Places to Visit in Thailand: Top Cities, Islands and Attractions

Thailand is one of those countries where choosing where to go can be harder than finding things to do.

There is Bangkok, the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, the old capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the mountains around Chiang Mai and the much less visited towns of Isaan. You can have completely different holidays in the same country depending on which parts you put together.

The mistake is trying to fit all of them into one itinerary.

Thailand is spread out, and moving between regions takes time. A trip that looks simple on a map can involve flights, trains, ferries and long road journeys. Some places are also much better at certain times of the year than others.

There are a few other things worth knowing before you start booking. The famous elephant experiences are not all as ethical as they sound. The northern provinces can have serious smoke and haze during the burning season. Popular island excursions can be very crowded. Even the choice between Ayutthaya and Sukhothai depends on how much time you have.

So rather than giving you another list of "top places to visit", here is a closer look at the destinations and decisions that actually matter when planning a Thailand trip.

Bangkok

For most international travellers, Bangkok is the starting point. It is also worth staying for more than just the first night.

The city can feel chaotic when you first arrive. There is traffic almost everywhere, the heat can be tiring and the distance between two places that look close on a map can take much longer than expected.

The historic centre is a good place to begin.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are the obvious first stops. Wat Pho is nearby, and Wat Arun sits across the Chao Phraya River.

Go early if you can. By late morning, the main attractions can become busy, particularly during the high season.

Bangkok is much more than its major temples, though.

Chinatown is worth visiting in the evening for its food. The Chao Phraya is useful for getting around as well as sightseeing. The older neighbourhoods around the river give you a better idea of how Bangkok developed than another afternoon inside a shopping mall.

For first-time visitors, three to four days gives you enough time to see the main sights without turning the Bangkok stay into a checklist.

If you are planning a longer holiday, Bangkok also works well as the first stop on many Thailand tour packages, especially when you want to combine the capital with northern Thailand and the islands.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is the easiest historical destination to add to a Bangkok itinerary.

The old capital is roughly 80 to 100 kilometres north of Bangkok, and trains, private cars and organised day tours make the journey relatively straightforward.

Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and became the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. It grew into an important trading and political centre before being destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

The historical park includes some of the most recognisable ruins in Thailand.

Wat Mahathat is famous for the Buddha head surrounded by tree roots. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was part of the royal palace complex, while Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the more striking temples along the river.

But there is something important to understand about Ayutthaya before you visit.

It is not one perfectly preserved archaeological park.

The historic remains are spread around a modern city, so you will be moving between different sites rather than walking through one continuous ruin complex. For some people, this adds character. Others find it less impressive than expected.

That is why Ayutthaya works particularly well as a day trip from Bangkok.

If you have one free day, it is an easy choice.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai takes more effort to reach, but the experience is quite different from Ayutthaya.

The city was the centre of the Sukhothai Kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries and is regarded as an important period in the development of Thai art, architecture and culture.

The historical park is spread across a large, relatively open area.

This is where renting a bicycle makes sense.

You can ride between the ruins, stop when something catches your attention and spend more time at the temples instead of moving from one attraction to another in a vehicle.

Wat Mahathat is the main temple complex and should be on your list.

Then make your way to Wat Si Chum in the northern zone. The enormous seated Buddha inside the mondop is one of the defining sights of Sukhothai.

If you have time, the nearby historical area of Si Satchanalai is also worth considering.

Ayutthaya or Sukhothai? Both are important, but they suit different itineraries.

If your Thailand trip is short, Ayutthaya makes more logistical sense.

If you have enough time to travel north and history is an important part of the trip, Sukhothai is worth the extra effort.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the main gateway to Northern Thailand and one of the easiest places in the country to spend several days.

The old city is compact enough to explore on foot, with temples, cafés, markets and restaurants scattered through the lanes.

Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are two of the main temples within the old city.

Outside the centre, Doi Suthep is the obvious excursion. The temple sits on the mountain above Chiang Mai and has views over the city when the weather is clear.

There are plenty of other options if you stay longer. Doi Inthanon, mountain villages and smaller communities around Chiang Mai give you a different side of the region.

The city also has a strong food culture. Northern dishes such as khao soi are very different from the Thai curries and stir-fries many international visitors are familiar with.

Also Read: Thailand vs Maldives

When to be careful about visiting Chiang Mai

The northern burning season needs to be taken seriously.

