Best Places To Visit in Thailand: 10 Best Destinations
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It is vacation time. If you have decided to go to Thailand, Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destination, you’ve come to the right address.
Thailand is a great choice for a vacation, with bustling modern cities full of motorcycles, temples, lush villages, ancient ruins, and stunningly scenic coastlines.
Thailand appeals to almost everyone. If you are more in favor of exploring tropical islands, you can head to the Thai Islands. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the energy of the city, Bangkok and Northern Thailand will be more suitable for you.
Without further ado, let’s move on to our list of best places to visit in Thailand that we have prepared for you.
10 Best Places To Visit in Thailand
1. Ko Phi Phi
Phi Phi is an archipelago. It is located on the southeast coast of Phuket in Krabi Province. Poems can be written during the sunset on the beaches here! With its beautiful limestone cliffs and relaxed atmosphere, this is a must-visit place. It is also famous as a tourist area. This place also offers suitable opportunities for all types of vacationers. Tonsai Bay and Long Beach are ideal for bustling vacationers, while beaches like Phak Nam Bay appeal to those seeking more tranquility.
Located in the middle of the island, Tonsai Village is a very lively place. This spot is also seen as the heart of Ko Phi Phi. When you visit this town, you should definitely eat at its delicious restaurants. Then you will go to the famous beach bars. Close to Phi Phi Don is Koh Phi Phi Leh, an enchanting oasis with its stunningly clear water and limestone cliffs. Maya Bay is in the center of the island.
Things To Do
- See Viking Cave
- Dive in Phi Phi
- Attend Shark Watching Tours
- Climb a Rock
- Captain Bob’s Cruise
- Visit Cooking School
- Cliff Jumping
- Fishing
When To Visit: Between November and April
2. Chiang Mai
Let’s prepare ourselves for a quiet route before we arrive in Bangkok. This is a calm and relaxing city. The mountain views are wonderful. It is full of historical temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. So, it is also very rich in history. One of the most famous features of this place is the night markets. While you are there, do not leave without visiting Elephant Nature Park. This place is famous for the gentle giants of Thailand.
While you are sleeping in your bed, the monks will begin to walk the streets of Chiang Mai as the sun is just starting to rise from the mountains. This is a magical place. The moat surrounding the destroyed walls of the city also supports this. The city has a history dating back to 1296 and is home to almost 300 temples. You will find yourself in completely different energy in Chiang Mai.
Things To Do
- Visit Doi Suthep
- Take a Trip to the San Kamphaeng Road
- Visit Doi Inthanon National Park
- Eat Khao Soi
- Shop at Warorot Market
- Enjoy a Boat Trip on the Mae Ping River
- Drink a Coffee at the Cat Cafe
- See Grand Canyon
- Shop at Night Bazaar
- Visit Wat Phra Singh
- See the Ruins of Wat Chedi Luang
When To Visit: Between October and April
3. Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand’s capital city! This is the country’s largest city. Do not let the tall buildings and noisy traffic scare you. Bangkok certainly has natural beauty as well, with green spaces and interesting flowering tropical plants. It is also the center of magnificent palaces, ancient temples, and glittering nightclubs in Thailand. If you want to buy a gift on the way home, you will find the best souvenirs in this city. We also recommend you taste delicious street foods.
Bangkok is located in the Central Thailand region and it is a suitable region for every vacationer. After visiting countless temples, you can turn to the famous tourist streets to buy souvenirs. After shopping, you can start the nightlife here. This place is also very suitable for family vacations. Zoos, water parks, and amusement parks are very good entertainment areas for families. If you want to watch some sports, don’t miss Thai boxing matches.
