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.
I last visited Thailand in early 2022, when the country introduced strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of hundreds of thousands of tourists allowed into the country, but I felt like I had many of the normally crowded tourist spots to myself.
The charm of Thailand is that no matter how many times you visit, it shows you a different side. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands of the south to the misty hillsides and temple-filled mountains of the north, the rattles and hums of Bangkok echo under the constant neon lights of Thailand. to the ruins of an ancient city surrounded by jungle. We 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 begins in Bangkok, the non-stop energetic capital. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite cosmopolitan cities, Bangkok is a total sensory overload, but in the best way. Eat hot street food. Wind through back alleys and busy boulevards in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples. Cruise along the Chao Phraya River or enjoy a cocktail at one of the 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 told by Grant Ekelund, Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor, Senior Travel Consultant and Asia Expert at InsideAsia. This is one of his destinations that has something for everyone. Are you a foodie? Do you like to hike? Can you see the beautiful temple?Have a great trekking opportunity? You can do it all. [here]And it fits perfectly into 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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Although we are talking about Phi Phi Islands, it would be remiss of us not to mention Krabi province as a whole. Located in southern Thailand and bordering the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that Thailand is famous for.
“I have a lot of reservations. [trips to] Krabi these days,” Ekelund said. It has beauty, cool cliffs, and interesting geology. There is a beach, but it’s for people who don’t want to just park on the sand for 10 days. There are many activities to enjoy in Krabi. ” Highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands such as 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 have traveled back in time. But few create illusions as vividly as Ayutthaya. The ruins of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. It’s only an hour from Bangkok, making it a quick day trip or a great overnight trip.
Sukhothai
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Sukhothai is also a beautiful ancient city. “Sukhothai is a place for history buffs. I was fascinated by the beauty of the area and the extent of the ruins,” Ekelund said. “We cycled through the ruins with a guide and got a great feel for the history. Sukhothai is more rural and difficult to access, so there are fewer tourists. Also, no city has been built around it. .”
Mae Hong Son Loop
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Of all the places I have visited in Thailand, none sticks in my memory as much as Mae Hong Son Loop. This 300-mile route is best attempted by travelers on the back of a motorbike, descending into deep jungle and braving mountain switchbacks passing from small village to small village. It is not a journey to be taken lightly. The bike experience is highly recommended. But those who make the trip are rewarded with stunning scenery 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 the country. 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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The city of Lampang is located approximately two hours southeast of Chiang Mai. Like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike other places, it feels like a place where time has stopped. Just listen to the rattling sound of the horse-drawn carriages still used for transportation and you’ll see what I mean. Due to Lampang’s important role in the teak trade, many immigrants from Myanmar have settled in this northern city, and teak mansions and Burmese-style temples can be found everywhere.
Chiang Rai
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Chiang Rai, a city in northern Thailand, is often glossed over as most tourists choose to stop in Chiang Mai instead. “I’m always surprised by how cold Chiang Rai is,” Ekelund said. “This is a relaxing place and there are lots of fun things to do. It’s a great city to walk through the neighborhoods and watch people go about their daily lives. Enjoy the mountains, nearby villages, and opportunities for cultural exchange.” I did.”
phuket
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No list of the best places to visit in Thailand would be complete without Phuket. Phuket has a reputation for being packed with resort after resort, but there’s actually a reason for that: the island is a beautiful place. Thailand’s largest and most accessible island attracts millions of tourists each year for its diverse selection of hotels, white-sand beaches, Patong parties, colorful snorkeling and eclectic gastronomy.
Koh Samui
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Thailand’s second most popular island is located off the east coast of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is surrounded by white sandy beaches, dotted with temples, an endless network of hiking trails, stunning resorts and vibrant beach towns and villages.
“Koh Samui is hard to beat. It’s just beautiful,” Ekelund said. “If you want easy access without having to stay a full resort, I recommend Anantara Bophut. You can walk to the Fisherman’s Village and you won’t feel ‘stuck’ at the resort.” If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui with a private beach and great rooms. ”
Koh Tao
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Located in the Gulf of Thailand, not far from Koh Samui, the small island of Koh Tao is one of the best places in the country for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers will tell you that Koh Tao is their number one destination in Thailand. Surrounded by palm trees, this island is best 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, except for some of the crowds. There are many islands to explore around Trang, including Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. The treasure of Muku Island is the secret Emerald Cave. It can be entered through a dark tunnel, leading 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 promoting Khao Lak quite a bit for people who want something quiet,” Ekelund said. “Phuket International Airport is easily accessible, but it’s much colder than the rest of the Andaman Islands. It’s not difficult to get to, with beautiful beaches, good infrastructure, and great dining spots.”
pie
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Whether you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop or not, you’ll want to stop in Pai when visiting northern Thailand. Once a sleepy community filled with expats, Pai has transformed into a must-see destination for backpackers. Visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, countless bars, guesthouses, hostels, and a dispensary or two, especially now that cannabis is no longer considered a drug in the country.
Khao Sam Loi Yo National Park
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Prachuap Khiri Khan province, south of Bangkok, is best known for the charming and exuberant beach town of Hua Hin. The state stretches along a narrow arm of the country, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. It is home to Thailand’s first marine national park, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The park’s popular attractions include a series of spectacular caves and a vast freshwater wetland. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, boardwalks, and deep mangrove forests. It’s only an hour from Hua Hin and about 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.
