From the emerald waters of its countless islands to the spires of its towering chedis, Thailand has long been atop many an adventurer’s bucket list. And rightly so — the Southeastern Asian country boasts incredible history, dreamy floating markets, and some of the best beaches on the planet. It’s also home to over 80 canals and lush, steamy forests teeming with elephants, gibbons, porcupines, king cobras, critically-endangered Indochinese tigers, and more.
With so much to see, it’s challenging to know where to start, and even harder or to beat that aching feeling that you’re missing out on something. But don’t worry, we’ve done all the work for you with our shortlist of the very best places to visit in Thailand complete with additional points of interest near each one.
1. Bangkok
We really couldn’t start this list any other way than with a visit to Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok. Scurry into a tuk tuk and savour the scents of lemongrass and coconut milk drifting from streetside eateries while you weave between the lanes of city traffic.
Next, take a trip to the Grand Palace, a stunning complex and historical residence of the country’s royal family. Then take in the city’s ancient temples and rooftop bars or discover what Thailand’s food scene has to offer, whether in one of its high-end restaurants or its many steaming night markets. If you’ve got more time and some Baht to spare, head to IconSiam or Siam Paragon, some of Asia’s most luxurious shopping malls.
Place to visit nearby: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is about an hour and a half from Bangkok, roughly 100 km. With vendors selling everything from kitchenware to tropical fruits from tiny boats on waterways, this is a unique experience not to be missed.
2. Chiang Mai
Next up is the city of Chiang Mai, one of the best places to visit in Northern Thailand. A cultural hub known for its incredible mountain vistas, adventurers flock to marvel at its ancient city walls or check out Wat Phra Singh or Wat Chedi Luang, two beautiful temples dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Chiang Mai is also known for its annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival, which takes place during a full moon every November. The spectacular event sees thousands of lanterns released into the sky to symbolise the release of misfortune and the embracement of prosperity — a perfect opportunity for photography buffs.
Place to visit nearby: Just 15km away from Chiang Mai you’ll find Doi Suthep, an impressive temple perched on a mountain. Don’t worry if the 306 steps to the top don’t thrill you, there’s a charming funicular too.
3. Ayutthaya
UNESCO World Heritage site and now one of Thailand’s greatest tourist attractions, the historic city of Ayutthaya is well known for its ruins, stupas, ancient temples, and of course that iconic head from a Buddha statue entwined in the roots of a banyan tree.
Located less than 100 km from Bangkok, this second capital of the Siamese Kingdom makes for a fantastic day trip, and is the perfect spot for history enthusiasts. Best to come prepared with plenty of water and find a knowledgeable guide to get a comprehensive understanding of the site’s significance.
Place to visit nearby: Extend your visit with a trip to Bang Pa-In around 20 km away (about half an hour by car). This 17th century summer palace offers beautiful scenery, manicured lawns, ornate structures, and a Thai pavilion that looks like it’s floating on water.
4. Phuket
Of course, no trip would be complete without getting out of the cities and beelining for the coast — and more specifically, for the eternal beauty of Thailand’s islands. Famous for its pristine beaches and glassy waters, Phuket offers stunning scenery, luxury resorts and sky bars on tap.
If you’re looking for something beyond sea bathing and sunset parties, take the jungle trail from Karon beach up to the Big Buddha. It’s just over 2km (1.24 mi) so be prepared to get your sweat on, but the views of Phuket town and the southern part of the island will be oh-so-worth-it. Or, if diving and water sports are more your thing, take advantage of the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea surrounding the island.
Place to visit nearby: Take a taxi or shuttle to one of Phuket’s piers and book a boat trip to Phang Nga Bay, located around 40km (24.85 mi) away. Known for its limestone cliffs that stand in the emerald water, its mangrove forests, coral reefs, lagoons and small islands, this is as close to paradise as you can get.
5. Koh Phi Phi Le
If island hopping calls to you, why not take a sailing tour from Phuket and head to Koh Phi Phi (you can even stop at Phang Nga Bay en route). Famous for its appearance in The Beach, and one of the six islands that make up the Phi Phi group, Koh Phi Phi offers stunning scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s also possible to visit Maya Bay, though be prepared for crowds as it remains an eternally popular spot even 20+ years after the film’s release.
Place to visit nearby: Consider exploring neighbouring islands like Koh Lanta or Bamboo Island to see more of Thailand’s beaches and enjoy a more relaxing atmosphere. There’s excellent snorkelling too.
6. Ko Samui
At number six is Thailand’s second largest island, Ko Samui. Located in the Gulf of Thailand and teeming with culture, 5-star resorts, and wildlife, Ko Samui has endless appeal. It’s also an alternative to the traditionally popular (but sometimes overwhelmed) Phuket and home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches including Taling Ngam and Chaweng.