Things To Do
- See The Reclining Buddha By Visiting Wat Pho
- Visit the Grand Palace
- Ride the Sky Train
- Shop at Chatuchak Market
- Take a Boat Trip in the Chao Phraya River
- Shop at Siam Paragon
- Visit the Bangkok National Museum
- Have a Thai Massage
- Climb the Sathorn Unique Tower
- Visit the Lumpini Park
- Eat at Chinatown
- Eat Street Food
- Take a Motorcycle Taxi
- Watch Kickbox Matches
- Visit Dusit Zoo
- Take Part in a Water Fight During Songkran
- Explore the Nightlife in Bangkok
- See The Bangkok Puppet Show
- See Jim Thompson House
- See Wat Arun
- See Erawan Shrine
- See Vimanmek Mansion
When To Visit: Late November and Early March
4. Phuket
Pure white sand beaches wait for you here. The island of Phuket, located in southern Thailand, has wonderful nature. Aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs… This place is an hour’s flight from Bangkok. So, this could be your route after Bangkok. One of the biggest advantages of this place is that it is cheap. Activities such as accommodation and spas on Phuket Island are very affordable. Even boat tours remain relatively inexpensive. This place is like a piece of heaven. Also, don’t miss the delicious cuisine.
Unfortunately, the island suffered a bad tsunami disaster in 2004. However, don’t let that scare you. They currently have good warning systems and if the island is under threat, the residents will be immediately notified.
Things To Do
- Take a Trip to Kata Noi Beach
- Attend the Tour of the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
- See the Phuket Big Buddha
- See the Nai Harn Beach
- See the Karon View Point and Take a Picture
- Take a Trip to Wat Chalong
- Shop at Phuket Town Weekend Night Market
- Hang Out at the Tiger Kingdom
- Attend a Thai Cooking Class
- Enjoy the Night at Bangla Road
- See the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
- Visit the Soi Dog Foundation
- Go to Monkey Hill and Watch the Monkeys
- Visit the Phang Nga Bay
- Visit the Phuket Trickeye Museum
- See the View at Khao Rang Viewpoint
- See the Jui Tui Shrine
- Walk at the Phuket Old Town
- Have a Dinner in Mom Tri’s Kitchen
- See the Patong
- Go and support the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
When To Visit: Between November and February
5. Mae Sariang & Mae Hong Son
Let’s continue to discover the real Thailand. The cities of Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son are among the best places to visit in Thailand. Therefore, they can’t be missing from our list. These two cities have an extremely rich culture. If you want to taste great food and visit colorful markets, you should definitely come here. These cities are unfortunately underrated. Whereas, they are excellent cities with mountains, hikes to local hill tribes, caves, and waterfalls waiting to be explored. Mae Hong Son gradually began to be discovered by tourists. However, Mae Sariang is almost unknown.
The best way to explore these places is to rent a bike. In this way, you will embark on a legendary journey. The winding roads will take you to traditional villages and sometimes to wild forests. Most importantly, you will pass through wonderful land spaces. If you want to go there, we recommend that you spend a little more time. It will take four or five days to best explore these places.
Things To Do
- See Wat Phrathat Chomthong
- Visit the Valley to See Wild Sunflowers
- Relax With Bird Watching at the Salawin National Park
- See Lawa Hill Villages
- Shop at Night Markets
- Join Boat Trips at The Salween River
- Swim in the Waterfalls
- Have a Dinner in Inthira
When To Visit: Between November and February
6. Koh Tao
Located on the southeast coast of Thailand, the small island of Tao is a natural wonder. The island was inhabited until the end of the 1900s. However, it has recently become an interesting travel route and is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. It offers a visual feast with its white sandy beach and lush forests. The majestic granite rock formations, also, attract the attention of visitors. Bungalows have increased recently as this place has been turned into a resort. So, there is no problem with accommodation.
Koh Tao is mostly famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling location. If you are into the water, the shallow coves, gentle currents, and wonderful coral reefs here provide a great opportunity for you to learn scuba diving. Many tourists also come here to upgrade their scuba diving certificates. The main city of the island is Mae Hat. There are diving schools here and in many other parts of the island. You will also be fascinated by the splendor of the marine life here. It has a vast array of marine life including coral reefs, butterfly fish, batfish, whale sharks, and bull sharks.
