Where to go in Thailand and what to visit?

Ah, Thailand! The Land of Smiles, as it is often called! How can you plan a trip to Asia without considering a holiday in Thailand? Whether you are preparing a world tour, a trip to Southeast Asia, or simply a trip to the country itself, chances are you will ask yourself these questions: where to go in Thailand? What to visit in Thailand? What to do in Thailand? Where to go diving in this Asian country? This affordable country remains the most visited on the continent and is very easy to access in every way. If you are preparing your trip, the article about travel budget in Thailand will surely be useful for you. The drop in direct flight prices from Europe to Bangkok in recent years has led more and more people to consider this country for their next trip. You’ll surely want to visit Thailand after reading the many travel stories easily found online.

However, answering the question of where to go in Thailand is far from simple. You might wonder why. For the simple reason that everyone goes there for their own reasons, and the answers will be very different depending on the kind of activities you want to do in the country, your way of travelling and your budget. Some of you will be looking to party, discover Thai culture, laze on beautiful white sandy beaches, discover ancient temples, while others may want to try Thai cooking classes, for example. During my trip to Asia, I spent a total of 76 days in Thailand, which means I know the country quite well. However, my itinerary is still a bit muddled, as I went in and out of the country three times.

When travelling around the world, should we recommend one place in Thailand over another? Which paradise islands should you choose? Phuket Island rather than Koh Phangan or Koh Phi Phi? The temples of Sukhothai rather than those of Ayutthaya? It is not easy to answer all these questions without giving a personal opinion. A few years ago, I would surely have been more radical when writing this article and would have told you that going to Phuket was pretty lame… I have calmed down over time, and then I also remembered that I was the first to go to the Balearic Islands when I was 18 to party with friends. The difference isn’t so big, is it? After all, everyone does what suits them best!

So, in this article, I’ll suggest a summary, of course not exhaustive, to give you an idea of which places in Thailand you might want to visit. You are then free to adapt your itinerary in the country according to your own wishes. Here are the great classics for a first trip, but also other places that are less touristy and more off the beaten track.

At the end of the article, I’ll try to suggest some Thailand itinerary ideas according to how long you’ll be there, as well as your wishes, based on the 2-and-a-half months I spent in the country.

Let’s set the tone right from the start: the country is VERY touristy, and many travellers decide to travel to Thailand to soak up the sun on the paradise beaches in the south of the country. They are generally less likely to visit the country’s famous temples, and even less likely to discover the north. Finally, few travellers choose to get off the beaten track. When I talk about Thailand around me, I often say that it is very touristy, but there is clearly a way, with a little effort, to get out of these areas for those who want to.

The country remains, however, much more visited than its neighbours, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, even if they do have some well-known tourist sites, such as Angkor Wat, Ha Long Bay or the temples of Bagan.

Organising your Thailand trip: good preparation is essential when choosing which places to visit!

In my opinion, it seems almost impossible to come to Thailand without visiting Bangkok. The country’s capital is still the easiest and cheapest gateway to Southeast Asia.

This city is full of life, and I ended up really enjoying it! It is impossible to answer the question “where to go in Thailand” without mentioning Bangkok. Unless you arrive by land from a neighbouring country, almost all travellers will pass through the capital during their trip to Thailand. I advise you to plan a stay of a few days there to discover this lively city, depending of course on how much time you have. The city can feel quite overwhelming when you are not yet used to big Asian cities. It’s a beautiful mess of cars, traffic jams, tuk-tuks, pedestrians, trains and tourists on every street corner.

The majority of Western tourists stay around the very touristy area of Khao San Road. It is the ideal place for people wanting to organise the rest of their trip, book a day trip to a temple, and so on. As soon as you move just a few streets away, which I obviously recommend, you will find more peace and quiet.

Even if the capital is very busy, take a few days to discover its main sights: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha, or Wat Arun. Wat means temple in Thai, for your information. Going for a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River is also a nice thing to do. It is also the perfect time to try tuk-tuk rides, the local taxis, to discover the city’s districts. Don’t hesitate to get lost in the city, as encounters can be quite pleasant. Finally, shopping lovers will find what they are looking for in one of the largest markets in Asia: Chatuchak.

If you are looking for places to go in southern Thailand during your trip, here are the most famous islands. Although very touristy, you clearly won’t be alone, these southern islands are still by far the most visited places for a first trip to Thailand. Further down in the article, I’ll mention some less touristy islands that I had the opportunity to discover. If you make a little effort, there are still many small, secluded islands outside the classic routes, perfect for a cheap trip in the country.

In any case, the south of the country will delight all lovers of turquoise waters, coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Perfect for a large number of first-time visitors to the country.

I must confess that I chose to avoid Phuket, which remains THE tourist destination par excellence in Thailand, where the nightlife especially delights party lovers. However, this tropical island has everything you need for a great stay if you are looking for idyllic beaches, white sand and various marine activities. You can of course explore other islands in the surrounding area. Phuket is particularly famous for its bars, restaurants and festive atmosphere. Beware of the high season: this is the ultimate tourist area!

