17 Finest Locations To Go to In Thailand

Are you planning a visit to Thailand and having hassle deciding the place to go? We get it. There are such a lot of superb locations to go to in Thailand that it may be arduous to slim it right down to a one—or two-week itinerary.

We’ve spent over 4 years touring and residing in Thailand, so we all know a factor or two about this superb nation. We’ve visited all of the vacationer spots and extra. Thailand is considered one of our favourite Asian international locations, and it’s a place we name our second residence.

Enterprise past Bangkok’s vibrant capital and uncover the enchanting cities and cities that showcase Thailand’s wealthy cultural heritage and pure magnificence, from charming historic cities to full of life Thai islands.

We’ve put collectively this listing of one of the best locations to go to in Thailand that can assist you plan the right journey. Are you trying to go island hopping and go to a number of the finest islands, or go to Northern Thailand and expertise extra nature and Thai tradition?

Fast Reply: Finest Locations in Thailand

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Finest Locations to Go to in Thailand

1. Bangkok

Nearly all journeys to Thailand begin within the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Bangkok is a metropolis you both adore it or hate it. We LOVE Bangkok. It’s our favourite large metropolis on the earth.

The meals, the temples, the sky bars, the posh inns, the noise, the smells, the sounds, the visitors, the purchasing, the chaos—all of it makes for an incredible few days. A number of of our prime locations to go to are Wat Pho Temple, a ship trip alongside the Chao Phraya River, people-watching on Khaosan Highway, joyful hour at a Skybar for sundown, Chinatown, and extra.

We all the time prefer to rent a personal information for the day, and it’s tremendous inexpensive. That is the BEST technique to see Bangkok. A non-public information will take you to a listing of sights you choose. Get a real glimpse into Thai tradition on this one-on-one expertise. We booked this non-public Bangkok tour on-line.

In the case of visiting Thailand (Siam), Bangkok is a must-see vacation spot. Identified for its bustling avenue markets, ornate temples, and vibrant nightlife, Bangkok presents a novel mix of conventional tradition and trendy sights.

From exploring the historic Grand Palace to purchasing on the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market, there isn’t any scarcity of issues to do in Bangkok.

One in every of our favourite issues to do is eat; all over the place you go, there may be scrumptious avenue meals in Bangkok. Earlier than going, ensure that to learn our What to Eat in Bangkok journey information, which can clarify totally different Thai meals to try to one of the best locations to eat in Bangkok.

Finest Tour in Bangkok – over 2,000 five-star critiques

2. Koh Lipe

The #1 finest place to go to in Thailand is Koh Lipe. There isn’t any different island in Thailand that may examine. For those who’re on the lookout for beautiful turquoise blue waters and white sand seashores, that is your house.

In case you are on the lookout for that good enjoyable seashore trip, add Koh Lipe to your Thailand itinerary. We recommend staying on Dawn Seashore, the place a beachfront room at a 3-star resort will value you $125+ in the course of the excessive season. Click on right here to examine charges. They have one of the best resort choices & costs in Thailand.

Koh Lipe doesn’t usually get overcrowded as a result of it isn’t the best island to get to. The one technique to Koh Lipe is by boat, and the closest airport is 1.5-2 hours from the Pak Bara pier. Don’t let this discourage you. It’s well worth the journey. Click on right here to ebook Koh Lipe ferry tickets.

The island is sufficiently small that you may stroll all over the place. There are motorbike taxis however no different autos on the island. Extra causes to like Koh Lipe: you will get an hour therapeutic massage on the seashore for $12 USD an hour, hire a personal boat to discover the close by islands for the day for $50, and ensure to get a bowl of the Penang curry.

3. Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a picturesque island in Thailand identified for its beautiful seashores, vibrant marine life, and world-class diving alternatives. Whether or not you’re an skilled diver or simply trying to chill out on the sandy shores, Koh Tao has one thing for everybody.

Don’t miss out on exploring the underwater world with a diving tour, the place you’ll be able to swim alongside colourful coral reefs and unique fish. If diving isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the crystal-clear waters by snorkeling or just lounging on the seashore. Ko Tao is really a tropical paradise ready to be explored.

If you wish to go to a number of the finest islands in Thailand, take a ferry to Ko Samui or Koh Phangan.

When you have heard of the total moon occasion in Thailand, it’s taking place over on the close by island of Koh Phangan. Completely different vacationers like various things. If a loud occasion island isn’t your factor, ensure that to keep away from Ko Phangan in the course of the full moon or head to one of many Koh Phangan seashores.

