Best Tourist Places to Visit in Thailand

Summary :- Wondering what are the best tourist places to visit in Thailand? From lush jungles and stunning beaches to bustling cities and world-class nightlife, Thailand has something for everyone. Let us tell you about some of Thailand’s best tourist spots.

Edited by: Bhawna Nijhawan

Thailand, also known as the “Land of Smiles”, is a highly sought-after destination in Southeast Asia. It’s a vibrant and diverse country that has a lot to offer. From bustling urban centers filled with motorbikes and tuk-tuks to serene Buddhist temples tended by orange-robed monks, to remote hill tribes selling handmade crafts, Thailand has something for everyone. The country boasts lush landscapes dotted with traditional farming villages, ancient ruins, and breathtaking coastlines with stunning beaches and blue lagoons.

In my opinion, Thailand is a unique & beautiful travel destination. Whether you’re seeking the world-renowned beaches in the south or the charming mountain villages in the north, the country would deliver an unforgettable travel experience to you. The country’s thriving tourism industry has led to significant development, providing visitors with modern comforts. 

Bangkok and Chiang Mai are two of Thailand’s busiest cities, known for their bustling activity and commerce. However, to truly experience the country, you must venture beyond the cities and explore the mountains, interact with wildlife, and encounter the mischievous monkeys that may try to steal your food or camera. In case you’re looking for inspiration for your trip, I’ve compiled a list of the top tourist places in Thailand.

Best Islands to Visit in Thailand

Thailand is known for its stunning islands, and for this reason, the country has always been a popular destination for travelers seeking beauty, relaxation, leisure, or simply partying. While some of the more well-known islands like Phuket and Koh Samui are popular choices, there are many other lesser-known islands that are equally stunning and worth exploring. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you can consider adding some of these picturesque islands to your bucket list.

1. Ko Phi Phi 

Koh Phi Phi was featured in Leonardo di Caprio’s film The Beach, which considerably boosted its popularity. I would say that the island is exquisitely beautiful.

2. Koh Tao

Koh Tao (Turtle Island) got its name because of its turtle-like shape on the map, and not because turtles are abundant here!

3. Ko Chang

Known as Elephant Island because of its elephant-shaped headland, Ko Chang is Thailand’s third largest island after Phuket and Samui.

4. Phuket

Phuket is the largest island city in Thailand. Featuring a tranquil beach view and pleasant ocean breeze, one can find the ultimate calm and peace on this island.

5. Ko Phangan

Located off Thailand’s Gulf coast, Koh Phangan Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, amusement, and so much more.

6. Ko Samui

Koh Samui (Samui Island) is a popular resort island in the Gulf of Thailand with stunning beaches and tons of fun stuff to do.

7. Koh Lanta

This picturesque island has managed to stay away from commercialization and offer its visitors a real island experience.

8. Ko Lipe

Koh Lipe is popular for divers and snorkelers, especially for its colorful underwater and coral reefs. Besides that, the island itself is so gorgeous.

9. Similan Islands

I think one of the most striking features of Similan Islands is the huge boulders littering its western and southern shores. This island is definitely worth a visit.

10. Ko Si Chang

Koh Si Chang is a magical little island close to Bangkok that most foreigners don’t know about. Also, you should not confuse it with Koh Chang in Trat province!

Read More :- Best Islands to Visit in Thailand

Best Beaches to Visit in Thailand

How about a vacation on Thailand’s white sand beaches? Whether you’re looking for something touristy or offbeat, Thailand has the perfect beaches. The enchanting atmosphere of Thailand’s beaches makes for the perfect place for vacation and relaxation! 

In Thailand, there are more beaches than there are islands, and each is more beautiful than the next. The beguiling beaches of these islands continue to attract a wide range of tourists, from backpackers and families on holiday to those in search of a buzzy scene or a little salt air pampering. You can also take part in thrilling water sports on Thailand’s beaches and swim in its crystal clear water. The following is a list of the best beaches to visit in Thailand in order to make the most of your trip:

1. Kata Noi beach

Kata Noi Beach is great for relaxing and soaking up the sun. This beach is comparatively smaller than the others in this list, measuring about 700 meters long. 

