Wondering Where To Go In Thailand?
Are you planning your first trip to Thailand and looking for the best places to go?
If so, welcome! I’m excited that you are here because Thailand is one of my all-time favourite destinations and I think you are going to love it as much as I do!
Thailand is a beautiful and diverse country in Southeast Asia that has something for every type of traveler. There are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand, from exciting, buzzing cities to stunning tropical islands and jungle covered mountains, and there’s so many things to do in Thailand from exploring ancient Buddhist temples to eating your way through lively night markets – you’ll never get bored!
Also known as ‘the Land of Smiles’, Thailand is a very welcoming, safe, easy, and affordable for travelers, so it’s no wonder that Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
There are so many beautiful places to see in Thailand that it can be difficult to decide where to go when creating your Thailand itinerary, especially if you are a first-time visitor. But don’t worry, I’ll help you!
I’ve spent A LOT of time traveling all over and living in different parts of Thailand. So I’ve put together this list of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers to help you plan your trip.
For more tips on traveling in Thailand check out my comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide and my post on how to plan a trip to Thailand for the first time.
The Best Places to Visit in Thailand
Best Cities to Visit in Thailand
Thailand’s lively cities offer the best insight into this country’s fascinating culture, history and food. Even if you can’t wait to get to the beach, it would be a shame to miss exploring some of Thailand’s best cities like:
Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is Thailand’s capital city and is often the first stop for travelers in Thailand.
This buzzing, exciting, modern metropolis that never sleeps has so much to offer. From golden temples and floating markets to soaring skyscrapers and modern malls, from delicious street food to high-end rooftop bars, and everything in between.
Even if you are keen to get to the islands, Bangkok is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers because it is home to many iconic sights and a good introduction to Thailand.
There are so many things to see and do in Bangkok that I’d recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Bangkok to see the famous attractions and get an insight into Thai life at the start of your adventure.
There’s MANY temples in Bangkok, but one of the main attractions in the Thai capital that you can’t miss from your Bangkok itinerary is the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the temple of the Emerald Buddha.) This is a dazzling and intricate complex of historic buildings, palaces and temples that was once the royal palace and residence of the Thai royal family.
Another must-see is Wat Pho, (the temple of the giant reclining Buddha) home to a 46-meter long statue of Buddha covered in gold leaf. Nearby, you’ll also find Wat Arun (the temple of dawn) a beautiful temple with a unique architectural style that towers over the river.
And because Bangkok was known as the ‘Venice of the East’, no trip is complete without taking to the water – either take a a local ferry or scenic cruise along the Chao Praya River for a refreshing way to experience the city’s stunning skyline or stay in one of Bangkok’s boutique hotels on the riverside. If you want to get off the beaten track take a tour along the canals and backstreets to see a more authentic side of the Thai capital away from the modern skyscrapers and shopping malls.
Another Thailand bucket list experience is visiting Damnoen Saduak floating market, just outside the city, where boats still ply the canals offering everything from fresh produce and snacks to souvenirs. The floating markets have become very touristy but it’s still a unique and fun experience to have and this half day tour combines with the train market where you’ll see vendors jump out of the way of the train!
Bangkok has many modern malls and a futuristic sky train, but for a unique shopping experience head to Chatuchak Weekend Market – it’s one of the largest in the world and a popular spot for bargain hunting with over 15,000 stalls selling everything imaginable at low prices.
There’s plenty of history here too – to see all of Thailand’s most iconic sights in one place head to The Ancient City (Muang Boran). It’s a sprawling open air museum containing 100 replicas of the most interesting and significant sights in the country. Visiting this museum feels like traveling through the whole of Thailand in just one day! You can also visit Ayutthaya, the ancient capital, as a day trip from Bangkok.
And when the sun sets, head to Sukhumvit or Khao San Road for a taste of Bangkok’s famous nightlife. Sukhumvit is known for its rooftop bars, restaurants and night clubs while legendary backpacker hangout Khao San Road offers a fun and budget friendly experience with street vendors, live music, and cheap drinks.
Chiang Mai
Located in the north, Thailand’s second city, Chiang Mai, offers a less frantic pace than the capital with a charming old city packed with ancient temples and easy access to the surrounding mountains. It’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers and anyone interested in Thai culture and history.
Chiang Mai’s walled and moated Old City is a must-visit with its historic sites, rich cultural heritage and glittering temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Stay in a heritage boutique hotel within the ancient city walls to really immerse yourself in the experience and wake up early to witness the monks collecting alms.
