Best tourist places in Thailand

Thailand is a top travel destination for several people because it has it all: the frenetic appeal of Bangkok, the vast tropical jungles, some of the best street food in the world, and endless palm-fringed beaches. Thailand won’t let you down, no matter why you choose to travel there.

How to reach Thailand?

By train: The country of Thailand is connected to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by international trains. Although there aren’t many options for domestic rail travel, it’s a great way to visit Thailand and is safe, affordable, and convenient. The most effective mode of transportation between Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, or Krabi is really via rail.

By water: Thailand is reachable by water from nations like Singapore and Indonesia. Additionally, some cruises depart from Hong Kong, Australia, and Europe and make stops in Phuket and Bangkok, though Thailand isn’t frequently on their itinerary. Ferries and cruises are a practical way to visit the several islands within Thailand, including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui. Ferries and cruises are a practical way to visit the several islands within Thailand, including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui.

By air: The easiest way for visitors from outside Thailand to get there is by flying. All major cities in the world have direct flights to Thailand. The Phuket International Airport is another alternative if you want to get to the beaches right away. The Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok has excellent connections to all the cities. There are regular routes with daily flight options at the Phuket Airport, which has two terminals for both local and international flights. Additionally, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Koh Samui all have international airports that are connected by flights from Southeast Asian nations.

By road: Thailand has good road connections to several other nations. If you’re wondering how to drive to Thailand, make sure you have both a valid driver’s licence and an international driving permit. You can also get to Koh Samui, Krabi, or Hat Yai via frequent bus routes from nations like Singapore and Malaysia. The roads are beautiful and abound with vegetation. But frequently, crossing the border might take at least a few hours, so consider that as well and leave early. You can use dependable bus services within Thailand to travel to places like Phuket, Krabi, Phang Na, and other cities.

15 Tourist places in Thailand you must visit

Thailand has inexpensive planes and well-connected railroads that can carry you from one attraction to the next efficiently. Check out our list of the top Thailand tourist attractions if you’re looking for places to go and activities to do on your upcoming tropical holiday.

Bangkok 

Source: Pinterest

The capital of Thailand is a bustling tourist place in Thailand with a population of over eight million. Bangkok is a fantastic starting point for visiting the best temples and palaces in the nation and is well known for its cosmopolitan vibe and lively street life. Bangkok’s heart lies on the water, as seen by the numerous canals that connect its neighbourhoods and the bustling Chao Phraya River, which you can tour on a long-tail boat excursion. However, it’s easy to forget this when walking among Bangkok’s skyscrapers.

Bangkok has various shopping malls, including the opulent Siam Paragon and the travel-themed Terminal 21, as well as a variety of traditional floating markets, making it a great place to go shopping. Nothing beats Chatuchak Market for a truly unique experience. One of the biggest outdoor marketplaces in the world with over 8000 stalls (be prepared to get lost there), Chatuchak has it all and sells it for a reasonable price. 

How to reach Bangkok?

By air: Bangkok’s capital has good international connectivity. At the large Suvarnabhumi Airport or the smaller Don Mueang Airport, travellers to the nation arrive. The primary airport in the area, Survarnabhumi, offers services from numerous airlines to all continents. The secondary airport, Don Mueang, connects Bangkok to the remainder of the nation.

By train: Bangkok has excellent train connections to the rest of Thailand. In reality, it has connections to its neighbours Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

By road: From other cities in Thailand, such as Pattaya, Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui, you can take a bus to get to Bangkok. The three main bus terminals in Bangkok from which buses depart every day towards various locations in Thailand are the Northern Bus Terminal, popularly known as Mo Chit, Eastern Bus Terminal, generally known as Ekkamai, and Southern Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai.

Phuket 

Source: Pinterest

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, provides everything the country has to offer. The island, served by the Phuket International Airport, never lacks visitors at any time of the year. In a word, Phuket is known for its pristine beaches, a plethora of offshore islands, vibrant markets, fast-paced nightlife, and exhilarating watersports. Families and others with unusual interests are catered to at beaches like Surin and Kata. On the other side, Patong beach continues to serve people who prefer it cheap, loud, and wild well after the sun has set. Bangla Road comes alive as night falls with its many bars, ping pong performances, and food carts.

Phuket is an ideal tourist place in Thailand, providing many traditional activities and experiences in addition to all the glitz and luxury. With year-round tropical weather, Phuket’s seas come alive from November to February when they are teeming with marine life. Sights like the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands, accessible by speedboat for day trips, are well-known and picturesque places where activities like snorkelling and scuba diving may be performed.

How to reach Phuket?

