-- Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Jonesy

Tropical white sandy beaches, sunsets with cocktails, historical ruins, Buddhist temples, waterfalls, amazing street food, and lush beach resorts with turquoise sea views are some of the images that spring to mind when visualizing Thailand…..

Where to go and what’s the best destinations to visit in Thailand are the questions frequently asked……..a heck of a lot via emails actually!

Some people just love chilling on holiday and beaching it; others love the big cities and temples while some travellers want to pack as many places into their itinerary as possible, which includes the historical sites. There’s also one group of visitors to the kingdom that aim to spend some time in Central, North and the South of Thailand which I did on my first stay in 2008……..

Back in 2008 I went from South to Central then on to the North, but instead of heading to Laos (neighbouring country) I flew straight back down to the southern islands, where I fell in love with Thailand (Laos did not happen in that 3 months – itinerary went out the window).

Whatever your style and flavour of travelling is you’ll find Thailand has numerous options even with kids to keep you on your toes or beach chairs for weeks or even months.

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go!
 

Bangkok – The Big Mango

It makes sense to mention Bangkok first as most visitors enter Thailand at Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) airport and need a couple of days to recuperate after the long haul flight. Some travellers will transfer straight on to other destinations from Suvarnabhumi and skip Bangkok; however, if you’re flying in from the west then a couple of nights’ break in the big mango might be ideal.

I know Bangkok is crazily busy, and I hated it the first time I came, but in a strange way it’s not as stressful as other big cities around the world as Thais are generally in less of a rush unlike my British folks back on the London tube train (Bangkok has an underground MRT and Skytrain).

Bangkok does activate all senses when first arriving in terms of smells, sounds and busyness. It’s a strange combination.

There’s plenty to do in the big city. You might want to visit the popular temples, go to the floating market, take a boat down the Chao Phraya River, get some cheap stuff from MBK (shopping mall), learn Thai cooking or even take a walk down Soi Cowboy or Nana Plaza (both gogo bar areas).

Even if you just go on a food adventure you’ll be amazed at how many cuisines you can find from around the world, and just superb Thai food.

Bangkok has nailed east meets west. You’ll see street food carts on one side of the street then a high end hotel with a restaurant on the other, a fish and chips shop with somtam (papaya salad) being bashed up in pesto and mortar across the street, and many other opposites seated next door to each other….it’s quite unique.

– Enjoy reading the latest articles about Bangkok here………

Chiang Mai – North Mountainous Regions

While we’re on the subject of cities, we have Chiang Mai that’s a must to mention known as the ‘Rose of the North’. It’s the biggest city in the most mountainous northern area of Thailand that has a slightly cooler climate, especially from November to February. Chiang Mai is also the name of the province.

Chiang Mai displays its cultural traditions more so than Bangkok which I found very noticeable when visiting for the Songkran festival (Thai new year) that continued for 10 days. I had to leave during the Songkran period after 4 days – ‘enough was enough’, but great for a couple of days.

The cultural traditions continue with over 300 Buddhist temples, although you might be better off focusing on visiting the top 5 which includes Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (Doi Suthep mountain), Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Umong, or you could mix in a couple of others that suit you for getting around.

Many foreigners visit Chiang Mai to see the hill tribes and to ride or spend time with elephants. I haven’t as yet found a good enough reason to promote this kind of tourism, although I am trying to find a 100% ethical elephant sanctuary to recommend. Hiring a car or a driver is my preferred way to see the hill tribes and environment as it seems more natural rather than turning up with a tour to take pictures of them, and Chiang Rai rather than Chiang Mai is best suited offering authenticity (less of a tourist trap).

Weekend and night markets, eating a traditional khantoke dinner (dates back to the Lanna Kingdom times), a boat trip on the Mae Ping River, drinking and dancing at the many bars and clubs, relaxing at the San Kamphaeng hot springs are all things to do in Chiang Mai, among others.

Another reason to head up north is to spend a day or two at the beautiful Chiang Rai.
 

