We’ve spent the good part of a decade traveling back and forth to Thailand on a mission to discover its best destinations. After every trip, we leave with a brand-new list of places to add to our ever-growing bucket list, whether it be an undiscovered neighborhood in Bangkok or a remote region in Isan. The fact that Thailand is home to 77 different provinces means it will take us an entire lifetime to explore it in detail, but we’re up for the challenge.

So far, we’ve visited pretty much all of the major highlights in Thailand, plus a fair few hidden gems. We don’t consider ourselves “experts” but we have built up a decent amount of travel knowledge, enough to share this guide with you of our 40 favorite places in Thailand. These spots showcase just how diverse the country is and how much variety you can pack into a single trip.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Temples — *Temples of Thailand*

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Beaches — *Beaches of Thailand*

Our 40 Favorite Places in Thailand

Central Thailand

Bangkok

Bangkok is the beating heart of Thailand and a place that just gets better with every visit. We love the city’s energy, towering skyline mixed with Old Town charm, and its food scene that can only be described as world-class. You can’t miss Chinatown, Wat Paknam, and taking in the sunset from the spectacular Nobu Rooftop Bar. Bangkok is perfect for solo travelers, foodies, nightlife lovers, and even families who’ll enjoy the comforts of a modern city. Spend at least three days here or even better an entire week.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Rooftop Bar Bangkok — *Nobu Rooftop Bar, Bangkok*

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is only 2-3 hours west of Bangkok, making it a wonderful next stop after the Thai capital. Some of the WWII history is dark and sobering, but there’s so much more to do than simply learning about the Death Railway. For starters, you’ve got Erawan Falls which (to our surprise) was full of young families when we went. Then there’s Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple) and one of our favorite places in Kanchanaburi, Mallika City. We recommend staying for two or three nights at Inchantreedoopool, and visiting between November and February (in the cooler, dry season).

Ayutthaya

Not all the ancient ruins in Ayutthaya are impressive but some still are, particularly Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. A day trip is all you really need for Ayutthaya, and you’ll want to arrive early to beat the tour groups. Arriving by train is a fun and convenient way to get there, and then you can jump in a tuk-tuk to get around or hire a bicycle for a more active day. Don’t miss boat noodles or giant river prawns for lunch as well.

Ang Thong

Ang Thong province, not to be confused with Ang Thong National Marine Park, sits in Central Thailand next door to Ayutthaya. It’s often overlooked for its famous neighbor but it’s worth visiting in its own right, especially for Wat Muang - the golden Buddha statue that rises a staggering 92 meters. Ang Thong is the ultimate slow-travel detour, best explored by renting a car from Bangkok when the monsoon rains clear up in November.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a resort town popular with Bangkok locals, as it’s only three hours away. It suits couples, families and anyone really who wants a relaxing beach atmosphere. Highlights include Hua Hin Beach, Khao Takiab Beach, Cicada Market, and the Hua Hin Railway Station which has been preserved as a historical monument and photo spot. You can also take a day trip to Phraya Nakhon Cave in Sam Roi Yot National Park. Two or three nights is ideal for a bit of R&R, at either The Standard or Cape Nidhra Hotel.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Phraya Nakhon Cave — *Phraya Nakhon Cave*

Northern Thailand

Phetchabun

Phetchabun is just starting to make waves with travelers, a remote mountainous region about five hours north of Bangkok. The province is famous for its misty peaks and stunning hilltop temples such as the five layered Buddha statue of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, and Wat Pa Phu Thap Boek. Two or three nights in Khao Kho (the main tourist hub) would suffice, as part of a road trip through Central and Northern Thailand. To see a “sea of clouds” from your accommodation, consider staying at Pino Latte Hotel, just up the road from the famous Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew — *Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, Phetchabun*

Sukhothai

If you’re tossing up between the ancient cities of Sukhothai or Ayutthaya, go with Sukhothai as it’s a much more authentic experience and the temples are more impressive. We flew here with Bangkok Airways and had an awesome two-night stay, with one full day dedicated to the historical park and the hidden gems of the outer park. The highlight, for us, was Wat Si Chum - a massive Buddha statue hidden in a roofless sanctuary. There’s also Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Sawai that are worth checking out as well.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Wat Si Chum — *Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai*

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Sukhothai — *Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai*