Smoke and haze can become a major problem from around late February through April, although the timing and severity vary from year to year.

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai can all be affected.

If you are visiting specifically for mountain views and outdoor activities, check the air quality close to your travel dates. A normal weather forecast does not tell you enough.

Elephant Experiences in Thailand

Elephant tourism is one area where travellers need to do more than look for the word "ethical".

Thailand has made progress in moving away from elephant riding, but there are still major welfare concerns within the industry.

The simplest rule is to avoid riding elephants.

The more complicated question is what to make of experiences advertised as elephant bathing, washing, feeding or "care."

The industry has increasingly moved away from riding, but that does not mean every replacement activity is automatically ethical.

The stronger approach is to choose an experience where you observe elephants rather than interact with them.

There should be no riding, performances or forced tricks. Elephants should have space to move and forage, and tourists should not be encouraged to constantly touch, hug or bathe them.

This is important because "no riding" does not automatically mean "ethical".

Before booking, ask:

• Where do the elephants spend most of the day?

• Are they chained?

• Are bullhooks used?

• Can visitors ride them?

• Are they trained to perform?

• Are tourists encouraged to bathe them?

• How large are the visitor groups?

• Can you simply observe the elephants without touching them?

The answers tell you much more than the word "sanctuary" on a booking page.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and one of the easiest beach destinations to organise.

There are direct international flights, a huge range of accommodation and restaurants, and plenty of boat trips and activities.

It is also busy.

Patong is the main nightlife area, centred around Bangla Road. If you want bars, clubs and a lot of activity, this is where you will find it.

If you don't, stay elsewhere.

Phuket has quieter beaches and different areas of the island with a much slower pace.

The biggest issue is usually not the island itself. It is the popularity of its famous excursions.

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are beautiful.

They are also very popular.

Maya Bay became internationally famous after The Beach, and visitor numbers eventually became so high that authorities introduced temporary closures and restrictions to allow the environment to recover.

The bay remains worth seeing, but don't expect the empty beach shown in older photographs.

The same applies to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island.

The scenery is excellent. The busiest tours can be crowded.

If you are choosing a boat tour from Phuket, look at the departure time, group size and route instead of choosing purely on price.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a good alternative to Phuket for travellers who want a beach holiday but don't necessarily want the same level of development and nightlife.

The island is still very tourist-friendly, with plenty of resorts and restaurants, but there are quieter areas away from Chaweng.

Samui is also well placed for exploring the Gulf of Thailand.

Ang Thong Marine National Park

This is the major day trip from Samui.

The park contains dozens of islands with limestone cliffs, beaches and sheltered lagoons.

The views are the main attraction, particularly from the higher viewpoints.

Koh Tan

Koh Tan is a smaller excursion and is popular for snorkelling.

It is worth considering if you want a shorter boat trip rather than a full-day island-hopping tour.

Koh Rap

Koh Rap is another option for travellers looking for a quieter day on the water.

It is much less developed than the major tourist islands, although conditions and access can vary depending on the season and local tour operators.

Phuket or Koh Samui? Both islands can work very well. The choice comes down to the type of holiday and your route through Thailand.

Getting to Koh Samui can cost more

Direct flights to Koh Samui are often considerably more expensive than flights to Phuket.

One alternative is to fly to Surat Thani and continue by road and ferry.

It takes longer, so it isn't automatically the better choice.

But for budget travellers, it is worth comparing the total cost and travel time before choosing.

If you are travelling as a couple, this calculation becomes even more important when planning Thailand honeymoon packages, because the convenience of a direct flight may be worth paying for after a long international journey.

Isaan: The Part of Thailand Most Visitors Skip

Northeastern Thailand is rarely included in first-time Thailand itineraries.

That is partly because it takes more effort.

The region is huge, distances are longer and English is less commonly used outside the main tourist areas.

But if you have extra time, Isaan gives you a very different experience.

The Mekong towns in particular are worth looking at.

Sangkhom

Sangkhom is a small riverside town in Nong Khai Province.

There isn't a long list of attractions here.

That is exactly why people come.

Simple guesthouses, the Mekong, views towards Laos and quiet roads make it a good place to slow down for a couple of nights.

It is the sort of destination where the best part of the day might simply be sitting by the river.

Pak Chom

Further along the Mekong, Pak Chom is another small town that works well for travellers exploring the region by road.

The route itself is part of the attraction.