4. Koh Samui

There’s extra to Koh Samui than being Thailand’s second-largest island. It’s additionally among the best locations to go to in Thailand for households with children who’re on the lookout for a seashore trip. In case you are touring with children or an prolonged household, it’s one of the common locations in Thailand to hire a home for an extended time frame.

Located within the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui’s sandy seashores and tropical ambiance entice backpackers, households, honeymooners, and everybody in between. Whether or not you’re hitting up the seashores or partying late into the night, the actions in Koh Samui are limitless.

The island can also be stuffed with beautiful cultural landmarks, together with the spectacular 12-meter tall golden Buddha. You must also go to the Secret Buddha Backyard, which is positioned deep inside a lush, inexperienced forest.

When the solar units, head to Chaweng Seashore. You’ll discover loads of full of life bars, eating places, and golf equipment that promote low cost drinks and mouth-watering dishes. For those who’re on the lookout for enjoyable and leisure, you then’ll be joyful to know that the events don’t cease till the early hours of the morning.

5. Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a shocking island within the Andaman Sea identified for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and picturesque seashores. There isn’t any airport on Koh Phi Phi. You need to take a ferry to Phuket from Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Lanta.

Ko Phi Phi was the primary island in Thailand we visited. When planning our honeymoon in Thailand, a visit to the well-known Maya Bay was a should. Many vacationers wish to go to the well-known Maya Bay, made well-known by the film “The Seashore,” or snorkel within the turquoise waters to find colourful coral reefs.

For these looking for journey, mountaineering to the highest of Phi Phi Viewpoint presents panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean. With its laid-back ambiance and breathtaking pure magnificence, Okoh Phi Phi is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody touring to Thailand.

6. Krabi

You possibly can simply spend a number of weeks or months exploring Krabi alone. This southwestern area of Thailand is gigantic, with dozens of sights, sights, and vacationer sights.

No go to to Krabi can be full with out seeing the town heart, Krabi City. You may kayak, store, and get massages proper there on Ao Nang Seashore, Krabi City’s largest waterfront seashore. Two different stunning seashores solely accessible by boat to go to are Railay Seashore and Tonsai Seashore.

Krabi can also be residence to dozens of tropical islands (200 to be precise). You may hire a long-tail boat and spend the day island hopping, or you’ll be able to select your favorites and chill out for a protracted weekend at a beachside resort or bungalow.

7. Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park

Thailand is residence to a number of the most picturesque landscapes on the earth, and Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park is not any exception. This tropical archipelago is comprised of 42 islands and is residence to white-sand seashores, jagged limestone rocks, and cascading waterfalls.

For those who’re coming from Samui, there are only some islands inside boating distance. Koh Wua Ta Lap and Koh Mae are two of the most well-liked locations for vacationers who’ve restricted time to spend in Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park.

Moreover the scenic views and pristine seashores, Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park can also be flooded with unique wildlife. It’s not arduous to identify long-tailed monkeys, sea turtles, eagles, and even otters throughout your time within the park.

For the reason that space is protected by the federal government, entry is strictly regulated.  You have to ebook a pre-arranged tour by an official government-approved boat. We extremely counsel reserving upfront. That is the Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park Tour we booked.

8. Khao Sok Lake

Khao Sok Lake, positioned in southern Thailand, is a hidden gem in Thailand for nature lovers and journey seekers. Surrounded by lush rainforest and limestone cliffs, this picturesque lake presents a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life.

There are a ton of distinctive issues to do at Khao Sok Lake, equivalent to kayaking, mountaineering, and wildlife recognizing. We loved going out on a personal boat tour of Khao Sok Nationwide Park. We spent the complete day cruising across the lake.

Among the most unusual inns in Bangkok are right here. Keep in an overwater bungalow in Thailand or a floating bubble. The floating bungalows present a novel technique to expertise the fantastic thing about the lake, with beautiful dawn and sundown views.

For these trying to actually immerse themselves in nature, Khao Sok Lake is a must-visit vacation spot in Thailand. In case you are staying in Krabi and wish to go to Khao Sok Lake, you’ll be able to take at the present time tour from Krabi.

9. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, often known as the cultural capital of Thailand, is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Thailand for these trying to immerse themselves within the wealthy historical past and traditions of the nation.