Nan

Nan is a sleepy and tranquil province by the border of Laos, perfect for slow-travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai. The winding mountain roads, particularly Route 1081, make it a paradise for motorcyclists, and the historic town is a place anyone can enjoy filled with markets, local art and stunning sunset temples like Wat Phra That Khao Noi. Accommodation can be sparse in this region of Northern Thailand but there’s still a few nice hotels tucked into the mountains and by rivers.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the type of place you could hang out in for weeks and never get bored. The food alone is enough to keep you entertained but don’t forget the temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Ton Kwen, and the day trips out to Mae Kampong and Doi Inthanon. What we love most about Chiang Mai is the vibe in the student areas - bursting with coffee shops, trendy boutiques and lots of young people enjoying life. If you’re a digital nomad looking for a long-term base, you simply can’t beat this city. Don’t write off Chiang Mai in the rainy season too, as there’s always something happening.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Wat Chedi Luang — *Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai*

Mae Hong Son

One of the best adventures we’ve ever taken in Thailand was our five-day motorbike journey on the Mae Hong Son Loop. Along the way, we visited Pai, Ban Rak Thai, Mae Hong Son Town, Mae Chaem and Doi Inthanon, and took a couple of detours through the mountains. The cool thing about Mae Hong Son is that it borders Myanmar. The more off-beat routes you take, the more local life you get to see, for example villagers dressed in traditional clothing and wearing “Thanaka” face paint. Avoid the burning season (January to April) and go in November or December instead.

Pai

Pai is a “hippie” backpacker town with a truly idyllic setting, almost like Thailand’s “Garden of Eden”. We’ll never forget arriving in Pai for the first time: after battling through the 762 curves from Chiang Mai, we eventually started riding down into the valley and saw majestic rivers, rice fields and rolling green hills. Nature really does dominate the experience here, whether it’s waterfalls, hot springs or walking the classic Pai Canyon at sunset. But there’s also great street food, funky bars and a thriving wellness scene with yoga studios, meditation centers, and therapeutic day spas.

Chiang Dao

If Pai is too touristy, then you’ve got Chiang Dao nearby which makes for a wonderful alternative. This little-known gem revolves around Doi Chiang Dao, a mountain that rises in dramatic fashion out of the flat plains. You don’t have to go hiking to enjoy this town, although guided treks are possible. You can simply admire the views from the lookout points, visit the caves and temples, try the “farm-to-cup” coffee, and relax at craft beer taprooms.

Chiang Rai

We had the good fortune of visiting Chiang Rai with one of Kat’s best friends who is from the province, and she showed us around like a local. We went rafting, ate strange frog dishes and partied the night away with locals at a live music performance. Chiang Rai isn’t as touristy as Chiang Mai, it definitely feels like you’re traveling off-the-beaten-path. It’s also super cheap - you can find a nice 3 or 4 star hotel for a fraction of the price of what it costs in Bangkok. And if you’re wondering whether the White and Blue temples are as amazing as the pictures show, the answer is yes.

Northeastern Thailand (Isan)

Khao Yai National Park

One of the top places to see elephants in the wild in Thailand is at the UNESCO-listed Khao Yai National Park, situated about 2-3 hours northeast of Bangkok. The national park is spread out across several different provinces but it is mainly accessible through the Nakhon Ratchasima side. In addition to elephants, you can also see wild gibbons, hornbills and a variety of waterfalls through its network of jungle trails. We recommend staying for two or three nights on your way to the Isan (Northeast) region of Thailand, at places like Hotel MYS Khao Yai or Lala Mukha Tented Resort.

Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima, called “Korat” by locals, is the capital of the Isan region and is located roughly 3-4 hours from Bangkok. It actually has the highest population of any Thai province except for Bangkok, so naturally there’s lots of things to see and do. The city itself boasts modern shopping malls like Terminal 21, impressive shrines like Thao Suranari Monument (Ya Mo), and day trips out to places like Phimai Historical Park where ancient ruins that resemble Angkor Wat await. Don’t leave without trying the local “Som Tum Korat” - the province’s take on spicy papaya salad.

Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is home to the largest university in Isan and with that comes a range of bustling cheap markets, delicious street food and trendy coffee shops. The city, the 4th largest in the country, offers a fantastic mix of youth culture and traditional life with barely any tourists around - something that intrepid travelers will love. Plus, there’s the usual spectacular temple or two, and a handful of cool hikes to do in the surrounding countryside. To get to Khon Kaen easily, book a direct flight from Bangkok, just an hour trip.