By flight: The Phuket International Airport, Thailand’s second busiest hub after Bangkok, is in Phuket. Once at the airport, you can take a metered taxi, a minibus, or a brand-new shuttle bus to get to any location on the island.

By Road: The Thao Thepkasattri Bridge makes travelling from Bangkok to Phuket by automobile or cab simple. The distance travelled is around 862 km, and both locations readily have rental cars available. However, if your car is deemed suspect at a checkpoint while entering or leaving the island, it may be halted and searched, or you may go without incident.

Koh Tao

Source: Pinterest

Among the southeast of Thailand, in the Chumphon Archipelago group of islands, is the island of Koh Tao. Because it offers some of the best and most affordable diving places in the world, it is most well-known for scuba diving and snorkelling. The island is also well-known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, restaurants lit by lanterns, great food, and of course, as implied by its name, the numerous sea turtles that live on its borders. On the one hand, it boasts a proud and lively local culture, a calm atmosphere, and buzzing nightlife. It is the best tourist place in Thailand for all age groups. 

Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan are laid-back and less-developed neighbours in Koh Tao. The island draws visitors searching for a peaceful and tranquil seaside holiday thanks to its small shacks, several bungalows and thatched hostels, as well as small cafes and diners. On the island’s eastern side, guests can go trekking and rock climbing in addition to scuba diving, swimming, and snorkelling.

How to reach Koh Tao

By flight: Koh Samui International Airport and Chumphon International Airport are the two airports closest to Ko Tao. Regular catamarans and boats travelling 1.5 to 3 hours to Ko Tao depart from both island ports. Travellers from India can access to Ko Tao most easily by taking a trip to Bangkok, where they can connect to planes to Koh Samui and buses to Chumphon, where they can board one of the regular catamarans or fast ferries.

By Road: Between Bangkok and Chumphon, reliable buses run frequently, making it simple for you to complete the majority of your journey by road. However, due to Ko Tao’s isolation, the only method to get there is via waterways from other surrounding islands or the mainland.

Phi Phi Islands

Source: Pinterest

Six islands make up the Phi Phi group of islands. The two most well-known islands of the six are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, which are only 40 kilometres from Phuket. These islands are a great place to spend a couple of days in Thailand because of their clear waters and lively celebrations.

With its towering cliffs, white sand beaches, surrounding vegetation, and crystal-clear waters, it appears to be nothing short of heaven. The Phi Phi Islands are one of the last remaining unspoiled natural settings in the world because none of the islands has roads, and most of them are inhabited by people. These easily accessible islands are about 45 minutes away by speedboat or 90 minutes away by ferry from Phuket and Krabi.

How to reach Phi Phi Islands?

By Air: A small number of flights travel into and out of the Phi Phi Islands airport daily. Indian visitors can take a connecting aircraft that takes them four hours from Mumbai to the Phi Phi islands. The Phi Phi islands are the easiest to access by ferry from Krabi or Phuket.

By waterways: Without a question, the ferry is the most well-liked and practical method of travelling to the islands. Most ferries depart from well-known locations like Krabi, Phuket, Rai Leh, and Koh Lanta. Visitors arriving by plane in Phuket or Krabi can board ferries or speedboats at Rassada Pier in Phuket, while those arriving in Krabi can go to Klong Jirad Pier, which serves as the island’s main ferry station.

Pattaya

Source: Pinterest

Pattaya, a seaside resort in the Gulf of Thailand that is infamous for being Thailand’s party and sex capital, has gradually shed its reputation over the years. Pattaya’s beaches and islands offer a wide range of watersports, snorkelling opportunities, restaurants, cafes, and gift shops, making it the perfect destination for families, groups of friends, and couples. Pattaya’s nightlife is well known for being rowdy, extravagant, and sexual. Pattaya’s Walking Street is characterised by bright street lights, signs hanging over open bars and go-go clubs, and ladies loitering on the sidewalks. For example, the Alcazar Show and Tiffany’s Cabaret Show are both renowned nighttime visitor attractions.

North, Central, and South are the three regions of Pattaya, and each one has something unique to offer. Every year, many visitors come here to discover and take in the unadulterated beauty of the natural landscape all over Pattaya. This location is perfect for leisure travellers since it offers lively nightlife, wonderful shopping, exhilarating water sports, and various other recreational pursuits.

How to reach Pattaya?

By flight: U-Tapao, the home of Bangkok Airways and located 30 kilometres south of Pattaya, is the closest airfield to the city. One can also take a direct minibus, which travels the trip in around 30 minutes and costs THB 200–250 per head for pre-booked service, from the airport to the city.

