Best Places to Visit in Thailand and What to Explore There

We’ve compiled the absolute best beaches and most gorgeous islands in Thailand to help you make lasting memories.
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Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi or the Phi Phi islands are located in the middle of the Andaman Sea, the gorgeous nature and nightlife are truly a sight to behold. Koh Phi Phi is tough to beat if you love snorkelling and want to explore the vibrant marine life.

However, if you’re more in a party mood, you’ll be happy to know that the islands feature many restaurants and clubs. In addition to snorkelling and partying, there’s so much to do there, and you will never be too far from some fun activity.

If you want a better look at Koh Phi Phi, book your excursion through Club Med Phuket.
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Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is an inlet on the Malay Peninsula in the Andaman Sea and by far one of the best places to visit in Thailand. A day trip to the bay will give you ample time to explore the beauty there.

The pristine nature of the inlet is ideal for kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, or even enjoying a picnic on the beach. However, the true gem of the Phang Nga is the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The National Park is a protected area where you’ll find the classic karst scenery and much more.

Coast of Koh Lanta
The pristine island of Koh Lanta has some of the best diving spots in the Andaman Sea, such as Koh Haa and Hin Daeng. Koh Haa is a popular diving and snorkelling site, famous for the lagoon area and the Cathedral where divers can explore large caverns. It’s also where you might catch a glimpse of a whale shark.

On the other hand, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang offer dramatic underwater scenery, with steep walls covered in purple and red corals. There, you can spot a manta ray or two. Finally, there are the Koh Bida islands, a national marine park, easily accessible from Koh Lanta.
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Racha Yai Island
Racha Yai comprises two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, and they’re the two islands closest to Phuket. One of the reasons the islands see so many tourists and are considered one of the best places to visit in Thailand is their gorgeous, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.

Racha Yai is very popular with divers and snorkellers, and there’s plenty to do for both beginners and advanced divers. The main beach is located in a U-shaped bay and features fine, powdery sands. However, if you want to take a break from diving, snorkelling, and lounging, you can do so in one of the many restaurants and resorts there.

For a better look at Racha Yai, you can book your excursion at Club Med Phuket.

Phuket
Phuket Province is a beautiful place to explore, nestled in the Andaman Sea with incredible destinations and some of the best places to visit in Thailand. In addition to Phang Nga Bay and Koh Racha Yai, Phuket is home to beautiful old towns, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of activities.

If you love shopping, Old Town Phuket is the place to be, but if you want if you’re looking for a party – nothing beats Bangla Road. For the perfect photo op, we recommend the Big Buddha, which is an iconic 45-meter-tall white marble statue.
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Krabi
The next spot on our list of the best places to visit in Thailand goes to Krabi. It’s famous for its breathtaking islands, beaches, and scenery. The coral reefs there are some of the most beautiful in the world, which is why Krabi is a great diving spot.

In addition to the beaches, there are also many hot springs, wildlife sanctuaries, caves, and limestone cliffs there. What’s more, you can catch some incredibly exotic marine life and explore gorgeous nature.

Koh Samui
An island off the east coast of Thailand, Koh Samui is the second largest island after Phuket. Drawing millions of visitors, Koh Samui has beaches and activities that are sure to impress anyone. Some of the most popular beaches there include Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, and Natien.

If you want to add something to your Thailand itinerary on Koh Samui, there are plenty of activities to participate in. From cooking, yoga, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and even golf, there’s an activity for every interest and hobby.
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Koh Tao
Continuing our list of the best places to visit in Thailand, we have Koh Tao, an island in the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. There, you can find countless shops, restaurants, and nightspots on Mae Haad Beach and near Sai Ri Beach.

In the northwest part of the island, there is a group of islets with hilltop views where you can take in the stunning nature. However, if you prefer snorkelling, you’re in luck, as Koh Tao is famous for its tropical coral reefs. There, you might get a glimpse of whale sharks, rays, hawksbills, and green turtles.

Koh Pha-ngan
Located in the southeast of Thailand, Koh Pha-ngan is known for its monthly Full Moon Party. A boisterous, night-long celebration, the Full Moon Party is tied to the lunar calendar and draws visitors to the southeastern peninsula, Haad Rin.

If you’re planning on attending the Full Moon Party, know that the majority of activities take place on Sunrise Beach. However, if you’re looking for a quieter and calmer atmosphere, you can always visit the white sandy beaches of Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.
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Monkey Island
Monkey Island or Monkey Beach is a small cove located on the Koh Phi Phi Don peninsula, the larger of the two main Phi Phi Islands. The beach is accessible by boat or kayak from Phi Phi Don and many boat tours are going in and out.

