3. France — Romance, Art & Luxury

Why Thai travelers love it: Paris is a bucket-list destination for virtually every Thai traveler. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and world-class fashion shopping make it endlessly appealing. The French countryside (Provence, Loire Valley, Normandy) offers beautiful alternatives to Paris.

Best for: Couples, luxury shoppers, art enthusiasts, foodies.

Top experiences: Eiffel Tower (especially at night), Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace and Gardens, Mont-Saint-Michel, Burgundy wine tours.

Best time: May–June and September (pleasant weather, fewer crowds than July–August).

4. Germany — Castles, Beer Gardens & History

Why Thai travelers love it: Germany offers spectacular variety — fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich's Englischer Garten and beer halls, the dramatic Rhine Valley, Berlin's vibrant art scene, and Bavaria's Alpine scenery.

Best for: History enthusiasts, architecture fans, those who enjoy hearty food and beer culture.

Top experiences: Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle), Munich's Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt, Rhine River cruise, Cologne Cathedral, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and Holocaust Memorial.

Best time: May–September for outdoor activities; late November–December for Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte).

5. United Kingdom — Royalty, History & British Culture

Why Thai travelers love it: London is consistently one of the world's most visited cities, and British culture has enormous reach in Thailand through popular TV, music, and football. The Royal Family connection makes royal sites (Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Tower of London) particularly popular.

Best for: Royal family fans, those who enjoy English-language culture, shopping (Oxford Street, Harrods, Selfridges).

Top experiences: Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, British Museum, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Scottish Highlands.

Best time: May–September (warmest, longest days). Note: British weather is famously unpredictable — always bring a waterproof layer.

Multi-Country Europe: Getting the Most From Your Trip

For Thai travelers making their first Europe trip, multi-country packages offer outstanding value by combining several highlights in a single journey. Popular combinations include:

• Switzerland + Germany + Austria + Italy (12–14 days) — The "Grand Central Europe" tour
• France + Switzerland + Italy (12–14 days) — Romance and beauty combined
• UK + France + Netherlands + Belgium (10–12 days) — Western Europe capitals
• Germany + Czech Republic + Austria + Hungary (10–12 days) — Heart of Europe

These packages are often better value than visiting individual countries separately, and the pre-planned logistics mean you don't have to worry about trains, border crossings, or accommodation.

Practical Tips for Thai Travelers in Europe

• Visa: Thailand is a Schengen Agreement signatory — Thai passport holders can enter the Schengen Area (26 European countries) for up to 90 days without a visa. UK and Ireland require separate visas.
• Currency: Most Western Europe uses Euro (€). UK uses British Pound (£). Switzerland uses Swiss Franc (CHF) — not Euro.
• Weather: European summers (June–August) can be hot (35–40°C in Southern Europe). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer milder conditions.
• Tipping: In most European countries, 10% tip at restaurants is customary but not mandatory.

Ready to explore Europe? Browse Smile Memory's Europe tour packages to find current departure dates and pricing. Our experienced team is ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.