When people think of Thailand, they often think of relaxing on pristine beaches with a refreshing cold drink in hand.
Thailand is certainly blessed in terms of pastimes of the sandy beach persuasion, but this country of more than 513 square kilometers (198 square miles) also boasts virgin forests, picturesque mountains, vibrant nightlife, and raucous There are new markets and, of course, cities with their own charms. history and culture. Contrary to what many believe, Thailand is a multifaceted destination that attracts everyone from hedonistic gourmets to enlightenment-seeking ascetics (and everyone in between) .
Fly and flop enthusiasts will of course head to a tropical island. Most people visiting the country for the first time are dazzled by the variety of destinations that dot Thailand’s waters. Similarly, big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are perfect for cultured vultures, while nature lovers are best off exploring the emerald green mountains in the north and northeast of the kingdom and the jungles along the Myanmar border. is. Getting around is easy thanks to the extensive rail infrastructure, buses, ferries, car rentals and airports. Simply choose the Thailand destination that best suits your interests.
Enjoy street food and people-watching with backpackers in Bangkok © Kritsaroot Udkwae / Shutterstock
1. Bangkok
Best city for food and nightlife
Many travelers to Thailand arrive in Bangkok and quickly move on to another destination. That’s all well and good, but they may be missing out on a strangely underrated city that will welcome more tourists than any other city in the world by 2023. After all, Bangkok is a great starting point for day trips to the surrounding region, with floating markets and beaches to the south and popular national parks to the north. As such, it is a great place to stay for at least a few days before heading to another part of Thailand.
Bangkok is a vast metropolis with a population of over 10 million people. But all you really need to get around Bangkok is a little preparation. The city’s over 320,000 restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines, from Thai to Ethiopian to Latvian, and over 500,000 street food stalls make it possible to get food 24 hours a day, no matter where you are in Bangkok. can. In Bangkok, or Krungthep Mahanakorn (“City of Angels”), the world is your oyster…, chicken satay skewer, or bowl of soup noodles.
Bangkok’s bars and clubs offer an incredible range of styles and drinks. Four of the establishments featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list are in Bangkok. The city is popular for Japanese-style bars as well as places like moonshine shops (Japanese are one of Bangkok’s largest expat communities). If you want a drink, you won’t go thirsty. Come spring, enjoy Q&A Bar’s pink quiche, a twist on the Negroni with rhubarb and grapefruit gin, Vesper’s potent Old Fashioned with turmeric, or classic wines. , Bamboo Bar Crispy Martini.
Planning tip: Bars and clubs in Bangkok are not allowed to stay open all night. In fact, most bars close as early as 1am.
2. Chiang Mai
Best city for temples
The Chiang Mai region, the former capital of the Northern Lanna Empire, is home to more than 300 temples. Some places, like Doi Suthep, are famous for their stunning viewpoints. There are also burial sites for the remains of Chiang Mai’s former royal family, such as Wat Suandok. The weather-beaten yet charming Wat Chedi Luang was founded in his 1385 year and is conveniently located in the middle of the old city. Meanwhile, Wat Phra Singh, home of the Lion Buddha, has golden pagodas that dazzle in the sunlight.
However, there are many other attractions besides temples. Northern Thailand’s cuisine, unlike other Thai cuisines, is influenced by Chinese elements and nearly 200 years of Burmese rule. The people of northern Thailand not only dress and dance uniquely, but also speak their own dialect called Khummuang. Numerous outdoor markets, such as Talat Warorot and Talat Jin Jai, sell food, clothing, and small items perfect for souvenirs.
Planning tip: Chiang Mai is a great base from which to explore the surrounding mountains, caves, and waterfalls. It will take at least three days to see everything. Chiang Mai is usually filled with smoke from late February to early April as farmers burn down mountain land to plant their crops. Choose Thailand’s “winter” or rainy season from November to January.
Phuket has top-class beaches and is packed with culture © anekoho / Shutterstock
3. Phuket
The perfect island for cultural fusion
Although Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, it has a very different culture from the rest of Thailand, with a mix of Fujian Chinese, Thai and Malaysian elements. Hokkien fried noodles, oh au (jelly made from plant seeds), oh tao (oyster omelet topped with pork skin), and mu hong (braised pork belly stew) are all dishes that originated in Phuket and are difficult to eat. . It can also be found in other parts of Thailand. It’s no wonder then why Phuket is one of the most visited destinations in Thailand.
Phuket’s architecture is also unique and evidence of its Portuguese-ruled past. Sino-Portuguese style shophouses with unique colors, tiles and a blend of both Western and Eastern styles line the streets of the old city, reminiscent of those in Penang and Singapore. With its top-notch beaches and old town culture, Phuket is perfect for first-timers and couples who can easily spend a week there.
