THAILAND: 10 MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS
Having visited Thailand countless times over the last 15 years, it remains one of my absolute favorite Southeast Asian destinations – an affordable tropical escape with something for every traveler. I’ve explored everything from luxury resorts and iconic tourist hubs to off-the-beaten-path trails and deep cultural sites. While Thailand offers far more than a single top-10 list can capture, curated roundups are unbeatable for trip planning. Here are my top 10 must-visit destinations in Thailand, offering the perfect blend of beaches, temples, night markets, historic ruins, and outdoor adventure.
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Wat Samphran
STAY CONNECTED ACROSS THAILAND’S TOP DESTINATIONS
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Mother of Dragons at Wat Huay Pla Kang, in Chiang Rai.
1. CHIANG RAI
I’ve visited Chiang Rai a few times over the years, and it remains one of my favorite areas of Thailand. It doesn’t have the luxurious hotels, resorts and restaurants that you’ll find in Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok, but it’s an absolute gem when it comes to unique temples, rolling tea plantations and stunning north country scenery. Click here for my in-depth travel guide to Chiang Rai.
CHIANG RAI MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Chiang Rai Destinations – 101 Tea Plantation, Baan Dam, Chou Fong Tea Plantation, Wat Huay Pla Kung, Wat Ming Muang, Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple), Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan
- Best Chiang Rai Hotels– Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Mora Boutique Hotel
- Where to Eat in Chiang Rai – Barrab Restaurant, Cat ‘n’ a Cup Cafe, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, Chivit Thamma da Coffee, Crepe Corner, Kunda Cafe, Lalitta Cafe
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) | Lalitta Cafe | Chou Fong Tea Plantation
2. KRABI
Krabi is one of my all-time favorites in Thailand. The scenery of the region is completely unique, and offers a truly epic mix of soaring limestone karsts, sparkling bays, tropical lagoons, epic hikes and vibrant night markets. It isn’t an island, but if you only have time for one coastal destination in Thailand, Krabi is the one. Click here for my in-depth travel guide to Krabi.
KRABI MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Krabi Destinations – Holy Princess Lagoon, Khao Ngon Nak, Phra Nang Beach, Railay Viewpoint, Wat Kaew Korawaram, Wat Tham Sua
- Best Krabi Hotels – Banyan Tree Krabi, Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Rayavadee Krabi
- Where to Eat in Krabi – The Grotto at Rayavadee, Jungle Kitchen, Khaothong Hill, Kodam Kitchen, Krabi Night Market, Ruen Mai Restaurant
Phra Nang Beach | Khao Ngon Nak
3. AYUTTHAYA
The historic remains of Ayutthaya is one of the best day trip options from Bangkok. The epic ruins date back to the 14th century, now a popular tourist destination boasting crumbling temples, stone prangs, Buddha sculptures and relief carvings that look straight out of Tomb Raider. Best to arrive in Ayutthaya before the temples open, and map out your morning to navigate the crowds.
AYUTTHAYA MINI GUIDE
- Must-Visit Ayutthaya Destinations – Wat Yai Chai Mongkon, Wat Chaiwattanaram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
- Best Ayutthaya Hotels – Sala Ayutthaya
- Where to Eat in Ayutthaya – Baan Pomphet, Ruanthai Kungpao, The Summer House
Wat Ratchaburana | Wat Yai Chai Mongkon
4. BANGKOK
Bangkok is more than just a gateway to Thailand. The vibrant capital city is an absolute must-visit that offers something for every type of traveler. There’s the upmarket hotels and Michelin starred restaurants that cater to luxury-minded tourists. A booming backpacker scene for budget-minded nomads. Endless night markets, restaurants and bars for foodies. And a city bursting with Instagram photo locations for the social media free spirits out there. Click here for my in-depth Bangkok travel guide.
BANGKOK MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Bangkok Destinations – Chinatown, Grand Palace, Mahanakhon Skywalk, Wat Arun, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Pho, Wat Ratchanatdaram
- Best Bangkok Hotels – Capella, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Okura Prestige, 137 Pillars Suites, The Siam
- Where to Eat in Bangkok – After You, Breakfast Story Phrom Phong, Cote, Kru Apsorn, Le Normandie, Nai Mong Hoi Thod, Nonna Nella, Thipsamai, Wallflowers Cafe
- Best Bangkok Bars – Bamboo Bar, BKK Social Club, Find the Locker Room, Havana Social, Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, Opium Bar, Stella, Sugar Ray You’ve Just Been Poisoned, Tep Bar, Tropic City Bangkok
- Best Markets – Chatuchak Weekend Market, Jodds Fair, One Ratchada Night Market, Srinagarindra Train Market, Yaowarat Night Market
Wat Arun | 137 Pillars | Wat Benchamabophit
5. PHANG NGA
For an iconic Thailand viewpoint, head to Samet Nangshe, located just north of Phuket in Phang Nga. It’s a dreamy spot to soak in views of limestone islands rising up out of the water, especially at sunrise. This small region can be visited as a half-day trip from Phuket, or to really soak in the setting, book a room well in advance at Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel (the views here are epic) and stay the night in Phang Nga.
