Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Photo Travel Daily

There is a reason why Thailand attracts the most significant number of tourists and travelers from across the world in Asia. The country is a travelers’ paradise regarding what it has to offer.

With its crystal clear beaches, bustling modern cities, thick jungles, great food, amazing snorkeling destinations, and affordable luxury hotels, it is among the most pocket-friendly tourist destinations in the world. That’s why there are tons of places to visit in Thailand.

If you find it difficulty to choose the best places to visit in Thailand, we have a list of recommended destinations for you.

List of Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

1.Khao Sok National Park

2.Khao Yai National Park

3.Phitsanulok

4.Koh Samet

5.Trang

6.Bangkok

7.Chiang Mai

8.Phuket

9.Ayutthaya Thailand

10.Chong Buri

11.Krabi

12.Mae Hong Son

13.Koh Phangan

14.Koh Samui

15.Pattaya

1.Khao Sok National Park

Photo The Culture Trip

Craggy limestone mountains dropping to vast, emerald-green lakes. Rushing rivers and waterfalls cascading down through forest glades into cool pools. Wild tigers, elephants and gibbons – no doubt about it, Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s loveliest national parks. There are a whole range of jungle lodges to overnight in, as well as local guides offering wildlife-watching, canoe trip and long or short hikes into the wilderness. When you’re ready for a little rest and relaxation, you’ve got some of the best beaches in the country – around Khao Lak and Phuket – an easy hour’s drive away.

2.Khao Yai National Park

Home to thick forest and open savannah, Khao Yai is pristine enough to nurture breeding populations of bears, tigers and wild elephants. But poaching is a problem, and so the park needs visitors. Fortunately, Khao Yai is reachable from Bangkok in just a few hours and most of the visitors are day-trippers, who delight in taking short walks to the numerous waterfalls. Then there are the intrepid few who hike into the park’s interior where Pha Diao Dai – or lonely cliff – reveals breathtaking views over seemingly endless rainforest and rippling mountains.

3.Phitsanulok

Close enough to the World Heritage Site at Sukhothai for a pit stop, but overlooked by all but a few, this sleepy provincial town preserves one the country’s holiest and most beautiful Buddhas. In the ancient interior of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, and at the end of a colonnade of pillars elaborately decorated with gold filigree, sits the Phra Buddha Chinnara, vast and shimmering, crowned with a lotus-shaped halo and radiating nirvanic calm.

4.Koh Samet

Photo The Culture Trip

It’s three hours by car from Bangkok, then 45 minutes by ferry from Ban Phe Pier – but once you’ve arrived, you’ll discover it was worth it, and you really won’t want to leave. Out in Thailand’s Eastern Gulf, little Samet island ticks all the boxes winter-escaping travellers require: crumbly white beaches, transparent warm waters and a laid-back vibe that sets it apart from bigger spots such as Phuket. Sure, busy resorts do exist – Hat Sai Kaew (Crystal Sand Beach) is a buzz of banana boats and lively resorts. But head for the likes of Ao Nuan, Ao Wai and Ao Pakarang (Coral Bay in Thai) and you’ll find life has all the urgency of a swaying hammock. Crack open a chilled bottle of Singha beer and do nothing until the scattered seafood restaurants beckon for sizzling prawn lunches that can last hours.

5.Trang

Photo The Culture Trip

Yes, there are still unspoilt beaches and islands in Thailand. Especially in the southern province of Trang. Here the ramshackle wooden capital stands next to a long stretch of forest-backed bays and creamy white strands, protected by Hat Chao Mai National Park. Offshore islands include Koh Muk, Koh Libon, Koh Phetra and Koh Kradan, ringed with reefs, trimmed with white-pepper-sand and – for now at least – devoid of the big resorts that clutter the coast of neighbouring Krabi province.

6.Bangkok

Neon-frantic and temple-tranquil, the Thai capital is simply unmissable, with stacks of things to see and do however you fancy spending your time. Delivering reams of cultural and historic sights, BKK also flaunts a modern side with muscular skyscrapers and myriad outbreaks of modern architecture, fabulous art galleries, and fascinating museums. When you want to spend, the city is ready to sell: in frenetic markets (among them the floating variety for which the Thai capital is such a hit) as well as mega malls, and the dining scene is a spin, from gourmet restaurants to street food. After dark things are as buzzing, with pulsating nightclubs, live music, cocktail bars, incredible rooftop bars and adrenaline-laced Muay Thai fights. Getting around is easy, thanks to the BTS sky train, MRT subway, numerous buses, taxis, and tuk tuks. Perhaps best of all, you’ll find accommodation to suit you – whatever your bag and your budget.

7.Chiang Mai

It’s often dubbed the northern capital, and in its own way, Chiang Mai gives Bangkok a run for its money, with mad whirl of culture and nature. You won’t run out of religious shrines – there are more than 500 temples to admire. Meanwhile, for kids, and adults, too, there’s Chiang Mai Night Zoo. If you want to stretch a leg, try hiking in lush jungles and rafting along boiling-white rivers. At Thailand’s highest point, Doi Inthanon, you’ll get to meet ethnic hill tribes, witness a world of spectacular waterfalls and feed watermelons and bananas to magnificent elephants at an ethical sanctuary. Unlike Bangkok, the nightlife here is low-key, but don’t take that as an indication to stay indoors once the sun goes down. There are plenty of bars to unwind in, and if you’re itching to stock up on brightly coloured Thai pots, bags and shirts to gift the folks back home, the night bazaar has your name written all over it.