Chiang Rai – Mountains, Waterfalls, Hot springs or 2 Nights at the Attractions?

Chiang Rai, although it’s a city it is much quieter than Chiang Mai and has less going on there, which is a good thing in one way. Well known for being located only 70km from the golden triangle, Chiang Rai’s city which is close to the borders of Laos and Myanmar forms the triangle of the three countries.

Most travellers know the city as a sleepy town with not much going on after visiting the main attractions, such as – the White Temple, Clock Tower, Black House, Oub Kham Museum, Hill-Tribes Museum and Education Centre, Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, Wat Phra Kaew, Weekend Night Markets and others.

History buffs love Chiang Rai because of the ancient Lanna history and cultural heritage that is woven very well into the places to see and things to do in the city.

Chiang Rai and its province reminds me of Nong Khai town and its province. This is because some of the real gems are further out of the city that includes, Waterfalls (Khun Korn, Huay Mae Sai, Pong Phrabat and the Huay Kaew Phu Kaeng), Chiang Rai’s Mountains (Phu Chi Fa, Doi Pha Tang, Doi Mae Salong, and Doi Tung) and some of the natural hot springs.

There are plenty of tours available for visiting the hill tribes and trekking if that’s on your list of things to do and see, and if you want to get out to the mountains and other places you can hire a car or hire a driver for the day and experience some of this amazing natural beauty.
 

Ayutthaya – The old Ancient second Capital

The historic city of Ayutthaya just 80 kilometres north of Bangkok was the prosperous second capital of Siam until the Burmese brought the Ayutthaya Kingdom to ruin during the 18th century. This is the place to visit that helps paint a picture of Thailand’s history.

Much of this World Heritage property was in ruins and still is. Fortunately, ruins of many of the important buildings have been fixed up, consolidated or restored.

The surviving mural paintings in the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana (temple) are a great piece of history to see, and this temple is a perfect spot to take pictures before sunset – among other places within the historical park. 4.30 – 6.00pm is the ideal time for sunset views and pics.

Wat Mahathat (has a Buddha head within the tree), Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon (has a reclining Buddha and tall Chedi), and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (three Pagodas) are just three of the fascinating temple ruins you can tour. There’s lots more to explore in this historical park.

With Ayutthaya being situated just 80km from Bangkok you can go on a day visit, but you won’t have enough time to see and absorb it all. I would recommend 2 or 3 nights, if possible.

It’s not too hard to envisage Ayutthaya in its former glory.
 

Kanchanaburi – History of World War II

Just 2.5 – 3 hours west of Bangkok by car is the wonderful town of Kanchanaburi, best known for the film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ with the railway being named Death Railway (also known as the Siam–Burma Railway, the Thai–Burma Railway and other names). Not a delightful history at all, but a good reminder of the devastating effects of war.

Many of the attractions and things to see are geared towards what happened during World War II, including Wampo Viaduct, Hellfire Pass (be prepared for walking and the heat), JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and others. However, if your thirst for wartime history is minimal you can check out the bridge and one or two other places, then see what else Kanchanaburi offers………

The Khmer Prasat Muang Singh historical park located 30 minutes from the city may be worth visiting if you have time free. This place is like a mini version of Angkor Wat found in Cambodia (of course on a much smaller scale).

Erawan national park with its Waterfalls and Phra That Cave are located less than an hour’s drive (56km) from Kanchanaburi town is well worth visiting. Buses and taxis can take you to Erawan falls from the town and bring you back.

You can also take a trip to Sai Yak Noi waterfall from Kanchanaburi town via train until the last station of the Death Railway line (Nam Tok Station), then walk a few hundred meters to the waterfall.

Taking the scenic route to Kanchanaburi by train to and from Bangkok that only costs a mere 100THB (approx $3) is worth a mention. They might not offer the comfort and services of the Orient Express trains, but it’s a great way to see the countryside.
 