Things To Do
- Relax on the beaches of Koh Tao
- Discover the sea life by snorkeling
- Rent a Scooter to Tour Over the Island
- Relax with a Thai Massage
- See the King Rama V Monument on Sairee Beach
- See the Sunset at the Beach Bar on Sairee Beach
- Do a Kayak Tour
- Play games of Miniature Gold at Koh Tao Leisure Park
- Drive to Koh Nang Yuan by Renting a Boat
- Learn Scuba Diving
- Shop at the Small Night Market
- Look at the Whale Skeleton
- Climb the Viewpoints
- Try the Stand-Up Paddling
- See the View from Koh Nang Yuan Terrace
- Stop at Wat Koh Tao
When To Visit: Between February and May
7. Trang
If you are looking for a little seclusion, let’s go to Trang. Trang’s quiet beaches and stunning islands will give you a lot of rest. This place has recently become a popular travel destination. It offers a wonderful view with its white sand beaches and clear waters. You can snorkel around Ko Kradan. Or, you can swim to a hidden beach cave on Ko Mook. Apart from this, walks in the forest will also be a very enjoyable choice. Here, you can wander and relax. This is also a great place to learn about the country’s culture.
This place is located in the south of Thailand and is both far from the crowd and a center of attraction. Yes, both together. You should definitely taste the delicious food of this place. Perhaps one of the most delicious cuisines of Thailand. Do not forget to see interesting works of art while you are here. Many people who come here also use Trang as a gateway to the islands of Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, and Koh Ngai. This is an incredible place where Buddhist, Muslims, and Catholics live in peace. We recommend that you spend at least two days here on your trip.
Things to Do
- See Wat Tantayapirom Phra Aram Luang
- See Trang Christian Church
- See Kew Ong Ear, the Chinese Shrine
- Visit Trang Central Park
- Ride in a Frog Head Tuk Tuk
- Get Some Delicious Cakes from Pia Soi 9
- Visit Governor’s Park
- Enjoy a Trang Breakfast
- Shop at the Local Markets
- Walk Around at Thung Khai Botanical Gardens
When To Visit: Between February and May
8. Pai
Pai is located in Northern Thailand. This is a somewhat interesting place. It is full of wheatgrass juice bars, veggie restaurants, and small cafes. Besides these, there are bars that sell buckets of whiskey for wild backpackers. Yet, don’t worry, it is definitely not a spooky place.
On the contrary, it is a very enjoyable place to explore. In our opinion, rent a bike or scooter in the city and explore. Meanwhile, you will be greeted with one of the best views in Thailand. If you like hill walks, pristine waterfalls, unguided trekking, and cold weather, definitely put Pai on your list.
Things To Do
- Explore Pai Canyon
- Shop at Pai’s Walking Street Night Market
- Visit the Pam Bok Waterfall
- See the Mo Paeng Waterfall
- See the Thai Pai Hot Springs
- See the Land Crack
- Learn How to Ride a Scooter
- Visit Wat Phra That Mae Yen
- Go To the Pai River
- Learn at Pai Circus School
- Experience the Pai’s Nightlife
- See the Tham Lod Caves
- Experience Whitewater Rafting
- Visit the Santichon Chinese Village
- Enjoy the Unique Cafes
- Do Yoga
- Relax in Hammock
When To Visit: November to February
9. Chiang Saen
Are you curious about Thailand’s oldest city? Here we are! This city is Thailand’s oldest city and therefore has an extremely ancient and deep-rooted culture. Visitors to this region are burning with the love of learning about the roots of this region. It is located in Chiang Rai province and is a quiet river town. The ancient ruins date back to the seventh century and there are many temples to visit such as Wat Pa Sak and Wat Phra That Pha Ngao.
One of the best things you can do in this town is to take a walk along the Mekong River. This will give you a lot of peace. Take a break during the walk and grab some delicious Thai food from one of the street vendors. Then find a table or mat, and start enjoying the peace.