Chiang Khan

Chiang Khan is a true hidden gem of Thailand, sitting on the banks of the Mekong River. It’s located in the Loei province right on the border of Laos and in many ways it feels like a small Laotian town. It’s mostly known for Chai Khong Road - a riverside area filled with historic teakwood buildings - which transforms come nighttime into a vibrant market. Some of the best things to do include the sticky rice almsgiving with monks and sunrise at Phu Thok Viewpoint. For an exceptional stay, looking right out over the river, consider booking the Chiangkhan River Mountain Resort.

Udon Thani

In the heart of upper Isan lies Udon Thani, another cultural gem worth checking out for its rich history and unique nature. The crown jewel has got to be the Red Lotus Lake (Talay Bua Daeng), where thousands of pink lotus flowers carpet a massive freshwater lake, best experienced on a boat cruise at sunrise. Another highlight is Wat Pa Phu Kon, a temple in the mountains with turquoise roofs and a reclining Buddha within its main hall made out of white marble. The Buddha is illuminated in swirling patterns of blue fluorescent light, coming down from the temple’s multi-layered roof.

Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani is our final recommendation for Isan and it caps things off with a bang. Tucked into the far eastern corner of the region, “Ubon” (as it’s colloquially known) offers travelers a compelling mix of natural wonders and special temples. At Sam Phan Bok, the geology wouldn’t look out of place in Arizona, hence the nickname the “Grand Canyon of Thailand”. Then there’s Wat Sirindhorn Wararam, an enchanting temple to see at dusk with its luminescent green “Tree of Life”. Plan an extended stay in Ubon, maybe 4-5 nights, just so you’ve time to take the required day trips.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Wat Sirindhorn Wararam — *Wat Sirindhorn Wararam, Ubon Ratchathani*

Eastern Thailand & Trat Islands

Koh Samet

Koh Samet is one of our favorite islands near Bangkok, a little slice of paradise situated just off the coast of Rayong. The beaches here can match any in the world, whether it be the pristine Hat Sai Kaew or the secluded Ao Wai. Koh Samet even makes for a great destination in the monsoon season, as it sits in a microclimate and stays dry compared to other islands. The ultimate luxury stay would be Paradee Resort but you couldn’t go wrong with Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa either. These resorts come at a high price but they’re worth splurging on for a special occasion.

Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi is where Kat’s family is from and it’s a place Cam has come to love over the years. It fits into a Thailand itinerary perfectly, located on the way to Koh Chang from Bangkok. You could stay for a night or two at one of the historic inns along the Chanthaboon Waterfront, and then visit the International Gems Market, Namtok Phlio National Park, and the different temples and markets dotted across the city. Chanthaburi doesn’t boast any mass-commercial attractions but what it does offer is an authentic look into local life. Plus, it’s home to the best durian in Thailand (if that’s your thing).

Koh Chang

We’ve visited Koh Chang a few times now, with Kat’s nieces often joining us, and the island always makes for a fun family holiday. It has all the right ingredients for a comfortable trip: easy to reach by ferry, great value for money resorts, heaps of restaurants and 7-Elevens, and some quiet corners (particularly on the east coast) where you can get away from the crowds. It’s also an exhilarating place to explore via scooter, as long as you take it easy on the mountainous roads. We suggest staying at Klong Kloi Beach or Klong Prao Beach for at least three nights, before heading to Koh Kood.

Koh Kood

Every time we arrive in Koh Kood, a feeling of bliss and relaxation sweeps over us. The island isn’t exactly “untouched” these days but it still offers that intoxicating tropical vibe. Like Koh Chang, all you need to do is jump on a scooter and explore the coast - stopping at any beach that tickles your fancy, a homely restaurant for lunch or dinner, or even a little massage hut.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Koh Kood — *Kat in Koh Kood*

Koh Mak

Koh Mak is the final main island to visit in Trat and it’s definitely the sleepiest. To be honest, we weren’t “wowed” by the beaches here - except for Koh Kham which is a tiny private island just offshore. Nevertheless, we still loved the island’s little quirks and for that we think it’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand. You arrive at your hotel via golf cart, there’s a bunch of cute cafes selling roadside cake and Thai tea, you can join a Muay Thai class, and Blue Pearl Bar is the ultimate spot for a cheeky beer at sunset. We stayed at Little Moon Villa and can’t recommend it enough.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Exploring Koh Mak by Scooter — *Exploring Koh Mak*

Southern Thailand (Gulf Coast)