— See Kanchanaburi Travel Guides & Articles

Krabi Province and its Islands

Krabi, on the southwest coast of Thailand is one of the top places to go for the best beaches and islands. It’s the place where I first arrived and stayed in the country and fell in love with Thailand, back in 2008.

Krabi is a province with the main town also named Krabi that has over 200 islands and islets, with probably over 80 that can be visited, although it’s best to stick to the main islands. Flights from Bangkok and other Thailand destinations land 14 km from the town making these great beaches very accessible.

The majestic rock formations when passing through this area of Thailand just draw you into wanting to see more, especially to see the white sanded beaches.

I’m going to run through some of the islands I have stayed at or visited which will give you an idea of what’s on offer in Krabi.

Starting with Ao Nang and Railey beach makes sense, although you could spend a quiet night in the town……

Ao Nang and Railey Beach (Krabi)- Island Hopping it Is

Ao Nang was never my first choice of places in Krabi because it’s the tourist hub and has a bit of a mini Phuket feeling to it. However, it’s the perfect location for exploring the other islands and for some travellers on their first visit to the islands of Thailand I can see how Ao Nang makes perfect sense as it provides all you need for a holiday and it’s a good gateway and introduction place.

I’m not saying the beach of Ao Nang is not beautiful as it sure is, it’s just very touristic and not as spectacular as others.

Jumping on the long tail boat to and from Ao Nang to Railay beach is a must-do, it’s extremely beautiful and the sort of place you would have seen in the best pictures of Thailand. You can access Railay from other places, although Ao Nang is the most popular and convenient for most.

The three main beaches if you head over to Railay that are all worth checking out is Railay West, Tonsai and Phra Nang beach and its cave. Railay is a climber’s paradise, and if you can get yourself in a kayak – jump in one from Railay West and head round to Phra Nang Cave beach, or you can go the old-fashioned way, by foot.

Koh Poda (6km), Koh Po Da Nok (Kok Hua Kuan Island) and a bunch of other small islands are excellent places for snorkelling just 6 – 7 kilometres from Ao Nang’s shore (less than 30 mins by longtail boat).

 
Tip: Wherever you see a Koh, it means island in Thai language. Pronounced Goh in Thai.

Koh Lanta (Krabi) – The Slow Tropical Island Life

If you like high-rise hotels along the beach and rows of beer bars with a gogo bar style walking street then Koh Lanta isn’t for you. Nothing wrong with all that; it’s just not here!

Exotic Lanta is a large island that’s around 6 km wide and over 30 km long, with long stretches of white sandy beaches, stunning scenery to die for, and just everything a tropical island should be.

I used to jump on a motorbike and head down the south of the island where the views are just magnificent, and the beaches along the way are exquisitely peaceful.

The accommodation on the island varies from extremely cheap huts to outstanding beach resorts, but prices have gone way up since I first came in 2008. Backpackers and middle to high-end travellers are all well catered for, but as I usually mention, the mid-range is where the real deal is at – you get very comfortable for 2000 ($66) – 4000THB ($132) a night.

You can get to Koh Lanta from Krabi airport, or the town and Ao Nang. Ferries cross from Krabi town, and if you’re renting a car – that can go with you.

You could easily spend a week or more in Koh Lanta, and it’s ideal for families not wanting the hustle and bustle of some of the bigger places in Thailand (i,e,. Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui etc.), and big enough to do some stuff and get around.

Koh Phi Phi Islands (Krabi)

A quick mention about the islands of Koh Phi Phi that are very well known and not to be missed. The boat trips I took from there was magnificent including the emerald cave, and one day we were swimming with dolphins playing a couple of hundred meters away, which was very special.

The only issue I have with Phi Phi is that it’s overrun with tourists for its size. Would say it’s best suited for a night or two, then jump on a boat to somewhere else after exploring the islands.

Definitely worth a visit, but it’s crowded.

Koh Samet, Koh Chang & Koh Kood

I want to mention these three islands together as they are all on the west of Thailand’s gulf; however, they’re quite different and cater for various styles of travel. All have superb beaches though, with Koh Kood coming tops on the tropical paradise scale.

