Thai travel destinations are renowned for their beautiful beaches and beautiful temple sites, food is delicious and affordable. I'll help you choose the best places to visit in Thailand if you're a first-time visitor.
I decided in my search for the perfect places to see in Thailand to make it a better place to travel. What should I see when I visit Thailand? See: One Month Backpacking Trip Thailand - Route Table of Content.
01. Kanchanaburi and the Bridge Over the River Kwai
Kanchanaburi sits 130 km northeast of Bangkok. You may have heard of Bridge over River Kwai as one of Bangkok's most famous historical sites. The monument represents the city's tragic past during Second World War.
In Kanchanaruri, thousands of Japanese prisoners were forced into slavery in an attempt to build 400 km of railroad between Thailand and Myanmar. During construction over 160,000 people died in total. Of 688 bridges built under the Japanese army, this was Thailands first steel bridge.
| Read: | Top 10 Places to Visit in Cairo (Egyptians Facts) |  |
02. Bangkok, Central Thailand
Bangkok has some of the best architectural buildings of Thailand such as the extravagant temples of the Grand Palace and the enormous Buddha at Wat Pha. A place where a traveler will likely start exploring Thailand is another excellent place for learning to appreciate Thai culture.
Spend one of our first days in Bangkok and visit Bangkok City Center, Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun. Enjoy some cheap and yummy street food in Bangkok Chinatown, and sip an evening of drinks at a rooftop bar.
| Read: | 30 Best Places To Visit In Nepal (Nepal Destination) |  |
03. Sukhothai, Northern Thailand
Sukhothai – a seemingly smallest town on the lower north of Thailand was once home to the original city of Siam founded during XVIIth century under king Ramkhamaeng and known for being the cradle of the Thai culture. In Sukhothai we have all traditions from art to architecture.
04. Where to stay in Bangkok
Hostel I loved that hostel! The room has plenty of room for two people. A couple of blocks to the Hostel Khaosan$ - Chilled garden and in a nearby neighbourhood. I am far away from the center. Budget-friendly hotel (also includes 2 dormitory rooms) in super-central Siam.
If you're interested in a taste of Bangkok' s lively bustle visit China town. Go through swanky streets and stumbling streets. Fishmongers chop fish, welding machines, repair equipment for sale, and exotic foods will also be featured on Thai and Chinese neon signs. I think it's my favourite part of Bangkok.
05. Mae Hong Son Loop, Northern Thailand
Ma Hong Son Loop may be among the best road trips to Thailand. From the starting and end point in Chiangmai the Mae Hongson Loop takes you to the 600km long path which runs through the far far-flung northern province of Mae Hong Son and takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes you have ever experienced.
06. Doi Inthanon, Northern Thailand
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand and has the type of climate you rarely get in Thailand from the colder-than-usual breeze of the mountains. In Doi Inthanon National Park you will discover many of the stunning waterfalls within Chiang Mai province including Wachirathan Waterfalls.
| Read: | 25 Best Things to Do Cape Town, South Africa |  |
07. Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai is one of a few ancient cities of the ancient kingdom of Lanne that dates back to 600 AD. It is a perfect amalgamation of the laid-back north, incredible mountains and a range of historic rich architectural structures and attractions.
Chiang Mai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. Chiang Mai's historic city has many truly spectacular ancient buildings, most dating back more than 400 years to their origin.
| Read: | The 24 Best Places to Visit in Germany |  |
08. Ancient Thai capital near Bangkok
Ayutthaya was the 2nd capital of the Siam Kingdom, before Sukhothai. The old city Ayutthaya has been UNESCO-recognized and includes numerous ruinous ancient buildings - including palaces.
Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's top-quality day-trip destinations, so the afternoons are very busy. It is an enjoyable location if you are able to enjoy some sleep for a while.
09. Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand
Chiang Rai is another must see province for travellers in northern Thailand. The place might look like an isolated town with little activity, but it has far better things to offer. In addition Chiang Rai has a very beautiful White Temple with an intricately decorated structure covered by very detailed sculptures and carvings - crafted from glass and painted white. There are no temples like the ones that we saw in the past.
| Read: | 30 Fun Things to Do in Cairns, Australia - Cairns Activity |  |
10. Khao Sok National Park
Is it urgent? Have you got any questions to ask? Depending on your interests, here’s a list of the best places to visit in Thai cities. There's lots of fantastic places of accommodation there but not as exciting for a backpacker. Top nature experiences in Thailand.
Khao Sok National Park Trekking in northern Thailand. Erawan National Park. Khao Yai National Park. Thailand Even if you don't consider yourself an outdoorsy person, a trip to Khao Sok National Park is sure to take your breath away.
11. Koh Chang
One of Thailand's most beautiful hiking trails is Koh Chang. It is a large island on the eastern side of the island near the Cambodia coast. Mu Ko Chang National Park provides challenging trails and amazing waterfalls with steep slopes. On Kok Changs coastline beaches and small town are welcomed by backpackers.
Diving in clear waters and snorkeling are common activities and you can observe wildlife also at sea. However, there have been elephant tours offered which are not recommended. These animals are seldom treated properly, so there is nothing that can be seen in them. The only way to enter the island is by boat, which makes it a distant place.
| Read: | Top 31 Most Amazing Sea Caves and Caverns in the USA |  |
12. Ko Phangan
Ko Phi Ngan is Thailand's fifth-largest island with rolling hills, dense jungle and white beaches. Comparatively to neighbouring island Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan was a relatively less developed area although it offered ample accommodations for outdoor lovers. Diving has become an extremely popular activity in Kop Pha Ngan.
The island is situated in a few of the best diving spots in the Gulf of Thailand. Ko Pha Ngan has more than 300 diverse beaches for visitors. Ko pha Ngan has been known for its legendary Full Moon celebration.
| Read: | New England in the Fall: Things to Do in New England in the Fall |  |
13. Khao Yai National Park
The park is situated in the mountains Sankamphaeng and is the 3rd largest in Thai territory. Despite its steepness, it has a diverse landscape with evergreen forests and billow grasslands. Khao Yai National Park also includes numerous waterfalls concealed in tree-lined forests.
The 260ft long Haew Narok is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park and worth visiting. Although not as high, the scenic Haew Suwat Waterfall is another worthwhile visit as it served the backdrop on The Beach as a waterfall leap scene during the film The. The abundance of wildlife is a reason to visit the Khao Yai National Park.
| Read: | Top 10 Best Country to Visit In November in 2023 |  |
14. Ko Chang
Thailands second-largest island ko - Chung lies on a southeastern coast close to the border with Cambodia. The islands offer everything a vacationer can expect: long sandy beaches and unspoiled rainforest.
The island also has scuba diving, kayaking, or jungle trekking. White Sand Beach is a popular destination for relaxing at the beach in luxury. It is located north-west of Ko Chang, the longest beach in Ko Chang. The centre of the soft-sand beach contains resorts and hotels along the coastline.
| Read: | 23 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit Famous in Arizona |  |
15. Khao Sok Lake, Southern Thailand
Khao Sok lake is a favourite place for many people. Khao Sok Lake is situated at the Ratchaprapha Dam on Surat Thani, offering you the opportunity of being close to nature.
One of the best things in Khao Sok is going on boat tours around the lake and spending three nights on one of those floating bungalows in untouched forests surrounding this lake, limestone mountains and a beautiful lakeside view.
Whats great is that once you're on Lake Khao Sok and have your nights rented on these floating homes you'll be completely disconnected from civilization.
| Read: | 30 Things to Do in Puerto Rico - Best Place to Visit in Puerto Rico |  |
16. Hippie-like town in a picturesque valley
Pai is the smallest city (about 3000), about three hours drive from Chiang Mai. Once a hippie hangover, it slowly became a laidback tourist town dotted with bars, a tattoo parlor, and hostels. It served dishes as diverse as traditional Thai wraps and aça bowls as well.