Chumphon

Chumphon is situated in a region of the Gulf Coast that can only be described as “drive-by country”, with most travelers only seeing it from their bus or train window en route to Koh Samui or Phuket. But, if you’ve got the time, that’s definitely something to avoid because this province offers so much - from the beautiful Thung Wua Laen Beach to the little island jewels of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park. The absolute best time to visit is between January and March, otherwise June to August works well.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui blends everything you could ever want in an island escape into one package. For starters, it’s the only island in Thailand (outside of Phuket) to have a proper airport, with direct flights running every day with Bangkok Airways. Secondly, there are endless beach resorts, international restaurants and shops to find here - making it a superb choice for families. In between all of the tourism and commercialism, there’s just enough local life to make things interesting. One experience you shouldn’t miss is taking a speedboat tour out to Ang Thong National Marine Park for the day.

Koh Phangan

Although Koh Phangan is mostly famous for its raging Full Moon Parties, this Gulf Island has evolved into something more multifaceted in recent years. There’s unspoiled beaches, family-friendly resorts, digital nomad enclaves, and plenty of bohemian spots to hang out and relax. On the west coast you’ve got Srithanu which serves as a hub for yoga, wellness and vegan food, and in the northeastern bays (like Thong Nai Pan) the secluded beaches are even suitable for families traveling with young kids.

Koh Tao

You don’t have to be a scuba diver to appreciate Koh Tao, although that does help. The island offers awesome viewpoints, gorgeous beaches and a surprising amount of food options for such a small place. Keep in mind too that it’s easy to find your own crowd in Koh Tao, as the island mixes backpacker vibes with quiet resort areas. Don’t miss the boat trip out to Nang Yuan Island, a breathtaking set of islets connected together by a white sandbar.

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat’s coastline isn’t the best for swimming to be honest, but what you can do is see pink dolphins on boat trips from Khanom Beach - a truly unique experience. Additionally, there’s a few must-visit sites in the historic city and further inland, such as the Kiriwong Village and the vast Khao Luang National Park with its waterfalls and freshwater pools. Only head to this southern province if you like niche adventures.

Southern Thailand (Andaman Coast)

Koh Phayam

Koh Phayam in Ranong isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but for those seeking a slow-travel retreat, you might be pleasantly surprised. It stands out for its wide open bays, rustic beach bars made out of driftwood and car-free experience. As you explore the island via scooter or bicycle, you’ll come across cashew nut plantations, hornbills in the trees and the landmark Wat Koh Phayam perched at the end of a pier. Three or four nights is the ideal timeframe to completely switch off from the world, and focus on nothing more than beach hopping and where you’ll watch the sunset.

Khao Sok National Park

National parks don’t come more dramatic than Khao Sok: a massive lake surrounded by jungle and limestone cliffs. We spent a couple of nights in the village and ventured over to Cheow Lan Lake on a boat tour. It was one of the best days we’ve experienced in Thailand, such a different landscape to anything else in the country. Beyond the lake, you can go trekking in the rainforest, visit ethical elephant sanctuaries and chase waterfalls. For a magical stay, consider one of the Floating Bungalows out on the water or the treehouse accommodation at Our Jungle House back in the village.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Khao Sok - Cheow Lan Lake — *Khao Sok National Park*

Khao Lak

If your primary goal is to visit the Similan Islands or the Surin Islands, then you should definitely select Khao Lak as your base (rather than Phuket). Pretty much all the boat tours leave from the piers of Khao Lak, which reduces your travel time drastically. Moreover, this region boasts its own beautiful beaches and fancy resorts. You can even learn how to surf here.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Similan Islands — *Similan Islands*

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Surin Islands from Khao Lak — *Surin Islands*

Phuket

We have a love/hate relationship with Phuket. On the one hand, it’s full of tourists and traffic, which can make it hard to enjoy a beach destination properly. But then conversely, the food is sensational around the Old Town and you’re so close to other amazing destinations - whether it be Bang Tao Beach up the peninsula, Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Yai or the Racha Islands. One way that Phuket can work well is to visit in the off-season. It might be hot and rainy, but you’ll avoid the crowds and score deals on resorts too.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Phang Nga Bay — *Phang Nga Bay*