2. Donald Duck Bay

Named after the iconic rock shape, Donald Duck Bay is a great place for a picnic. This is the best beach in the Similans, which has a chain of perfect beaches.

3. Nai Harn Beach

Phuket’s Nai Harn Beach has excellent water quality and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Both sides of the island are surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and a large freshwater lagoon.

4. Phra Nang Beach

In Thailand, Phra Nang Beach, or Tham Phra Nang, is a true dream beach. Almost every part of the beach is beautiful, which is why Krabi postcards feature this famous rocky island.

5. Karon Beach

When I visited Thailand, my first stop in Phuket was Karon Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach on the west coast. It is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket.

6. Lamai Beach

Besides having some of the best restaurants, bars, and beachfront hotels, Lamai beach is famous for its Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks. 

7. Buffalo Bay

This one’s quieter beach, but it also has more diverse attractions, like a mangrove forest and a sea gypsy settlement.

8. Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach

Beaches like Thong Nai Pan Yai have a chill-out, hippie vibe, and not to forget the massive parties that are held there during the night.

9. Long Beach

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the nicest beach I have ever visited in Thailand. There is not a lot of crowding here, and it is very peaceful.

10. Laem Tong Bay

This quiet and relaxing beach on Koh Phi Phi Don’s north-eastern side is only accessible by boat, making it a perfect place for a relaxing holiday.

Read More :- Best Beaches to Visit in Thailand

Best Places to Visit in Thailand at Night

Thailand is a night lover’s paradise, filled with neon lights and crowds of tourists. It won’t take you long to realize that you haven’t experienced the best party nights until you visit Thailand. No wonder Thailand’s nightlife is famous around the world. Whether you’re looking for high-spirited clubs and go-go bars or night markets and street food, Thailand has everything you’d ever want in a nightlife experience. If you’re planning a holiday with your friends or family in Thailand, you’re in for a treat! It is only fair to start talking about Thailand’s nightlife with this list of vibrant spots. 

1. Sukhumvit

Located in the center of Bangkok, Sukhumvit boasts great shopping, dining, and nightlife experience.

2. RCA

Royal City Avenue, also known as RCA is where the party scene is at its most active. The area is an officially designated nightlife zone, so there are parties every day of the week.

3. Soi Bangla Road

Located in the heart of Patong Beach, Soi Bangla is considered one of Phuket’s top nightlife attractions.

4. Phuket FantaSea

Thailand’s Phuket FantaSea is a nighttime cultural theme park located in the south of the country on the island of Phuket.

5. Live Music Patong Beach

There is no doubt that Tao Live Music Bar is one of Patong’s top live music bars. When it comes to Thai nightlife, nothing beats this bar.

6. Gay Phuket Patong Beach

There is no better place to experience tropical waters, white sand beaches, and an intense nightlife than Gay Phuket Patong Beach.

7. DJ Station, Bangkok

It is a popular place in Bangkok that appeals to both locals and tourists. Every night DJ Station is packed and on weekends it’s even busier.

8. Cha Weng Beach

It’s no wonder that Chaweng Beach is the most popular beach since it’s a tourist hub and a nightlife hotspot.

9. Khao San Road

With hundreds of street vendors, shops, and food stands to choose from, it is a wonderful place to spend the evening.

10. Soi Rambuttri

This pretty street has lots of good bars, restaurants, market stalls, and street food vendors, and is very crowded at night.

Read More :- Best Places to Visit for Nightlife in Thailand

Best Historical & Religious Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand is a dynamic country that boasts a wide range of tourist attractions, from thrilling adventure activities and spicy cuisine to beautiful temples that capture the hearts of visitors from all over the world. These temples are particularly noteworthy, as they offer fascinating cultural and artistic aspects that leave a lasting impression on visitors. 

Whether you visit centuries-old temples made of wood or stone, or more modern ones constructed from recycled beer bottles, each one provides a sense of tranquility and serenity to all who visit. If you’re interested in learning about world religions, Thailand is the perfect destination, as it is home to numerous magnificent Buddhist temples. So why wait? Keep reading to discover the religious temples listed below that will be useful for your upcoming or next trip to Thailand.

1. Phra Pathom Chedi

This picturesque Buddhist structure is located in Nakhon Pathom. When Buddhism was introduced to Southeast Asia in the 3rd century BC, this Buddhist structure was built.

