Below is my list of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers and the most beautiful places and tourist attractions. I’ve been more than 30 times to the land of smiles, and I think the following locations are worth visiting.
For even more information, check out Thailand travel tips and Thailand packing list.
1. Bangkok
Whether for first-time travelers to Thailand or regular visitors like me, the capital of Thailand has a lot to offer. Authentic culture or nightlife, street food or fancy restaurants, Bangkok has something for everyone.
How to get there?
Your country probably has direct or connecting flights to Bangkok. It’s the best and fastest way to get there. There are also buses from neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos, which take a long time.
Where to stay in Bangkok?
- Between Askoke and Siam on Sukhumvit, for more upscale accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife. Moreover, you have BTS and MRT stations to visit attractions and many other areas in the city.
- Khaosan Road is a backpacker area with many cheap hostels and food, and you can walk to the Grand Palace and some temples.
Check the Bangkok hotel rates on Agoda.
How long to stay in Bangkok?
You can visit Bangkok’s highlights and the most famous attractions within a day, but I suggest staying at least 2-3 days.
What to see in Bangkok?
The most famous attractions are the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (the temple of Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Kaew (the temple of Emerald Buddha), and Mahanakhon, the tallest building in Bangkok.
2. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam and a great historical site with magnificent ruins.
How to get there?
Ayutthaya is only an hour’s drive from Bangkok, and you have plenty of options to get there – bus, train, or taxi. You can also join an organized tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
Where to stay in Ayutthaya?
You can stay in Ayutthaya overnight, but a day trip from Bangkok is the best option.
What to see in Ayutthaya?
The ruins of the Kingdom of Siam.
How long to stay in Ayutthaya?
It’s a big place, so I would recommend one full day if traveling from Bangkok.
3. Phuket
Phuket is the most famous island and vacation spot in Thailand. You have everything in one place – great beaches, nightlife, and day trips.
How to get there?
There are direct and connecting flights from many countries. There are also cheap and direct local flights from Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Pattaya, and other Thai cities. I recommend Bagkok Airways as they are the best, or Air Aisa for a cheaper but good flight experience.
You can also take a bus or private transportation from Bangkok, but expect to lose a whole day on the road.
Travel Tip: Book a multicity flight from your country to Bangkok and Phuket to your country if available to save money, time, and one extra flight.
Where to stay in Phuket?
- Patong Beach is the best place for nightlife
- Karon Beach for a mix between nightlife and a more relaxed atmosphere
- Kata or Kamala Beach for a more laid-back family vacation
Check the Phuket hotel rates on Agoda.
Tips
- Don’t stay in Phuket town. It’s a great day trip but far from the beach.
- It doesn’t matter where you stay for day trips. If you book a day tour, the agency will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
What to see in Phuket?
Best day trips include Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, Similan Islands, Khai Islands, and many more small islands around Phuket. You can also take a tour of Phuket town.
How long to stay in Phuket?
Stay at least 3-4 days for day trips and 2-3 days to relax on the beach. So, a week, if you have enough time.
4. Phi Phi Island
Koh Phi Phi has two islands:
- Phi Phi Le is probably the most famous island in Thailand. It’s the location of Maya Bay, where the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo Di Caprio was filmed.
- Phi Phi Don is a bigger island (but not too big) with hotels, bars, and restaurants
How to get there?
Depending on your location, book a trip from Phuket, Krabi, or Phi Phi Don.
Where to stay on Phi Phi Island?
You can stay in Phuket or Krabi (Ao Nang beach) and visit both islands with a tour or book accommodation on Phi Phi Don Island. If you book a tour, the itinerary usually includes visiting Maya Bay and having lunch on Phi Phi Don.
Tips
- Phi Phi Le )Maya Bay) is a protected zone, and you cannot stay overnight and swim.
- If you stay on Phi Phi Don, you can avoid the crowds from Phuket and book an early tour to Maya Bay.
- Hotel location doesn’t matter as everything is within walking distance.
- Phi Phi Islands are closer to Krabi than Phuket, so the trips from Krabi are cheaper.
5. Phang Nga Bay – James Bond Island
James Bond Island is located near Phuket in Ao Phang Nga National Park. It consists of the Khao Phing Kan island and the small limestone rock Ko Ta Pu in front of it. Both places are known as James Bond Island because part of the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed there.
Where to stay?
Phuket is the best place to stay to visit James Bond Island, but you can also visit it from Ao Nang (Krabi).
How to get there?
You have two options: booking a trip from Phuket or Ao Nang.
Tip: James Bond Island is closer to Phuket than Krabi, so the trips from Phuket are cheaper.
6. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of the biggest cities in Thailand and is located in the northern part of the country. It is an important cultural and religious center, and its big old city area has many Buddhist temples.
How to get there?
