Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Thailand and What to Avoid

Choosing where to go in Thailand can be overwhelming. The options are vast—from the stunning beaches of the Andaman Coast to the culinary wonders of Chiang Mai, and the historic

Buddhist temples along with the ancient

, the country's first capital. You might find it hard to decide!

Having spent a decade living and working in various parts of Thailand, I’ve come to know its hidden gems. Each winter, I settle in Chiang Mai, and it felt time to share my top picks for the best locations in Thailand—I've experienced them all!

Thailand is a travel paradise—friendly locals, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and incredibly safe. Here are the top places to explore in Thailand.

Before you head out, check out my Thailand Travel Tips post for insights on

best travel times, transportation, eSIM cards, and banking.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, helping maintain this blog.

Thailand Highlights at a Glance

• Best for newcomers: Bangkok & Chiang Mai
• Best nature: Khao Yai National Park & Khao Sok Lake
• Best beaches: Similan Islands
• Best diving: Ko Tao
• Best historical sites: Sukhothai
• Most overrated: Phuket (in my view)
• Ideal visiting months: October/November

A monk strolls through the serene Wat Suthat temple courtyard in Bangkok.

Bangkok

Bangkok showcases a vibrant mix of traditional and modern cultures, with sleek shopping centers just steps from historic Buddhist temples. The city features an efficient metro system that simplifies getting around. Renowned for its exceptional medical services, Bangkok is a major center for

medical tourism

.

Visit iconic landmarks, including the Grand Palace

Wat Phra Kaew, home of the

Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered artifact dating back to the 13th-14th centuries. The entry fee is 500 baht for foreigners. It’s smart to book online through

to avoid long lines. (Dress appropriately; cover your knees and wear long sleeves, or you’ll need to rent clothing.)

Nearby, don't miss Wat Pho, famous for its reclining Buddha, and the stunning Wat Arun across the river. (Each has a 200 baht entry fee.)

For more activities in the capital, check out my comprehensive Bangkok Guide!

Accommodations in Bangkok

Opt for places near the train lines for easy access. I prefer the Siam area.

• Hostels in Bangkok: I enjoyed staying at Bed Block One Hostel ($16 USD/night), conveniently located close to Siam (Ratchathewi BTS) and the airport train.
• Hotels in Bangkok: My favorite is Holiday Inn Express Siam ($88 USD/night), just a short walk from the BTS in Thong Lor. For a splurge, consider Chatrium Grand ($188 USD/night) or VIE Hotel Bangkok ($215 USD/night).

Preparing for Your Trip

Currency: Thai Baht (THB) Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler weather. October offers lush landscapes post-monsoon. Travel Insurance: Safeguard yourself with SafetyWing travel medical insurance for accidents and delays.

Mobile eSIM Card: Enjoy worldwide connectivity with

without the hassle of physical SIM cards. (Use code

AIRALOESIM10!)

Wat Chiang Man, a hidden gem in Chiang Mai’s old city.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the go-to culinary hotspot in Northern Thailand. Wander through the old town, a 1.5 km square encircled by original walls and a moat, to admire Wat Chedi Luang, dating back to 1441. Ascend the 306 steps to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located just outside the city. Don't miss the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a sprawling market ideal for savoring khao soi, a delicious soup curry. A cooking class at Grandma’s Home Cooking School is also a must, along with a visit to the

.

For more insights, check my .

Chiang Mai Guide

Top Accommodations in Chiang Mai

HOTELS: In the trendy Nimman area, consider ($38 USD/night) and Hotel YaYee ($138 USD/night), known for their incredible rooftop bars.

($65 USD) offers a modern, family-run experience on a quiet street.

In the old city’s southwest, Marigold Lanna ($50 USD/night) and the stunning pool at Smile Lanna Hotel ($82 USD/night) are popular choices.

HOSTELS: In the Old City, consider ($10 USD/night) or The Common Hostel, which features private bunks with curtains. In Nimman, Pakping Hostel and Ray Hostel ($13-14 USD/night) offer great locations and ratings.

