It is always a sunny day in the Land of Smiles. The equatorial sun casts its light on the brilliant blue sea while the powdery shores beckon you to run along it. The cities take you on an electrifying adventure full of flavors, sounds, and flickering lights. Meanwhile, lavish temples tell the tale of the country’s magnificent past and ravishing culture. In a nutshell, Thailand is simply incredible. So, check out the 15 best places to visit in Thailand and get the best out of this bucket list country!
Best Places to Visit in Thailand
- Chiang Mai
- Bangkok
- Phuket
- Krabi
- Chiang Rai
- Pattaya
- Ayutthaya
- Sukhothai
- Trang
- Koh Samui
- Koh Lanta
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Tao
- Similan Island
- Khao Yai National Park
Chiang Mai
Get a taste of authentic Thailand in the exceptional city of Chiang Mai. Temples are scattered throughout the city, telling travelers the truth about Thailand’s fascinating Buddhist culture. Jungle-cloaked mountains and lush rice fields create an astonishing backdrop for the temples’ lavish facade. Night markets light up the streets as the sun goes down, offering a generous choice of Northern Thailand flavors. With all it has to offer, Chiang Mai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Get ready to be stunned by Chiang Mai’s exceptional temples and mountainous landscapes. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most visited and looks stunning with its gilded facade. Wat Suan Dok sends out a peaceful vibe, inviting you to take a deep breath. Other than temples, you can greet the gentle Thai elephants in Elephant Nature Park. End the day by hunting for street food and quirky souvenirs at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Bangkok
Your Thailand itinerary won’t be complete without visiting the sleepless capital. Lights flicker from the skyscrapers, the sound of Tuktuk engines and car honks fill the streets, colossal malls boast an unmatched shopping scene, and nightclubs boom never-ending EDM tracks. On the other hand, Bangkok keeps its history and traditional culture alive. Wat Arun Temple stuns on the banks of the Chao Praya River, the Temple of Emerald Buddha showcases Thailand’s lavish architecture, and locals bustle in the legendary floating market. The perfect blend of the old and new makes Bangkok one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Whether you are a shopaholic or a foodie, Bangkok has something for you! Spend the day exploring the temples, like Wat Arun and Grand Palace. Head to Michelin-rated yet humble restaurants and savor some delightful Thai food, like tom yum and beef noodles. Say yes to a bewildering shopping experience in Siam Paragon and CentralWorld. Alternatively, head to Chatuchak Weekend Market to shop some traditional crafts and souvenirs to bring back home. Last but not least, end the day with some beers and have a good time with your travel buddies in Bangkok’s party streets.
Phuket
Does someone say beach vacation? Well, Phuket should be in that conversation! This southern Thailand island is a world-class beach destination. White sand beaches, turquoise-coloured Andaman Sea, and jaw-dropping limestone cliffs wove Phuket’s extraordinary natural scenery. Besides that, Phuket attracts a lot of travelers for its line of sumptuous beach resorts, top-notch wellness facilities, and dreamy island life.
You might want to bask in the sunny beaches and spend long days uncovering Phuket’s underwater beauty. However, Phuket also offers thrilling cultural, historical, and gastronomy experiences! Climb up to the Big Buddha, a 45-meter-tall Buddha statue standing on the top of a hill. Then, head to Phuket City where Sino-Portuguese buildings line and create a nostalgic atmosphere. Additionally, make sure to dig in some flavorful Southern Thailand cuisine. Phuket is one of the best places to visit in Thailand, especially if you love beaches.
Krabi
Sitting next to Phuket, Krabi is the answer to your wildest beach vacation dreams. The glimmering sea boasting an incredible gradient of turquoise and blue, powdery shores fringed by palm trees, and jungle-cloaked limestone cliffs in Krabi will take your breath away. Moreover, the coastal town is home to some of the most stunning places on earth, like Phi Phi Islands and Railay Beach.
Every day is a beach day in Krabi. You can start by visiting the Ao Nang Peninsula, where golden sand beaches beckon you to get the perfect tan. Railay Beach beckons you to splash into its crystal clear waters. Meanwhile, Phi Phi Islands is simply unmissable. You can sail along the towering limestone cliffs, go snorkeling and see its wonderful underwater scene, or kayak around the glimmering archipelago. Besides that, inland Krabi offers a lot of things to do. You can do rock climbing, check out the night market, and see the iconic Tiger Cave Temple.