The best and most popular way is by plane from Bangkok or Phuket. There are several flights daily, and the tickets are not expensive. You can also travel by car, bus, or train from Bangkok, but it’s a long ride.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
The best place to stay in Chiang Mai is near the Tha Phae Gate or anywhere close to the old city walls. Check the Chiang Mai hotel rates on Agoda.
What to see in Chiang Mai?
The big old city area with the Buddhist temples is the main attraction. A Friday night market and the new Lanna Square night market are open daily. If you stay longer, you can make a few nice day trips in the area to Doi Inthanon National Park, Elephant Nature Park, Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Rai, and many more attractions.
How long to stay in Chiang Mai?
I recommend staying at least three days in Chiang Mai. You can visit the city for one day and join two day trips depending on your interests.
Tip: Plan to stay on Friday and Sunday to visit the Friday and Sunday night markets.
7. Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a small city north of Chiang Mai famous for its White temple, which is the main attraction. However, the city has much more to offer.
How to get there?
It’s a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. You can take a bus or arrange private transportation. There are also more than ten direct flights daily from Bangkok.
What to see in Chiang Rai?
The most famous attraction of Chiang Rai is the White Temple, but you can make fantastic day trips to many beautiful places like Khun Korn Waterfall and Choui Fong Tea plantation. The old clock tower is also interesting to see.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai?
The area near the old clock tower has excellent accommodations and good restaurants. Check the Chiang Rai hotels on Agoda.
How long to stay in Chiang Rai?
You can visit the city for a day or stay 2-3 days to make day trips in the area.
8. Kanchanaburi
The Kanchanaburi area is stunning, with many historical and natural sights.
How to get there?
There are multiple options from Bangkok. You can get a bus, train, minivan, or private transportation. The travel time is 2-3 hours depending on the way of transportation.
What to see in Kanchanaburi?
There are many historical attractions like the River Kwai Bridge, Hellfire Pass, War Cemetery, and natural sights like the Erawan waterfalls.
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi?
There are many excellent accommodations in Kanchanaburi along the River Kwai Road.
How long to stay in Kanchanaburi?
Three days are more than enough to see the highlights in the area.
9. Sukhothai
Sukhothai is the oldest capital of Siam, and it’s a vast area with many monuments to see.
How to get there?
Bangkok Airways has direct flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai, and it’s the best option. There are also flights to Phitsanulok. From Pitsanulok, it is less than an hour’s drive.
If you have plenty of time, there are trains and buses from Phitsanulok.
Where to stay in Sukhothai?
There are plenty of hotels near Sukhothai.
Tip: The last time I visited Sukohtai, I stayed in Phitsanulok, a small town nearby. I stayed there for three days and didn’t see any foreigners! I didn’t know such places in Thailand still exist.
How long to stay in Sukhothai?
It’s a big place but one full day is enough to see everything.
Tip: It’s a huge place, and you can’t walk. You need to rent a motorbike or bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk.
10. Ao Nang (Krabi)
Ao Nang Beach is a tourist area in Krabi province where you can stay and make day trips.
What to see in Krabi (Ao Nang)?
There are boat trips to beautiful places like Phi Phi Island and Hong Island and overland trips to the Emerald Pool, Tiger Cave temple, and elephant sanctuary.
How to get there?
You can fly directly from Bangkok or Chiang Mai to Krabi or hire a taxi from any Phuket beach or airport. The other two options are by ferry or speed boat from Phuket.
Where to stay in Krabi (Ao Nang)?
Don’t stay in Krabi town as it’s far from the sea. Ao Nang has plenty of accommodations to stay. The best location is along the main road near the beach end or the Beach road (Soi Ao Nang 17). It’s the best location to hire a boat for your day trips from the boat office.
How long to stay in Ao Nang?
It’s good to stay at least five days in Ao Nang as there is so much to see and do.
Tip: Ao Nang is an excellent base for many day trips to the islands, but the beach is unsuitable for relaxing. The boats stop there, and there are no beach umbrellas to hire. The nearest lovely beach is Railay Beach. It’s a fifteen-minute boat ride to get there as the beach is inaccessible by car.
11. Red Lotus Lake Udon Thani
Red Lotus Lake is one of my favorite places in Thailand. It’s a massive lake with many beautiful water lilies.
How to get there?
There are direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai to Udon Thani. The lake is located within a 40-minute drive from the city.
The best options to visit the lake are hiring a private taxi or booking an organized trip. The average taxi price is 1500 baht for the whole trip.
When you arrive at the lake, you must buy a boat ticket. You have two options: a 60 or 90-minute ride. The price starts from 300 for a small boat for two people.
Where to stay in Udon Thani?
An excellent area to stay in Udon Thani is near The Central Udon Shopping Mall. It’s a central area with many restaurants and shops. I stayed @Home at Udon Hotel.
Tips
- It’s important to visit the lake between December and February to see its full beauty.
- You must visit the lake early in the morning as the plants close their flowers after 11 am.