You can stop at viewpoints, riverside communities and small local restaurants along the way instead of trying to get from one major tourist attraction to another.

Isaan Food

If you travel through Isaan, make time for the food.

The region is known for strong flavours, plenty of chilli, sour notes, fresh herbs and fermented ingredients.

Som Tam

Green papaya salad is one of the best-known dishes associated with Isaan.

The local versions can be significantly hotter than what you may have tried in tourist areas.

Laap

Laap is a minced meat dish mixed with herbs, lime, chilli and toasted rice powder.

There are different regional variations, so don't expect every plate to taste the same.

Sai Krok Isaan

This fermented pork sausage is strongly associated with northeastern Thailand.

It is often served with fresh vegetables and garlic.

And yes, if you are not used to very spicy food, ask for less chilli.

Travelling Around Isaan by Train

The railway is useful if you have time and don't want to fly between every destination.

Thai trains range from very basic ordinary services to faster and more comfortable options. The cheapest services can take significantly longer, so check the exact train before booking your route.

The important thing is not to rely on old blog posts for fares.

Train prices and timetables can change, so check the current railway information before travelling.

For independent travellers, though, trains can make it possible to see more of northeastern Thailand without spending a lot on transport.

Buddhist Holidays and Alcohol Restrictions

Thailand's religious calendar can affect your trip, particularly if nightlife is an important part of your plans.

Three major Buddhist holidays are:

• Makha Bucha

• Visakha Bucha

• Asahna Bucha

Alcohol sales can be restricted on these days, and some bars and entertainment venues may close or operate differently.

The dates change every year according to the Buddhist calendar, so check the dates for your particular year of travel.

If you're spending your time visiting temples, eating and exploring, you may barely notice the difference.

If you've planned a nightlife-focused holiday, check before booking.

Temple Etiquette in Thailand

You don't need to know every Buddhist custom to visit Thailand's temples, but the basics are important.

Dress appropriately, particularly when visiting major temples and religious sites. In many places, shoulders and knees should be covered.

Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings where required.

Be aware of your feet. In Thai culture, pointing your feet towards a Buddha image, monk or another person is considered disrespectful.

And remember that temples are working religious spaces.

People may be praying or making offerings while visitors are walking around.

Keep your voice down, don't interfere with ceremonies and ask before photographing people.

Wild Monkeys in Thailand

Monkeys are common at several tourist attractions around Thailand.

They are also wild animals.

At places such as Monkey Beach and other popular monkey locations, the animals are accustomed to tourists and may grab food, bags, bottles, sunglasses or phones.

Don't feed them.

Don't try to touch them.

Keep your belongings secure and don't leave food exposed.

If you are bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately because of the risk of infection and possible rabies exposure.

How to Plan Your Thailand Itinerary

The biggest question isn't how many places you can fit into a Thailand trip.

It is how much time you want to spend travelling between them.

For a two-week first trip, Bangkok + Chiang Mai + one southern destination is already enough for a good itinerary.

You can add Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok without changing the rest of the route.

If history is a major interest, consider Sukhothai instead of trying to squeeze both historical capitals into the same trip.

For three weeks, you have more flexibility. You can add Isaan or spend longer in the south without making every few days a travel day.

The route should also match the season.

Northern Thailand during the burning season needs more thought. The Andaman coast and Gulf islands have different weather patterns. Religious holidays can affect nightlife and alcohol availability.

These are small details when you are looking at a map.

They become much bigger details once you are actually in Thailand.

Thailand is too big to treat as one destination.

Bangkok is completely different from Sukhothai. Sukhothai is different from Chiang Mai. Phuket doesn't feel like Koh Samui, and the Mekong towns of Isaan have very little in common with the resort areas of the south.

That is what makes choosing the right route so important.

You don't need to visit every famous place on your first trip.

Pick the places that fit together geographically and suit the kind of holiday you actually want. Leave enough time between destinations, check the season, and don't ignore the practical details simply because the photographs look good.

And when it comes to experiences such as elephant tourism, look past the marketing and find out how the animals are actually treated.

Thailand has enough places to fill several trips.

You don't need to see all of them on the first one.

At many2go, the focus is on helping travellers put together Thailand trips that make sense for their time, interests and budget, rather than simply adding every popular destination to the itinerary.

If you're planning a first Thailand holiday, looking for a more relaxed island escape or putting together a special trip for two, the right combination of destinations can make a big difference.