When many people think of Thailand, images of relaxing on pristine beaches with a cool drink in hand conjure up images.
Thailand certainly has it all when it comes to sandy beach fun, but the country, which covers an area of over 513 square kilometers (198 square miles), also boasts pristine forestlands, picturesque mountains, vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and of course, cities with their own unique history and culture. Contrary to what many believe, Thailand is a multifaceted destination, appealing to everyone from hedonistic foodies to enlightened ascetics (and everyone in between).
Those who love flying and lazing on the beach will of course head to the tropical islands. Most first-time visitors to Thailand will also do so, attracted by the variety of destinations that dot the country’s waters. Similarly, big cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai are perfect for culture buffs, while nature lovers will find it best to explore the emerald green mountains of the north and northeast of the kingdom and the jungles along the Myanmar border. Getting around is easy, with a good rail infrastructure and plenty of buses, ferries, car rentals and airports. All you have to do is choose the places to visit in Thailand that best suit your interests.
Enjoy street food and people-watching among Bangkok’s backpacker scene © Kritsaroot Udkwae / Shutterstock
1. Bangkok
Great city for dining and nightlife
Many travelers visiting Thailand will land in Bangkok and then immediately move on to another destination. That’s fine, but you might be missing out on a city that’s strangely underrated, despite being set to welcome more tourists than any other city in the world in 2023. After all, Bangkok is a great starting point for day trips to the surrounding areas, with floating markets and beaches to the south and a popular national park to the north, making it a great place to stay for at least a few days before heading off to other parts of Thailand.
With over 10 million inhabitants, Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis. But getting around Bangkok well only requires a little advance preparation. The city has over 320,000 restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from Thai to Ethiopian to Latvian, and with over 500,000 food stalls, you can enjoy a meal anywhere in Bangkok, 24 hours a day. In Bangkok, or Krungthep Mahanakhon (“City of Angels”), the world is yours… or a skewer of chicken satay, or a bowl of soupy noodles.
Bangkok’s bars and clubs offer an astonishing range of styles and drinks. Four of the establishments on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list are in Bangkok. The city is also popular for speakeasy-type places and Japanese-inspired bars (Japanese people are one of the largest expat communities in Bangkok). If you’re after a drink, you won’t go thirsty: try Q&A Bar’s Pinkish, a Negroni with a twist of rhubarb and grapefruit gin, Vesper’s strong Old Fashioned with turmeric, or Bamboo Bar’s classic, crisp martini.
Planning tip: Bars and clubs in Bangkok are not allowed to stay open all night – in fact, most close relatively early at 1am.
2. Chiang Mai
A great city for temple-hopping
Former capital of the North Lanna Kingdom, the Chiang Mai region is home to more than 300 temples. Some, like Doi Suthep, offer spectacular views, while others, like Wat Suan Dok, serve as the burial grounds for the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royals. Charming, weathered Wat Chedi Luang, built in 1385, is conveniently located right in the heart of the Old Town, while Wat Phra Singh, home to the Lion Buddha, has a gilded pagoda that sparkles in the sunlight.
But there’s much more to see than the temples. Northern Thai cuisine is different to other Thai cuisines, influenced by Chinese elements and nearly 200 years of Burmese rule. Northern Thais dress and dance in unique ways and speak their own dialect called Khum Muang. The many open-air markets, such as Talat Warorot and Talat Jin Jai, sell food, clothing and trinkets that make perfect souvenirs.
Planning Tip: Chiang Mai is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains, caves and waterfalls. Allow at least three days to see them all. From late February to early April, Chiang Mai is shrouded in smoke as farmers burn land in the mountains to plant crops. Opt for Thailand’s “winter” or rainy season, from November to January.
Phuket has the best beaches and is packed with culture © anekoho / Shutterstock
3. Phuket
The perfect island for cultural fusion
Phuket may be Thailand’s largest island, but it’s home to a culture entirely different to the rest of the country – a mix of Hokkien, Thai and Malaysian elements. Dishes like Hokkien fried noodles, Oe Woo (a jelly made from plant seeds), O Tao (an oyster omelette topped with pork skin) and Moo Hong (a braised pork belly stew) are all dishes that originated in Phuket and are hard to find in other parts of Thailand. It’s no wonder that Phuket is one of Thailand’s most visited tourist destinations.
Phuket’s architecture is also unique, a testament to its Portuguese past. Sino-Portuguese shophouses, with their distinctive colours, tiles and mix of Western and Eastern styles, line the streets of the Old Town and are reminiscent of those in Penang and Singapore. Boasting top-notch beaches and old town culture, Phuket is perfect for first timers and couples and can easily be spent for a week.
