The 17 Essential Places to Visit in Thailand
Thailand is a big country and there is a lot to explore, so if you’ve got limited time it can be a challenge to decide where to travel on your trip.
Don’t worry, though, because I’m here to help. I’m Ollie Lindsey, a full-time traveler who has explored Thailand extensively, and in this post I will walk you through 17 places I think deserve your itinerary-planning consideration.
Oh, and before we dive in, be sure to bookmark these 14 Tips for Travel in Thailand.
Want to jump around?
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17 Best Places to Visit in Thailand
1. Chiang Mai
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Chiang Mai offers a unique mix of culture and city vibes, plus amazing restaurants to boot. It’s a place where just a few dollars can get you a meal at one of the city’s many Michelin “Bib Gourmand” restaurants.
Every Sunday night the city’s Old Town is taken over by a giant night market that stretches through the center of the city. If you can, time your visit for a Sunday, but you can alternatively check out the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar any night of the week.
Chiang Mai is also a popular place to get up close with elephants. Just be sure to choose an ethical elephant encounter. The Elephant Nature Park is a highly rated ethical sanctuary.
Chiang Mai also makes a good base for exploring the surrounding highlights of Northern Thailand.
2. Koh Chang
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Perhaps the most underrated of the Thai islands, Ko Chang offers that small island feel but enough space to actually spread out.
Located in the far east of Thailand near the border with Cambodia, Ko Chang’s relative distance from the more famous islands has kept it under-the-radar compared to the more popular islands in Thailand.
But those who travel the 4-5 hour journey from Bangkok will be rewarded with lush tropical forests butting up against white sand beaches that look postcard-perfect.
It’s like stepping back in time to the Thai islands of yore!
3. Bangkok
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Bangkok is Thailand’s buzzing capital, full of old time charm, traditional architecture blended with modern infrastructure and convenience.
Try the street food and check out the 7-11s on every corner (it’s an experience in itself, promise). Oh, and no trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the famous Wat Pho and the Golden Mount.
Throbbing nightlife is easy to find especially along the famous Khao San Road, where bars, restaurants and clubs operate until the wee hours of the morning.
Transportation around Bangkok is reasonably priced, with multiple quick and convenient options: MRT and BTS train lines, taxis (ensure that they turn the meter on!) as well as tuk tuks and motorbike taxis (haggle hard!)
Bangkok is where most visitors start their trips in Thailand, but it is also a bit polarizing. You’re likely to either love it or hate it, but Bangkok is a must-see in Thailand so you can decide for yourself.
4. Ayutthaya
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Though not as popular with tourists, Ayutthaya is one of my personal favorites. It is an ancient city with historical temples dotted in every nook and cranny. It is best to visit Ayutthaya as part of a day trip from Bangkok.
Note that distances between the sights at Ayutthaya are huge and not to be underestimated! Hiring a tuk tuk for the day is an option to help get around.
However, if you’d prefer more freedom for a cheaper price, I’d personally recommend hiring a push bike or scooter to get around. Both are available from guesthouses or there is a row of shops directly opposite the railway station.
Accessible by bus, minivan or train from most of the major destinations. From Bangkok, the train to Ayutthaya is the cheapest (14 Thai Baht p/person) with regular services throughout the day.
From Bangkok, minivans run from 6am-6pm shuttling back and forth (60 Thai Baht p/person) and buses can be booked in advance. Prices vary depending on the company and the level of service.
Oh, and be sure to check out Wat Mahathat, where you’ll find the face of the Buddha carved into a tree.
5. Sukothai
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Sukothai is lesser visited than its more famous nearby brother Ayutthaya.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by history much older than the temples in Ayutthaya. Spread out across the town, hiring transport such as push bikes from your accommodation is recommended.
A typical Thai town has developed around the old sights sporting modern Wats, 7-11 convenient stores as well as ample accommodation options and restaurants.
6. Chiang Rai
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Not far from Chiang Mai is Chiang Rai. Head here for more modern Wats, beautiful countryside, waterfalls and the famous glistening all-white Wat Rong Khun. Trips to this Wat can be arranged with tour agencies or at your hotel/guesthouse.
7. Pai
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Pai is the ultimate backpacker hangout!
Bamboo huts, hippie cafes and restaurants with popular activities such as hiking, mountain biking and rafting available along the river running through the centre.
Further out of town, there are caves ripe for exploration that you can enter to see Buddha statues and more!
To get around and explore further afield and enjoy beautiful rice paddies along quiet country roads as well as outer lying Wats, rental of a push bike or scooter is highly recommended and there are plenty of rental agencies to hire from.
8. Mae Hong Son
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If you’re doing a northern loop, don’t miss Mae Hong Son, the lush mountain province containing Pai (but a lot more than just Pai!).
Close to the Chinese border lies this beautifully kept and friendly town with Wats and trekking options aplenty to enjoy! Transportation, day hikes and longer treks can be arranged through agencies.
Expect modern Wats, a lovely small village vibe and even hot springs!
9. Chiang Dao
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Chiang Dao is ideal if you are looking for peaceful countryside, well-kept Wats and beautiful scenery. This place doesn’t receive many foreign visitors, but there is plenty here to keep you busy. Rafting, trekking and visits to hill tribe villages are possible, and there is a unique cave temple you can visit.