Chiang Mai is home to some of the best markets in all of Thailand. The lively Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is open every night for shopping, eating and entertainment, and, on Sundays, the Old City comes alive as the Sunday Night Market takes place, offering a variety of local handicrafts and delicious food. Don’t miss the chance to try Khao Soi – the famous noodle soup of Northern Thailand.
Some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai are located just outside the city center. Make sure to head up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to see Chiang Mai’s most revered golden temple and enjoy the panoramic views back over the jungles to the city.
There’s also many elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai, but do your research first to make sure you only visit ethical elephant sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park, that don’t allow riding or harm these gentle giants. animals. where you can learn about these gentle giants and help with their conversation.
The city also makes a good base for exploring more of northern Thailand. There’s plenty of day trips from Chiang Mai that will take you to visit waterfalls, hot springs, national parks and elephant sanctuaries.
One must visit is Doi Inthanon National Park, home to stunning hiking trails, waterfalls, the famous twin pagodas at the highest peak in Thailand. Chiang Mai is also a popular place to take a Thai cooking class and learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes for yourself.
And if you happen to be visiting Chiang Mai in November, don’t miss out on the magical Loi Krathong (Lantern Festival) and Yi-Peng festival where thousands of lanterns light up the sky and floating lights illuminate the river creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, another city in Northern Thailand, is also well worth a visit because it’s home to some really unique temples and offers a more authentic, off the beaten track experience than popular Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The highlight is undoubtedly The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) one of the most stunning, unique and eye-catching temples in all of Thailand, with its intricate details, unique sculptures and sparkling white exterior. It’s one of my all time favorite temples in the world! Don’t miss it!
In stark contrast to the White Temple, The Black House (Baan Dam) is filled with dark and eerie artwork and sculptures, showcasing the darker side of Thai and Buddhist culture.
Also well worth a visit is the gorgeous Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), with its uniquely artistic style, bright blue exterior, intricate gold details and beautiful buddha statue and murals inside.
From Chiang Rai, you can also visit The Golden Triangle, located at the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. This area along the Mekong River was once known for its opium trade but now offers scenic views, boat rides along the river, and interesting museums where you can learn about the area’s history.
Chiang Rai is located about 3 hours from Chiang Mai. It’s one of the best places in Thailand if you are looking for unique temples and an insight into Thai life off the usual tourist trail. Trekking to hill tribe villages is a popular activity to do here too.
I think it’s worth spending a few days in Chiang Rai to experience a different side to northern Thailand, but don’t worry if you don’t have time – you can also see the top temples Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai too.
Read my Chiang Rai Guide for more info.
Best Islands and Beach Destinations in Thailand
Thailand boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and islands on the planet – the hard part is deciding which ones to visit – that’s why island hopping in Thailand is so popular!
There are over 1,400 islands in Thailand, and you can stay on about 60 of them. To help you narrow done your search here are the best Thai islands and beach destinations for first time visitors:
Phuket
Situated in the Andaman Sea on the West Coast, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and offers amazing beaches, a colourful old town, and plenty of island hopping trips, attractions, and activities to keep everyone happy.
There’s plenty of things to do in Phuket island and tons of eating and accommodation options for all budgets and tastes so it’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you like your beach holidays fun and easy.
Phuket is home to many beautiful, white sand beaches, the most popular is Patong Beach, where you’ll find crazy nightlife, watersports, and tons of resorts, restaurants, bars and shops, but there’s so much more to explore. If you prefer more laid back beaches there are also plenty to choose from – see my guide to the best beaches and places to stay in Phuket for more information.
For a taste of Phuket’s unique culutre and history, head to Phuket Old Town, where you can admire the colourful historic Sino-Portuguese architecture, visit shrines, temples and museums, and try delicious local food in the cafes or at the Sunday walking street market.
Also make sure to visit Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha, a 45 meter tall white Buddha statue perched on top a hill with panoramic views over the island. You can visit all three places on a Phuket day tour or stay in one of the cute boutique hotels located within restored heritage buildings to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Phuket also makes a great base for exploring the nearby islands with plenty of island hopping trips. The most popular is the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay speedboat trip, where you’ll see the famous filming location from ‘The Beach‘ movie.
Other day trips from Phuket include Phang Na Bay and James Bond Island, which are famous for their beautiful beaches and scenery, Khao Sok National Park and Surin and Similian Islands Marine National Parks for diving and snorkelling.
