Thailand has something awesome & extraordinary for everyone who likes to travel for leisure and comfort. Whether you like beautiful beaches, calm mountains, wildlife, busy cities, tasty street food, or any other comforts you want, Thailand has it all. Imagine having your dream wedding in one of these fantastic places! Explore Thailand’s cool culture, relax on pretty beaches, and enjoy unique things like vibrant markets and fun full-moon parties. Check out some of Thailand’s best tourist spots for unforgettable and mesmerizing experiences.
- Bangkok
Many tourists do not bother to make a stop in Bangkok at first and go straight away to other locations around Thailand. Bangkok, however a leading tourist city in 2023, is usually overlooked. It’s a fantastic spot for day trips to the southern floating markets and beaches or northern national parks. It may be a good idea to spend at least two days here before continuing.
Bangkok is a big metropolitan city with more than 10 million people, but the navigation around it does not appear to be so difficult if you prepare yourself. There are several restaurants, more than 320k, and different types of cuisines for you to indulge. There are over half a million street food vendors kind on hand around the clock so that when hunger strikes, you have somewhere to get your fix at any time of day or night. So no matter if you like Thai, Ethiopian, or Latvian food styles Bangkok will satisfy your appetite.
Bangkok is amazingly surprising with bars and clubs for nightlife. Four of them are in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. From fashionable speakeasies to Japanese bars (cause there are so many of the Japanese population in Dubai), you will not lack choices. Whether you’re sipping on Q&A Bar’s Pinkish, a unique twist on the Negroni, trying the turmeric-spiced Old Fashioned at Vesper, or sticking to a classic martini at Bamboo Bar, if you have a particular taste, you’re sure to find something you’ll like.
- Phuket
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, known for being a unique blend of cultures; from Hokkien Chinese to Thai and Malaysian influences. This fusion has created unique dishes such as Hokkien-style noodles and oyster omelets that are found only in the southern part of Thailand. It is no surprise why many consider Phuket one of the best travel spots.
The architecture of the island also narrates an interesting story. Due to the history of its colonization by Portugal, Old Town has Sino-Portuguese shop houses with vibrant colors and a mix of Western and Eastern styles. These buildings are similar to the ones you would see in Penang and Singapore.
Phuket has something for both first-timers and couples who want a great vacation. A week on this island promises different and enjoyable experiences ranging from beautiful beaches to the captivating Old Town.
- Chiang Mai
The city of Chiang Mai has more than 300 temples and it used to be once the capital of the Northern Lanna empire. You have Doi Suthep which has gorgeous views, then there is Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family are kept. In the heart of Old City is Wat Chedi Luang, established in 1385, and not far from it stands proudly with its impressive golden stupas – Wat Phra Singh.
However, it is not all about temples. Northern Thai is a distinct cuisine, that incorporates Chinese motifs and colonization by Burma. They have their peculiar way of dressing, and dancing and a special dialect known as kum mueang. You will find souvenirs like food, clothing, and little things in outdoor markets such as Talat Warorot &Talat Jing Jai.
- Ko Samui
Imagine the dreamy tropical island with soft beaches and turquoise waters – it is Ko Samui. It’s not as famous as Phuket but still attracts more than 2 million visitors annually, making it one of Thailand’s top places.
Ko Samui is not just pretty beaches, but the magnificent Ang Thong National Park where one can snorkel and kayak. Alternatively, there are the Na Muang waterfalls where you can go for a leisurely swim, and Silver Beach which is so popular among snorkeling lovers, together with several dive spots. For land, there are delightful fishing villages and golf courses among others – interestingly many wellness retreats as well.
- Ayutthaya
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, built in 1350 by King U-Thong represents an outstanding history of the Siam Kingdom for good old four centuries. It was the capital of Thailand until 1767 when it was raided by Burmese invaders. Today, these ancient ruins located 80km from Bangkok are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park on a day trip. Don’t leave Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and so forth to get an idea of Ayutthaya’s history.
- Sukhothai
Sukhothai in northern Thailand is famous as a place with great history, beautiful mountains, and forests. There are also two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park, both of which display the area comprising the borders of the old kingdom during the 12th to 14th century.
Visit spots such as Wat Si Chum and Wat Maha That. While an adventure lover, drive 30 km southwest of Thani to Ramkhamhaeng National Park for a hike and climb up the peaks.
- Phi Phi Islands
In the southern part of Thailand, there is a tropical paradise called Phi Phi Islands. There are six islands altogether covered in greenery and surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Ko Phi Phi Don is the main island and has beautiful beaches such as Nui and Ton Sai along with other stunning spots like Phak Nam Bay or Wang Long Bay. It is also where you will discover the three best vantage points.
The second-largest island, Ko Phi Phi Le is just to the south of Ko Phi Ph om Don and it has some beautiful spots. Maya Bay Pileh Lagoon Another small island, Ko Mai Phai has the Bamboo Beach which is known as one of Thailand’s cleanest and most charming beaches. Overall, it is an ideal place for enjoying the beauty of nature.
- Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is an island situated at the southern end of Thailand close to Malaysia- it’s in one large park called Tarutao National Marine Park. It is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Bulow, Pattaya, Sunrise, Sunset, and Sanom lucid colored waters with soft white sand.
There are boat trips to interesting islands nearby like Ko Usen, Ko Cha Bang, and others where you can see beautiful coral reefs and a lot of marine life. The beaches are lined by hotels and the central area is full of restaurants, bars, and shops. It is a simple yet enthralling place to relax and even roam around.
- Phang Nga Bay
The Phang Nga Bay tour is a great adventure, allowing you to enjoy majestic limestone formations. Pictures of caves, cliffs, and historical monuments. Phang Nga was originally Malay, paNgan and this is the region that housed ancient locals. This Thailand tour is more than a regular boat ride from Phuket’s north – it feels like an opportunity to unwind at tranquil coastlines.
Phang Nga Bay National Park is a protected Ramsar site and one of the best marine parks. It has 42 islands in shallow waters with mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. 82 fish species, amphibians, and reptiles are common sights for nature lovers in addition to unique ones like dugong sand white-hand gibbon.
The bay is beautiful and attracts many international tourists. You can embrace water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling. A special full-day ethical elephant care tour is also available providing insight into responsible elephant welfare, and one’s interaction with them in a humane way.
- Koh Tao
Fantastic adventure to the quiet paradise of Koh Tao’s in western Gulf, Thailand. Those islets of Ko Nang Yuan are breathtakingly beautiful and so rejuvenating that one should forget the tiredness of his journey there. Visit beautiful beaches such as Ao Tanote, Sai Ri, Sairee, June Juea Bay, and Nang Yuan Island.
Three Rocks, Tanote Bay, and Hin Wong Bay offer superb snorkeling. Scuba diving enthusiasts should check out Chumphon Pinnacles, HTMS Sattakut Dive Site, and White Rock Dive Site. Whether you’re an adventurer or just looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat, Koh Tao offers a peaceful retreat that will rejuvenate your spirit. Mango Bay and Shark Bay offer excellent marine life.