Planning tip: September to October is the rainy season in Phuket, so avoid visiting the island during this time. Apart from Phuket, there are plenty of other great destinations worth visiting.
4. The Far North
Great area for hiking
The pinnacle of northern Thailand known as the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, has been a destination for nature lovers for decades. Exploring the region by motorbike, mountain bike or simply on foot not only offers impressive natural beauty but also the chance to visit both Laos and Myanmar (although usually only for a short time). Once known as a major producer of opium, the Golden Triangle is now the place to cruise along the Mekong River against a spectacular backdrop, camp in mild weather for Thailand, or visit an elephant camp (or all three).
Former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, tranquil Chiang Rai is just 9 km (6 miles) south of the Golden Triangle and is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. The city also has its own attractions, including the world-famous Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), which is worth a day of exploration.
Planning tip: It takes 1.5 hours to get from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle. In addition to renting a car, you can also take a taxi or bus, which will cost around 950 baht and 400 baht respectively.
Thailand’s famous floating market, Damnoen Saduak, is located southwest of Bangkok © Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images
5. Upper Bay
Best Areas for Floating Markets
The area south of Bangkok is easily accessible from the capital, just over an hour’s drive away (depending on traffic), and is home to some of Thailand’s most famous floating markets, including Damnoen Saduak (busiest in the early morning) and Amphawa (popular with locals and with a stronger nightlife vibe).
You’ll also find the famous Maeklong Railway Market here, where vendors pull up some of their stalls to allow trains to pass (slowly) six times a day. In Bang Kachao, nicknamed “Bangkok’s green lung” for its proximity to the capital, you can rent a bike and ride along concrete walkways and through canals where monitor lizards hide to reach Talat Nam Bang Nam Phueng, the island’s own floating market. You can also take a day trip from Bangkok to the beach to enjoy the sea breeze and fresh seafood (Pattaya is only a two-hour car or bus ride, after all).
Planning tip: Apart from driving, you can also take a taxi, bus or train to tourist sites like Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, and spend the night by the water.
6. Khao Yai National Park
Great for wildlife
A two-and-a-half hour drive from Bangkok, Khao Yai has been a popular weekend getaway for nature-loving Bangkokians for decades, and as a result there are plenty of homes, hotels, restaurants, shops and even an amusement park dotted around Thailand’s third-largest national park – unsurprisingly, it’s an ideal place to visit with the whole family.
Its main attraction, of course, is its size of 2,166 square kilometers (836 square miles), making it Thailand’s most visited national park. Blessed with hiking trails for everyone from beginners to experienced trekkers, cooling waterfalls, and a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, leopards, bears, and elephants, Khao Yai offers hours of fun for people of all ages. You can hire park rangers to help you spot animals and guide you to the best places to spot them, or to show you the best viewpoints and waterfalls nearby.
Planning tip: If you plan on going out for wildlife viewing, you’ll need to hire a guide in advance. Park rangers can be found on the park’s website.
Koh Samui is the gateway to Ang Thong National Park in the Gulf of Thailand © MaRabelo / Getty Images
7. Koh Samui
The perfect island for water sports
When you think of an ideal tropical island with soft beaches and turquoise waters, you’ll probably think of Koh Samui. Though not as popular as Phuket, Thailand’s second largest island still attracts more than two million tourists a year, making it one of the country’s most visited islands.
Koh Samui is home to a multitude of stunning beaches, Ang Thong National Park – an archipelago of islands perfect for snorkelling and sea kayaking, the easy swim of Namuang Waterfall, Silver Beach – a favourite with snorkellers – and countless scuba diving spots. Land-based attractions are also plentiful, including fishing villages, golf courses and an incredible number of wellness retreats.
Planning tip: Koh Samui has a surprisingly long “dry season” from December through to August, with very little chance of rain.
8. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai
The perfect destination for history lovers
The historic city of Ayutthaya served as the capital of Siam from the 14th to the 18th centuries, before being sacked by the Burmese. The city’s ruins have since been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are a great place for climbing and exploring. Bike rentals on the edge of the historical park make Ayutthaya even easier to navigate, allowing you to spend a pleasant morning enjoying culture and exercise beneath the greenery of the trees.
The first capital of Siam, Sukhothai was built on a small scale and bike rentals are permitted, making it a great place for families with young children to experience history hands-on. A World Heritage Site, Sukhothai’s pagodas and Buddha statues are also perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds, as it is less tourist-frequented than its sister city to the south.
Planning tip: You can get to Ayutthaya by riverboat, which takes up to an hour from Bangkok (shorter than driving), and you can get to Sukhothai by plane, train, bus, or car.
This article was first published on September 5, 2021 and updated on December 16, 2023.