Chiang Rai
Other than the similar name, Chiang Rai shares a few resemblance to Chiang Mai. The small city sits on the border between Thailand and Myanmmar and is known for its astonishing structures. Like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai boasts a myriad of breathtaking temples. Wat Rong Khun stands out with its pure white color and intricate carvings, making it a must visit destination in Chiang Rai.
Moreover, the city calls for a tranquil getaway. Chiang Rai is shrouded in lush rainforests and verdant greeneries, offering a refreshing place. The forests hide alluring waterfalls, such as the 70-meter-tall Khun Kon Waterfall. You can also see the temple of Wat Tham Pla which features a cave and a huge group of wild macaques. It is kept inside a misty rainforest. Therefore, Chiang Rai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Pattaya
We know – a lot of us cannot say no to spirited beach cities! Miami and Cancun are legendary but Thailand has its own. Pattaya, a coastal city in the Gulf of Thailand, invites you to relaxing beach days and crazy party nights. The city is sleepless and dotted with various restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment spots. Moreover, it has an amazing gold sand beach just a stone’s throw away from the metropolis.
Soak up the equatorial sun in one of Pattaya’s beaches. Pattaya Beach is the most famous and often packed with travelers. Alternatively, you can head to Jomtien Beach for an unbothered tanning session. Then, you can walk along the promenade and find a seaside restaurant for lunch. Party starts after sunset, so pick your favorite nightlife spot! We recommend seeing the cabaret shows, which are entertaining and popular among tourists. With all it has to offer, Pattaya is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Ayutthaya
While Bangkok is about street food and shopping galore, Ayutthaya offers a different facade. The city takes us back in time, as far as the year 1350 when the Kingdom of Siam ruled. Stone temples adorned with carvings that tell stories, Buddha statues draped with silk, and centuries-old trees are what you can find in Ayutthaya. UNESCO recognises Ayutthaya’s historical wonders and puts it on the list of World Heritage Sites. Whether you are a history buff or a casual traveler, this destination in Thailand will sweep you off your feet.
Sukhothai
If ancient and undiscovered are your cup of tea, Sukhothai should be at the top of your list. The site dates back to the 13th century, recording the once-reigning Kingdom of Siam. Nestled between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Sukhothai stays out of the bustling tourist’s radar. Sukhothai offers a classic yet outstanding Southeast Asian temple landscape, similar to Angkor Wat. Navigate through the maze of temples and giant Buddhas to understand why Sukhothai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Trang
What are the less-touristy alternatives to Krabi and Phuket? Well, we would say Trang. The port town nestles in the southeastern part of Krabi, away from the tourist-packed center. The town boasts the Andaman Sea’s beauty along with flawless beaches and verdant tropical jungles. Moreover, Trang keeps an outstanding underwater beauty, beckoning visitors to dip into spots like Ko Kradan. Other attractions you can check out include a hidden beach cave on Koh Muk, Thung Khai Botanical Garden, and a series of 10 districts that feature authentic Thai culture. Serene and beautiful – Trang is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Koh Samui
Thailand is a paradise for beach-goers with its endless choice of astonishing islands. However, Koh Samui stands out the most. The island is well-developed with five-star resorts, trendy tourist districts, and bustling night markets. Traveling to Koh Samui means tanning sessions on unspoiled beaches like Bo Phut and Maenam, sailing time to Ang Thong National Park, and dips into pristine waterfalls. Additionally, you can see Thailand’s cultural wonders at Wat Phra Yai and Wat Plai Laem.
Koh Lanta
Another island in Thailand that deserves a shout-out is Koh Lanta. Nestled between Phi Phi Island and the western coast of Thailand, it answers everyone’s dream of a relaxing getaway. Although Koh Lanta has vibrant nightlife spots and bustling tourist centers, the island is generally unspoiled. Flawless beaches with powder-like complexion, lush jungles hiding exotic fauna, and crystal-clear waters are the building blocks of Koh Lanta. Simply put, Koh Lanta is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Koh Phangan
Listed as the most favorite digital nomad destination in 2022, Koh Phangan is unmissable. It is home to untouched beaches fringed with golden sand, winding mountains cloaked with tropical rainforests, tinkling waterfalls, and naturally-formed freshwater pools. Besides that, Koh Phangan welcomes travelers who want to immerse in the monthly Full Moon Party. Find yourself getting lost in a feisty crowd consisting travelers from all over the world, chugging drinks and dancing on the sand. With all it has to offer, Koh Phangan is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
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