Best Places to Visit in Thailand This Year
Thailand, the “Land of Smiles,” continues to be a perennial favorite among travelers worldwide. Its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality make it an irresistible destination. This year, Thailand is offering even more to explore, with new attractions, revitalized experiences, and a renewed focus on sustainable tourism. This comprehensive guide will take you through some of the best places to visit in Thailand, ensuring you have an unforgettable journey.
Bangkok: The City of Angels
No trip to Thailand is complete without experiencing the electric energy of Bangkok. This bustling metropolis seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, offering a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Must-See Temples
Bangkok is renowned for its magnificent temples, each with its own unique history and architectural style.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun, with its intricate porcelain-encrusted spires, is a breathtaking sight, especially at sunrise or sunset. Take a boat across the Chao Phraya River for the best views and explore the temple grounds for a closer look at the detailed craftsmanship.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Home to the colossal Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is not only a religious site but also a center for traditional Thai massage. Indulge in a relaxing massage after admiring the golden statue and exploring the temple complex.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) & Grand Palace
Located within the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew houses the revered Emerald Buddha, a small but highly significant Buddha image. The Grand Palace itself is a stunning display of Thai architecture and royal history.
Exploring the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok, and a boat trip along its waters offers a unique perspective on the city.
River Cruises
Choose from a variety of river cruises, from dinner cruises with live music to daytime sightseeing tours. You’ll pass by iconic landmarks, traditional houses, and bustling markets along the riverbanks.
Visiting Floating Markets
While the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a bit outside Bangkok, it’s a worthwhile day trip. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of vendors selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and souvenirs from their boats.
Shopping in Bangkok
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from luxury malls to bustling street markets.
Siam Paragon & CentralWorld
These upscale shopping malls are home to international brands, designer boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. They’re perfect for those looking for a luxurious shopping experience.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
With over 8,000 stalls, Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world. You can find everything here, from clothing and accessories to handicrafts, antiques, and delicious street food.
Night Markets
Bangkok’s night markets, such as Asiatique The Riverfront and Rot Fai Market Ratchada, offer a lively atmosphere, delicious street food, and unique shopping experiences.
Culinary Delights
Thai cuisine is world-renowned, and Bangkok is the perfect place to indulge in its diverse flavors.
Street Food
Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary. From Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice to Tom Yum Soup and Green Curry, you’ll find an endless array of delicious and affordable dishes on the streets.
Fine Dining
For a more upscale dining experience, Bangkok offers a wide range of fine dining restaurants, serving both Thai and international cuisine.
Cooking Classes
Learn the secrets of Thai cooking by taking a cooking class. You’ll learn how to prepare classic Thai dishes and impress your friends and family back home.
Chiang Mai: The Rose of the North
Nestled amidst lush mountains, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed and culturally rich experience compared to Bangkok. It’s a haven for those seeking tranquility, adventure, and a deeper connection with Thai culture.
Ancient Temples
Chiang Mai is home to numerous ancient temples, each with its own unique charm and history.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Perched atop Doi Suthep Mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple. The temple offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Wat Chedi Luang
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City, Wat Chedi Luang is known for its impressive ruined chedi, which was once the tallest structure in the city.
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is another important temple in Chiang Mai, housing a revered Buddha image known as Phra Singh Buddha.
Exploring the Old City
Chiang Mai’s Old City is a charming area with ancient walls, moats, and narrow streets. It’s a great place to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Walking Tours
Take a walking tour of the Old City to learn about its history and culture. You’ll discover hidden temples, traditional houses, and local shops.
Cycling Tours
Cycling is a great way to explore the Old City and surrounding areas. You can rent a bicycle and explore at your own pace.
Elephant Sanctuaries
Chiang Mai is home to numerous ethical elephant sanctuaries where you can interact with these gentle giants in a responsible and sustainable way.
Choosing an Ethical Sanctuary
It’s important to choose an ethical elephant sanctuary that prioritizes the well-being of the elephants. Look for sanctuaries that don’t offer riding and focus on rehabilitation and conservation.
