Places to visit in Thailand

From jaw-dropping beaches and beautiful islands to crucial archaeological sites and modern metropolitan cities, there are numerous things one can witness and experience during their visit to Thailand. If you want help setting up your Thailand trip itinerary, go through the contents of this page and make notes if needed.

Best time to visit Thailand

Before deciding on the places to visit in Thailand, make sure to settle on the dates for your trip. The main travel seasons are;

1. Summer

The summer season in Thailand starts around March and ends in June. The weather during this period stays hot and dry, with temperatures between 32 °C and 40°C. Some notable events during this period include the Pattaya Music Festival, Chiang Mai Arts and Culture Festival, Visakha Bucha, etc.

Travel tip: The period between January to mid-April marks the burning season (it is the practice of setting fire to cultivated fields to clear the land in preparation for the next crop cycle) in Chiang Mai. If you are visiting the region during this period, consider wearing N95 masks when going outside and using indoor air purifiers when staying at hotels.

2. Monsoon:

Monsoon in Thailand starts around July and extends till October. The temperature during this season stays near 24° to 28°C, but the frequent rain showers pose the issue of flooding in some areas. Some notable regional events during this period include Asalha Puja, the King of Thailand's birthday, the Longan festival, the Wing Kwai Chonburi, etc.

Travel tip: The sun's heat remains strong in Bangkok during August, so make sure to pack breathable, light-coloured clothing. Also, pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun when stepping outside.

3. Winter:

Winter in Thailand, which stretches from November to February, is the peak tourism season. Its pleasant temperature ranges between 15° to 28°C and is perfect for sightseeing, urban and rural area exploration, etc. Some notable events in Thailand during winter include the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival, Full Moon Party, the Chinese New Year, etc.

Did you know?

The temperature during January and February stays pleasant throughout; however, travellers are advised to bring sweaters and other woollen clothes if they are visiting North Thailand during these months. February is a great time to visit Krabi and Koh Samui as the peak tourist crowd slowly disperses. You can expect some rain during the evening, but it remains suitable for beach visits, trekking, underwater adventures, etc.

Best places to visit in Thailand

Here is a list of some of the most renowned tourist places in Thailand that you can consider checking out;

1. Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand is an island group consisting of six beautiful islands. Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don are the most popular among them. The main attractions of the Phi Phi Islands include its local nightlife, Phi Phi Viewpoint hike, Monkey Bay snorkelling adventures, the Viking Caves, etc.

Travel tip: Though known by one name, the Phi Phi Viewpoint, there are actually 3 different viewpoints on the hill. The Phi Phi Viewpoint 3 offers the best visuals, followed by viewpoint number 2 and 1. The fee to check out all three viewpoints is around 50-60 baht per person.

2. Bangkok

Bangkok, officially called Krung Thep Maha Nakhon in Thai, is the capital city of Thailand. It is home to giant skyscrapers, rooftop restaurants, beautiful monasteries, and much more. Some of Bangkok's most notable tourist attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Lumphini Park, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, etc.

Travel tip: When visiting temples and religious shrines in Thailand, make sure to respect the local customs and rules. This includes wearing proper clothes, removing shoes before entering temples, keeping your arms and legs fully clothed, etc.

3. Phuket

Phuket is the largest island and a popular tourist destination in Thailand. There are various things to check out in Phuket, from beautiful beaches to high-energy nightlife places. During your visit, make sure to check out Kata Beach, Phuket Old Town, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, etc.

4. Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a famous honeymoon destination in Thailand, known for its peaceful atmosphere, luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, dense vegetation, etc. Some of its main tourist attractions include the Secret Buddha Garden, Wat Phra Yai, Wat Plai Laem, Lamai Beach, etc.

Travel tip: A popular tip for travellers visiting Koh Samui is to go on a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park. You can complete this journey via water, and the transport options available include a big boat, private boat, little boat, busy boat, sailboat, and fast boat. The average price for this trip is around 65 USD per adult and 48 USD per child (between ages 4-11).

5. Ayutthaya

The historic city of Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom after Sukhothai. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to several prominent archaeological sites, including Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Ratchaburana, etc.

Travel tip: Do not underestimate the crowd if you are visiting Koh Pha Ngan Island in Thailand during the full moon party. It attracts over 30,000 people, so your best chance of getting accommodations is by booking rooms months in advance.