It is possible to spend time on all three coming from Bangkok if possible. I have found this side of Thailand much easier to travel.

Flights go from Bangkok to Trat (nearest airport), buses and minivans from Bangkok, and Koh Samet is close enough to take a taxi from BKK.

Let’s see what these three islands have to offer………………….

Koh Samet – A Taxi Ride from Bangkok

I shall mention Koh Samet first as this is the closest island to Bangkok and only a 3 – 4 hour drive away, with a taxi costing around 2500THB ($83 approx) each way. Minivans and buses only cost around 600THB if you’re budgeting that you can look into.

If you want to get to a beach as close to Bangkok as possible then this is the best, and much better than Pattaya or Hua Hin, but not the best of Thailand (convenience is one of its selling points).

Samet’s location makes it a popular island for Thai people to get to and from Bangkok for a weekend getaway quickly. These types of places I like because they have a good balance of Thai people and foreigners as the tourism stuff is not so in your face.

Samet is a small island that’s only 6.8 kilometres in length with long stretches of beautiful white sanded beaches, and much of it is a National Park. Haad Sai Kaew and Ao Phai beaches are the most popular, with many places to eat and drink, and Ao Wai beach is the quietest, more underdeveloped and better for swimming

Beachfront bungalows to luxury resorts are a bit pricey nowadays, although still affordable and worth it. There are some decent cheap backpacker options available, but nothing like years ago when it was much more of a backpacker’s place.

Koh Chang – Tropical Family Getaway Island

Koh Chang is a much bigger island (Thailand’s third largest) that’s much more developed than the above-mentioned Koh Samet. Koh Chang is around 120km from Koh Samet (3 hour’s drive), and Trat airport is around 20 minute’s drive to the ferry port, then a ferry takes around 45 minutes.

There are plenty of beaches and all with different vibes suitable for various traveler types at Koh Chang. Although it’s well developed there are quiet serene places to be found away from the crowds.

You can go snorkelling, diving, try a Thai cooking class, elephant bathing, jungle trekking, paddle boarding, island hopping, take a bicycle tour, go sea kayaking, do a bit of Yoga, try disc golf, and lots of other stuff is going on. Jet Ski rental is forbidden, which pleases many people, including me.

Over recent years Koh Chang like many beach and island destinations in Thailand has developed into a family type holiday place. However, it has escaped ‘so far’ from western brands like Mcdonalds’, Burger King and others, unlike Phuket (less spoiled some would say).

The great thing about Chang is it’s not quite Phuket on the scale of tourism, but it has what a lot of westerners seek for a family holiday, and anything needed is not too far away. It also caters well for backpackers still, so no worries if you need to find a reggae bar and a cheap hut to rent for the night.

Koh Kood – Tropical Serenity

Koh Kood is a kind of satellite island of Koh Chang, although it is still a large island (25km long and 12km wide). This is the place that made me want to include the east of Thailand’s gulf islands (Koh Samet, Chang and Kood), as it’s just paradise without the mass tourism stuff and looks and feels remarkably natural.

It’s only in recent years that this island began having daily boats dropping and picking visitors up. It used to just accommodate Thai’s going for a few days packaged holidays and never even had a backpacker scene getting tourism started, unlike most other islands.

Koh Kood is much like Koh Chang with its mountainous jungle appearance and long stretches of white sand, just without the big hotels and usual mass tourism stuff, and it’s smaller. Still the 5th largest in Thailand, apparently!

There are now more budget-friendly places to stay on the island, although you can still spend a night at the Soneva Kiri for $3000 a night if your wallet is bursting at its seams with cash.

You can visit Koh Kood by speed boat from Koh Chang during the high season (Nov – May) and another beauty of an island named ‘Koh Mak’. Or you can spend a few nights in Koh Kood, then head over to Koh Chang or vice versa.