For those wishing to book their activities on the island of Phuket, it’s this way!

The second largest island in the country and located in the Gulf of Thailand, on the east coast, Koh Samui remains quieter and wilder, so to speak, than Phuket. The island is still a very popular destination for many tourists, as it is particularly known for its beautiful beaches, waterfalls and hiking trails. It is very often recommended for a first trip to get a first taste of the country.

For activities on the island of Ko Samui, it is right here.

This is the neighbouring island of Ko Samui, known all over the world for its Full Moon Party. I didn’t go there either when I was visiting Thailand, as I’m not a big fan of this kind of gathering. On the other hand, if you want to party with friends in a paradise setting, this is the place you’re looking for. Great atmosphere guaranteed on the beachfront!

This small island is known as a scuba diving paradise. Many travellers come here to take their first diving certification and enjoy its underwater world. The island can be a very good alternative to Phuket Island or Ko Samui if you like the underwater world and a calmer atmosphere.

For those who wish to book their activities on Ko Tao island, it’s this way!

Known all over the world thanks to the filming of the movie “The Beach”, this island is particularly known as a party place. The island is actually made up of Ko Phi Phi Don, the most touristy one, where most travellers stay, and Ko Phi Phi Ley, where the movie was filmed. Take advantage of this place to enjoy a long-tail boat trip in breathtaking turquoise waters.

For activities on the island of Koh Phi Phi, it is around here.

A former capital, and Thailand’s first in the 13th century, these temples are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. About 450 km from Bangkok, this immense city is essentially enclosed within walls. The best-known temple remains Wat Si Chum, with its famous seated Buddha, impressive in size. Further north is the splendid park of Si Satchanalai, which I will tell you more about below. To visit these temples, I recommend renting a bike for the day. This is one of the tips for travelling cheaply in Thailand. To get there, the ideal option is to take the train from Bangkok in the cheapest class, giving you the chance to meet locals.

If you are wondering where to go in Thailand, the temples of Ayutthaya are about 1 hour north of Bangkok. A major tourist site in Thailand, this place remains nevertheless a must-see for lovers of temples and old stone. A full day on site is needed to visit it quietly. The most famous image is the Buddha head caught in the roots of an impressive tree. For a first trip to Thailand, it is a place to see.

The northern part of the country is, overall, much less visited than southern Thailand. However, it is a mountainous, exotic region with important historical sites. You’ll also have the opportunity to cross beautiful landscapes, go hiking or meet ethnic minorities. The average travel budget there will be lower too… From north to south, prices are really different, and it is possible to find a guesthouse for 150 to 200 baht per night, less than €5, in rural areas of the northern part of the country. What more could you ask for on a cheap trip?

To get there, consider the night train or one of the domestic flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Between us, local transport is still nicer, don’t you think?

The second largest city in the country, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to organise treks and tours in northern Thailand. The city itself is particularly interesting for its night market, famous among all travellers. However, the city remains very touristy for my taste, and I recommend renting a motorbike to explore the surroundings and get lost in the Thai countryside.

For activities in Chiang Mai, it’s here.

Built on the banks of the Kok River, the city of Chiang Rai is about 200 km north of Chiang Mai, reachable by train. This quieter city is also particularly famous for its night market, its Chinese hot pots, which we loved, but especially for the famous White Temple. I recommend everyone rent a scooter and discover the surroundings for 1 or 2 days: the programme includes the Khun Korn waterfalls, a visit to the Black House and, of course, a view of the famous Golden Triangle.

For those wishing to book their activities in Chiang Rai, it’s this way!

Well, I’m obviously not going to invent anything here, but I’ll suggest a few less touristy, relatively speaking, and more remote places. It’s up to you to pick from these places and create your own travel itinerary. Indeed, during the 2-and-a-half months I spent in the country, I had the opportunity to discover quieter areas. So yes, you will surely have to make more effort to get there than simply booking a day trip to Ayutthaya on Khao San Road. But in the end, I think it is worth it, and I recommend everyone get off the beaten path. For me, it is the best way to discover real Thai culture, life in agricultural regions, small isolated villages and places far from the usual tourist crowds. This is also where I had some of my best experiences in the country.

Western Thailand remains a relatively less visited region, and few visitors venture as far as the city of Kanchanaburi. The latter is located at the foot of the famous River Kwai and its famous bridge built in 1942. Here, you can take a local night train and visit the famous Erawan waterfalls in the surrounding area. For the most motivated, I advise you to continue towards the Burmese border until you reach the city of Sangkhlaburi. You will be able to enjoy the calm of this city, away from tourists, and see the longest wooden bridge in the country, which is very nice, Buddhist temples and Mon villages in the surrounding area. Again, I recommend renting a scooter to go to the Burmese border, at Three Pagodas Pass. A place I really appreciated.