For these open to tattoos and a novel Thailand memento, contemplate getting a Sak Yant tattoo in Chiang Mai as we did. Getting a tattoo by a monk that you just didn’t choose, and also you don’t know what it’s or the place in your physique he’ll put it. Now that’s superior and tremendous distinctive!

From exploring historical temples in Chiang Mai like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to wandering by the bustling night time markets stuffed with native handicrafts and scrumptious avenue meals, there isn’t any scarcity of issues to do in Chiang Mai to take pleasure in on this vibrant metropolis.

Benefit from Chiang Mai’s proximity to lush jungles and mountains, with tons of outside actions like trekking, zip-lining, and even visiting rescue elephant sanctuaries. You possibly can spend your entire time in Chiang Mai or take a day journey to close by Chiang Dao Valley or Chiang Mai.

With its laid-back ambiance and welcoming locals, Chiang Mai is certain to depart an enduring impression on any traveler on the lookout for an genuine Thai expertise.

It left such a final impression we stored coming again! Chiang Mai is further particular to us, as we known as it residence on and off for 4 years. Chiang Mai is a giant metropolis with all the massive metropolis facilities. There’s a massive expat neighborhood in Chiang Mai; Chiang Mai is secure, and there may be an abundance of tasty Thai meals and Western eating places, too; it’s tremendous inexpensive, and the listing of why we love Chiang Mai might go on and on.

10. Chiang Rai

When planning a visit to Thailand, contemplate together with Chiang Rai in your itinerary. This charming metropolis within the northern a part of the nation is a hidden gem identified for its beautiful temples, lush landscapes, and wealthy cultural heritage.

One of many must-see sights in Chiang Rai is the well-known White Temple, a novel and complicated masterpiece that’s in contrast to some other temple in Thailand. You too can go to the colourful Blue Temple and the magical Black Home, which showcases a set of darkish and unconventional artwork items.

For nature lovers, this small group tour to the Golden Triangle, the place Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, presents breathtaking views of the Mekong River and luxurious inexperienced hills is a should. Chiang Rai presents a mix of tradition, historical past, and pure magnificence that may go away you mesmerized.

In case you are staying in Chiang Mai, you’ll be able to simply take a day journey to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai on a tour like this. There are additionally tons of buses to Chiang Rai, or you’ll be able to hire a automotive and drive like we did.

Have you ever ever seen luxurious inns in Thailand with an elephant park on the property? Essentially the most well-known and moral elephant resort in Thailand is the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, 90 minutes outdoors of Chiang Rai.

11. Pai

The notorious drive to Pai from Chiang Mai has 762 curves. Sure, you learn that proper 762! All these curves are value it. The drive from Chiang Mai to Pai takes about 2 to three hours. Prior to now, you might fly to Pai from Chiang Mai on a small airplane, however at present, it doesn’t seem you’ll be able to, and people flights have been typically canceled.

As you wind your approach by the valleys and mountains of northern Thailand, you’ll come throughout Pai, a relaxed backpacker city positioned on the banks of the Pai River.

Throughout your go to to Pai, don’t miss the chance to go to the Pai Canyon. There are many mountaineering trails and grime paths that take you thru lush jungles and rolling hills. The sunrises and sunsets from the highest of the canyon additionally boast a number of the finest views in all of Thailand.

For one thing extra adventurous, head to Mo Paeng Waterfalls, the best setting for jungle mountaineering and swimming. Another choice is to go tubing or whitewater rafting down the river. A number of store homeowners and operators alongside the river present leases and excursions.

For those who’d slightly spend the time enjoyable, you too can go to the tranquil Tha Pai Scorching Springs. It’s one of the common actions in Pai!

12. Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park

As one of the picturesque pure reserves in Thailand, Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park is a sprawling area filled with pure wonders. Nicknamed “the roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon is a good day journey from Chiang Mai that’s underneath two hours away.

The park is thought for being a part of the Himalayan Mountain vary. It’s additionally residence to Doi Inthanon Peak, the very best mountain within the nation.

There are additionally a number of waterfalls all through the park, together with the cascading Sirithan Waterfall. The park can also be stuffed with wildlife, from wild boars and deer to blackbirds and rose finches. We suggest at the present time tour from Chiang Mai or this tour that visits Toi Inthanon and an Elephant Sanctuary.

13. Ayutthaya

The historic metropolis of Ayutthaya is taken into account considered one of Thailand’s most affluent. Based in 1238, It’s identified for its historical temples and ruins. Though the Burmese destroyed it within the mid-1700s, it stays among the best examples of Thai historical past and structure.