PHANG NGA MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Phang Nga Destinations – Khao Phing Kan, Samet Nangshe
- Best Phang Nga Hotels – Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel
Samet Nangshe
6. KOH SAMUI
Koh Samui is a popular resort destination in the Gulf of Thailand that also serves as a gateway to the diving mecca of Koh Tao and the world renowned full moon parties of Koh Pha Ngan. Of these three Surat Thani islands, Samui is the most upscale, catering to the luxury traveler with an array of five-star resorts, private pool villas, world class spas and fine restaurants. And fittingly, it’s one of the settings for season three of the HBO series White Lotus. Click here for my in-depth Koh Samui travel guide.
KOH SAMUI MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Koh Samui Destinations – Coral Cove Beach, Hin Ta Hin Yai, Koh Angthong Marine Park, Koh Madsum, Koh Nang, Koh Tan, Namtok Na Mueang Waterfall, Overlap Stone, Tamarind Springs Forest Spa, Wat Phra Yai, Wat Plai Laem
- Best Koh Samui Hotels – Four Seasons Resort, Ritz-Carlton, Six Senses Samui
- Where to Eat on Koh Samui – Chaweng Night Market, Coco Tam’s, Duomo, Haad Bang Po, Salefino, Sabeinglae Restaurant
Wat Plai Laem | Koh Madsum | Ritz-Carlton
7. KOH LIPE
Koh Lipe isn’t the easiest island to access, but the laidback vibes, idyllic turquoise waters and stunning offshore islands are absolutely worth the long journey. Almost everything is accessible on foot or by long boat, stressing the intimacy of the little island. Koh Lipe caters to backpackers, divers and budget travelers – there are no upscale luxury hotels or fine dining restaurants, but that’s part of the island’s charm.
KOH LIPE MINI GUIDE
- Must-Visit Koh Lipe Destinations – Koh Adang, Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, Walking Street
- Best Koh Lipe Hotels – Idyllic Concept Resort, Serendipity Beach Resort
- Where to Eat on Koh Lipe – Elephant Cafe, On the Rocks
Sunrise Beach
8. CHIANG MAI
This is the most popular tourist destination in northern Thailand. The Old City sits surrounded by ancient walls, bursting with history, culture and beauty. Chiang Mai is renowned for its night and weekend markets, a chaotic arresting of the senses where you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling street food, fruit shakes, crafts, art, clothing and more.
CHIANG MAI MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Chiang Mai Destinations – Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara, Wat Pha Lat, Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok
- Best Chiang Mai Hotels – 137 Pillars House, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Four Seasons Resort, The Inside House
- Where to Eat in Chiang Mai – Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine, Bodhi Terrace, Brit Bar, China Kitchen, Italics Restaurant, Parc Thai Eatery, Rasik Local Kitchen
Wat Suan Dok | Four Seasons Chiang Mai
9. PAI
If you’re looking to escape the bustle and chaos of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the lush mountain setting of Pai offers up a refreshing change of pace and scenery. Fill your days with gorge hikes and rice field treks, and then enjoy the food stalls that line walking street at night.
PAI MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Pai Destinations – Boon Ko Ku So Bridge, Pai Canyon, Pai Walking Street, Wat Phra That Mae Yen
- Best Pai Hotels – Pai Village Boutique Resort, Reverie Siam Resort
- Where to Eat in Pai – Cafecito, Earth Tone, Om Garden Cafe, Na’s Kitchen
Boon Ko Ku So Bridge.
10. PHUKET
If you have plans to explore Thailand‘s incredible west coast, chances are you will pass through Phuket. While it isn’t my favorite destination in Thailand, it’s worth spending a couple of days on the country’s largest island. There are loads of luxury resort options to choose from, and plenty of things to do including beach days, night markets, temples and day trips to offshore islands. Click here for my in-depth Phuket travel guide.
PHUKET MINI-GUIDE
- Must-Visit Phuket Destinations – Nakkerd Hill, Chillva Market, Freedom Beach, Nai Thon Beach, Nui Beach, Old Town Phuket, Sunday Walking Street, Wat Chalong
- Best Phuket Hotels – Aman Puri, Banyan Tree, Keemala, Rosewood, Sri Panwa, The Surin, Trisara, V Villas
- Where to Eat in Phuket – Day & Night, Maa Do Bua, Punte Food Court, Raya, Sri Panwa’s Baba Nest, Torry’s Ice Cream
Wat Chalong | Nui Beach | Nakkerd Hill
