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Explore the Top 12 Places to Visit in Thailand Today

TeamAckoFeb 9, 2024

A country filled with water bodies, unique architecture, great food and awesome nightlife, Thailand has something for everyone. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket and the lush jungles of Chiang Mai, the country offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists and visitors.

The article will raise the curtain to offer a detailed discussion of the different places to visit in Thailand and enjoy your international vacation—and make it the best.

Contents

12 Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Your Next International Trip
Checklist for Your Next Thailand Trip
Final Words
Frequently Asked Questions

12 Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Your Next International Trip

You must consider the following tourist places to visit in Thailand and make it a lifetime experience.

1. Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is a group of six small islands lying between the Straits of Malacca coast and the large islands of Phuket. If you are a beach lover, visiting Phi Phi Island must be on your bucket list. Koh Phi Phi, a part of this island, is filled with vibrant nightlife, where you can find a dozen restaurants and bars to enjoy an exciting trip.

Ideal Time to Visit	November to March
Tourist Attraction	Visit Tonsai Beach, Koh Phi Phi Island, Monkey Beach, Bida Islands, Laem Tong Beach, and Viking Cave.
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 6,000 per person (including travel and activity costs)
Activities	Indulge yourself in activities like snorkelling, swimming in the crystal clear water, scuba diving, night parties, kayaking and longtail boating.
How to Reach	You can take ferries from Phuket, Koh Lanta or Krabi to visit the islands of Phi Phi.
Timing	24 hours

2. Krabi

One of the most engaged tourist places to visit in Thailand is Krabi. This place is famous for its surreal sunsets, beautiful beaches and exciting adventures to enjoy. A number of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and budget and luxury hotels per your needs are always waiting to welcome you. If you want to experience everything under the same roof, Krabi should take the top-most spot on your go-to list.

Ideal Time to Visit	October to April
Tourist Attraction	Tiger Cave Temple, Railay Beach, 75 million-year-old shell cemetery, Mu Koh Lanta National Park, Hat Maya, Choa Le Village
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 5,000 per person
Activities	You can go shopping, enjoy nightlife, seafood and beautiful sunsets
How to Reach	You can get a daily bus from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok or Phuket to Krabi. It will take around 4 hours to reach
Timing	24 hours

3. Pattaya

One of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers is Pattaya. The place gives you the best experience of Thailand as it offers exotic beaches for fun, authentic Thai and seafood for your taste buds, exotic resorts for utmost comfort, wild nightlife for adventure, and a ton to shop for your shopping spree. If you love the hustle and bustle of a certain area and know about the authentic culture of Thailand, plan for Pattaya without a second thought for your next holiday.

Ideal Time to Visit	All year round
Tourist Attraction	Jomtien Beach, Sanctuary of Truth, Mini Siam, and Pattaya Floating Market
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 5,000 per day
Activities	Go for cabaret shows, dig into the history of Thai culture by taking temple and museum tours, experience exotic nightlife, go bungee jumping at XBungy, and go shopping.
How to Reach	Pattaya is connected via rail from Bangkok, and Pattaya Airport is 30 km away from the main city.
Timing	24 hours

4. Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya in Thailand is a land of architecture, filled with detailed carvings and a rich history of the place. Every corner of the area dates back centuries, marvelling at the ruins of Siam's second capital. For history enthusiasts and architecture loving people, every monument standing here tells a story to enjoy and experience for a lifetime. UNESCO has marked Ayutthaya as a World Heritage Site.

Ideal Time to Visit	November to February
Tourist Attraction	Architecture and temples
Estimated Cost	The entry fee is Rs. 115 per person
Activities	Take a look and enjoy the rich history involved in the Royal Palace, Million Toy Museum, Ayutthaya Historical Park and Ayutthaya Island.
How to Reach	You can get buses at regular intervals from Mo Chit Station. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the destination.
Timing	7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Also, Read: Best time to visit Thailand

5. Kanchanaburi Province

If you are a nature lover, your heart and soul will be filled with the beauty and calmness of Kanchanaburi Province of Thailand, which is a unique place to visit in Thailand. This place is famous for the horrors of the Death Railway during World War 2. The province is filled with war memorials, and the parks are an ideal spot to be in the laps of nature. You can also visit some caves and waterfalls with minimum hiking trails in wild terrain.