Krabi
If you’re dreaming of seeing some iconic Thailand scenes for yourself – colorful longtail boats, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the impossibly turquoise waters of the Andaman sea then you need to visit Krabi!
Krabi is a stunning province also located on the West Coast of Thailand and is home to over 150 gorgeous islands, including the popular Phi Phi islands, beaches, jungles, and mangrove forests.
My favorite destinations in Krabi is Railay Beach which is surrounded by limestone cliffs and can only be accessed by boat and. It has a super laid back atmosphere and is a great spot to try rock climbing to just to relax and soak up the stunning natural beauty.
Nearby Ao Nang beach is the regions tourist hub with a wide range of resorts, eateries and activities on offer, but there’s many other beaches, islands and places to stay in Krabi if you are looking to get away from it all. If you’re looking for a luxurious escape there are also plenty of stunning 5 star resorts in Krabi offering the perfect combination of nature and comfort.
If you want to do more than just lie on a beach there’s plenty to do in Krabi. The main city, Krabi Town is surprisingly authentic town and laid back – you can visit the night market and stroll along the waterfront, and there’s plenty of adventures to be had inland too.
Rent a scooter or join the Discover Krabi Jungle Tour and explore the stunning Emerald Pool, a natural swimming hole surrounded by lush jungle, soak in the hot springs, and climb up to the Tiger Cave Temple to discover this unique temple and incredible viewpoint.
There are also plenty of other beautiful beaches and islands to explore around Krabi, the four island tour is a spectacular day on the water and don’t miss the chance to see the stunning and famous Phi Phi islands or if you want to get off the beaten track go and explore Koh Lanta and the tiny Hong islands.
The Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most famous tourist destinations in Thailand, and a must for first-time visitors. This group of six islands located between Phuket and Krabi shot to fame after the movie, ‘The Beach’ was filmed here at Maya Bay.
The most popular and iconic spot in the Phi Phi islands is Maya Bay, a stunning white sand beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and turquoise water.
Maya Bay can get quite crowded with tourists and you are no longer allowed to swim or camp here, but it’s a spectacular sight that is still well worth the visit if you do it right – read my honest Koh Phi Phi travel guide first!
Out of the six islands you can only stay on Phi Phi Don, which has a lively party scene and plenty of accommodation, shops and restaurants. Escape Ton Sai Bay Village and head to Long Beach if you prefer a more serene stay.
There are plenty of island-hopping trips that will take you around the Phi Phi islands to see places like Maya Bay and the stunning Pileh Lagoon as well as Viking Bay, Monkey Beach and Bamboo island.
The challenging hike up to Phi Phi Viewpoint is also well worth it for the incredible views over the entire island and the surrounding blue waters. Other popular activities on the Phi Phi Islands include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking around the various islands, and of course partying on the beach.
Koh Samui
If luxury, relaxation and tropical island bliss are what you’re after, Koh Samui is one of the best places to visit for your first time in Thailand.
This beautiful island off the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand has stunning palm-fringed white sand beaches, calm turquoise waters and no shortage of 5 star luxury resorts to choose from, including the fabulous Four Seasons Samui Resort where season 3 of the HBO show ‘The White Lotus‘ was filmed.
As it’s a large island there’s plenty of attractions and things to do and different areas to stay in Koh Samui so there’s something for everyone from backpackers to families and honeymooners.
Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are the most popular resorts on the island with a lively atmosphere and plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife to enjoy. For a more relaxed escape head to Bophut Beach home to the popular Fisherman’s Village Walking Street or find a luxury resort on a secluded cove for your own slice of paradise.
If you can tear yourself away from the beach explore the jungle covered interior of the island where you’ll find plenty of hidden gems including waterfalls, coconut groves, viewpoints and elephant sanctuaries.
And, if you want a dose of culture, there’s plenty of unique temples to visit. Don’t miss the famous Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) home to a 12-meter tall golden Buddha statue that overlooks the sea, and Wat Plai Leam a temple and lake complex nearby with many statues including an impressive 18 armed statue of Guanyin – the goddess of mercy and compassion.
You can also take boat trips to nearby islands too. Don’t miss a boat trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a group of stunning karst islets with unique rock formations, lagoons and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.
If you can’t decide between Thailand’s two biggest and most popular islands – read my Koh Samui vs Phuket post which compares the two islands and weighs up the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best one for you.
Located nearby are the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. These can easily be explored as part of an island-hopping trip from Koh Samui but are well worth spending a few days on too.