One of the reasons this beach has gained so much popularity over the years is that it’s paradise on earth for animal lovers. The forested cliff is a natural habitat for monkeys as well as diverse marine life. But before you book your tour, remember that it’s a habitat for wild animals, which may bite or scratch you. Proceed with caution, keep your distance, and don’t feed the animals.

Almost every corner of Thailand is brimming with history, stunning temples, and unbelievable attractions. Those who want to learn about the culture and history of Thai people should definitely include some of these activities on their Thailand holiday.
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If you’re an architecture or history buff – there’s no better place for you in Thailand than the Grand Palace. Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace has been a major architectural symbol of the Thai Royal Family.

Wat Arun, nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is a missile-shaped temple and one of the best places to visit in Thailand. Also known as the Temple of Down, it was named after the Indian god of dawn, Arun.

Today, Wat Arun is one of Thailand’s most iconic structures and visitors are encouraged to climb to the top. Following a steep ascent on the stars, the temple boasts incredible views of the Chao Phraya River.

Located 130 kilometres northwest of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is the site of the Bridge Over the River Kwai, one of the most important historical sites in Thailand. It’s a symbol of the city’s tragic past during the Second World War. It’s where thousands of Japanese prisoners of war were made to build a railway line, 400 kilometres long between Thailand and Myanmar.

At Kanchanaburi, several points of interest will excite any history buff. These include the Railway Museum, the Allied Military Cemetery, the JEATH War Museum, and a World War II Museum.

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, flourishing up to the 18th century. It was an important centre of global diplomacy and commerce, but Ayutthaya is now an archaeological ruin, famous for the remains of the tall prang, or reliquary towers.

Surrounding Ayutthaya are a few Buddhist monasteries of monumental proportions. They can give you the best idea of the size and splendour that was once there.

Sukhothai was the very first capital of Thailand and it dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Within the imposing city walls, the Central Zone of the historical park is an emblem of a kingdom’s opulence.

In the historical park, you will find Wat Mahathat, the principal site in the city centre and the largest temple there. The ruins are divided into five zones and Sukhothai has been hailed as one of Thailand’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Khao Yai National Park
The first national park in Thailand, Khao Yai is home to wildlife and a paradise for trekkers. It is a world heritage site that covers almost 2,168 square kilometres and four provinces.

Khao Yai National Park is home to 350 important rare and endangered species. If you’re an avid bird-watcher, there’s no better place to be, as the Park features 280 bird species. In addition to the mellifluous sounds of island birds, you can also come across wild elephants, deer, and much more.
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Doi Suthep-Pui
Doi Suthep-Pui is a national park in the Chiang Mai Province, covering 265 square kilometres. The park is separated into two areas and there, you’ll find gorgeous waterfalls, breathtaking mountains, and many viewpoints and trails.

The Doi Suthep-Pui is one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you love hiking as it features “endless” trails from all directions and elevations. What’s more, at the national park, you can maybe catch sight of dholes, a scarce species. There are also wild boars, Indian muntjacs, Indochinese serows, Asian black bears and golden cats, Malayan porcupines, and more.

Mae Hong Son Province
When talking about the best places to visit in Thailand, we’d be remiss not to mention the Mae Hong Son province. Also known as the City of Three Mists, it’s surrounded by high mountains with cold temperatures and is covered in mist almost all year long.

The city is rich in many natural resources and offers breathtaking views. From mountains, forests, and flowers, it’s one of the must-see cities in Thailand. Nestled deep in a valley and hemmed by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son Town has long been isolated from the outside world.
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Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Elephants are Thailand’s national symbols and are highly-revered. Unfortunately, some elephant sanctuaries don’t follow ethical practices and can be a common site of animal cruelty.

That’s why it’s so important to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and one where the animals aren’t performing or being ridden. Luckily, there are many sites where you can see the elephants enjoying and frolicking in their natural habitats. Ethical sanctuaries are some of the best places to visit in Thailand and they’re not something to be missed.

If you’d like to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures, Club Med Phuket can help. Through our all-inclusive resort in Thailand, we can help you book an elephant care adventure.

Golden Triangle
Locally known as Sop Ruak, the point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is a sight to behold. It’s the site of the Golden Triangle, or the point at which Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet.

Simply standing on the river bank, you can look across to see Myanmar and Laos. However, for a closer glimpse, you can rent a boat and also visit the many Buddha and elephant statues, and market stalls.