By train: There is a third class (non-air-conditioned) train departing from Hua Lamphong Station on weekdays at around 7:00 AM and costs less than THB 40 for a three-hour trip if you’re travelling from Bangkok to Pattaya. Its primary stop is Pattaya Train Station.

By road: Taxis from Pattaya to downtown Bangkok can be hailed for an almost fixed rate of THB 800, frequently marketed in the city. These prices are reasonable because often these are taxis from Bangkok going home. The price is adjustable, though, if you can hire a taxi on your own because the driver pays the agency roughly THB 300.

Chiang Mai

Source: Pinterest

Chiang Mai, formerly the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and now known as Thailand’s northern capital, is quite different from what visitors visiting Thailand anticipate. Chiang Mai, unlike its southern rivals, is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, numerous temples and monasteries, bustling local markets, historical and natural landmarks, and landscape covered in lush vegetation. Chiang Mai is a backpacking paradise where activities like hiking, cycling, rafting, and a wealth of outdoor sports take precedence over a supercharged nightlife of alcohol and loud music. It caters to a significant number of expats, young contemporary travellers, and families alike.

Doi Inthanon National Park caters to hikers and trekkers, and the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon offers cliff leaping and swimming for people who enjoy the great outdoors and all things natural. One can hike along undiscovered paths to go waterfall hopping if they are sufficiently daring. Elephant farms like Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and Patara Elephant Farm give visitors a rich experience of engaging with and feeding the gentle giants, similar to Phuket down south.

How to reach Chiang Mai?

By Air: The airport that handles both local and international flights is the one in Chiang Mai. The busiest route in the nation is one that departs from Bangkok.

By train: Trains from Bangkok can travel 12–15 hours to Chiang Mai.

By Bus: The Arcade Bus Station and the Chang Puak Bus Station, the two main bus stops, both offer bus service. Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Phitsanulok are just a few of the more than 20 locations in Thailand that the Chiang Mai Arcade bus station services. Daily bus service from the Mo Chit bus terminal departs towards Bangkok.

Krabi

Source: Pinterest

Krabi, one of Thailand’s oldest regions, is a mix of the modern and the ancient, the touristy and the authentic. Krabi is a coastal location frequently travelled with Phuket and has stunning beaches, islets, and limestone formations. Additionally, Krabi has some of the most stunning coral diving locations in the world, making it an ideal tourist place in Thailand for Instagram photo hunters and divers alike.

The islands are renowned for their unparalleled beauty and have grown to be a favourite destination for private vacationers and partygoers. People who want to take wonderful images and rock climbers who want to scale the soaring limestone structures seek out stunning beaches like Railay Beach.

How to reach Krabi?

By Air: Major flights frequently enter and exit the city from the 10 km away Krabi International Airport. Bangkok offers the most straightforward route to the city, while flights from Krabi to lesser-known areas make getting to and from the city relatively convenient.

By Train: Trains do not run directly from Bangkok to Krabi. The closest train station is Trang, where you must disembark before taking a bus to Krabi.

By road: You can rent a private vehicle from one of the many automobile rental companies that are aplenty in Thailand. Road 4 runs through Krabi. Highway 4 is a significant highway that connects numerous provinces, making it a very practical route to and from Krabi.

Ayutthaya

Source: Pinterest

For photographers, it is a tourist place in Dehradun with a wealth of architecture. Many temples and monasteries in Ayutthaya, including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and others, are where visitors typically travel for sightseeing. It is a well-liked option for day trips for tourists in Thailand who wish to experience something unique with more visual history. In contrast to the past, many contemporary Thai cultures are developing here now. For the entertainment of tourists, numerous hotels and cafes have been constructed.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, sometimes known as Ayutthaya, is a tiny city in Thailand home to several archaeological structures, including temples, monasteries, and palaces. It is the perfect place for a day trip from Bangkok because it is only 80 kilometres to the north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya, also known as Krung Kao or the “old capital,” was a vital hub of trade, economy, art, and culture throughout its time and prospered for more than 400 years. The city is stunning, brimming with history and culture, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name comes from the Sanskrit term for Lord Ram’s birthplace in the Ramayana, Ayodhya.

How to reach Ayutthaya?

By train: Depending on the service you choose, trains leaving from Bangkok’s Hualamphong train station will take you to Ayutthaya in 80 to 150 minutes over a gorgeous route with a hint of local flavour. The 8:30 am train travels to Ayutthaya in 77 minutes and is the day’s fastest train.

By Road: Regular city buses used to run between Bangkok and Ayutthaya until 2016, but the route is no longer in operation. Instead, people using public transportation to get to the historic city must use a minivan. The vans, which can accommodate 12 passengers, are Thailand’s third transportation choice after taxis and buses. Compared to crowded, sweltering city buses, they are speedier, feature air conditioning, and are much more comfortable.

