Thailand is more than just a travel destination. Visiting is a true rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel enthusiasts, the Land of Smiles has something for everyone.
The last time I visited Thailand was in early 2022, when the country introduced strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was one of the hundreds of thousands of tourists allowed into the country at the time, but I felt like I had many of the usually crowded tourist spots all to myself.
The beauty of Thailand is that no matter how many times you visit, it shows you a different side. From the beautiful white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands of the south, to the misty hills and temple-dotted mountains of the north, to the neon-filled hustle and bustle of Bangkok and the ruins of an ancient city surrounded by jungle, Thailand will never let you down.
So what are the best places to visit in Thailand? I reached out to Thailand travel experts and added a little of my own first-person experience to help you narrow down this ever-growing list.
Bangkok
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For most travelers, their Thailand adventure will likely begin in the nonstop, energetic capital of Bangkok. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite cosmopolitan cities, Bangkok is a total sensory overload, but in the best way possible. Eat piping hot street food. Meander through back alleys and bustling boulevards in search of tiny markets, shops, and hidden temples. Cruise along the Chao Phraya River or sip cocktails at one of dozens of sky-high rooftop bars.
Tip: Book a room at Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Two iconic luxury hotels in spectacular locations along the Chao Phraya River.
chiang mai
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Next to Bangkok on most visitors’ lists is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Many travelers prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok due to its relatively slower pace of life. This magnificent city is filled with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-see), restaurants and bars.
“Whether you are going to Thailand for the first time, have been there many times, have been there before, or have not been there yet, I would like to say this. [you have to visit] Chiang Mai is one of those destinations that has something for everyone, says Grant Ekelund, Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor, Senior Travel Consultant and Asia Expert at InsideAsia. Are you a foodie? Do you like to hike? See amazing temples? Have great trekking opportunities? You can do it all. [here]a perfect fit for any itinerary.”
Phi Phi Island
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More than 1,400 islands dot Thailand’s coastline, but few are as famous and iconic as Koh Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea. Consisting of two islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh, Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, great diving, and lively party scene. Of the latter, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, on the other hand, is uninhabited and beloved by people who want to disappear into nature. It became popular nearly 20 years ago when Leonardo DiCaprio’s character set out to find an island paradise in the film The Beach, which was set in the real-life Maya Bay.
krabi
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Speaking of the Phi Phi Islands, it would be foolish not to mention the whole of Krabi province. Located in southern Thailand on the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that Thailand is famous for.
“I have many [trips to] “Krabi is popular these days,” Eklund says. “It ticks a lot of boxes: it’s beautiful, it’s got cool cliffs, it’s got interesting geology. It’s got beaches, but not for people who want to just spend 10 days on the sand. Krabi has activities and things to do.” Attractions include the beach town of Ao Nang, Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach and several national parks.
Koh Yao Noi
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I first visited Thailand in 2013 to a small island called Koh Yao Noi. One of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is dotted off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai. Most of the land here is made up of sandy beaches and small fishing villages, and along the east coast is also home to the luxurious Six Senses Yao Noi Resort. The property’s infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between sky and sea.
Ayutthaya
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Many cities in Thailand have the ability to make visitors feel like they’ve been transported back in time. But few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. Just an hour from Bangkok, it makes for an easy day trip or a fantastic overnight getaway.
Sukhothai
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Sukhothai is also a beautiful ancient city. “Sukhothai is perfect for history buffs. I was fascinated by the beauty of the area and the vastness of the ruins,” says Ekelund. “I felt a deep sense of history as I cycled around the ruins with a guide. Sukhothai is a rural area, difficult to access, and there are not many tourists. Also, no city has been built around it.”
Mae Hong Son Loop
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Of all the places I’ve visited in Thailand, no place left a more lasting impression on me than the Mae Hong Son Loop. Most travelers take this 300-mile route by bike, descending into the jungle and zigzagging through the mountain passes from small village to small village. This is not a light journey (motorcycle experience is highly recommended). But making this trip rewards you with stunning views and access to remote communities.
Khao Yai National Park
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Thailand has over 100 national parks. The oldest is Khao Yai National Park, which is also the third largest national park in Thailand. The park is home to a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and elephant herds.
