Best places to visit in Thailand

Thailand is a large country with almost endless possibilities for experiences.

The different regions offer a variety of attractions, but no matter where your Thailand tour takes you, you can look forward to experiencing some truly amazing places.

Are you unsure of where to travel in Thailand?

We have compiled the 7 best places to visit in Thailand below.

Bangkok

Thailand’s vibrant capital is always a rich travel destination, and it’s no wonder that the city consistently tops lists of the best places to visit in Thailand.

With its glittering temples, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers, Bangkok is a fascinating mix of old and new.

You can visit the Grand Palace, where you can admire the beautiful Emerald Buddha, or take a trip to Wat Pho to see the impressive reclining Buddha statue.

Bangkok is also famous for its many markets, one of the most well-known being the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Here, you can hunt for local crafts or enjoy delicious street food among the market’s more than 15,000 stalls.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s largest and perhaps most popular island. It impresses with more than 30 different beaches, offering something for every taste, no matter what type of beach holiday you dream of.

If you prefer a tranquil atmosphere, beaches like Kata Beach and Kamala Beach on the west coast are picturesque spots perfect for relaxing days under the sun.

Besides beaches, Phuket also offers cultural experiences such as the Big Buddha statue, Wat Chalong Temple, and the colourful old buildings in the charming Phuket Old Town.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is a charming city rich in historical heritage and insight, and it absolutely deserves a place on your Thailand bucket list.

Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai has a more relaxed atmosphere. The city is famous for its more than 300 temples, including the well-known Doi Suthep Temple, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chedi Luang.

Chiang Mai is also a centre for Thai culture and handicrafts, with markets like Handicraft Highway and Sunday Walking Street where you can buy handmade goods and taste local dishes.

For nature and animal lovers, a visit to the Changchill elephant sanctuary is a must. The sanctuary has been a haven for a group of happy female elephants since 2007, allowing them to live as elephants should. The project is also supported by World Animal Protection.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, located off the southeast coast of Thailand, is one of the country’s most popular islands. It is known for its palm-fringed beaches, surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains, offering unique days in the sun.

Koh Samui has something for everyone, and you can find some of Thailand’s best beaches here: from the bustling Chaweng Beach, which boasts a wide range of bars, restaurants, and shops, to the more peaceful Bo Phut Beach and Mae Nam Beach, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.

Koh Samui is also home to exciting natural and cultural attractions such as the Na Muang Waterfalls and the famous Big Buddha statue, which overlooks the island from a high hill.

For those seeking adventure, the island offers fantastic opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling, and exploring hidden lagoons and caves.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s hidden gems, located in Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand.

This rainforest area is known for its spectacular landscapes, including dramatic limestone cliffs, deep valleys, and the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake.

Khao Sok National Park houses one of the world’s oldest rainforests and is among Thailand’s best-preserved national parks. Here, you have a unique opportunity to experience nature up close.

Visitors seeking adventure can go on guided trekking tours to explore the dense jungle or kayak on the serene rivers.
Besides the nature, Khao Sok is home to a wealth of wildlife, including elephants, tapirs, gibbons, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for both animal and nature enthusiasts.

Kanchanaburi

In the provincial town of Kanchanaburi, northwest of Bangkok, there are two places you shouldn’t miss: the River Kwai and the Death Railway.

The railway, officially named the Thailand-Burma Railway, was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and has been called the Death Railway due to the brutal conditions the prisoners endured. In the town, you can explore Hellfire Pass and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to learn more about the tragic events that took place.

The most famous part of the Thailand-Burma Railway is the section near the River Kwai. This part was built during World War II and is also the focal point of the war film “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” The bridge still stands today, and you can visit it at the River Kwai.

When you travel to Kanchanaburi, you have the opportunity to sail on the River Kwai and visit a village where the Mon people live. Here, you can get close to the local population who have lived in the village for generations and experience their history, traditions, and culture.

End your visit with a special overnight stay at a flotel, a hotel on a raft on the River Kwai.

Ayutthaya

If you want to experience history, one of the best places in Thailand is Ayutthaya, located north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya is a true historical gem.

The city was founded around 1350, becoming the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. The city was destroyed when the Burmese invaded in 1767, but many of the ruins from the destruction still stand today.

Here, you can explore the many fascinating temple ruins that were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.

Despite the city’s destruction in the 18th century, some temples have been restored and are still inhabited. One such temple is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which originally served as a monastery and where monks still live today, unlike many of the area’s other temples.

Where to travel in Thailand?

Have you decided where your trip to Thailand will take you?

Thailand holds an endless array of exciting places. We are ready to help if you need assistance deciding where exactly your tour should go.

TourCompass – from tourist to traveller