Ideal Time to Visit	October to February
Tourist Attraction	Khao Laem Lake, Mon Bridge, Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, Death Railway Bridge, Sri Nakarin Dam National Park,
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 1500 per person
Activities	Enjoy a cool bath in the waterfalls, take hiking trails and go trekking with your friends.
How to Reach	North of Sangchuto Road, you will find the only bus station for Kanchanaburi.
Timing	9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

6. Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park should be included in the list of must visit places in Thailand. The national park was formed in 1962 and is located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which is around 180 km from Bangkok. It is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site covering an area of 2,168 square km to watch and enjoy the beauty of wildlife. From different mammals to reptiles and birds, this is a must visit on your next Thailand international trip.

Ideal Time to Visit	November to April
Tourist Attraction	Gibbons, Asian elephants, bears and pythons
Estimated Cost	Thai citizens - 20 Baht to 40 Baht	Foreigners - Rs. 175 for adults and Rs. 90 for children	Travel cost - Rs. 65 to Rs. 90
Activities	Enjoy bird watching or go for a hiking trail along the national park to enjoy fauna at its best.
How to Reach	Take a bus to Pak Chong from Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok.
Timing	6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

7. Mueang Chiang Rai

The northernmost area of Thailand is filled with the remains of Lana culture. Chiang Rai is a nature paradise with ancient temples and tribal villages based along the Mekong River. It is a great place to visit in Thailand if you enjoy the culture and historical monuments of a place. You can also immerse yourself in the place's music, food, art, shopping and stay at budget and luxury hotels.

Ideal Time to Visit	October to March
Tourist Attraction	Baan Dam Museum, Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of Emerald Buddha), Clock Tower, Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple), Mingmuang Temple, and Doi Pha Tang
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 3,500
Activities	Visiting the temples and monuments, experiencing nightlife, going shopping and sightseeing at other attractions.
How to Reach	Go to Chiang Mai by train and take a bus to Chiang Rai.
Timing	24 hours

8. Khao Lak

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities in Thailand? Then, Khao Lak is the destination for you. It is a chain of villages that will help you enjoy the calmness and serenity of Thailand. The beaches in the area are slowly becoming favourites for beachside vacations and adventure sports. When you make a list of places to visit in Thailand with family, keep Khao Lak at the top.

Ideal Time to Visit	November to March
Tourist Attraction	Bang Niang Beach, Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, Surin Islands
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 5,000 (including travel costs and food)
Activities	Scuba diving, enjoying marine life, watching sea turtles, kayaking and snorkelling.
How to Reach	Go to Krabi or Phuket and take a bus or taxi to Khao Lak.
Timing	24 hours

9, Hua Hin District

Night markets, temples, mountains, scintillating viewpoints and beaches, water parks, fancy hotels and resorts, fine dining options, and what else? You get everything that you wish for in the Hua Hin District. Thailand is filled with places offering everything to everyone, and Hua Hin District is a must visit on your next international trip to Thailand. The sandy beaches of the place have some perfect spots to enjoy authentic seafood and go for beach activities.

Ideal Time to Visit	November to April
Tourist Attraction	Pala U Waterfall, Hua Hin Night Market, Takiab Bay, and Kaeng Krachan National Park
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 2,000 per person.
Activities	Indulge yourself in water sports, watch serene sunsets, night shopping, and crazy nightlife.
How to Reach	You can get to Hua Hin by bus, minivan or bus from the main city.
Timing	24 hours

10. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Right from the pages of the history book, Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar served as a vital trading hub for Yunnanese caravans travelling between Siama and Mawlamyaing. The spot is a radiant gem in Thailand's nocturnal landscape. It sprawls across multiple city blocks, encompassing sidewalks, indoor spaces, and even temple precincts. It's a treasure trove for shoppers, offering an array of handicrafts, artworks, clothing, and mementoes. Food enthusiasts, stay excited; you will be delighted by the diverse culinary offerings here.

Ideal Time to Visit	Throughout the year
Tourist Attraction	Go for a tour of the Umbrella Factory, enjoy Muay Thai boxing matches, nightlife and night shopping.
Estimated Cost	As per your spending limit
Activities	Bathe an elephant, go for a Thai massage, enjoy shopping and dive into local cuisines.
How to Reach	Start from Tha Phae Road and go towards Lo Khro.
Timing	5 p.m. to 12 a.m.

11. Koh Chang

A place that is 70% covered by preserved rainforest. Koh Chang, also known as Elephant Island, is the second-largest island in Thailand. It is situated in the east of Bangkok, around 300 km in Trat Province, and near the Cambodian border. The residents are slowly increasing their involvement in the tourism sector, helping to attract large flocks of tourists to develop the area. It is a beautiful gateway if you wanna go island hopping.