Planning tip: September to October is Phuket’s rainy season, so try to avoid the island during this time. There are many other great destinations you can consider visiting besides Phuket.
4. Far North
Best area for hiking
The apex of Thailand’s far north, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, known as the Golden Triangle, has served as a destination for avid nature lovers for decades. Exploring the region by motorcycle, mountain bike, or simply on foot offers not only stunning natural beauty, but also the chance to visit both Laos and Myanmar (usually for short periods of time). Once known as a major opium-producing region, the Golden Triangle is now a tourist destination where tourists cruise the Mekong River against a backdrop of spectacular scenery, camp in the mild (for Thailand) climate, and visit the Golden Triangle. It has become a place to visit elephant camps (or all three).
Sleepy Chiang Rai, the former capital of the Lanna dynasty, is just 9 km (6 miles) south of the Golden Triangle and is an ideal place to explore the surrounding area. The city also has its own tourist attractions, such as the world-famous Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), which alone is worth a day to explore.
Planning tip: It’s a 1.5-hour journey from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle. In addition to renting a car, you can also rent a taxi or bus. The cost is approximately 950 or 400 Baht each.
Damnoen Saduak, Thailand’s famous floating market, is located in the southwest of Bangkok © Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images
5. Upper Bay
Best area for floating market
The area south of Bangkok is easily accessible from the capital, taking just an hour’s drive (depending on traffic). It’s 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 more of a nightlife vibe).
The famous Mae Klong Railway Market is also here, with vendors setting up some of their stalls to accommodate the (slow) passage of trains six times a day. In Bangkachao, nicknamed “Bangkok’s green lung” due to its proximity to the capital, rent a bike and ride along deserted concrete paths, across canals where monitor lizards hide, and explore the island’s unique floating market, Talat Nang Bang. arrive at. Nam Poon. You can also take a day trip to the beach from Bangkok to enjoy the sea breeze and fresh seafood (Pattaya is just a 2-hour drive or bus ride).
Planning tip: Besides driving, you can also take taxis, buses, and trains to places like Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, and even stay overnight by the water.
6. Khao Yai National Park
perfect for wildlife
A 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, Khao Yai has been a popular weekend getaway for nature-loving Bangkokians for decades. As a result, the area surrounding Thailand’s third-largest national park is dotted with residential buildings, hotels, restaurants, shops, and even an amusement park. Naturally, it is an ideal place to bring the whole family.
The main attraction is, of course, the 2,166 square kilometers (836 square miles) that make up Thailand’s most visited national park. Blessed with an abundance of hiking trails for everyone from beginners to experienced trekkers, cool waterfalls and a wide variety of wildlife including monkeys, leopards, bears and elephants, Khao Yai provides hours of fun for people of all ages. Provide entertainment. You can also hire park rangers to help spot animals by guiding visitors to areas where they are likely to encounter animals, or to the best nearby lookouts and waterfalls.
Planning tip: If you’re going on a wildlife viewing trip, you’ll need to hire a guide in advance. Park rangers can be found on the park 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 probably think of Koh Samui. Although not as popular as Phuket, Thailand’s second largest island still receives more than 2 million tourists a year, making it one of the most visited islands in the country.
Koh Samui is home to many stunning beaches, as well as Ang Thong National Park, a chain of islands perfect for snorkeling and sea kayaking, easy swimming at Na Mueang Waterfall, snorkeller-favorite Silver Beach, and countless spots for scuba diving. there is. Land-based attractions also abound, including fishing villages, golf courses, and a surprising number of wellness retreats.
Planning tip: Koh Samui’s “dry season” is surprisingly long from December to August, with minimal chance of rain.
8. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai
The perfect destination for history buffs
The historic city of Ayutthaya served as the capital of Siam from the 14th to the 18th century until it was sacked by the Burmese. The remains of the city have since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making them perfect material for scrambling and exploration. Bicycle rentals located at the edge of the historical park make Ayutthaya even easier to navigate, allowing you to spend a comfortable morning enjoying culture and exercise under a canopy of green foliage.
Sukhothai, Siam’s first capital, was built on a small scale and bike rentals are available, making it an ideal historical experience for families with young children. Sukhothai’s pagodas and Buddha statues, also a World Heritage Site, receive fewer visitors than its neighbor to the south, making it a more pleasant destination for those looking to avoid crowds.
Planning tip: Ayutthaya can be accessed by river boat. It takes up to an hour from Bangkok (less time than driving). Reach Sukhothai by plane, train, bus or car.
This article was first published on September 5, 2021 and updated on December 16, 2023.