Some people believe Pai is Thai. This is an accurate argument. Off the beaten paths it certainly does not and the majority of shops have tourists there. Rather you can simply enjoy Pai for its beauty and stay at a hostel for backpackers or cute bamboo cottages near rivers.
| Read: | 15 Best Places to Visit in September in India for 2023 |  |
17. Largest city and cultural hub in northern Thailand
Chiang Mai is the gateway to northern Thailand. It has around 1 million citizens (in the Metropolitan Region), but it offers good and calm conditions. Having an easy visit to Chiang Mai may seem daunting, but the relatively calm atmosphere could be a breath of fresh air.
This city has many things to do, so if you wish to travel two or three nights there, it may be worth visiting. Besides many temples and restaurants in the city, Chiang Mai also provides a good base to explore nearby mountains & rural areas.
| Read: | 15 Best Countries to Visit in Asia Visiting At Least Once in Your Life |  |
18. The ruined capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom
Sukhothai was a small town in Thailand's central area around halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. UNESCO's most interesting attractions are the ancient city of Sukhothai that was once the capital for the Kingdom of Sukhothai. Compared with Ayutthaya this site's structure has an enormous surface area spanning 70 km2. The easiest way to explore the historic Parks is by hiring a bicycle.
| Read: | 30 Best Places to Visit in Missouri, Places to Go & Vacation Spots |  |
19. Koh Tao
The tiny islands of Tao on the south-east coast of Thailand were relatively uninhabited until the late 1900s and are currently used as travel destinations. It is also not a surprise that these bare-amenitity bungalows are now able to accommodate luxury resorts as more tourists are aware of the natural wonders of the island. Koh Tao has a reputation for diving and snorkeling. Many visitors go to Koh Tao for diving instruction and to upgrade their diving skills.
| Read: | 15 Best Asian Tourist Attractions Visit At Least Once in Your Life |  |
20. Koh Samui, Koh Tao & Koh Phangan
Kop Phalan. The three islands sit along Thailands Gulf, each with different characteristics. Boats in Surat Thani can take passengers to every island of the island. Koh Samui is the largest and also has its own airport. Backpackers sometimes consider this area 'dull' or'too cheap'. Many tourists coming from Thailand are rated higher than the more market-oriented Phuket.
| Read: | Best Short Trip To Singapore - 14 Weekend Getaways! |  |
21. Oft-overlooked islands near Cambodia
Most tourists are heading southwards in Thailand like those described earlier. The country also has an additional third group of islands in the center east of Cambodia. Depending on the itinerancy, the Koh Chang Archipelago may seem out of reach, but the trip is enjoyable nonetheless.
Ko Chang, the largest island is well renowned for the resorts tourism although there are plenty of backpacker destinations. Most beaches aren't sandy but some contain stones or pebbles, and the vast interior of the island is mountainous. The quiet spots are great places to walk.
| Read: | 30 Most Beautiful Places In South Africa |  |
22. Relaxing riverside base for nature and history
Kanchanaburi offers a great location for relaxing in Bangkok. A quiet village on the riverside, about an hour from the city center. It has a famous rail system built during the Japanese war in 1943. It is possible for visitors in the town's museums to understand why they are named "The Death Railways".
Although it has a dark history, the train today offers a pleasant journey — passing through rock formations along river banks. Kanchaburi is a relaxed city with an interesting travel scene. Relax by the stream, wander the nearby markets, or rent bikes for exploring the tranquil countryside.
| Read: | 29 Best Countries to Visit in Summer Vacations |  |
23. Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi & Many More
Koh Lanta: The western islands did not visit as well but a highlight is certainly Koh Lanta. It is home to several family-friendly beaches. Having an excellent location on the island of Lanta is incredibly good and is easy and convenient. Phi Island was obviously spectacular, but it has suffered its own successes with its chaotic party atmosphere and commercial development. I'm not being a fool Phi.