10. Koh Tao
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Ko Tao is definitely one of the most popular Thai islands. If you visit during peak season, you may find it a bit crowded. But, hey, some destinations are popular for a reason right?
And in the case of Ko Tao, the beauty of the beaches and the azure water is definitely worth fighting the crowds to visit.
Ko Tao is a popular place to get PADI accreditation for new divers, so is especially worthy of consideration if you want to learn how to dive.
11. Mae Salong (Santikhiri)
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Another non-touristy and beautiful spot, Mae Salong has a bit of a Chinese feel.
It’s a worthwhile stop on the trail, sporting a rare sight of tea plantations in this hilly region. Cooler air and views of greenery are what make this place special.
12. Prachuap Khiri Khan
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Prachuap Khiri Khan is another great opportunity to soak up Thai culture at its best without the crowds.
Fantastic stretches of beach, some charming ancient architecture and climbing the ‘mountain’ to reach Wat Thammikaram are all highlights of this lovely quiet area.
Simple accommodation and eateries are available here. Wondering around yourself is perfectly possible and the best way to see the local way of life. Watch out for the monkeys though!
13. Koh Phangan
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Well-known for its monthly Full Moon Party, Ko Phangan is as close to a ‘bucket list’ destination as there is.
It does however still have little areas of quieter solitude such as the area of Had Salad on the northern tip of the island.
Hiring a scooter is a must if you intend to get ANYWHERE on the island at your own free will. The roads are relatively peaceful but usual driving virulence is required!
14. Railay Beach
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Railay offers multiple beaches to explore, viewpoints to climb for stunning vistas and even rock climbing for thrill seekers. Beach vibes and classic traveler hangouts. Plus perfect sand and clear water, so what more could you ask for?
Although not an island, the soaring cliffs surrounding it make it inaccessible via road. To get to Railay, you’ll need to take a public longboat from Ao Nang.
Be prepared that you might have to walk out to meet the boat or jump off it and walk to the shore in water possibly up to your waist. But hey, jumping off a boat and wading to the shore is a rite of passage when traveling the Thai islands!
15. Koh Lanta
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Ko Lanta is an absolute gem. The beaches aren’t the best but if you’re seeking the similar Thai beach aura without the full moon parties, you can’t go wrong heading to this lesser known island.
Hiring a scooter a whizzing along the coast, feeling the breeze and stopping at the beaches along the way is the best way to see things and generally get around.
16. Kanchanaburi
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Kanchanaburi is a charming Thai town with a very strong historical significance.
From Kanchanaburi, sections of the infamous Burma-Thai railway aka: The Death Railway can be seen. The quiet and beautiful river Kwai is also a feature.
Besides from war cemeteries and museums, if you’re seeking a spot of culture there are also famous cave temples that can be seen here too.
17. Khao Sok National Park
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Dense greenery meets coastal sands! Here, you’ll find both a place to trek in jungle and relax on the beach!
Unique accommodation is available in every form; bamboo huts or floating “hotels”!
Be sure to visit both areas when you are here. Take a walk to see the stunning waterfalls, boat trips to famous floating bungalows and have a dip in the clear blue water.
👉 Read Next: Where to Stay in Phuket
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Before you go be sure to check out this article to help you plan your trip to Thailand: Bali vs. Thailand: Which Should You Visit?
And, of course, scroll down and leave us a comment with any questions about your Thailand trip.
Hi There!
We are a Canadian family looking into a Thailand trip during our spring break (March 15-30). We thought we’d start our adventures in Chiang Mai. We are wondering how bad the agriculture burning is in that area? We are accustomed lower air quality due to wildfires in our forests every summer. If it’s similar, we can definitely handle that. However, we are wondering what we could expect? Smell? Visibility? Thank you, we appreciate advice from someone with experience. Take good care.
Hi Dawn!
So late March is peak burning season. You should prepare for smoke, particularly in the north like Chiang Mai. But at the same time, it varies a lot by year (and even day by day within a year). You can go here and scroll to the “Air quality historical data” section to see the distribution over prior years. In March, most days the AQI is above 150. So consider if that’s within your tolerance.
I have spent a few burning seasons in Chiang Mai. It was unpleasant for a longer stay, and a bit depressing when the sky gets blocked out for so long. Visibility gets low, sometimes very low, for days on end. There isn’t a smell really. But, at least for me, I did experience some relatively minor health effects like trouble breathing at night and headaches (though bear in mind I was exposed for months, not days, so I think for a short visit will be better).
At the same time, for a few days visit as part of a broader trip, I would say it’s still worth experiencing the north as part of your trip (unless you have sensitivities). I suggest to still visit but would spend more time in the south (especially the islands), where AQI tends to be better.
But, again, ultimately it’s a roll of the dice and depends on your own personal comfort level. The north of Thailand is very different than the south, so if this is your first trip, it would be a shame to miss it.
Enjoy Thailand!
-Nate
I have a tour to Vietnam/ Cambodia in February which will end on Feb 19. I’d like to continue on with my journey to Thailand and is Bali after my tour. Can you recommend a travel agent I can work with ? Just starting to do my research. I’ll appreciate any help extended. I’ll be awaiting your reply. Thank you.
amie
Amazing Post! I like the ideas that jumping off a boat and wading to the shore is a rite of passage when traveling the Thai islands.