8.Phuket

Photo The Culture Trip

Thailand’s largest island and one of the best-loved and most-visited in the country, Phuket has many faces. First-timers often head to the thronging sands of Patong, on the west coast, known for its no-holds-barred nightlife and watersports. Beyond, though, there are beaches to suit everyone. Catch a boat to the scenic Freedom Beach, switch off on Karon Beach, drink in the views from Kathu Beach, and prepare for plenty more. Promthep Cape is the place to head for liquid-lovely sunsets. After dark, the entertainment cranks into life: there a world-class shows and exhilarating Muay Thai fights; food is, without exception, delicious, from the smart restaurants of Phuket Town to the simple, sizzling seafood turned out at street and night markets. Hiking, go karting, ethical elephant encounters, fishing, snorkelling, and jet skiing are just a few activities to try, and Wat Chalong, along with the Big Buddha, are two of the most popular cultural sites. Don’t bypass Phuket Town – the ornate old neoclassical buildings and luridly painted shophouses are beautiful. For fun and giggles, Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House) and Phuket Trickeye Museum are the biz.

9.Ayutthaya Thailand

Even if you hate the idea history on holiday, this place will convert you: easily reached from Bangkok, the Unesco-listed Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s sublime ancient cities. Evocative ruins take you on a journey back in time to Siam’s golden age. Wat Yai Chai Mongkorn is particularly photogenic, with tall stupas that you are permitted to climb, surrounded by rows of Buddha statues swathed in saffron tones. You’ll want to make a date with Wat Mahathat, where the famous stone Buddha head peers out from the infinite roots of a banyan tree growing around it. See, too, Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Si Samphet. The old Dutch and Portuguese areas are well worth a visit and the floating market is a great place to pick up souvenirs. A hired bicycle– or, if you’re an experienced rider, a scooter – is the only way to appreciate Ayutthaya. That said, tuk-tuks amass on every corner.

10.Chong Buri

Chong Buri is also known as Mueang Chon which is an agricultural site of economic plants such as rubber trees and sugar cane. The words Chong Buri literally means the city of water with a population of more than 1,000,000.

Best Time To Visit: Between November and April

Tourist Attractions: Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Things To Do: Scuba diving, Jet-skiing, shopping, elephant show

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Places To Visit: Wat Chai Mongkon, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

How To Reach: You can reach by cab or taxis and you must hire a metered taxi as taxi drivers tend to cheat.

11.Krabi

One of Southern Thailand’s most popular provinces, Krabi can’t fail to seduce: it has life-changing experiences for tourists both on the mainland and on its islands. Koh Phi Phi is often said to be one of Thailand’s most picturesque islands; check out Maya Bay and Phi Phi Viewpoint to see why. Koh Lanta is a more laid-back affair, with long, sandy beaches, chilled-out beach bars, mangroves and a Moken (sea gypsy) community. Animal lover? You’ll want to volunteer at Lanta Animal Welfare, not just for the feel-good factor but to help make a difference. Koh Jum and Koh Rok are a couple of the province’s smaller and lesser-visited island favorites. On the mainland, Railay is a rock climber’s paradise, Ao Nang is a bustling beach resort, and Krabi Town has an engaging local-Thai vibe.

12.Mae Hong Son

There are many people from the Shan group, Burma’s biggest ethnic minority, living in this mountainous and remote province in northern Thailand. Understandably so, as Mae Hong Son shares a border with Myanmar. The provincial town sees few international visitors, but that makes it all the more reason to go: for the photogenic nature and architecture, as you travel around the area. One of the main draws is the former hippie-populated town of Pai, a good place to base yourself if you love nature and a laid-back life. There’s plenty to stick on your to-do list, including Pai canyon, hot springs and waterfalls, and hiking and tubing along the river.

13.Koh Phangan

Known for its wild parties and hedonistic nightlife, especially around the time of the full moon, many visitors are surprised to find that Koh Phangan is also a nature lover’s dream. For fun and partying, Haad Rin is the place to be. Escape the crowds and discover relatively calm beaches, pristine waterfalls, and lush forests, and you’ll see that there’s much more to the infamous party island than just cocktail buckets and neon body paint. The night market is a great place to fill up on tasty Thai food for cheap and there are many cooking schools where you can learn how to replicate your favourite dishes. Uncover Koh Phangan’s spiritual heart and you’ll find meditation and yoga centres, new-age communities, retreats, workshops, and other ways to find inner balance and peace.

14.Koh Samui

A popular island in the Thai Gulf, Koh Samui appeals to everyone from families and honeymooners to backpackers and solo adventurers. Beautiful beaches include Chaweng, Lamai and Mae Nam, and you can visit the old fishing village at Bophut. There are several places to shop, as well as plentiful places to eat, drink, and sleep. One of the island’s more unusual spots include a temple with a mummified monk and neighbouring rock formations that look like male and female genitalia! Koh Samui boasts many high-class spas and excellent golf courses too.

15.Pattaya

Thailand’s self-proclaimed City of Sin may not appeal to everyone, but there’s just so much to see and do you’d be mad to leave it off your journey plans. Sure there’s the notorious Walking Street and numerous go-go bars, but things soon get more salubrious. There’s the beach: OK, not the prettiest in Thailand, but perfectly fine for a few days of sun, sea, and sand, and there are several lovely islands off the coast tailor-made for snorkelling. Ready to sightsee? The huge Sanctuary of Truth, carved entirely from wood, is sensational. There’s Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, for strolls among the flower beds, statues and water features. And did someone mention wine? Sample local delights at the pretty Silverlake Vineyard.

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