20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand | Top Cities, Islands & Parks

From the country's oldest national park to stunning islands with excellent diving, there's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Thailand. Perhaps no place that deserves its moniker more than Thailand, called “The Land of Smiles”. From the Golden Triangle in Northern Thailand to the beautiful beaches in the Phi Phi Islands along the south, coming up with a list of cities, islands, and national parks to visit in Thailand isn’t hard. Instead, the hard part is narrowing down the list of stunning beaches, impressive temples, and other natural wonders to see in Southeast Asia’s biggest overachiever.

Still, you have to start somewhere, so whether it’s your first time or tenth, here are 20 of the best places to visit for the best time in Thailand:

1) Bangkok

There’s no denying Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, belongs at the top of this list. Home to 5.5 million people, the sprawling city is equal parts intoxicating and tranquil, offering visitors the opportunity to explore lively markets, experience vibrant nightlife, taste delicious street food, and reflect on the beautiful sites like the Chao Phraya River, botanical gardens, and Buddhist temples. Don’t miss Wat Arun, the “Temple of Dawn,” and Wat Phra Kaew, the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha”—both breathtaking and iconic.

2) Chiang Mai

Unlike bustling Bangkok, Chiang Mai is relaxed. It’s surrounded by mountains—Doi Inthanon National Park boasts Thailand’s tallest peak—and as the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, it has a unique culture from the rest of the country and signature dishes like khao soi. Visit in mid-April to participate in Songkran (Thai New Year), which is celebrated with the world’s largest water fight, or come in November for Yi Peng, the world-famous lantern festival. Finally, make sure to scramble up the nearby geological phenomenon, “Sticky Waterfall,” formally known as Bua Tong Waterfall.

3) Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost major metropolis, is often overlooked, but if it’s authenticity you’re after, the city should most certainly be added to your itinerary. The only sites you’ll find a lot of foot traffic is at Wat Rong Khun (the awe-inspiring White Temple), Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple), and the night bazaar. Factor in a day or two to explore the city’s idyllic countryside, part of Thailand’s Golden Triangle. The region is home to many of Thailand’s hill tribes—with their own distinct languages and cultures—which you can visit on guided tours.

4) Mae Hong Son Loop

The curvy, nearly 400-mile Mae Hong Son Loop isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s the best way to see the northwestern corner of the country. While you can do it in three days, but we recommend taking it slow so you can soak up the “stunning mountainous scenery.” When planning your trip, keep in mind: Most people prefer to take the loop clockwise because it allows you to get comfortable with your motorbike on the flat sections.

5) Pai

The winding, scenic Mae Hong Son Loop makes the road to Pai a destination in itself. While the laid-back community of approximately 3,000 residents attracts yogis and adventurous travelers without even trying, as long as you appreciate nature, you’ll be in paradise exploring hot springs, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain and valley views from Pai Canyon.

6) Koh Lanta

What this tropical island lacks in name-brand resorts, it more than makes up for with pristine beaches and mangrove forests. With few paved roads and traditional wooden houses in Lanta Old Town, highlights here include snorkeling, beach relaxing and exploring.

7) Phuket

Phuket is where many visitors are introduced to the wonders of Thailand—Thanks to its accessibility via 300 flights per day and plethora of accommodations and activities, Phuket is an entry-level destination. That said, if you leave Patong, the island’s beating heart, and venture off the beaten path, you’ll find great reward in mangrove forests and tucked-away white-sand beaches.

8) Samoeng Loop

Starting in Chiang Mai, the Samoeng Loop is an easy day trip by scooter or bike, famous for its unbroken series of winding curves through the mountains. Route highlights include exploring the diverse flora at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, complete with a thrilling treetop canopy walk. Need a break from the road? Stop at one of the countless roadside coffee shops or enjoy the cool air and mountain views at Mon Jam. For a classic Northern Thai experience, you can even pick fresh strawberries at one of the roadside farms.

9) Koh Phi Phi

With its dramatic rock formations, secluded white-sand coves, and turquoise waters, Koh Phi Phi (also known as the Phi Phi Islands) is idyllic. The islands are best seen by boat tour, where you split your time between snorkeling and diving, stopping at popular sites like Maya Bay and Monkey Beach. Of the six islands in the archipelago, Phi Phi Don is the only one with hotels.