Another thing to know is that Sop Ruak was once a prolific area for growing opium and you can see that history in the Hall of Opium in Golden Triangle Park. The Hall offers a great introduction to the local history and the effects the crisis had on the region.
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Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is one of the best places in Thailand if you like unspoiled nature, lush forests, and gorgeous greenery. Covering an area of 550 square kilometres, the biggest attraction in the park is the 7-tiered Erawan Falls.

In addition to the Falls, Erewan also features several impressive caves. You can find them along the roads around and deep inside the park. The surrounding mountains protect the park from the eastern monsoon. That means the forest sees much less rainfall compared to others in the west.

Ang Thong National Park
Established as a marine national park in 1980, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago consisting of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The islands consist mainly of steep limestone cliffs, caves, and inland marine lakes. Out of the 42 islands, only two are inhabited, Ko Wua Ta Lap and Ko Phaluai.

Ang Thong is one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you’re a backpacker wanting to explore the vibrant marine and wildlife. The islands and their beaches are popular for day trips from the nearby islands for snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, and even hiking.
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Khao Sok National Park
Located in southern Thailand, the Khao Sok National Park is covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. Featuring imposing limestone mountains that shoot up straight into the air, you will also see deep valleys, gorgeous lakes, caves, and wild animals there.

Sitting perfectly on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Khao Lak, Khao Sok is one of the best and most popular attractions in Thailand. There, you can go jungle trekking on foot, visit the floating raft houses, and even have a close encounter with an elephant.

If you want to sample some delicious Thai street food or do a bit of shopping, you need to visit one of Thailand’s many markets.
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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Thailand boasts several floating markets, but the Damnoen Saduak is the biggest and most famous one. Boats going up and down the canal sell all sorts of foods and fruits there and it’s really a sight to behold.

When you visit the Damnoen Saduak market, you’ll get a real insight into how things were done many years ago in Thailand. Located 100 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, the market is a true gem that only opens in the afternoon.
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Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
If you like shopping and want to pick something up for yourself or your family, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. It runs every evening from 5 PM and takes over the entire neighbourhood.

At the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, artwork, clothes, homeware, and so much more. Once you’re finished with your shopping spree, you can unwind in any number of bars or restaurants nearby.

Rot Fai
The Rot Fai or Train Market in the Ratchada area of Bangkok brings in incredible crowds and unique vendors. There, you will see street food snacks and treats, antique shops, and plenty of handicrafts to bring home. It’s possibly one of the best places to visit in Thailand for those looking for unique items and gifts.

The Rot Fai market is divided into long avenues with toys, handicrafts, clothes, apparel, and more. However, if you continue going towards the back end of the market, you will find rows of bars and food trucks.
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Chatuchak Weekend Market
Hailed as the world’s largest market, more than 200,000 people visit the Chatuchak Market each weekend. Spread across 35 acres and divided into 26 sections, the Market has over 15,000 stalls where you can shop for anything you might possibly need or want.

Thanks to its location in Bangkok, you can access the Chatuchak Weekend Market by Skytrain, taxi, tuk-tuk, bus, or MRT. If you do decide to visit, keep in mind that the Market is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

If you’re looking for a great city break on your Thailand holiday, you can visit one of the many large, bustling cities.

Even though we’ve already covered a few things to do in Bangkok, the truth is that this incredible city has so much to offer. In addition to the Grand Palace, there are also museums, rooftop bars, massage parlours, restaurants, and so much more. That’s why it’s by far one of the most unmissable and best places to visit in Thailand.
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Depending on your preferences and how long you’re staying, there will be so much for you to visit. However, if it’s just a one-day stop on your way to more tropical destinations, you can start the day with the Grand Palace before moving on to Wat Pho for the reclining Buddha.

Then, cross the river for Wat Arun and a visit to the National Museum of Thailand and end the perfect day with a dinner cruise on the river.

A city in northern Thailand, Mueang Chiang Rai is located in the mountainous province of the same name. It’s close to the borders of Laos and Myanmar and has a population of around 70,000 people.

Even though it’s not as glitzy and busy as Bangkok, Chiang Rai definitely has its charms. It offers ancient royal temples, museums, artwork, and statues. It’s the site of the incredible Wat Phra Kaew royal temple, which once housed the famed Emerald Buddha statue made of jade.

Renowned as a centre of Thai handicrafts, Chiang Mai is another city in the mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in the 13th century, it was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until 1558.

The city is home to many elaborate Buddhist temples, including Wat Phra Singh from the 14th century and Wat Chedi Luang from the 15th century. Close to Chiang Mai, you’ll find many quaint villages, specializing in crafts including silverwork, pottery, wood carvings, and more.