Phuket – Beauty & Convenience

While Phuket weighs heavily on the mass tourism side of things when it comes to islands and destinations in Thailand, and it would not be my top of the list of best islands – it has plenty going on for the right kind of traveller and it’s perfectly situated for island hopping by boat (i,e,. Phi Phi, James Bond, Similan, Racha, Koh Yao Noi & Yai and others).

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island (approx 30 miles – 48.7 km – long and 13 miles – 21.3 km – wide) and connects to the mainland via two bridges. There are plenty of transport options for getting to and from the island, and it has its own airport with budget flights arriving and departing to other destinations in Thailand daily, making it super convenient.

Every type of person visits Phuket, from the rich and famous to budget backpackers and everything in between. Accommodation, eating out and getting around options cater for all budgets, and it suits families that require everything a family needs, unlike smaller islands.

There’s plenty of nightlife going on in Phuket so young travellers and single guys have plenty to do until the early hours of the morning.

I would say Phuket is the best place for travellers that want to see the islands while staying on a large island, and with all the amenities they could possibly need. You’ll be able to absorb what this tropical mountainous region with plenty of large white sanded beaches and blue waters just like any other island offers; it just comes with the added commercial tourism stuff (naturally, it’s not the Thailand of 20 yrs ago, of course).
 

Phang Nga Bay & Province

I was heading to the coast of Ranong going to Myanmar by car when I first came into contact with the province of Phang Nga in 2008 and was blown away by the amazing rain forests and limestone rock formations that were even more outstanding than what I had seen further down south in Krabi.

Phang Nga is a large province above Phuket province, and its island can be accessed via the Sarasin Bridge to and from Phuket. It’s not visited anywhere near as much as Phuket, although the island boat trips from Phuket also cover islands in Phang Nga bay (i.e., Koh Yao Noi & Yai, James Bond island, Similan islands and others).

The wondrous Phang Nga Bay, with its emerald green waters and vertical limestone rock formations are the main attraction to this province, however, there other fantastic sightseeing attractions here if you’re able to get yourself transport and step away from the typical tourist trail.

Here are some of the attractions and things to do within the province of Phang Nga not to be missed…………….

• Surin Islands (Mu Ko Surin National Park)
• Similan Islands
• June Bahtra Phang Nga Bay Cruises (highly rated boat trips)
• James Bond Island Tour (Khao Ping Kan)
• Wat Suwan Kuha
• Wat Bang Riang
• Hat Khao Lak
• Ao Phang-Nga National Park
• Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
• Raman Waterfall Forest Park
• Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Turtle Nursery
• Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Thai Chang
• Hell garden at Wat Tham Ta Pan
• Monkey fun at Wat Suwan Khuha
• Phung Chang Cave

As you can see, there is plenty to do and see in Phang Nga on land, beach and sea, which I cannot cover in enough detail here to credit it sufficiently.

Much of the island stuff can be done from Phuket if the convenience of the island suits you, but if you can get transport and want to get away from the main tourist trail then Phang Nga is a real experience and an adventure not to be missed.
 

Koh Samui, Koh Phang Ngan and Koh Tao

The Chumphon Archipelago of islands is located in the Gulf of Thailand, the opposite side of the Gulf where Koh Chang is located. The biggest of these islands is Samui which is the second biggest in Thailand, following Phuket, and it’s much like Phuket in many ways, although Phuket has better island hopping options.

Koh Samui is the kind of full-on everything you need on an island which is family-friendly that’s built up with hotels, resorts, hospitals, shopping malls etc, and has plenty of nightlife that’s more of a package holiday destination, whereas Koh Phang Ngan is much less built up, less touristy, much more serene and natural – although it can certainly party there (full and half moon parties memories come to mind)…………

Koh Tao is even more laid back than Phang Ngan and a lot smaller than both islands with diving and snorkelling being top-notch stuff to do here and wins above the other two islands in this department.

Samui is the only island that has an airport, making it convenient to fly from other Thai destinations and back. All islands are accessible via the port at Surat Thani, with ferries crossing daily, and Surat Thani has good transport options from other destinations, including trains from Bangkok that pass through Hua Hin.