Exploring Southeast Asia

Check out my guides for Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Vietnam, and

Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai features unique art, including Hello Kitty and Keanu Reeves.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is often overlooked but is worth a visit for the stunning Wat Rong Khun. This contemporary art temple, created by Chalermchai Kositpipat, opened in 1997 and remains a work in progress. It’s open daily with a small entry fee (50 Baht/$1.39 USD).

Another local artist, Thawan Duchanee, designed the black temple (Baan Dam Museum), which presents a dark interpretation of Buddhist philosophy. Don’t miss the blue temple, Wat Rong Seur Ten, and the hilltop Buddha at Wat Huay Place Kang. Chiang Rai offers great food, budget accommodations, impressive temples, and serves as a base for nearby excursions. The evening light show at the downtown clock is delightful, and there are numerous day-trip tours available from Chiang Mai.

Left: Two Huts, a popular sunset spot in Pai. Right: The Pai Village Boutique Resort.

Pai

Everyone loves Pai, a mountain town with beach vibes. This bohemian enclave, surrounded by lush mountains, is a favorite destination in Northern Thailand. The city center bustles with trekking agencies, boutiques, and restaurants. The walking street comes alive at night, but quieter spots can be found on the outskirts. Highlights include Pai Canyon, the waterfalls of Pam Bok and Mae Yen, and the Tha Pai Hot Spring.

Recommended Places to Stay in Pai

For rice field views, check out the serene Yoma Hotel ($58 USD/night) or Buzzas @ Pai Chan, a backpacker’s haven at $26 USD/night. Pai Village Boutique Resort ($160 USD/night) offers luxury right on the walking street.

A reflection of Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai, Thailand’s first ancient capital.

Sukhothai & Ayutthaya

If ancient Buddhist ruins excite you, don’t miss these two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam, flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries, while Ayutthaya became the second. Both sites are easily reachable by bus.

Sukhothai lies midway between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Rent a bicycle at the park entrance to explore the area effortlessly (it’s flat and easy to navigate!). Vendors are restricted within the walled ruins, ensuring peaceful exploration. For directions on reaching the park, check out this post. I stayed at

TR Guesthouse ($14 USD/night for a private room) during my last visit, and I enjoyed it.

Ayutthaya’s ruins are renowned for a Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat. Right: Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Rajaworaviharn at Si Satchanalai.

For a unique experience, extend your stay to visit Si Satchanalai, another hidden gem just 60 kilometers away, also under UNESCO protection. (Si Satchanalai served as the spiritual center while Sukhothai was the political hub of Thailand.)

Ayutthaya is located 80 miles north of Bangkok and can be explored on a day tour. Unlike Sukhothai, the ruins in Ayutthaya are spread out with numerous vendors. A guided tour is advisable for easier navigation. While both UNESCO sites are worth visiting, I find Sukhothai less crowded and more pleasant.

Park rangers assist traffic at Khao Yai National Park for a wild elephant crossing.

Khao Yai National Park

To see wild elephants, make sure to visit Thailand’s first national park. Located

only three hours from Bangkok, this 2,206 square kilometer UNESCO site is also renowned among bird-watchers. During my visit to

Khao Yai National Park, I was amazed by the wildlife diversity, from elephants to gibbons and hornbills.

A vehicle is essential for your visit, or you can book a tour. If you're pressed for time, a day tour from Bangkok works well.

Consider taking the train to the closest station, Pak Chong, and staying a few nights. I recommend booking tours and lodging through Greenleaf Guesthouse & Tour. (Their website may look outdated, but it’s reliable.) For more information, refer to

my Khao Yai National Park guide.

Exploring Southern Thailand

Choosing between the Andaman Coast and the Gulf Islands can be tricky when visiting Thailand’s beaches. The Gulf Islands, including Ko Tao, Ko Samui, and Ko Pha-Ngan, are closely situated, while the Andaman Coast islands are more scattered. Both offer white sandy beaches and clear waters, but the Andaman Coast is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs. (The waters are clearer in the Gulf, but the west coast has vibrant marine life.)