Activities at the Sanctuaries
You can participate in activities such as feeding, bathing, and observing the elephants in their natural habitat.
Trekking and Hiking
Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, making it a perfect destination for trekking and hiking.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand’s highest peak and offers stunning views, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
Multi-Day Treks
For a more immersive experience, consider a multi-day trek that takes you through remote villages and lush jungles.
Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is a bustling market that offers a wide variety of goods, including handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food.
Phuket: The Pearl of the Andaman
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of island life.
Beautiful Beaches
Phuket boasts a diverse range of beaches, each with its own unique character.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is Phuket’s most famous and lively beach, known for its bustling nightlife, water sports, and wide range of restaurants and bars.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a more relaxed and family-friendly beach, known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is a long and wide beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports.
Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is a secluded and pristine beach, accessible by longtail boat. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Island Hopping
Phuket is a great base for exploring the surrounding islands, each with its own unique beauty.
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are a must-visit destination, known for their stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach,” is a particularly popular spot.
James Bond Island
James Bond Island, also known as Khao Phing Kan, is a unique rock formation that featured in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are a group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling.
Diving and Snorkeling
Phuket offers excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling, with a variety of dive sites suitable for all skill levels.
Dive Sites
Popular dive sites around Phuket include Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and King Cruiser Wreck.
Snorkeling Spots
Great snorkeling spots can be found at the Phi Phi Islands, the Similan Islands, and Racha Yai Island.
Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is a charming area with Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Walking Tours
Take a walking tour of Phuket Old Town to learn about its history and culture. You’ll discover hidden gems, local shops, and delicious restaurants.
Sunday Walking Street Market
The Sunday Walking Street Market in Phuket Old Town is a lively market that offers a wide variety of goods, including handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food.
Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is a massive white marble statue that sits atop Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic views of the island.
Krabi: Limestone Cliffs and Emerald Waters
Krabi, located on Thailand’s southern coast, is a province renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and emerald waters. It offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Railay Beach
Railay Beach is a peninsula accessible only by boat, famous for its towering limestone cliffs, stunning beaches, and world-class rock climbing.
Rock Climbing
Railay is a mecca for rock climbers, with a variety of routes suitable for all skill levels.
Beaches
Railay boasts several beautiful beaches, including Railay West, Phra Nang Cave Beach, and Tonsai Beach.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is a bustling beach town that serves as a gateway to Railay and other nearby islands.
Longtail Boats
Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang to explore the surrounding islands and beaches.
Restaurants and Bars
Ao Nang offers a wide range of restaurants and bars, serving both Thai and international cuisine.
Phi Phi Islands (from Krabi)
While often associated with Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are also easily accessible from Krabi.
Day Trips
Take a day trip from Krabi to explore the Phi Phi Islands, including Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Monkey Beach.
Snorkeling and Diving
Enjoy snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands.
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
The Emerald Pool is a natural hot spring with stunning turquoise waters, located in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve.
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
The Tiger Cave Temple is a Buddhist temple known for its challenging climb of 1,237 steps to the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Koh Samui: Island Paradise
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a tropical paradise known for its palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforests, and luxurious resorts. It offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and sophisticated charm.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most popular and lively beach, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is a more relaxed and laid-back beach, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a slower pace of life.
Bophut Beach (Fisherman’s Village)
Bophut Beach is home to the charming Fisherman’s Village, with its traditional wooden houses, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants.
Friday Night Market
The Friday Night Market in Fisherman’s Village is a lively event that offers a wide variety of food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Ang Thong Marine Park
Ang Thong Marine Park is a stunning archipelago of 42 islands, offering opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and swimming.
Na Muang Waterfalls
The Na Muang Waterfalls are two picturesque waterfalls located in the heart of Koh Samui’s rainforest.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
The Big Buddha Temple is a prominent landmark in Koh Samui, featuring a towering golden Buddha statue.