24. Enjoy the hustle-and-bustle of the Thai capital
Tourists arriving in Bangkok find Bangkok chaotic, busy or stressful and escape instantly into the islands. It is very regrettable because Bangkok is a beautiful place! In Bangkok there are many things to see and it can take a few days of travel. Bangkoks Grand Palace is an ideal starting point.
The palatial grounds in Bangkok are considered to be the centre of the Siam dynasty for many years. It contains thrones, palaces royal residences and gold Buddhist temples, and most of the palaces and temples are open for visitors.
| Read: | 30 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Oklahoma State |  |
25. Koh Samui
Koh Samuis lies in Thailand's Gulf. Phuket is the third biggest island. It attracts an elite clientele who come for beach vacation and luxury hotel and spa. Are these goals achievable? Relaxing tanning!
Koh Samuis will be alive in the end - it's a great place for parties! At night, it is not recommended to miss the big Buddhist temple and waterfall, the 2 most famous tourist attractions.
| Read: | 20 Big Adventure Vacations in the US (WILD TRIP IDEAS) |  |
26. Southern coast famed for its limestone cliffs
Krabi provinces are known for its beaches and steep karst cliffs. Some of their most iconic beaches are Ao Nang Beach and Railay Beach. Railay beaches have only luxurious resorts, though if you've done a good search, you'll find medium to big budget alternatives.
As railay beaches are increasingly busy you might want to visit o nang krbi (which has a lot more space) or take a short trip to railay for one day. It is stunning and is worth a visit regardless of crowds. Make sure you climb on the lake and see the views.
| Read: | The 27 Best Honeymoon Destinations Around The World |  |
27. Elephant Nature Park
And no matter what, leave time for a visit to Elephant Nature Park for some rest and relaxation with Thailand's gentle giants. This Nature Park, is one of the most famous for its ethics. Everything is done to ensure the elephants live in an environment as close as possible to wild conditions.
28. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Today, the ruins of the kingdom can be toured while walking the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO site. In this Historical Park, you can discover dozens of ruined temples spread over fifteen sites. It's very large, so it will take you about a full day to visit the 6 main temples.
| Read: | 15 Best Places to Visit in South Kensington London |  |
29. Sukhothai Historical Park
Thani is a small town better known for being home to the Sukhothai Historical Park , a UNESCO site that houses the ruins of the 13 th -century Sukhothai Kingdom. The Sukhothai Historical Park is also dotted with sparkling lakes, sunken moats, and manicured gardens.
Southern Thailand; Southern Thailand; mae hong son province; unesco world heritage site; unesco world heritage site; ancient city; ancient city; rock climbing; rock climbing; mae hong son; mae hong son; mae hong son; visit Thailand; southeast Asia; southeast Asia; southeast Asia; southeast Asia; national park; best places to visit in Thailand; best places to visit in Thailand; best places to visit in Thailand; best places to visit in Thailand; best places to visit in Thailand; best places to visit in Thailand; best places to visit in Thailand; Chiang Rai;
Chiang Rai; Chiang Rai; Chiang Rai; Chiang Rai; Chiang Rai; world war ii museum; Chiang Mai; national parks; national parks; national parks; capital city; capital city; Koh Tao; sukhothai historical park; grand palace; wat pho; day trip; beautiful beaches; luxury resorts; central Thailand; central Thailand; central Thailand; white sand beaches; historic city; andaman sea; andaman sea; scuba diving; scuba diving; scuba diving; james bond island;
Doi inthanon national park; hiking trails; moon party; moon party; moon party; street food; emerald buddha; koh phangan; hot springs; stunning waterfalls; largest island; wat phra si sanphet; famous temple; west coast; koh samui; jeath war museum; river kwai; visiting Thailand; wat phra singh; phuket town; bangkok grand palace; koh chang; phang nga bay; Thailand destinations;