Things To Do
- Visit Chiang Saen National Museum
- Visit Wat Pa Sak Historical Site
- Walk to Chiang Saen Lake
- Visit Wat Phra That Chom Kitti
- Shop at Walking Street Market
- Visit Golden Triangle
- Visit Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
When To Visit: October until February
10. Kanchanaburi
This place is located in Western Thailand. A real attraction with its beautiful scenery and easy access to national parks. This place is most famous for the historic Death Railway iron bridge leading to Burma. The story of this is that thousands of Asian workers and soldiers died here during the occupation by the Japanese during World War II. This is a developing city. Yet, there is a lot of WWII influence. For this reason, attraction centers are more associated with it. Various museums and war cemeteries in the city give a lot of information about the Kanchanaburi.
It is also home to many hot springs and temples. Kanchanaburi is a very nice city in terms of transportation. You can easily visit many caves and tribal villages in this area. It is also close to several national parks including Erawan and Srinakarind National Parks.
Things To Do
- Walk or Ride on the Bridge on the Death Railway Bridge (River Kwai)
- Learn History at Thailand Burma Railway Centre & Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
- Visit Hellfire Pass & Memorial Museum
- Hike at Erawan National Park
- See the Gentle Giants at Elephant’s World
- Visit the Chungkai Cemetery
- Visit the Quiet Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
- Visit JEATH War Museum
- Learn About Local History at the War Museum at the Bridge
- Discover the Ruins at Prasat Muang Singh National Park
- Visit Ban Kao National Museum
- Go to Sai Yok Yai Waterfall
When To Visit: November to February
The Bottom Line: Best Places To Visit in Thailand
There you have it… The list of the best places to visit in Thailand. We hope you enjoy your vacation!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Places To Visit in Thailand
What is the best part of Thailand to go to?
Thailand is a beautiful country and there are many nice places to visit. But if we have to make a list, here it's:
- Chiang Mai
- Bangkok
- Phuket
- Trang
- Railay Beach
- Ayutthaya
- Phang Naga
- Similian Islands Marine National Park
- Ko Chang
- Khao Sok National Park (southern Thailand)
- Sukhothai Historical Park
- Phi Phi
- Koh Samui
- Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
- Khao Yai National Park (part of UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Phitsanulok
- Ko Tao
- Kanchanaburi City
Is it worth going to Phuket?
Yes. In Phuket, you can relax with the scenery on one of the wonderful sandy beaches. Or by a pool. It is especially suitable for those who want a restful holiday. The views of the city are very beautiful. Delicious food and dynamic nightlife are offered at an affordable price.
How long should you spend in Thailand?
Most people spend about 10 days or two weeks. If you want to visit the many places in the country and experience the best of what it has to offer, this will be enough time. But remember, Thailand is not just about Bangkok. For this reason, it would be more accurate to determine your route before you go and decide according to how many days you will spend.
What should I avoid in Thailand?
We list the 5 things you should avoid in Thailand which are respectful or illegal there.
- Touching people’s heads
- Using your feet except for walking
- Touching the monks
- Taking photos with captured animals
- Using illegal drugs
What is better Krabi or Phuket?
It depends. Phuket is better for lovers of sea activities, lovers of nightlife, and families with children. Krabi is for those looking for a quick holiday.
What's the best time of year to visit Thailand?
If you want to enjoy the beaches November through April would be great.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Phuket?
No. Trains do not go from Bangkok to Phuket in transit. Take the train to Surat Thani and take a bus to Phuket.
What is the most beautiful beach in Thailand?
Thailand is famous for its beaches but here are the best ones:
- Maenam Beach, Koh Samui
- Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
- Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan
- Phra Nang Cave Beach, Krabi
- Sairee Beach, Koh Tao
- Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
- Long Beach, Koh Lanta
- Kata Noi Beach, Phuket
- Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
How safe is Phuket?
Phuket has as many dangers as any city, but it is a safe city to visit. As long as you avoid dodgy neighborhoods and strangers, you should be fine.
How many days in Bangkok is enough?
You need at least five days to explore this wonderful city.
What are the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers?
They are:
- Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai
- Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai
- Railay Beach, Krabi
- Street food in Chinatown, Bangkok
- Nai Yang Beach, Phuket