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10) Krabi

Like Phuket, Krabi is serviced by commercial flights. It may be easy to reach, but you’ll quickly find it’s hard to leave. Railay Beach, only accessible via a 20-minute boat ride, is the main attraction. Activities here include caving, snorkeling, rock climbing on the limestone cliffs is popular. Prefer stairs? Head to Wat Tham Suea, the “Tiger Cave Temple,” where your reward for climbing up 1,260 steps is one of the country’s best views. Sore calves? Soak in Krabi’s surrounding natural hot springs.

11) Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit, especially spending at least one night in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. This human-made reservoir with limestone karst formations has no shortage of water-based activities and wildlife-watching opportunities. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a tiger, clouded leopard, or Malayan sun bear.

12) Kanchanaburi Province (Sai Yok and Sangkhlaburi)

Kanchanaburi is a favorite destination within driving distance of his Bangkok where you can unwind on the Khwae Noi River, drive along lush, teak-lined country roads, and even get an adrenaline rush on a dune buggy ride. When time allows, visit Sangkhlaburi for a taste of Myanmar in the Mon village. With Myanmar closed off due to unrest, experiencing Sangkhlaburi feels almost like stepping into Myanmar itself, especially with locals proudly wearing thanaka powder on their faces.

13) Uthai Thani

While nature sites like the Hup Pa Tat cave, Sakae Krang River, and Pha Rom Yen Waterfall reign supreme in this district, don’t miss out on the temples. The four-story Wat Tham Khao Wong is unique in that it’s made of wood, while Wat Tha Sung, the “Crystal Temple,” features floor-to-ceiling mirrored columns and so much glass that it looks like you’re walking inside a diamond.

14) Rayong

Roughly 90 minutes south of busy Pattaya is the sleepy city of Rayong, which offers both serene beaches and inland excursions that are even better during the rainy season. Strolling the boardwalks of Thung Prong Thong mangrove forest and spending time in Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park deepens appreciation for Thailand’s biodiverse interior.

15) Sukhothai

If you can’t make it to Cambodia to see Siem Reap, consider Sukhothai, four hours south of Chiang Mai by car. Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, nearly 200 ruins here—many of them stunning temples—offer a tangible glimpse into a bygone era. Allow for extra time to check out nearby Si Satchanalai Historical Park and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, where Buddha statues outnumber tourists.

16) Khao Lak

Despite (or perhaps because of) the devastating tsunami in 2004, Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s best underrated beach destinations. It’s on the same Andaman coast as Phuket, but because it’s more remote, it’s far less crowded and developed. That said, it’s not as quiet as Koh Lanta. It has friendly, budget guesthouses as well as upmarket resorts plus superb snorkeling and diving opportunities, foreigner-friendly restaurants, and pristine jungle hikes. Pro tip: For the best weather and calm seas, visit between January and April.

17) Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

If islands are what you’re after, Ekelund calls Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park one of his favorite “natural playgrounds.” Because it’s protected, you’ll need to book a tour to explore this 42-island archipelago. Ekelund recommends hiring a private speedboat for the day so you can make “plenty of stops to feel the sand between your toes, trek to mountain viewpoints, and swim in warm, clear waters among coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.” While you can camp in the national park, we recommend visiting as a day trip from Koh Samui.

18) Koh Samui

Koh Samui was the Gulf of Thailand’s worst-kept secret long before The White Lotus aired. Travelers have been coming to the island since 1989, when its international airport opened. While it only welcomes about 3.5 million visitors annually, a fraction of Phuket’s 13 million, the “Coconut Island” is far from sleepy and has plenty of resorts. Meanwhile, when it comes to wellness programs, Kamalaya is a top choice for its personalized holistic offerings.

19) Historic City of Ayutthaya

Just about 50 miles north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya belongs on every history buff’s list. In its heyday, between the 14th and 18th centuries, it was one of the world’s largest and most advanced cities. Today, sprawling ruins—remnants of towering temples, including its crown jewel and Angkor Wat look-alike, Wat Chaiwatthanaram—comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of eight in Thailand). You can wander around on your own or include a guided tour to maximize your time and make the most of your visit.

20) Khao Yai National Park

Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai, is “sister parks” with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Still, the two popular tourist destinations couldn’t be more different. While both have deer—Khao Yai even has barking deer—Khao Yai’s fruitful forests are also home to animals like elephants, gibbons, and leopard cats.

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There you have it, the best 20 places to visit in Thailand.

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