8 of Thailand's most breathtaking places to explore

When people envision Thailand, they often picture lounging on a pristine beach with a chilled drink in hand.

While Thailand is certainly famous for its beautiful beaches, this nation of over 513 sq km (198 sq miles) also features untouched forests, stunning mountains, vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and cities rich in unique histories and cultures. Thailand is a diverse destination that appeals to everyone, from the adventurous food lover to the seeker of enlightenment (and all in between).

Beach lovers will naturally flock to tropical islands, just like most first-time visitors mesmerized by the array of destinations along Thailand’s coast. Culture enthusiasts are drawn to major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, while nature lovers should explore the lush mountains in the north and northeast or the jungles near Myanmar’s border. With a solid network of trains, buses, ferries, rental cars, and numerous airports, navigating is simple: you just need to select the spots in Thailand that align with your passions.

1. Bangkok

Top city for dining and nightlife

Many visitors to Thailand arrive in Bangkok only to quickly head to other destinations, overlooking a city that is surprisingly underrated. Bangkok serves as an ideal base for day trips to nearby attractions, featuring floating markets and coastal beaches to the south, as well as renowned national parks to the north. It’s worth spending a few days here before venturing elsewhere in Thailand.

Home to over 10 million inhabitants, Bangkok is an expansive megacity. However, navigating it just requires a bit of preparation. The city boasts more than 320,000 restaurants offering diverse cuisines from Thai to Ethiopian and Latvian, while over 500,000 street food vendors ensure you can find food throughout Bangkok 24/7. In Bangkok, or Krung Thep Mahanakorn (the “City of Angels”), your culinary possibilities are endless … whether it's a plate of chicken satay or a steaming bowl of noodle soup.

Bangkok's bars and clubs present an impressively diverse array of styles and beverages. Among the venues featured on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, four are located in Bangkok. The city also embraces speakeasy-style bars and Japanese-themed establishments, reflecting one of Bangkok’s largest expat communities. If you're in the mood for a drink, you'll have plenty of options—try Q&A Bar’s Pinkish, a unique take on the Negroni with rhubarb and grapefruit gin, the robust Old Fashioned enhanced with turmeric at Vesper, or stick with a classic, crisp martini at Bamboo Bar.

Planning tip: Bangkok’s bars and clubs cannot operate all night; most typically close at the relatively early hour of 1am.

2. Chiang Mai

Top City for Temples

Chiang Mai serves as an excellent base for exploring the nearby mountains, caves, and waterfalls, which could easily take up at least three days of your itinerary. Once the capital of the Northern Lanna empire, the Chiang Mai region is home to over 300 temples. Some, like Doi Suthep, are renowned for their breathtaking views, while others, such as Wat Suan Dok, are the resting places for the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family. The picturesque Wat Chedi Luang, established in 1385, is conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town, whereas Wat Phra Singh, housing the Lion Buddha, shines brightly with its golden stupas.

However, there’s much more to discover beyond the temples. Northern Thai cuisine is unique in Thailand, drawing inspiration from Chinese influences and nearly 200 years of Burmese governance. The people of Northern Thailand also have their own distinct clothing, dances, and dialect known as kum mueang. Numerous outdoor markets, like Talat Warorot and Talat Jing Jai, offer food, clothing, and trinkets that make for perfect souvenirs.

Planning tip: From late February to early April, Chiang Mai often experiences heavy smoke from farmers burning land in the mountains to prepare for planting. Consider visiting during the Thai “winter” from November to January or during the rainy season.

3. The far north

Top region for hiking

Known as the Golden Triangle, the northernmost point of Thailand—where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge—has attracted nature enthusiasts for decades. Whether by motorcycle, mountain bike, or on foot, exploring this region offers not just breathtaking natural landscapes but also opportunities to briefly visit Laos and Myanmar. Once notorious for opium production, the Golden Triangle is now a place where visitors can cruise along the Mekong amidst stunning scenery, camp in pleasant (for Thailand) weather, or visit an elephant camp (or do all three!).

The tranquil city of Chiang Rai, formerly the capital of the Lanna dynasty, lies just 9km (6 miles) south of the Golden Triangle, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. This city boasts its own attractions, including the internationally renowned Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple, and is well worth a day of exploration.