6. Khao Yai National Park

During your visit to Thailand, check out the Khao Yai National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning a total area of around 2,100 square kilometres. It is home to several beautiful natural landforms, such as mountains, forests and waterfalls, alongside many regional wildlife species.

Did you know:

• The afternoon boat rides along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok allow individuals to experience the bustling markets of Chinatown. Boats are available every 30 minutes from 11 different piers. For easy accessibility, consider ICONSIAM Pier, Sathorn Pier, Wat Arun Pier, and Chang Pier. The average price per person can range around 150 baht.
• If you plan to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, note that it stays open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. There is no entry fee for locals but foreigners have to pay THB 500 to enter. Also, there’s no entry fee for children below 120 cm.

Nightlife places in Thailand

Even if you aren’t a party animal, don’t miss the glitz and glamour of Thailand's nightlife, which has its own charm. Here are some famous nightlife places in Thailand that you can consider visiting;

• Soi Bangla: The Soi Bangla, also known as the Bangla Road, is one of Phuket's most popular nightlife places. Every day after sundown, numerous tourists and locals start to accumulate in the area to enjoy entertaining street performances, delicious food and drinks, etc.
• Khao San Road: This 410-metre-long street amidst central Bangkok remains filled with numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, massage parlours and so on. If you want to buy souvenirs or try fried insects, Khao San Road in Bangkok is the right place for you.
  Nightlife tip: Nightlife in some places is more expensive than others. For instance, the average cost for a drink at a high-end cocktail bar can be around $12, while some clubs also charge around $120-130 for a regular bottle of vodka.
• Pattaya Walking Street: Pattaya Walking Street is also a popular nightlife place, featuring colourful signs and lights, massive crowds, food stalls, street performances, discos, bars, etc. It is a must-visit place in Thailand where you can party on a budget and try delicious seafood.
  Nightlife tip: If you are not a heavy drinker and don’t want to get wasted while enjoying Thailand's nightlife, avoid bucket drinks from street-side stalls. These drinks are quite strong and are offered at a price tag of 200 baht. Even just 1 or 2 of these buckets can make your vision blurry.
• Cicada Night Market: Hua Hin's Cicada Night Market is a family-friendly nightlife place in Thailand. It features hundreds of stalls and an amphitheatre where performances from local bands, musicians and dance groups are held.

Stay safe tips for Thailand

When visiting various places in Thailand during your trip, make sure to be aware of these things;

• After enjoying Thailand’s nightlife, avoid hailing taxis right in front of the bars and clubs. It's because they usually refuse to use meters for an opportunity to charge more fare. Walk a few steps after exiting the bar or club and try to catch a taxi at the next junction. You can use local ride-hailing services, such as Grab.
• Make sure not to fall under anyone's scam tactics when you are on your way to visit a tourist attraction. Don't believe that a temple or a tourist attraction is closed unless you witness it yourself.
• Most tourist places and attractions in Thailand remain filled with crowds during the day and evening. A prime example of this is the renowned Phuket Town. To avoid this, you can schedule your visit around late afternoon, when the streets are comparatively less crowded.
• The peak summer season is not ideal for beach visits due to the hot temperature. So, stick to the period between December and early April for beach visits across Thailand.
• The busy market areas in Thailand are infamous for pickpocketing, especially for tourists. So, be extremely careful of your belongings when roaming around in such places.
• Book hotels and transfers in advance if you are visiting during the peak season. This way, you can choose accessible accommodations depending on the location and avoid issues of unavailability.

Take Home Lessons:

This sums up our guide regarding the most popular places to visit in Thailand. Each city and tourist attraction in the country offers a unique experience and vibe. From colourful nightlife places to ancient historical sites, the diverse land of Thailand has plenty to offer in terms of tourism.

FAQs

1) What are the best places to visit in Thailand for a short trip?

Bangkok and Pattaya are the best places to visit on a short trip to Thailand, among the numerous prominent tourist attractions.

2) How far is Krabi from Phuket?

The road from Phuket to Krabi in Thailand is around 163 kilometres via Route 4.

3) What are some famous places to visit in Koh Samui at night?

Some famous places to visit in Koh Samui at night are Phetch Buncha Boxing Stadium, Soi Reggae, Fusion Club, Paris Follies, etc.

4) What are some must-visit historical sites in Thailand?

Some must-visit historical sites in Thailand include Sukhothai Historical Park, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Phimai Historical Park, Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Phanom Rung Historical Park, etc.