For activities in Kanchanaburi, it’s right here.

About 45 km north of the city of Sukhothai, this is a group of temples from the same period. Personally, I much preferred this park, which is far less visited, more preserved and more authentic. It clearly has a bit of an Indiana Jones feel. You can reach the park by scooter from Sukhothai, which is a very good option. Take a full day to walk among these temples, invaded by dense tropical vegetation.

I mentioned Chiang Rai above. If you arrive there, I advise you to rent a motorbike for a few days and discover the natural beauty of the Thai countryside towards the village of Mae Salong. Here, it is cooler, at 1,200 m, and you will enjoy discovering this small village and its surroundings, with no tourists or almost none. A must-see for those who want to get away from the crowds of the south.

This region of eastern Thailand is still unknown to most visitors. Yet this immense territory is full of countryside, temples and national parks. To name just a few, discover the temples of Ban Prasat, Prasat Mueang Tam and Khao Yai National Park. Personally, I had the opportunity to visit part of the region, especially along the Mekong River. What great times we had in Chiang Khan, Sangkom and many other small towns! For those seeking authenticity, I highly recommend it.

Wondering which islands to choose in Thailand for your trip? For lovers of white sand beaches, coconut palms and dreamy days away from the crowds of Ko Samui, Phuket or Ko Phangan, there are still a few relatively unspoilt corners in the country. I can’t reveal everything, but if you are looking for peace and quiet, turn to the Andaman Sea side, on the west coast, between the cities of Mergui in Burma and Kampong Lama in Thailand. Right in the middle, I fell in love with a small island called Ko Phayam! Bathed in an ideal tropical climate, it has superb beaches. What a pleasure it was to discover these places in low season, outside the tourist season!

Here are a few ideas slightly off the beaten track if you are still wondering where to go in Thailand. I hope this will help you a little.

Looking for what to do in Thailand in 15 days? What to do and how to visit Thailand? Things you should not miss in Thailand? Which places to see in Thailand? These are all questions we ask ourselves when trying to plan an itinerary. It will not be easy to suggest ready-made itineraries, as there are too many factors to take into account. Here are a few ideas that I hope will help you:

Note that for a trip to Thailand of less than 15 days, I will almost always recommend flying, for those who can, between different parts of the country. Distances are quite long, and I do think you will lose too much time on buses and trains.

• For a week in Thailand, I would advise you to plan 2 days in Bangkok and then head south, for white sand lovers, to an island like Ko Samui or Ko Tao. You can also take a plane from Bangkok to Phuket or Krabi, with Thai Airways, to save time. If you don’t like beaches, take the first bus to Ayutthaya and visit the temples instead. For party lovers, spending a week in Phuket, Pattaya or Ko Phangan might be a good idea,
• For a 10 or 12-day stay in Thailand, you will have the possibility to spend 2 days in Bangkok, then fly to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to see a little of northern Thailand. Then, take another flight to the south of the country to spend a few days on the islands, such as Koh Samui, Koh Chang or others.

• If you stay more than 15 days in Thailand, for example for a 3-week trip, you can, in my opinion, travel more slowly and try local means of transport. A classic route would be Bangkok, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, by bus or train, then a return trip south towards the islands for a bit of idleness or snorkelling, such as Ko Tao, Ko Chang, and so on,
• For a month of travel in Thailand, in addition to the itineraries mentioned above, you can consider getting lost in the mountains north of Chiang Rai by motorbike, going on a tour to the west of the country, around Kanchanaburi, or even spending a full week in Isan along the Mekong River, at the border with Laos.

If you have even more time and want to make the most of the country, you may decide to get lost in Isan for one or two weeks to get a good overview of the Thai countryside. I would also recommend a loop of several days, or even a week, near the border with China by motorbike from Mae Salong.

So, I hope this article has answered the question “where to go in Thailand” and that you now have a better idea of your itinerary. To prepare your trip, you’ll have to think about other points, such as the best time to go to Thailand to avoid the rainy season, or monsoon season, getting your tourist visa on arrival, and choosing your diving spots for the most beautiful underwater world. In any case, Thailand remains one of those Asian countries that people like more or less depending on their experience there. There is certainly mass tourism in the country, but it is possible to avoid it. Personally, I really liked the Thai people, their rice fields, their floating markets everywhere, their street food and their Buddhist culture! It’s the ideal destination for backpackers and others who want to get away from it all without blowing their holiday budget!

If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, the article on the travel budget in Laos can also help you.

See you soon for a new article!

Have a nice trip.

Written by Sylvain PONS

In 2012-2013, Mélanie and I went on a tour of Southeast Asia, spending over 3 months in total discovering Thailand and all that the country has to offer!

Despite our care, a mistake may have slipped into this article. If you find any, please don't hesitate to let us know so we can correct it as soon as possible and keep our information up-to-date!