Let’s grab a little insight into these three islands.

Koh Samui

As mentioned above Samui is a great island for families travelling that need all the amenities they can have on an island and the right sort of comfort. The water parks give you an idea of how Samui has been geared more towards families over recent years, which includes the Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park, Aquapark Samui and the Pink Elephant Samui Water Park.

Samui is not just for families and does cater for all kinds of travelers, from those needing a 5 star resort to cheaper beach bungalows for backpackers and budget-minded folk. That’s always the great thing about the bigger islands like Samui and Phuket – ‘plenty of options’.

There are around 12 beaches on this 2nd biggest island of Thailand, with lush white sands and blue hues of water. Chaweng beach is the busiest of all, so if you need to be in the thick of it (nightlife and all that)….it’s the beach to be. Lamai beach is probably the 2nd largest, but it owns much more peacefulness. You can check out several kilometres of Bophut beach, which is emerging as one of the top places to stay because of its prime location, mostly.

The yellowish sanded quieter beach of Maenam is well worth checking out. It does not have all the amenities of others; however, a 15-minute drive gets you to Chaweng.

If Koh Samui is calling you then dig deeper to see if it’s the most suitable destination for you, as there is a lot about the island to take in.

Koh Phang Ngan

The main similarities between Koh Samui and Koh Phang Ngan is the location in the Gulf of Thailand, great white sanded beaches surrounded in perfect hues of blue, and it stops there in terms of the type of island it is and the visitors it attracts.

Backpackers, younger hedonistic folk (some older), divers & snorkelers, yoga-loving nomads, natural nature seekers and others all find this island adorable. There’s a lot to do on and off water apart from beach bumming it!

Of course, Phang Ngan is known around the world for its full moon in full glory all night beach parties, and rightly so, it’s full-on, at Haad Rin beach. I spent a week staying at the bungalows at Haad Rin, and while it was a heck of a lot of fun, I shall not be doing it again (I’m way too old for that now). You gotta be smart at these parties or at least be with someone who is smart when boozing for safety purposes.

Koh Phang Ngan is best suited for backpackers, singles, couples and young folk rather than families and average holidaymakers that need plenty of amenities.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is the smallest of the three Chumphon Archipelago islands well known for its coral reef. Also known as Turtle island with the most popular turtles inhabited here being the Green Turtles and the Hawksbill Turtles.

Because of its abundant marine life, Koh Tao is a go-to place for divers, and it’s also excellent for snorkelling with its clear waters. The rocky hilltops above the turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches can satisfy one’s thirst for scenic sea views. Rock climbing is another popular activity on the island.

Had enough of diving or snorkelling? Then grab a kayak, Tao is one of the best places for kayaking down the south of the island.

There’s a good selection of accommodation options on the island, from budget guesthouses and beach bungalows to five-star luxury resorts.

Like Koh Phang Ngan – Koh Tao is best suited for backpackers, singles, couples and young folk rather than families and average holidaymakers that need plenty of amenities. And of course, divers as it’s a divers paradise, and those that wish to do their open water course.

The one thing that looms over this island’s tropical and beautiful head is concerns about safety since the murders of the British backpacking couple in 2014 and other serious incidents. My best advice is to do your own research and decide if you are happy to go as 100’000’s tourists still visit annually without issues, but we know there have been disturbing problems, although these are not only concerning this island.

Summary

All the above destinations are popular in Thailand, apart from places to visit within Phang Nga province and within Chiang Rai province, which have sights to see that are much less visited by tourists. There’s an island and beach to suit every type of traveller, and if temples, mountains, waterfalls, or trekking is your thing then you have the north.

If you’re a history buff then central Thailand (Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi) aims to please.

• Before travelling always put your safety first (see Travel safety in Thailand advice).
• It also makes sense to learn what you can about money, ATM’s and currency exchange before heading to Thailand (See Travel Money Articles).