8 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Bangkok is a colorful representation of greater Thailand, with ancient wonders, magnificent temples, and an endless blend of contemporary contrasting with tradition.

The city can feel overwhelming at times, but Thailand’s capital is a fantastic place to dive into the country's culture and landscape. The familiar seems exotic, the exotic seems familiar, and there is much joy to be found in the canals and riverways, markets and food carts, skyscrapers and temples.

Whether exploring iconic places in Bangkok like Siam and Sukhumvit or cruising across the Chao Phraya River to discover ornate temples and enjoy more top things to do, the city is an endless reservoir of enchanting experiences.

Highlights: Grand Palace • Wat Traimit • Talat Mai • Wat Pho • Wat Arun • Wat Suthat

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days

Learn more: Bangkok Vacation Packages • Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Phuket is a slice of spice and paradise, and the embodiment of Thailand’s island living. It is the largest and one of Thailand’s best islands, where the country’s flavor and tropical charms culminate along the coastline.

Beaches shine with white and golden sands giving way to dazzling jade waves. Coral reefs host fish that glow with rainbow colors, while temples, kitchens, and historical mansions reflect the island’s unique cultural heritage.

Phuket is an island of famous flavors and a majestic coastline, making every twist and turn a chance for you to have a new experience.

Highlights: Sirinat National Park • Karon Viewpoint • Similan Islands National Park • Phuket Big Buddha • Rawai Village

Recommended Length of Stay: 4-5 days

You will find a different side of a Thailand metropolis in Chiang Mai, one of the country’s most romantic destinations to visit.

With a relaxed pace set against charming architecture, it is the opposite of Bangkok's endless bustle and glitz. Surrounded by lush countryside and untouched rainforests with serene waterfalls and peaceful cultural villages, the city offers you a place to recharge.

Beyond the boundaries of modern culture, Chiang Mai allows you to experience the food, temples, and connection to local culture, including the chance to see inspiring wildlife.

Highlights: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep • Gate Market • Doi Pui • Doi Inthanon • Wat Chedi Luang • Wat Prasingh

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days

Krabi represents the dream of Thailand’s Andaman Sea, with unforgettable karsts that create limestone fortresses hanging over idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-lined shores.

Colorful coral reefs create underwater worlds hidden in the turquoise waters, while blankets of lush jungle overtake the landscape. Whether snorkeling or hiking to see the spoils of Krabi, one of the best Thailand vacation spots, the top things to do will introduce you to a coastal jewel.

Krabi will steep you in natural beauty and give you access to a mixture of thrilling adventures or rejuvenating relaxation as you discover how it can be the symbol of tropical Thailand, yet remain relatively untouched.

Highlights: Ao Maya • Hat Tham Phra Nang • Railay Beach • Mu Ko Lanta National Park • Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park • Wat Tham Seua

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days

You will find the joys of island life in Koh Samui as exclusivity meets accessibility, offering an excellent escape for travelers seeking the best time in Thailand to avoid crowds.

The beaches offer a fantastic getaway to fine sands and fishing villages, while restaurants capture the essence of Thai and international cuisine made with local ingredients.

From lounging in the sun to diving into the sea, Koh Samui can immerse you in the beauty of leisure, the serenity of nature, and the opportunity for endless activities.

Highlights: Ang Thong National Marine Park • Tarnim Magic Garden • Phra Yai Temple Complex • Wat Plai Laem • Koh Taen • Bophut Beach

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days

Khao Yai National Park celebrates nature's splendor and the underappreciated beauty of Thailand’s wilderness and wildlife.

As the oldest and most visited national park in the country, Khao Yai National Park brims with possible animal sightings, from biggons to macaques, tigers to elephants. Rated one of the best national parks in Asia, you can explore the monsoon forest on a hike, cycle the winding lanes, discover the raging waterfalls, or scour the distinctive landscape for animal sightings at night.

As chasing waterfalls and exploring the Thai wilderness are some of the top experiences for families, Khao Yai National Park is one of the best places in Thailand for all ages.

Highlights: Haew Suwat Waterfall • Haew Narok Waterfall • Khao Khiau Viewpoint • Nong Pak Chi Observation Tower • Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

The ancient lowland jungle of Khao Sok National Park reflects one of the world’s oldest rainforests and will immerse you in a wonderland of hidden waterfalls and caves.

From breathtaking lakes to deep valleys, limestone mountains to winding rivers, Khao Sok National Park reflects Thailand’s natural treasures that are often overlooked for the popular beaches.

With over 300 bird species, a variety of bats, and possible sightings of swinging gibbons to majestic elephants, or even the elusive clouded leopard, by visiting Khao Sok National Park, you can truly experience the layered charms of Thailand’s nature.

Highlights: Cheow Lan Lake • Sok River • Hiking • Than Sawan Waterfall

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Koh Phangan is a center for tranquility and relaxation, with endless charm stemming from the white-sand beaches and serene towns.

Rugged granite coastline gives way to a hilly tropical jungle, sheltered coves, and mouthwatering food stalls, with shores easily accessible from Koh Samui.

Scuba dive, snorkel, lounge on the beach, or trek into the jungle for pristine panoramas as you embrace the idyllic mixture of land and sea, no matter what you do on Koh Phangan.

Highlights: Chaloklum Food Market • Nam Tok Phaeng • Chedi Wat Nai • Hat Than Sadet • Hat Wai Nam

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to experience Thailand. Twelve to 15 days give you time to enjoy the highlights at a comfortable pace.

It is easy enough to visit Thailand’s main points of interest in 10 days, but you will feel rushed. Instead, two weeks gives you enough time to explore the highlights and extraordinary destinations for an experience tailored to you.

Learn more: 12-Day Thailand Itineraries • 2-Week Thailand Itineraries • 2-Week Thai Island Hopping Itineraries

Thailand captures ancient charm and modern luxuries, preserved tradition and natural beauty, with each region offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Thailand bursts with things to do, all immersing you in ancient heritage and natural splendor, and you can experience it all on our Thailand tours. For more helpful tips and inspiration, explore our Thailand travel guide.