Railay Beach

Krabi has a couple of interesting places to visit on the mainland but for sheer natural beauty and iconic Thailand scenes, you can’t beat Railay. The limestone cliffs are just as impressive in person as they are in the photos and arriving by longtail (no car access) is the ultimate cinematic travel experience. Be sure to walk around to Phra Nang Beach as well, which is just as spectacular with its soft white sand and karsts emerging from the emerald water. Accommodation-wise, you can find something cheap in Ao Nang Beach or treat yourself to a resort stay on one of Railay’s beaches.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is another classic destination that’s popular for a reason. Even if you don’t bother with Maya Bay, which has lost some of its appeal due to over-tourism, you can still have a wonderful time. You’ve got hidden paradises like Nui Beach and Wang Long Bay, plenty of nightlife to keep you entertained, and for us just getting lost in the winding streets of Tonsai village is fun. The island is more suitable for backpackers and partygoers than families, but we’ve still seen plenty of young ones here. Phi Phi acts as a stepping stone for Koh Lanta and then onward to the Trang Islands.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Koh Phi Phi Tonsai Village — *Restaurants of Koh Phi Phi*

Koh Lanta

Arriving from Phi Phi to Koh Lanta provides a stark contrast - you go from cramped alleyways surrounded by limestone cliffs to an open skyline and far more breathing room. Koh Lanta is also much bigger, making scooter adventures the only viable way of getting around. As you explore, you can visit local markets, beach hop to your heart’s content and head down to the southern tip where the national park awaits. The best day trip is snorkeling at Koh Haa and Koh Rok - two hidden gems of the Andaman.

Koh Ngai

The tiny island of Koh Ngai is where our favorite beach in Thailand is located, aptly named “Main Beach”, the main stretch of sand that runs for a couple of kms alongside the resorts. It’s so beautiful that it’s hard to describe in words - you simply have to see it for yourself. It’s the ultimate destination for couples, honeymooners or families looking for a simple beach getaway. Plan for four nights max, for example at Thapwarin Resort, any longer and you’ll start to do some serious damage to your wallet.

Koh Mook

Koh Mook is 10-20 minutes away by speedboat from Koh Ngai, making it the next obvious stop in the Trang Islands. The beaches aren’t as dazzling as Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan for that matter, however the Emerald Cave more than makes up for that. Koh Mook is also home to a quiet fishing village whereas the other two islands don’t have any towns at all. So there’s more local life to experience here which some travelers will enjoy.

Koh Kradan

Many guides claim Koh Kradan has the best beach in Thailand and while it is magnificent, just a short swim away from the coral reef, it doesn’t quite take the top spot for us. That’s because the resorts on Koh Kradan are very limited in terms of amenities, with some accommodations having reduced electricity. But if you don’t mind “roughing” it, you’ll have a memorable stay.

Koh Lipe

Finishing our list of the best places to visit in Thailand is Koh Lipe, fittingly situated by the maritime border of Malaysia deep in the south. Often called the “Maldives of Thailand”, it features sparkling blue waters and pristine white sands - the best example of which can be found at North Point Beach. The island is so small that everywhere is basically walkable, including the main Walking Street. What’s not walking distance, though, is Tarutao National Marine Park which requires a longtail for a snorkeling trip.

FAQs for Thailand Travel

What is the absolute best month to visit Thailand?

Depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing, the best month to visit Thailand all round is probably November. Let’s say you’re wanting to see the waterfalls of Erawan at their most lush and full, well after the rainy season finishes is perfect. Most islands start to clear up then too, so you should be sweet for island hopping. Except for the Gulf Islands of Samui, Phangan and Tao where you’ll need to wait a little longer until December or January. November suits Isan and the north too, and you could even time your trip with the lantern festivals of Chiang Mai (Loi Krathong and Yi Peng).

How many days do I need to see the best places in Thailand?

To see a wide variety of the destinations listed above you’d need at least 30 days, although to travel deeper we recommend 6 weeks. For a shorter trip, you could pick a region or two and delve into them in detail. Most first-time visitors will prefer to get a small taste of the country - perhaps Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a few islands down south - and that’s always a solid option.

How do I travel between the north, south and central areas?

Thailand’s size catches many people off guard and getting from Chiang Rai to Koh Lipe in the same trip can become a logistical nightmare. That being said, following these tips will put you in a better position. For starters, break up your trip with domestic flights where possible - especially long routes like Bangkok to Sukhothai, or Chiang Mai to Phuket. Next, book speedboats when island hopping instead of slow ferries. And finally, only use buses or trains for short trips, say 5-6 hours at the most.

40 Best Places to Visit in Thailand: From Pai to Phuket