2. Wat Rong Khun

Featuring a white color and sparkling pieces of glass in the plaster, Wat Rong Khun is a very unique temple and a must-visit place.

3. Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (Temple of a Million Bottles)

Due to the fact that this temple is made entirely from beer bottles, it has gained enormous popularity among locals and travelers.

4. Khmer Temples

Khmer Temples in Thailand were constructed under the Khmer Kingdom’s rule around ten centuries ago. It will surprise you to see how well-preserved the temples are even after 1000 years.

5. Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew, or “Emerald Buddha,” is a 15th-century Buddha statue carved from green jasper (a semiprecious stone). If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you must visit this place.

6. Wat Khaek Temple (Mariamman Temple)

Tamil immigrants built this temple in a South Indian architectural style in 1879, making it the largest Hindu temple in Thailand.

7.Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Ayutthaya’s Wat Chai Watthanaram is a beautifully restored temple ruin situated in Ban Pom Sub-district, on the western side of Ayutthaya’s city island.

8. Wat Phra Singh

The Wat Phra Singh temple, Chiang Mai’s most revered temple, is dominated by a gigantic, mosaic-inlaid shrine. It is a stunning temple located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city.

9. Wat Tham Pha Phong

A beautiful temple in Sakon Nakhon Province, Wat Pha Daen is noted for its rock carvings, gardens, a hillside cave, and panoramic views from its hilltop position.

10. Phanom Rung

There’s something grand and majestic about this Khmer site. In the past, it was a Hindu religious site but later became a Buddhist one. It sits atop an extinct volcano.

Read More :- Historical & Religious Places to Visit in Thailand

Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Shopping

The pleasure of shopping in an unknown territory and exploring exotic products and services is inherent in every foreign trip. For many people including me, Thailand is a shopping paradise. Thousands of tourists visit Thailand every year for a relaxing holiday and a shopping spree. Some of the best shopping hubs in the world are located in Thailand. Whether you are looking for cheap products or high-end items, Thailand has it all. From jewelry to souvenirs to décor items to perfumes to clothing, Thailand beckons you to shop until you drop! Check out these best shopping destinations in Thailand next time you’re there.

1. Rot Fai Market, Srinakarin

The Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin Night Market, also known as the Train Market in Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the biggest night markets in the world.

2. Krabi Town Walking Street

There are many places to visit in Krabi, but the Krabi Town walking street (Thanon Khon Dern) is the most popular place for shopping.

3. Central Festival Pattaya

With its beachfront location, Central Festival Pattaya offers a beachside shopping experience that sets it apart from the usual bargain stalls and bazaars that line Pattaya Beach Road.

4. Pattaya Floating Market

At Pattaya Floating Market, you’ll get a chance to see ancient Thai riverside living communities and authentic ways of life, along with local products available at really cheap prices.

5. Royal Garden Plaza

The terrace of this plaza offers spectacular views of the beach and the sea. There’s also a gym and some sea-facing restaurants on the ground floor.

6. Maharaj Market

Known as one of the largest food markets in Southern Thailand, Maharaj Market offers a wide selection of locally produced ingredients and food items.

7. Pattaya Night Bazaar

Known for hand-made fabrics, unique accessories, hats, and beachwear, this enclosed Thai street market has more than 250 stalls and shops.

8. Nang Thong Supermarket

There is no supermarket bigger in Khao Lak than Nang Thong Supermarket. The store offers a wide range of goods, including wines from all over the world.

9. Khuk Khak Fresh Market

The market mainly sells food, so usually, when someone wants to cook Thai food, they come here to pick out their fresh ingredients.

10. Bang Niang Market

This market is an open-air tourist marketplace that sells handicrafts and street foods throughout the year and hosts local handicraft vendors.

Read More :- Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Shopping

Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Wildlife Tourism

The country has more than 150 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, but still, wildlife tourism isn’t the main focus in Thailand. The reason for this is that many of these places are difficult to reach and explore without a vehicle or guide. There are only a few Thai national parks with the facilities and attractions that visitors might anticipate. I am listing some of these wildlife-spotting destinations below.

1. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

With its lush green jungle scenery and flowing stream, the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is spread over 40,000 meters.