Ayutthaya: Ancient Capital
Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the former capital of Thailand (Siam) from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It’s a fascinating destination for history buffs, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Historical Park
The Ayutthaya Historical Park is home to numerous ancient temples, palaces, and monuments, showcasing the grandeur of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Wat Yai Chaimongkol
Wat Yai Chaimongkol is one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive temples, featuring a large chedi and numerous Buddha images.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the holiest temple in Ayutthaya, located within the royal palace grounds.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is famous for its Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree, a iconic symbol of Ayutthaya.
Floating Market
The Ayutthaya Floating Market offers a taste of traditional Thai life, with vendors selling food, handicrafts, and souvenirs from their boats.
Elephant Riding
While controversial, some elephant camps in Ayutthaya offer elephant riding experiences. However, it’s important to choose ethical camps that prioritize the well-being of the elephants.
Sukhothai: Dawn of Happiness
Sukhothai, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the first capital of Thailand, dating back to the 13th century. It’s a peaceful and serene destination, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s early history and artistic achievements.
Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park is home to numerous ancient temples, palaces, and monuments, showcasing the unique artistic style of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
Wat Mahathat (Sukhothai)
Wat Mahathat is the largest and most important temple in the Sukhothai Historical Park, featuring a large chedi and numerous Buddha images.
Wat Si Chum
Wat Si Chum is famous for its massive seated Buddha image, hidden within a mondop (square building).
Wat Sa Si
Wat Sa Si is a picturesque temple located on an island in the middle of a lake.
Cycling Around the Park
Cycling is a great way to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park, allowing you to cover more ground and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Pai: Bohemian Paradise
Pai, a small town nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, is a bohemian paradise known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning scenery, and unique attractions.
Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is a series of narrow ridges and cliffs, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, especially at sunset.
Bamboo Bridge (Boon Ko Ku So Bridge)
The Bamboo Bridge is a long and winding bridge made of bamboo, stretching across rice paddies and offering a unique perspective of the countryside.
Hot Springs
Pai is home to several hot springs, offering a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
Waterfalls
Pai is surrounded by numerous waterfalls, including Mo Paeng Waterfall and Pam Bok Waterfall.
Walking Street
Pai’s Walking Street is a lively market that offers a wide variety of food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Kanchanaburi: History and Nature
Kanchanaburi, located west of Bangkok, is a province known for its poignant history and stunning natural beauty, particularly its association with the Death Railway during World War II.
Bridge Over the River Kwai
The Bridge Over the River Kwai is a historical landmark, part of the infamous Death Railway built by prisoners of war during World War II.
JEATH War Museum
The JEATH War Museum offers a somber and informative look at the history of the Death Railway and the experiences of the prisoners of war.
Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is home to the stunning seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Sai Yok National Park
Sai Yok National Park features beautiful waterfalls, caves, and opportunities for hiking and camping.
Choosing the Right Time to Visit
Thailand has three main seasons: the hot season (March to May), the rainy season (June to October), and the cool season (November to February). The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season, when the weather is pleasant and dry. However, the rainy season can also be a good time to visit, as prices are lower and the crowds are smaller.
Getting Around Thailand
Thailand has a well-developed transportation network, making it easy to get around the country. You can travel by plane, train, bus, or boat. Domestic flights are a convenient way to travel between major cities. Trains and buses are more affordable options, but they can be slower. Boats are a popular way to travel between islands.
Accommodation Options
Thailand offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. You can find accommodation to suit your budget and preferences in all of the major tourist destinations.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities can enter Thailand without a visa for a certain period of time. However, it’s important to check the visa requirements for your nationality before traveling to Thailand.
Respecting Thai Culture
Thailand has a rich and unique culture, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples, avoid touching people’s heads, and be mindful of your behavior in public.
Enjoy Your Trip!
Thailand is a truly amazing destination with something to offer everyone. By planning your trip carefully and respecting local culture, you can ensure that you have an unforgettable experience.