Koh Pha Ngan

Source: Pinterest

Between Koh Samui and Koh Tao sits the island of Koh Pha Ngan, a part of the Chumphon Archipelago. Haad Rin is known across the world for its full moon celebrations. Hence, the island is typically only partially populated the rest of the time. However, Koh Pha Ngan offers much more than just fun. Families and hikers can enjoy this enormous inland jungle’s calm bays, which can be just as lovely. It is a well-known tourist place in Thailand for everyone. 

Due to the ubiquity of the full moon parties, Koh Pha Ngan has attracted about 20,000 visitors every year since the middle of the 1980s. The island’s tourism industry has supplanted the coconut and fishing sectors as its primary sources of income. Along with fishing trips, diving, kiteboarding, waterfalls, and other activities, Koh Pha Ngan is also occasionally known as a centre for meditation.

How to reach Koh Pha Ngan?

By Air: Although flying to Suratthani, the major regional transportation hub, is a little less expensive, Koh Samui Airport offers the easiest access to Koh Phangan. Fast boats leave Koh Samui in just 30 minutes, unlike the eight times longer trip from the mainland. 

By Train: The overnight train, which has a first-class sleeping compartment perfect for families, is your best option if you travel by land. Buses are the most affordable option, with a trip from Bangkok to Koh Phangan costing around 650 Baht. From Koh Samui and the mainland, ferries run almost every hour throughout the day. Several boats also depart frequently from Koh Tao.

Chiang Rai

Source: Pinterest

In northern Thailand, close to the borders with Laos and Myanmar, is the mountainous city of Chiang Rai. Along the Mekong river, there are numerous historic temples and indigenous settlements. It offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites and immerses visitors in its delightful array of temples, artwork, music, and regional cuisine.

The opium trade was once centred in Chiang Rai, a part of the Golden Triangle. Its temples and other cultural landmarks, particularly the Black and White temples, are now its most well-known features. Take a peaceful Mekong boat ride to truly appreciate the natural beauty of this area.

How to reach Chaing Rai?

By Air: Boarding a direct flight that takes about an hour from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

By Road: Driving a car, which takes about three hours, from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai travel time by automobile is roughly three hours. You will be picked up in Chiang Mai and driven to your hotel in Chiang Rai by an experienced, hospitable tour guide and driver from Asia Highlights. The most comfortable method is this.

Kanchanaburi 

Source:  Pinterest

The tranquil Erawan National Park is a tourist place in Thailand that starkly contrasts the startling combat sites. Erawan can all be found in tropical jungles, elephants, cobras, and gibbons. There are also enormous Tham Phra That Caves and seven-tiered aqua waterfalls that are perfect for swimming. You may also go hiking and have a picnic at the Huay MaeKhamin Falls, Kanchanaburi Waterfalls, and Srinakarin Dam National Park.

At the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers in western Thailand, the province of Kanchanaburi is blessed with ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and limestone caverns. Kanchanaburi, known as the microcosm of Thailand, is home to chic resort towns, picturesque reservoirs, pagodas, historical monuments, trekking, golfing, and white-water rafting locales. Out of all the tourist places in Thailand, this is a must-visit. 

How to reach Kanchanaburi?

By Train: The 122-kilometre distance between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi is traversed by train in around 2 hours and forty minutes. The Bangkok to Kanchanaburi train service, run by State Railway of Thailand, departs from Thon Buri and arrives in Kanchanaburi. Seven trains typically run each week; however, weekend and holiday timetables sometimes change, so check ahead of time.

By Road: As an alternative, Monsiri Travel runs a bus five times every day from Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal to Kanchanaburi. 3h 20m is the estimated travel time, and tickets cost 398. This route is also run by the Transport Company once a day.

Khao Yai National Park

Source: Pinterest

Khao Yai National Park, founded in 1962 and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the oldest and busiest national park in Thailand. More than 2,100 square kilometres make up this area. The park features a beautiful, green environment, rocky mountains covered in dense forest, magnificent waterfalls, and unusual bird and animal species.

Khao Yai National Park, the third-largest park in the nation, is dispersed throughout four provinces: Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Rom, the park’s highest mountain at more than 1,300 metres above sea level, is another attraction. Besides this, the park is well-known for its unusual plants and animals, magnificent waterfalls, and lush monsoon forest. Animals like leopards, tigers, gibbons, bears, elephants, and many more can be admired by visitors. Additionally, they will see more than 300 different bird species. The alluring hiking routes here draw visitors from all over the world.