Most guests come to Ayutthaya to see the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website that was as soon as the middle of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This archeological web site is stuffed with stone temples, large towers, and historic monasteries.

Among the finest issues to see in Ayutthaya are the Phet Fortress, Phra Chedi Suriyothai, and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit. You too can go to three royal palaces – the Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace, and Wang Lang Palace.

Attempt to be there for dawn at Ayutthaya for the beautiful reflections within the pond. It makes for nice pictures. When you have ever been to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, it jogs my memory of this.

14. Sukhothai

Because the Kingdom’s capital in the course of the thirteenth and 14th centuries, Sukhothai is a uncommon glimpse into Thailand’s historical previous. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Website, the ruins of Sukhothai metropolis have over 20 temples and numerous monuments and shrines. Sukhothai sits on an island surrounded by the Pa Sak, Chao Phraya, and Lopburi Rivers.

Essentially the most spectacular factor to see in Sukhothai is Wat Mahathat, an outdated temple which accommodates a phenomenal Buddha statue. The structure and artwork in Sukhothai have additionally left their mark on Thai tradition. Identified for its distinct brick and carved stucco look, Sukhothai’s design has influenced many different temples around the globe.

15. Erawan Nationwide Park

There are a whole lot of waterfalls in Thailand, however none are extra stunning or highly effective than the Erawan Falls. Named after the three-headed elephant in Hinduism, Erawan Falls is an imposing seven-tiered waterfall filled with emerald inexperienced waters and white rapids.

As you make your approach by the park, you’ll be able to cease by the totally different ranges of the swimming pools for a fast, refreshing dip. With the luxurious jungle as your backdrop, there’s nothing extra enjoyable than the sound of cascading water.

Erawan Nationwide Park can also be residence to 4 caves. When you enter the cave, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Ta Duang Cave is value visiting for the rock work and sculptures tucked contained in the cave.

16. Khao Yai Nationwide Park

The third largest nationwide park in Thailand is Khao Yai Nationwide Park. This huge and biodiverse park is positioned just some hours from Bangkok, making it a preferred vacation spot for nature lovers and out of doors fans.

Khao Yai is filled with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and various wildlife and presents guests an opportunity to discover the fantastic thing about Thailand’s pure landscapes. Completely different vacationers like various things, for those who like mountaineering, bird-watching, or just having fun with the peace and quiet of the nice outside, Khao Yai Nationwide Park has all of it.

17. Kanchanaburi

Nestled in western Thailand, Kanchanaburi is a picturesque vacation spot identified for its lush landscapes, historic websites, and out of doors actions. One of the vital well-known sights within the space is the Bridge over the River Kwai, a World Battle II landmark that attracts in historical past fans from around the globe.

Go to the Huay Mae Kamin Waterfall, a beautiful seven-tier waterfall in Sriagarindra Dam Nationwide Park, among the best waterfalls in Thailand. Embark on a scenic prepare trip by the countryside on the Loss of life Railway. With its mixture of cultural heritage and pure magnificence, Kanchanaburi presents a very unforgettable expertise for vacationers trying to delve into Thailand’s wealthy historical past and scenic wonders.

To prime off your journey, keep in one of many many distinctive River Kwai overwater bungalows. They’re far more inexpensive than you assume. This overwater bungalow in Kanchanaburi is on our bucket listing.

Conclusion

Thailand is a phenomenal nation with an abundance of gorgeous locations to discover. From the Thai capital of Bangkok to the serene seashores and islands and the cultural Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai, there’s something for everybody.

The important thing to experiencing one of the best of Thailand is to do your analysis and plan accordingly. So, whether or not you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or a tradition fanatic, Thailand has all of it. Because the saying goes, “The world is a ebook, and people who don’t journey learn just one web page.”

So, pack your luggage and expertise the wonders of Thailand for your self. As one of many prime vacationer locations on the earth, it’s no marvel why folks maintain coming again for extra. Who is aware of, you might find yourself like us and find yourself transferring to Thailand.

As you embark in your journey, bear in mind to maintain an open thoughts and embrace all that Thailand has to supply. As one of the visited international locations on the earth, Thailand actually has one thing for everybody. So, don’t simply examine it. Go and expertise it for your self.

Go and create your individual unforgettable recollections within the Land of Smiles.

What’s your favourite place in Thailand? The seashores, Central Thailand, Northern Thailand, or Bangkok? Have you learnt of a hidden gem in Thailand? Depart a remark beneath!