2. Kui Buri National Park

For those hoping to spot iconic Southeast Asian mammals, this stunning 240,000-acre preserve is a real treat.

3. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

Overshadowed by Thailand’s more famous national parks, this pristine preserve is where rare indigenous species are protected.

4. Khao Sok National Park

This stunning national park has been called the “Guilin of Thailand” for its limestone karst formations that remind you of China’s most popular tourist destination. 

5. Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Located on forest land, Samui Elephant Sanctuary offers a retirement home for elephants who have spent their lives working in the logging and tourism industries.

6. Mu Ko Chang National Park

The national park is just four hours from Bangkok, and boasts the oldest rainforest in the country, home to bears, barking deer, and porcupines.

7. ElephantsWorld

Located in the city of Kanchanaburi, ElephantsWorld is a self-supporting organization in Thailand dedicated to the conservation of domestic elephants.

8. Snake Farm

Snake Farm is based in the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI), where it produces anti-venom serum for snake-bite victims all over the world.

9. Kanta Elephant Sanctuary

At this sanctuary, you are allowed to prepare food and feed the animals, as well as bathe them. I highly recommend that you take a full-day tour of this sanctuary.

10. Maerim Elephant Sanctuary

Maerim Elephant Sanctuary rescues elephants that have suffered from mistreatment and provides them with a beautiful, safe environment to live in!

Read More :- Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Wildlife Tourism

Best Places For Trekking In Thailand

The diverse and vibrant Thailand offers more than just the usual tourist attractions. Whether you’re looking for mist-covered mountains or pristine rainforests, you’ll find it here which is Trekking in Thailand is an incredible experience. There are tons of routes to choose from and you get to see remote hill tribes that are barely touched by civilization. You can trek along riversides, through thin and thick vegetation, and moderate to extreme ascents in Thailand. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best places for trekking in Thailand. 

1. Mae Sariang

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Mae Sariang, in the province of Mae-Hong-Son, is the place to go for the best trekking experience.

2. Phu Lang Ka

The 300-meter Phu Langka trek is a very scenic journey, as both sides of the road are covered with lush vegetation.

3. Chiang Mai

For amateur trekkers, Chiang Mai has the perfect trails. You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable trek in this part of Thailand.

4. Chiang Rai

From easy family treks to hard-core treks for fitness enthusiasts, the Chiang Rai province in Northern Thailand has some of the best trekking in the country.

5. Mae Salong

One of the most unique activities available in Mae Salong is pony trekking, which includes traveling to the villages of the surrounding hill tribes.

6. Hua Hin

There are many things to do in Hua Hin, a popular travel destination just three hours from Bangkok, including swimming in the ocean and trekking in the mountains.

7. Kamphaeng Phet

Kamphaeng Phet is famous for its trekking experience and stunning waterfalls, making it the perfect place to spend a day in nature.

8. Khao Sok Trekking

There are some local treks in Khao Sok that you can do by yourself, but for other jungle treks, you will need a knowledgeable guide who will be able to take you on the trek.

9. Doi Inthanon Trek

In North Thailand, trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park has become popular tourist activity. In fact, Doi Inthanon National Park is one of my favorite destinations for trekking.

10. Khao Luang Peak

Several people trek up Khao Luang, which is the highest mountain peak in South Thailand, at a height of 1,835 meters above sea level.

Read More :- Best Places For Trekking In Thailand

Frequently Ask Questions

How many days in Thailand is enough?

It is recommended that you stay at least one week in Thailand, but if you can stay for two or three weeks, you will be able to see more of this wonderful country or even expand your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, which are both amazing countries.

Does Thailand have nightlife?

Thai nightlife is renowned for its inclusive and enthralling nature, catering to the tastes of all wandering tourists. No wonder Thailand’s nightlife is so famous around the world. Whether you’re looking for high-energy clubs or go-go bars, or night markets and street food, Thailand has everything you’re looking for.

What is the best part of Thailand to go to?

I think Phuket is the best part of Thailand to visit. There’s a whole different atmosphere in Phuket, and if you want a relaxing vacation, you can stay there. It has a beautiful old town, great viewpoints, and iconic cultural attractions. Several nearby islands and their must-see attractions are accessible from Phuket.