How to Choose Where to Go in Thailand
Thailand is easy to travel but bigger than it looks. Most first trips combine Bangkok for food and temples, the north for culture and mountains, and one beach region for rest. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) and the Gulf islands (Koh Samui, Koh Tao) have different weather patterns, so pick the one that suits your dates. Our best time to visit guide explains how.
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital is loud, hot and full of things to do. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in the morning before the heat and crowds, then take a boat on the Chao Phraya River to see Wat Arun. Chatuchak Weekend Market is huge, and Yaowarat (Chinatown) is the best area for street food in the evening. Allow three days, and stay near a BTS or MRT station to avoid traffic.
Chiang Mai and the North
Chiang Mai is a relaxed city with a walled old town, dozens of temples, night markets, cooking classes and a food scene that rivals Bangkok. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on a hill above the city. If you want to see elephants, choose a sanctuary that does not offer rides or shows, and read recent reviews first.
- Chiang Rai: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is the main reason to go, usually as a long day trip or an overnight stop.
- Pai: a small mountain town with a backpacker feel, reached by a winding road. It is best if you like slow days and scenery.
Allow three to four days for Chiang Mai, longer if you add Chiang Rai or Pai.
Ayutthaya and Sukhothai: Ancient Capitals
Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, was the capital for about four centuries and has ruined temples that are easy to see on a day trip by train or van. Sukhothai, farther north, is older and quieter, with a historical park that is best explored by bicycle. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Phuket, Krabi and the Andaman Coast
This is where most beach holidays happen. Phuket has the most choice, from lively Patong to calmer Kata and Karon, plus an old town with colorful buildings. Krabi is known for its limestone cliffs, with Railay Beach and Ao Nang as the main bases. The Phi Phi islands and Koh Lanta can be reached by boat. The Andaman coast is usually at its best from roughly November to April.
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
The Gulf islands have a different weather cycle and are often drier than the Andaman coast in the middle of the year. Koh Samui has resorts and restaurants, Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party, and Koh Tao is a popular place to learn to dive. Ferries and flights connect them, so check the schedules before you book.
Khao Sok and Kanchanaburi: Nature and History
Khao Sok National Park has rainforest and the Cheow Lan Lake, where you can stay in floating bungalows. Kanchanaburi has the Bridge over the River Kwai, a museum and cemetery that explain the history of the Death Railway, and the waterfalls of Erawan National Park.
Best Places by Travel Style
- First-timers: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi or Phuket.
- Food lovers: Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Culture and history: Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai.
- Beaches and relaxing: Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Samui.
- Diving and snorkeling: Koh Tao and the Similan Islands (open in the dry season only).
- Families: Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin and Koh Samui.
- Nature: Khao Sok, Chiang Mai’s mountains and national parks.
How Many Days Do You Need?
A week is enough for Bangkok plus one other region. Ten days works for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a beach, and two weeks lets you add a second beach area or a nature stop. Avoid packing in too many places, because transfers can take half a day. Our Thailand itineraries show how to fit these together.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Check the visa rules first, then look at where to stay and flights. For the full overview, read our Thailand travel guide.