“There are also a lot of bat caves in Khao Yai. This is one of the most amazing ones I’ve ever experienced,” Ekelund said. “I stood there for 30 minutes with a constant stream of bats flying overhead. Everything was so beautiful. It’s a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking. And it’s only a few hours away. [by car] From Bangkok.”
lampang
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About two hours southeast of Chiang Mai lies the city of Lampang. Like many big cities in Thailand, Lampang has its share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike other places, it feels like a place frozen in time. Just listen to the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, which still serve as a form of transportation, and you’ll see what I mean. Lampang’s important role in the teak trade has seen many immigrants from Myanmar settle in this northern city, and teak mansions and Burmese-style temples can be seen everywhere.
Chiang Rai
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The northern Thai city of Chiang Rai is often glossed over as most tourists choose to stop in Chiang Mai instead. “I’m always surprised by how chill Chiang Rai is,” Ekelund said. “It’s a relaxing place, and there’s a lot to enjoy. It’s a great city for walking around the neighborhoods and watching people go about their daily lives. We enjoyed the mountains, the nearby villages, and the opportunities for cultural exchange.”
phuket
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Any list of the best places to visit in Thailand would not be complete without Phuket. Phuket is famous for its resorts, but there’s a reason for that – the island is beautiful. Thailand’s largest and most accessible island attracts millions of tourists every year for its diverse hotels, white sandy beaches, partying in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and diverse cuisine.
Koh Samui
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Thailand’s second most popular island lies off the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is surrounded by pure white sand beaches, dotted with temples, studded with hiking trails, and dotted with fantastic resorts and lively beach towns and villages.
“It’s hard to beat Koh Samui – it’s just so beautiful,” Ekelund said. “If you want easy access without a full resort stay, I recommend Anantara Bophut – you can walk to Fisherman’s Village and don’t feel ‘stuck’ at a resort. If you want the full resort experience, I’d go for something like Banyan Tree Samui with its private beach and great rooms.”
Koh Tao
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Koh Tao, a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand not far from Koh Samui, is one of the best places in Thailand for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers would say that Koh Tao is their number one destination in Thailand. This palm-fringed island is well known for its abundance of sea turtles.
kanchanaburi
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Kanchanaburi, covered in dense jungle and cut off by miles of railroad tracks once known as the “Death Railway,” has a dark and tragic history. This infamous railway line across the River Kwai was built between 1940 and 1943 by prisoners of war captured by the Japanese army during World War II. Currently, only part of the railway line is open, taking travelers on a journey through Kanchanaburi’s mountain cliffs and bamboo forests. “If you’re interested in history, beautiful scenery, trains and wildlife, you can get it all in Kanchanaburi. It’s also a place less visited by tourists, so there’s a lot to see,” Ekelund said. Told.
Tran
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Trang is a province just south of Krabi, with an equally beautiful stretch of Andaman Sea coastline, minus some of the crowds. There are plenty of islands to explore around Trang, including Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. The crown jewel of Koh Muk is the secret Emerald Cave, entered through a dark tunnel that leads to a protected beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Khao Lak
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Located in Phang Nga province, Khao Lak can be considered a quieter part of Phuket. Less than two hours from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak has miles of vast, empty beaches and easy access to beautiful national parks.
“I’ve been recommending Khao Lak a lot to people looking for a quieter place,” says Eklund. “It’s easily accessible from Phuket International Airport, but it’s a lot more laid back than the other Andaman Islands. It has beautiful beaches, great infrastructure, great places to eat, and it’s not hard to get to.”
pie
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Whether you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop or not, any visit to Northern Thailand will want to include a stop in Pai. Once a sleepy expat community, Pai has transformed into a must-visit backpacker destination. Especially now that cannabis is no longer considered a drug in the country, visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, countless bars, guesthouses, hostels, and even a dispensary or two.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
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Located south of Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan province is best known for the colorful and vibrant beach town of Hua Hin. The province is located in a long and narrow region of Thailand, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. It is home to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand’s first marine national park. The park’s main attractions are a series of spectacular caves and a vast freshwater wetland. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, walking trails, and dense mangrove forests. It is only 1 hour from Hua Hin and 3.5 hours from Bangkok.
Koh Lanta
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This long, narrow island is also located in Krabi province and is one of my favorite places in the country, even though it is lesser known. Koh Lanta is home to beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and Koh Lanta National Park, a great spot for diving and seeing undeveloped beaches.