Planning tip: The journey from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle takes about 1.5 hours. Besides renting a car, you can opt for a taxi or take a bus.

4. Phuket

Best island for a cultural mix

As Thailand's largest island, Phuket boasts a culture distinct from the rest of the country, blending Hokkien Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian influences. Signature dishes like Hokkien-style fried noodles, o-aew (a jelly made from plant seeds), o-tao (oyster omelet topped with pork rinds), and moo hong (braised pork belly stew) originated here and are hard to find elsewhere in Thailand. It’s no surprise that Phuket ranks among the most popular destinations in the country.

Phuket’s architecture is equally distinctive, showcasing its historical ties to Portuguese rule. The streets of Old Town are lined with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, blending Western and Eastern styles, reminiscent of those found in Penang and Singapore. With its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, Phuket is ideal for both newcomers and couples, easily filling a week of your itinerary.

Planning tip: The rainy season in Phuket runs from September to October, so it’s best to avoid visiting during these months. There are plenty of fantastic destinations beyond Phuket to explore as well.

5. The Upper Gulf

Best area for floating markets

Just south of Bangkok, this region is easily accessible, taking about an hour to drive (traffic permitting). Here, you’ll discover Thailand’s most renowned floating markets, including Damnoen Saduak (which is at its peak in the early morning) and Amphawa (popular among locals and offering a lively nightlife atmosphere).

You’ll also find the famous Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors retract their stalls to let a train pass six times a day. In Bang Kachao, known as 'the green lung of Bangkok' due to its close proximity to the city, you can rent a bike to navigate through nature on paved pathways, spotting monitor lizards along the canals and reaching the island’s own floating market, Talat Nam Bang Nam Phueng. Plus, a day trip to the beach for sea breezes and fresh seafood is just a two-hour car or bus ride away to Pattaya.

Planning tip: In addition to driving, you can reach locations like Damnoen Saduak and Ampawa by taxi, bus, or train, and even spend the night by the water.

6. Khao Yai National Park

Best destination for wildlife

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, Khao Yai has long been a favored weekend escape for nature enthusiasts from the city. Consequently, the area surrounding Thailand’s third-largest national park is filled with homes, hotels, eateries, shops, and even amusement parks, making it a perfect family destination.

The main draw is the expansive 2,166 sq km (836 sq miles) of Thailand’s most popular national park. Khao Yai offers a plethora of hiking trails suitable for everyone, from novices to seasoned trekkers, along with refreshing waterfalls and a diverse array of wildlife including monkeys, leopards, bears, and elephants. Visitors can hire park rangers to assist with animal spotting or to guide them to the best scenic viewpoints and waterfalls nearby.

Planning tip: If you plan to go wildlife spotting, it's advisable to book a guide in advance. You can find a park ranger through the park’s website.

7. Ko Samui

Best island for water sports

If you envision the perfect tropical paradise with soft sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, you are likely thinking of Ko Samui. While it may not be as famous as Phuket, Thailand’s second-largest island attracts over 2 million visitors annually, making it one of the country's most frequented islands.

In addition to its picturesque beaches, Samui is home to Ang Thong National Park, a stunning archipelago ideal for snorkeling and sea kayaking, along with the Na Muang waterfalls for leisurely swims, snorkelers' paradise Silver Beach, and numerous scuba diving locations. The island also features vibrant fishing villages, golf courses, and a surprising variety of wellness retreats.

Planning tip: Samui enjoys a notably long “dry” season from December to August, when rainfall is minimal.

8. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

Best destinations for history buffs

The ancient city of Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from the 14th to the 18th century until it was devastated by the Burmese. Today, its ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering endless opportunities for exploration. With bike rentals available at the edge of the historical park, Ayutthaya becomes an accessible site for a morning filled with culture and exercise beneath lush green canopies.

Similarly, Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam, is more compact and also offers bike rentals, making it a hands-on history experience, especially suitable for families with younger children. This UNESCO site features towers and Buddha statues that see fewer visitors than those in Ayutthaya, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for those wishing to avoid crowds.

Planning tip: You can reach Ayutthaya by riverboat, which takes about an hour from Bangkok—quicker than driving. Sukhothai can be accessed by plane, train, bus, or car.