To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of Thai beaches and islands—I’ve explored them all—as many feel overly commercialized. (I only enjoy the Similan Islands and Khao Lak.) Avoid the rainy season when beaches can become littered with debris, including plastic. This is a widespread issue throughout Southeast Asia.

Gulf Coast Islands of Thailand

Ko Tao

Ko Samui

ferry ticket

Ko Pha-Ngan

Ko Samet

Traveling to Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha-Ngan

Flying to Ko Samui from Bangkok is convenient, as well as from various international locations. (The airport, owned by Bangkok Airways, is one of the coolest airports I’ve ever visited.) Ferries easily connect the other islands.

The most economical way to reach these islands is via a bus/ferry combination from Bangkok’s southern bus terminal. The train/bus/ferry route is also an option, but I found the bus/ferry combo easier.

From Krabi, you’ll need a van/ferry combination. Both 12Go.asia and Klook offer seamless transport packages for all island destinations.

Andaman Sea Islands of Thailand

Long-tail boats anchored on the shores of Ko Phi-Phi Don in Southern Thailand.

Krabi

Krabi Town serves as a primary transport hub surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Ao Naug and Railay are the top beaches nearby. While Ao Naug isn’t the most attractive, it’s a good spot to catch a boat to Railay, a tiny picturesque beach village accessible only by boat.

Phuket

Phuket is the most famous of Thai islands and also the largest, spanning 30 miles long. Travelers need to carefully choose their accommodation areas. Transport between the main town and beaches can be costly. Known for luxury, I recently stayed at J.W. Marriott, which caters more to families.

Phuket doesn’t capture the essence of Thailand, so it’s not my favorite. However, a stroll through Phuket town reveals beautiful historical architecture. Phuket is also a great transport hub for access to other islands.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a serene town with a lovely beach located an hour north of Phuket. Over the past few years, I’ve volunteered there with an NGO, the Foundation for Education and Development. Khao Lak serves as an excellent base for day trips to the Similan and Surin Islands, Khao Sok, and Khao Lak/Lam Ru National Parks. Klook offers day trips with complimentary pickup.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands Marine National Park boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Southeast Asia and is a prime location for diving and snorkeling. (Ko Bon and Ko Tachai offer the best underwater experiences, free from coral bleaching.) Overnight stays were restricted in 2018. (Divers can stay on live-aboards.)

The islands close annually from May 15 – October 15 for ecological restoration. (Koh Tachai, one of the park’s most beautiful islands, is expected to reopen soon after nine years of rehabilitation.) Plan a diving trip or day snorkeling excursion from Phuket or Khao Lak. (I booked day trips to the Similan Islands through Klook, which includes pickups in Phuket, Khao Lak, and Krabi.)

Khao Sok National Park is an easy day trip from Khao Lak, but consider spending one or two nights for a richer experience!

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s hidden treasures. Centered around Chiaw Lan Lake, this area features stunning limestone formations and some of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world, dating back 160 million years. Enjoy jungle treks to spot over 300 bird species, explore caves, or relax in the calm lake waters. Day trips are available from Surat Thani or Khao Lak, or you can opt to stay overnight in a luxurious lodge or floating raft houses. If you only have time for a day trip, consider booking through

Klook, which I use for

day trips.

Ko Phi-Phi Islands

Ko Phi-Phi Don is a popular backpacker destination reachable by ferry from Phuket or Krabi. While I found the beaches littered, the evening fire shows were a highlight. Nearby Ko Phi-Phi Leh is a national park island with breathtaking landscapes, featuring famous limestone cliffs seen in the film “The Beach.” This island is a popular day trip for snorkeling. Klook offers excellent rates for day trips from Ko Phi-Phi Don, Krabi, and Phuket.

Traveling to Phuket and Krabi on Thailand’s West Coast

Phuket has the largest airport with international flights, while Krabi is usually a more affordable option from Bangkok. Phuket is also accessible via overnight bus from Bangkok. Numerous ferries connect all the islands, so plan to arrive early for same-day ferries.

Refer to my Thailand Travel Tips post for insights on travel timing, transportation, eSIMs, and banking!