Thailand is one of the most diverse places to travel, famous for its stunning islands lined with white-sand beaches in the south, remote hill-tribe villages in the north, and vibrant cultural cities in the center. We love exploring its beautiful temples and UNESCO sites, feasting on delicious street food from night markets, or opting for a rafting adventure deep in the jungle. It’s not called the ‘Land of Smiles’ for nothing! Discover the best places to visit in Thailand with our complete guide.
Best Places to Visit in Thailand
From the temples and night markets of Chiang Mai to the famous party island of Phuket, there is plenty to explore in this spectacular country. In fact, there is such a diverse range of landscapes that you could easily spend a few months here. However, it’s definitely possible to see all the highlights in 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, pick one of the best places to visit in Thailand and stay here to really explore.
Tip: Thailand is very cheap to travel by plane, train, or boat, making it easy to explore for those traveling on a budget!
1. Bangkok
As the capital and epicenter of Thailand, Bangkok really is the best jumping-off point to see the country. In this city of chaos and confusion, the atmosphere, music, smells, and sounds are totally unforgettable. Because of this infectious nature, many people come for a few days and end up staying for weeks.
Read on: best things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok is also known as ‘The Venice of the East’ because of its many canals, which crisscross the city. Take a boat ride along the waters to see colorful floating food markets or enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the city, stopping off for street food, handicrafts, and clothes (don’t forget to negotiate!). Finish the trip with an evening drink at one of the chic rooftop bars for incredible skyline views.
We saw this popular customizable tour of Bangkok, where you can choose exactly where you want to go!
Tip: No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to its incredible temples. Our favorite was Wat Benchamabophit because of its quiet and beautiful location on the edge of the city. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Thailand!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
We recommend the Sukhumvit area, which has great connections for exploring the city. There are lots of accommodation options around here.
However, if you’re after more of a party vibe, then choose somewhere near the infamous Khao San Road.
2. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is loved for its cooler climate and slower pace of life, making it one of the best places to visit in Thailand. We found this cultural gem of the north to be certainly more relaxed. However, it’s easy to fill your days (and nights) with visits to the many temples and markets, and with exploring the many handicraft shops and bookstores.
For coffee lovers, there is a fantastic cafe scene! You can try locally sourced beans and famous dishes like the Chiang Mai specialty Kow Soy (curried broth noodles served with crunchy pickled veggies). Delicious!
Looking for more activities to do? These were all our favorite things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Chiang Mai is also the gateway to Thailand’s beautiful northern mountains, allowing you to explore the remote wilderness.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
We recommend staying in the Old Town. This is the best place for first-time visitors as you are close to everything, including the famous Sunday Night Market.
For something more alternative and trendy, choose the Nimman neighborhood, which also has many great shops and cafes.
3. Pai
Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities lies the peaceful Pai, a cool hippie town with a lovely night market and a variety of restaurants. This place is all about its surroundings, with plenty of rice paddies and stunning nature to see; it certainly tops our list of best places to visit in Thailand!
Where to Stay in Pai
Pai is a top-rated backpacker destination, so there are many hostels, guesthouses, and villas to choose from. Many of these are the typical bamboo huts you’ll find dotted among the rice paddies.
4. Phuket
This massive island may have a reputation as Thailand’s party destination. However, there’s so much more to discover! The nature here is spectacular, with jungles, beaches, small islands, traditional villages, national parks, waterfalls, and incredible wildlife.
If you want to have the chance to see elephants in an ethical environment, then visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. This retirement home for older and injured elephants works tirelessly to rescue these majestical creatures from the logging and tourism industries.
Within Phuket Old Town, discover incredible street art on an organized tour or explore on your own. As you wander the streets, you’ll notice that the architecture and culture slightly differ from mainland Thailand. This is due to Chinese, European, and Malay influences.
Tip: For one of the best views in Thailand, go to the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, located just an hour’s drive away from Phuket.
Where to Stay in Phuket
There is plenty of choice for accommodation in Phuket Old Town. Situate yourself here to be close to the lovely architecture, colorful buildings, and vibrant weekend night market.
If you prefer a more laid-back beach stay, then take a look at Kata or Karon Beach.
5. Krabi
Krabi town, the province’s capital, is the perfect base for exploring the extraordinary nearby islands and mangrove forests. Visitors are spoilt for choice with the stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise ocean, and limestone cliffs.
This is a lively town with a great food scene, night markets, and incredible temples. The diversity of this area makes it one of the best places to visit in Thailand!
Island living is really the best thing about Krabi, and there are plenty of day-trip options to smaller neighboring islands such as Phi Phi and Hong. Spend your days island hopping, snorkeling, and rock climbing, and end the day with a sunset kayak tour and a beach BBQ. Bliss!
Where to Stay in Krabi
There are three main areas to choose from in Krabi, each with its own character. Ao Nang is the most developed, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
If you prefer the backpacker vibe, then Krabi Town is a good option and is slightly cheaper. For those with a bigger budget, Railay has stunning scenery and beautiful sunsets, too.
6. Khao Sok
Khao Sok is a vast national park and one of the most unique and exciting places to visit in Thailand. It has two main areas: Khao Sok Riverside, within the main town, and Cheow Lan Lake, a beautiful man-made lake (also used to power the region) deep in the jungle.
The wildlife is phenomenal, with elephants, gibbons, tigers, and many exotic birds living along the lake’s shores. Lining the water’s edge are charming fishing villages, some of which float on the water itself.
Book an unforgettable tour via the guys at khaosoklake.com
Where to Stay in Khao Sok
There are many guesthouses and hotels to choose from, but for something different, try a Bamboo bungalow! You can even stay in a floating raft house for a unique experience and wake up to the sounds of wildlife.
7. Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks! Situated in the north of the country, it is famous for its incredible temple complex at the top of Thailand’s highest mountain. From the summit, enjoy the stunning views over the region, making it one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Planning your itinerary? Make sure to check our 2-week Thailand route or complete 7-day Thailand itinerary.
The most impressive part of the temple complex is the Royal Twin Pagodas, a must-see at sunrise! Take a hike along the nature trails, where you can take photos from the many viewing points along the way. To get the most out of your trip, we recommend hiring a local hill tribe guide to teach you about the region and its culture.
Where to Stay in Doi Inthanon
We recommend you book in advance as the park has limited accommodation options. You’ll find guesthouses, campsites, and homestays, particularly in the village of Baan Khun Klang, which has more options.
8. Koh Lipe
Part of the Tarutao National Park is Koh Lipe: a ‘paradise’ tropical island close to the border of Malaysia. It really is the perfect island getaway and one of the best places to visit in Thailand! This off-the-beaten-track location has jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches with soft white sand lined with pretty palm trees and clear turquoise water.
Where to Stay on Koh Lipe
The best area to stay is Sunrise Beach, which is a beautiful area away from the busier harbor. Here, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets as well as many local restaurants and cafes.
9. Khao Yai
Khao Yai is a vast national park (the third largest in Thailand!) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a favorite for those who want to see wild elephants, gibbons, and many exotic birds. However, above all, it’s the best place to see bats in their natural habitat, home to the famous Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave, which houses 3 million bats!
Additionally, if you like hiking, Kao Yai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand because of its fantastic nature trails.
Tip: To increase your chances of spotting wildlife, we found a guided trekking tour to be the best option (private or group). We also recommend doing this to see the incredible scenery and learn about the area’s stunning waterfalls, dense forests, mountains, and valleys.
Where to Stay in Khao Yai
If you want to camp inside the national park, there are two campgrounds and a few other basic places to stay that can be booked through the Park’s website. However, most hotels and other accommodation options are outside the park boundaries.
10. Ayutthaya
If you love history, you will be blown away by Ayutthaya—a vast archaeological site and undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Thailand. Awarded UNESCO status, this ancient city is home to six main temples, numerous Buddha statues, enormous Buddhist monasteries, and imposing shrines.
It is possible to explore the park by bicycle or tuk-tuk, or alternatively, take a guided tour. Another option is to discover the city from a different perspective by taking a boat tour, where you can also see the floating markets and try the famous boat noodles.
Any time of day is great for visiting Ayutthaya. However, sunset is supposedly exceptional. Head for Wat Chai Watthanaram, a beautiful spot by the river, to see the illuminated temples as the sun goes down.
Tip: If you are staying a while, check out nearby Lopburi. This ancient city is just one hour away and is the home of hundreds of monkeys!
Where to Stay in Ayutthaya
It is possible to visit on a day trip from Bangkok, as the complex is only an hour away. However, we recommend staying a night or two so you can see the temples at sunrise as well.
Tip: It is best to choose accommodation close to the historical park for easy access.
11. Koh Tao
Beautifully nestled in the Gulf of Thailand is the palm-fringed paradise island of Koh Tao. It takes its name from the many sea turtles that live on its shores, a characteristic that definitely makes it the best place to visit in Thailand!
Koh Tao is also well known for its tropical coral reefs, which you’ll find in the clear waters. This fantastic sea life makes it the perfect place for snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding, especially if you want to get your PADI license.
Where to Stay on Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a popular backpacker destination, so there are many accommodation options for all budgets.
Sairee Beach, in particular, is a great place to stay and is very popular for its great nightlife, restaurants, and bars. For a quieter experience, try Chalok Baan Kao Bay, with its lovely beaches, or Mae Haad Bay, for its incredible sunsets.
12. Phu Langka
Head out to Phu Langka to discover some of the most incredible views in the country. This stunning region in Northern Thailand is known for its protected forests and limestone peaks that often tower out between a blanket of low-hanging clouds.
En route, stop at great coffee spots like Paragraph Cafe or Cafe’ine before heading to the Phayao viewpoint. This large platform atop the high mountain ridge looks over the beautiful valley below.
Tip: Bring layers—it’s slightly cooler up here in the mountains. You should also bring good footwear if you want to make the most of the beautiful hiking trails in the surrounding area.
Read more about the Phu Langka viewpoint in Phayao, Thailand
Where to Stay in Phu Langka
Many people visit the region on a day trip from Chiang Rai, but we recommend staying the night here if you can. That way, you’ll wake up to an incredible sunrise over the surrounding area.
You can stay in the tiny village where you’ll find the viewpoint. All the houses line one street, with a few cafes and restaurants serving food in the morning and evening. There are currently no accommodations on any hotel booking sites. We booked ours by looking at Google Maps and messaging them via FB.
13. Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is perhaps our favorite spot in Thailand! This diverse island has something for everyone: party people can dance the night away at the world-famous Full Moon Party, spiritualists will enjoy hiking to jungle-covered temples, and beachgoers have plenty of incredible options to choose from.
Although you can easily spend two whole weeks here soaking up the many incredible sights (as we did on our last visit to Thailand), two days are enough to cross plenty off the list. Hike to epic viewpoints, snorkel in colorful reefs, or find moments of peace in hidden Buddhist temples.
Where to Stay
Koh Phangan offers a good mix of accommodation options for all travelers. Whether you’re looking for a luxury beach resort for your honeymoon, a remote beach shack to get away from it all, or a lively hostel to make the most of the island’s party atmosphere, you’ll find something within your budget.
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