How to reach Khao Yai National Park?

By Train: The State Railway of Thailand operates a rail between Bang Sue Junction to Pak Chong every 4 hours. The journey lasts 3 hours and 2 minutes (approximately).

By Road: You can also take a cab from Thailand to Khao Yai National Park. This would take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can also take a bus or minivan to reach Pak Chong. 

Sukhothai

Source: Pinterest

There are about 190 ancient structures and temple ruins in Sukhothai. It is widely acknowledged as the start of Thai civilization. Most of the monuments and ruins have been restored at the Sukhothai Historical Park, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sukhothai, the first Thai capital of Siam, established by King Ramkhamhaeng in the 13th century, has a fascinating history that draws many visitors. Sukhothai also boasts many historical sites, despite being less well-known than Ayutthaya. 

In addition to exploring the past, Sukhothai offers waterfall trekking and mountain camping. In addition, it serves as a location for the hugely popular Loy Krathong Festival of Thailand, which is held every year on the full moon in November. As a result, you can come here to see lovely folk performances and light displays. Out of all the tourist places in Thailand, this is a must-visit. 

How to reach Sukhothai?

By Air: You can travel into Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok first, then from Bangkok to Sukhothai Airport. The price ranges from 2,000 to 2,700 Baht.

By Train: You can go to Phitsanulok in 7 hours by express train from Bangkok or Chiang Mai and then take a bus to Sukhothai.

By Road: You can drive to Sukhothai from Phitsanulok, Bangkok, or Chiang Mai, but it will be expensive, uncomfortable, and take a lot of time just to get there.

Trang

Source: Pinterest

Southern Thailand’s Trang is a city renowned for its cuisine and way of life. The surrounding cities of Krabi and Phuket also have the same traditional heritage. Despite not being overly populated, it is a very active city with numerous nearby natural attractions. On their way to other cities, most travellers only use Trang as a stopover point, but you should stay for a day or two to see the lovely local culture and markets.

Because Trang’s gorgeous white sand beaches are not overrun by mass tourism, they offer peace & quiet. It is a much more understated city with more rural areas. You should stay here instead of merely visiting the adjacent cities of Krabi and Phuket because it is an undiscovered tourist place in Thailand.  It has begun to draw a lot of visitors as a result of its diverse culture and cuisine. Here, there is always some sort of tiny celebration that exudes tradition. The area is ideal for nature enthusiasts because it is surrounded by caverns, lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls.

How to reach Trang?

By Air: You can take a trip from your country to Bangkok, and then Nok Air and Air Asia provide 2 daily flights from Bangkok to Trang. These last for 60 to 90 minutes.

By Train: There are two trains that run daily between Bangkok and Trang, and they take about 15 hours.

By road: Public vans can take you to Trang from neighbouring provinces. Within the city, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are the most often used types of transportation. Other choices include passenger vans and songthaews, but they can be pricey. 

Pai

Source: Pinterest

This charming little town of Pai, which is halfway between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai and surrounded by mountains on all sides, is a traveller’s dream location. Rafting is a well-liked sport in this area because of the appealing river Pai. Trekking and hiking are other exciting choices.

For those seeking an active or a relaxing holiday, Pai is a beautiful tourist place in Thailand. It is one of Thailand’s most attractive environments, with boundless mountains for hiking and the lovely Pai River for relaxing. There are also a few temples, waterfalls, and hot springs in the style of Burma. Many tourists occasionally interact with the ethnic hill-tribe villagers to experience the local culture and environment. Since 2006, Pai’s tourism has grown significantly, giving visitors a wide range of lodging alternatives.

How to reach Pai?

By road: The cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Pai is by bus, which takes 15 hours and costs, on average, 33 USD for a ticket.

By flight: The quickest method to get from Bangkok to Pai is by plane, with tickets costing on average 127 USD and taking 8 hours to travel.

FAQs

Housing News Desk

Housing News Desk is the news desk of leading online real estate portal, Housing.com. Housing News Desk focuses on a variety of topics such as real estate laws, taxes, current news, property trends, home loans, rentals, décor, green homes, home improvement, etc. The main objective of the news desk, is to cover the real estate sector from the perspective of providing information that is useful to the end-user.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/housing.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing

Email: [email protected]

Related Posts

Places to visit in Surat | Top Tourist Attractions 2024.

Top tourist places to visit in Kanchipuram.

15 hidden gems near Thrissur that are worth a visit.

Tourist places to visit in Yelagiri.

Places to visit in Jamshedpur for a wonderful trip.

Things To Do In Bangalore- A Complete Travel Guide.