Almost everyone who visits South East Asia will travel to Thailand at least once. Some spend a few
weeks as part of a broader backpacking trip whereas others look for the more luxurious ![]()
rental in Thailand for a relaxing holiday. There are so many different places to visit with very different for
vibes, costs and attractions making it difficult to know the best destination for you. Here’s a guide on
where to visit in Thailand to suit your interests and budget.
Bangkok
Bangkok is usually the first place in Thailand most travellers visit. International flights arrive here,
and visitors will typically spend a few days before heading to other regions like Chiang Mai or Phuket.
Bangkok can be overwhelming for first-time visitors with the noise, chaos and constant level of
activity. But, it doesn’t take long for people to fall in love with the city. You’ll find budget
accommodation, lots of delicious street food along with entertainment, bars, shopping and a very
active nightlife. Most tourists tend to stay in Khao San, the backpacker‘s area. Bangkok is the best
place to visit in Thailand for the hustle and bustle and convenience as a tourist.
If you want to go sightseeing, you find lots of things to do in Bangkok. The Royal Palace is the main
attraction with the adjoining Phra Kaew Morakot. You should visit Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn,
too. Other activities include going to Chinatown, taking a river cruise or having a day trip to either
Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya.
Chiang Mai
Budget travellers and backpackers often come to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand for a short trip and
end up staying for weeks or even months. Prices tend to be much lower than the already affordable
Bangkok and accommodation can sometimes be found for less than $10 per night. Food and drinks
are much cheaper here compared to other parts of Thailand. If you’re a solo traveller, Chiang Mai
might be the perfect place to chill out for a week or so and make new friends.
The most famous attraction is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep near the Doi Suthep Mountain. Taking a
romantic boat ride along the Mae Ping River is a must too. Visitors from around the world want to
see the elephants and tigers inside either the Paint At Maesa Elephant Camp and the Tiger Kingdom.
You can also go souvenir shopping down San Kamphaeng Road or bargain hunting at Warorot
Market.
There are plenty of different activities to do to suit any interests and most tourists instantly fall in
love with Chiang Mai. If you’re looking for a place in Thailand where your money will last longer in a
chilled out environment, this is the perfect place for you.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui makes a perfect destination for any tourist. If you want a relaxing few days, you can find it
at one of the spas, resorts or while listening to music in a hammock at Chaweng Beach. But, at the
same time, you can also find one of Thailand’s best spots for partying with bars, clubs and cheap
drinks in abundance. You’ll see a mixture of tourists on Koh Samui from elderly couples enjoying
paradise to young backpackers drinking until the early hours of the morning.
If you’re adventurous, renting a motorbike and riding around the small island is a must. There are so
many different places to get your perfect photograph. You can visit waterfalls, small Thai fishing
villages and several temples. Combine all this, and you have an ideal destination for almost every
type of traveller.
Phuket
Thailand’s most famous island, Phuket, tends to attract younger travellers for the nightlife, drinks and
beaches. The highly developed tourist infrastructure makes the Andaman Sea island one of best
places to visit. You’ll find endless resorts, tours and a range of water sports including jet skiing,
banana boating and many others. Apart from sunbathing and hitting the bars, you should also visit
James Bond Island, or Koh Ta-Pu, which featured in The Man with the Golden Gun. Old Phuket town
is also worth spending a few hours before heading to one of the waterfalls. One of the reasons
Phuket is so famous is because tourists can have any holiday they want from backpacking on a
shoestring to high-end luxury.
Sukhothai
If you’re a fan of history and want to visit the first capital of Siam in the 13th-century, head to
Sukhothai in the north part of Thailand. The Historical Park is a UNESCO-World Heritage Site, and you
can walk around the ruins of temples, palaces and get a sense of being transported back in time. Wat
Mahatat is the biggest and most famous temple in the complex. Most people spend a few hours
walking around the ruins and often find it to be one of the highlights of their trip to Thailand.
The town is small and you shouldn’t have any problems getting around on foot. Some people rent a
motorbike to explore the surrounding countryside whereas others are happy to walk or cycle.
Several taxis are on standby too. Anyone who likes history and wants to learn more about Thailand’s
past should visit Sukhothai.
Where is the Best Place in Thailand for You?
Everyone is different, and what may be an excellent place for one person, someone else would find a
complete nightmare. But in general, head to Bangkok for the shopping experience, go to Chiang Mai
if you’re on a budget and check out Sukhothai for history. Koh Samui and Phuket are always perfect
places for a luxurious getaway.