Ko Samui is the perfect place to activate your retreat setting. Take advantage of all kinds of wellness activities like Thai training, yoga, cooking courses, and even spa treatments. Or, explore the island by car to visit other attractions like the Wat Plai Laem Buddhist temple complex, Lamai Night Market or Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
Place to visit nearby: A visit to the stunning Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must. About 45 minutes to an hour away by boat, this incredible archipelago is known for its snorkelling, diving, hiking, and bird watching opportunities. Nature photographers, be sure to look out for brahminy kites and white-bellied sea eagles!
7. Khao Yai
Forming the habitat for over 350 endangered species and covering four provinces, Khao Yai is one of Thailand's national parks that simply can’t be missed. It’s also the country’s oldest national park and is well known for its hiking trails through dense rainforest and beautiful waterfalls, including Haew Suwat, another of Thailand’s natural treasures featured in The Beach.
Khao Yai is also one of the best national parks in Thailand for seeing wild elephants. We’d recommend a guided walk for this, or waiting until sundown and heading out on a night safari. At the right time of day you might even be lucky enough to glimpse other wildlife too, like white-handed gibbons, hornbills, or serows.
Place to visit nearby: After a long day of hiking, hang up your boots and relax with some local wine-tasting-with-a-view at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery just a half hour drive away.
8. Erawan
Another hotspot for adventurers hoping to get a closer look at Thailand’s animals and stunning nature, Erawan National Park is well worth a stop. Be prepared for lush jungle, exciting hikes and maybe even a spotting of sambar deers, wild boars, and elephants.
Having said this, one of the things that makes this national park especially distinctive is its waterfalls. The seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall is an incredible feature, and visitors can cool off in its emerald-green pools. If you’ve had a good breakfast and feel ready for a more strenuous hike, you can climb beyond the first three tiers up the steep 2km (1.24 mi) ascent to more levels.
Place to visit nearby: A sobering end to the day and about an hour away by car you can visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial, commemorating the prisoners of war who worked and died on the Thai-Burma Railway during World War Two.
9. Pai
Grab your swimsuit and unwind in the hot springs of Pai, a laid-back mountain town in the Mae Hong Soon province. One of the best places to visit in northern Thailand, Pai is the perfect quiet retreat to break up days of city travel and crowds.
Alongside scenic landscapes and waterfalls, you can also visit Pai Canyon, located about 15 minutes away from town by car. This unique formation offers picture-perfect views — just bring a good pair of trekking shoes as the climb up can be sandy and slippery in places.
Place to visit nearby: A short hop from Pai you’ll find Mo Paeng waterfall, which features a natural slide and a couple of pools available for swimming. The water is known to be very cold, so best reserved for warmer days.
10. Trang
A lesser-known province yet undoubtedly one of the unmissable places to visit in southern Thailand, Trang is a coastal wonderland. It’s known for its mangrove-lined shores and Morakot (Emerald) Cave, which braver adventurers can swim through to discover a hidden beach. Just bring a waterproof flashlight if you want to give that a shot.
If that’s not your thing, head to Trang city and enjoy a taste or two of some delicious southern Thai food. Early risers might even want to check out local dim sum halls, which can open for breakfast as early as 4am.
Place to visit nearby: Be sure to check out the protected Hat Chao Mai National Park for limestone caves, mangrove forests, and more secluded beaches.
11. Kanchanaburi
A sombre yet much-frequented destination for history buffs, Kanchanaburi is a must for anyone wanting to learn more about the ‘Death Railway’ built by prisoners of war during the Second World War. Definitely important to invest in a guide if you’re looking to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the site, the memorial, and its museums. The railway crosses over the River Khwae Yai as depicted in 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai and you can also visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery located close by.
Place to visit nearby: After your visit, drive about an hour northwest to Sai Yok Noi waterfall for a relaxing swim or peaceful picnic. There are plenty of booth vendors nearby to help you find the perfect snack.
12. Nakhon Pathom
One of the best places to visit in Central Thailand, Nakhon Pathom is a culturally rich ancient city that serves as a gateway for exploring Thailand’s early Buddhist history. It’s also home to the absolutely stunning Phra Pathom Chedi, which is the tallest stupa in the world at over 120m tall. Take a few hours to explore the site, shrines, and dome before tucking into some khao moo daeng for lunch. This red barbecued pork and rice combo is Nakhon Pathom’s signature dish.
Place to visit nearby: Head to Sampran Riverside half an hour southeast by car or taxi for landscaped gardens and traditional Thai shows.