Ideal Time to Visit	November to February
Tourist Attraction	Hat Sai Khao, or White Sand Beach; Klong Plu Waterfall; Laem Bang Bao; Koh Chang Marine National Park.
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 4,000 per person
Activities	Enjoy water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. Go to neon parties and jungle hiking for a complete trip.
How to Reach	Catch a bus from Ekamai Bus Terminal to Laem Ngop, and then take a ferry ride to Koh Chang.
Timing	24 hours

12. Similan Islands

When listing places to visit in Thailand for couples, the Similan Islands top the chart. This is among the best tourist places in Thailand if you are a water baby. Similan Island is highly influenced by its culture, and UNESCO has cited its national park as a heritage venue. Enjoy marine life, cool sea breezes, water sports adventures and a romantic stay at a luxurious resort during your visit to the Similan Islands. Make sure to stay here for at least 1 night to enjoy the place and its vibes to the fullest.

Ideal Time to Visit	November to March
Tourist Attraction	Ko Miang, Donald Duck Bay, and Ko Bnagu
Estimated Cost	Approximately Rs. 15,500 per day.
Activities	Climb to Donald Duck Bay viewpoint, take a tour of Similan Islands National Park, and enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving to watch coral habitation.
How to Reach	Take a night bus from Bangkok to Khao Lak or Ranong and catch a boat to the Similan Islands.
Timing	24 hours

Checklist for Your Next Thailand Trip

Before you choose the best places to visit in Thailand, glance through the following list to make your trip seamless and filled with unforgettable memories.

Always make sure to take international travel insurance while planning your Thailand trip. Having Travel insurance Thailand will help you mitigate risks related to flight delays or misses, medical emergencies, baggage missing, fund loss or missing your passport. Travel insurance will cover all the areas to give you financial assistance to recover your losses.
If you are specifically visiting Thailand to indulge in water sports, make sure to avail yourself of travel insurance specific to your adventures. Specific adventure-related travel insurance will help you cover any medical expenses sustained during such activities.
Check your visa requirements while purchasing tickets for Thailand. It may change according to the situation. Stay updated on visa requirements to avoid facing issues when travelling to a foreign country.
Pack essentials for hot and humid weather. Since the place is fully surrounded by water, you will not feel cold. Remember to pack your swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. to enjoy a hassle-free trip.
If you are booking your trip through any agency, verify the legitimacy of the agency before paying the money. A lot of fraud cases are heard nowadays where travellers lose their money for not verifying the background of the tour agency.

Final Words

Thailand is a beautiful place filled with noise and quietness at the same time. You can enjoy a serene sunset and sunrise on the beautiful beaches and a crazy nightlife in the different restaurants and bars available in every nook and corner of the city. If you are a first-time visitor, check out the best places to visit in Thailand that we have crafted for you to help you have a memorable vacation. Make sure to buy travel insurance to avoid unavoidable losses during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about places to visit in Thailand

1. Should I get travel insurance while travelling to Thailand?

It is advised to get travel insurance before visiting Thailand, as insurance will cover any unavoidable losses you may incur during your trip.

2. What is Thailand most famous for?

Thailand is most famous for its beautiful beaches, adventurous water sports and fun nightlife with exquisite sea foods.

3. When is the best time to visit Thailand?

If you want to enjoy the best weather in Thailand, visit there after the rainy season, from October to April.

4. Which are the best beach destinations in Thailand?

Some of the best beach destinations are Krabi, Phuket and Hua Hin. You can visit these beaches to spend time with your family and indulge in different water sports and activities.

5. How many days are required to explore Thailand?

To explore the different regions of Thailand, you need to plan your vacation for 7-8 days. It would be better to stay here for 10 days to explore the various cities and beaches of Thailand and get mesmerised by their beauty.

6. Which are the best shopping places in Thailand?

Some of the best shopping places in Thailand are as follows:

Icon Siam
Terminal 21
Siam Paragon
Senada Theory
MBK Centre (Ma Boon Khrong Centre)
CentralWorld

7. Is Thailand a safe country?

Yes, Thailand is a safe country. Many tourists from different parts of the world visit this country to spend quality time and enjoy their vacation. However, you must ensure your belongings and money are safe to avoid unforeseen situations.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.