Thailand! Just saying the name conjures up images of dazzling white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, golden temples, and delicious street food. There are many reasons why Thailand is such a popular holiday destination – but with so many places to visit in Thailand, how do you choose?
For me, the best way to make any decision is to consult experts. So I reached out to a selection of travel bloggers and asked them for their favourite destinations in Thailand. And the list below is what they came up with – the best places in Thailand, at least according to people who have been there and really know travel.
It turns out there are a lot! You probably won’t be able to visit all these places on a single trip to Thailand, but hopefully this list will whet your appetite and help you plan your next Thailand holiday.
Map of places to visit in Thailand
Below is a full list of the best places to visit in Thailand, but before you dive in, here they are all on a handy map. I love maps, and in Thailand especially it really helps to see where places are, as many of them have similar-sounding names and it can get a bit confusing!
Click on the pins to see the places, or just scroll down to read about them!
Best Places In Thailand: Islands and Beaches
1/ Koh Samui
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand just off the country’s east coast. It’s the second largest island after Phuket and one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand.
Why? Well, Koh Samui has it all. Palm-fringed sandy beaches, blue seas, stylish beach bars and restaurants, coconut groves and dense rainforest, as well as the renowned Samui elephant sanctuary, there’s something here for everyone.
Some people wonder if they should visit Koh Samui or Phuket? Well, Samui is also less of a party island than Koh Phangan and less touristy than Phuket – instead it’s known more for its luxury resorts and relaxing wellness retreats and spas. But don’t be put off if you’re a budget traveller, there are also plenty of beachside bungalows at much more affordable prices.
Samui has three main towns: Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach and Bophut, each with its own vibe and activities. It also has an airport and is easily reachable on a short flight from Bangkok, or by boat from Surat Thani or Chumphon on the mainland.
2/ Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an ultimate highlight among the most amazing places to visit in Thailand. This island is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is part of the Samui archipelago. Koh Phangan is actually world famous for its Full Moon Party, a huge event that takes place once a month. But don’t worry, this dream island has so much more to offer than partying.
Probably the most beautiful attractions are the picturesque beaches of Koh Phangan. Hardly anywhere else in Thailand can you find a greater density of bays where palm trees, turquoise blue sea and huge round rocks form an almost surreal ambience. In the hinterland, there is dense jungle and intact nature.
But it’s not only the coast that’s worth seeing; there are also loads of other interesting things to do in Koh Phangan. The top things to do are excursions to the lush waterfalls or scooter tours across the island, visiting magnificent viewpoints and enjoying spectacular sunsets, and not to forget, the many temples are also well worth seeing.
Another fantastic thing are the many great accommodations on Koh Phangan, and from backpacker hostels to 5-star luxury hotels, there is something great for every traveler. Really lovely are the beautiful wooden huts of the Castaway Beach Bungalows, where you can admire unique sunsets right by the sea.
Recommended by PlacesofJuma
3/ Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, with something to offer everyone. It’s a very versatile location that caters to a wide range of travellers. It has a good range of pubs and restaurants, making it a good nightlife destination, although not as lively as its neighbour Koh Phangan.
Backpackers love Koh Tao, but it’s also a terrific place for families or couples searching for a romantic getaway. There are some beautiful resorts, such as Tanote Villa, which has a spectacular view and direct beach access. More budget-friendly alternatives and hostels can be found closer to the harbour.
Koh Tao is a diving island that is a great place to get to know Thailand’s wonderful underwater world. There are plenty of snorkelling options as well as beaches with shallow waters that are ideal for swimming if you’re travelling with children.
Take a boat cruise to Koh Nang Yuan, a nearby island that is well-known for being a favourite among tourists. It is connected to other islands by a short sandbank, creating an amazing photo spot. After a long day of snorkelling and exploration, relax on the beach with a few cocktails while the sun sets.
By Victoria of Guide Your Travel Blog
4/ Phuket
Incredible rock formations, perfect cliffs and the proximity of Phi-Phi and James Bond island draw people to Phuket.
When it comes to Thailand, Phuket is one of the most widely visited and is always included in a Thailand itinerary. However, while the white sand beaches of Phuket draw crowds, there’s much more to do here than laze on the beach, although it is worth doing so as the waters of the Andaman Sea are pleasant for most months of the year.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is located about one hour 20 minutes from Bangkok by flight.
The freshest catch can be found here for people who love seafood, from lobsters to shellfish, made into curries, soups, and salads. Visit one of the many markets to get a taste of the local life here and maybe even participate in a Thai cooking class.
The giant Buddha of Phuket can be easily seen from almost anywhere on the island, but there’s a lot to do here. For those who love rum, the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is worth a visit. However, Bangla Road is where you’ll find most visitors taking a stroll and enjoying a pint, as this is where most of the bars are located.
The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is great if you like wildlife and support ethical tourism. Or for those who like culture, Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Thong are temples with exquisite architecture, built in the 19th century.
If you’re planning to stay a little longer, visit Phang Nga Bay to see clusters of stunning islands with hidden lagoons and caves!
A good place to stay here is The Pavilions Phuket for their private pool villas and views of Layan Beach.
By Lavina Dsouza from Continent Hop
5/ Koh Mook
Koh Mook, right off Trang, is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. It’s off the main tourist stream, yet it holds one of the most astounding Asia landmarks you’ll ever see, the Emerald Cave.
Tourists on boat tours from the neighboring islands flock to Emerald Cave daily. A mesmerizing cave only reached by swimming or kayaking a distance of 80 meters at low tide until you get to a beach inside a small opening surrounded by rock walls with wild, cascading plants. Lit up by the sun above, this is a little piece of paradise.
The rest of Koh Mook, on the other hand, is hardly visited by tourists. Which is great news for those who do spend a few days there. The island still has a local fisherman vibe to it with long untouched beaches, a few beach resorts, and lots and lots of undamaged jungle.
Go hiking or rent a scooter to see the whole island. Or even better, rent a kayak and paddle to Emerald Cave for sunrise before the tourist boats arrive and have the whole place to yourself! Stay at Koh Mook Sea View Bungalow for amazing clean and budget friendly beachfront bungalows.
By Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers
6/ Krabi
A few hours drive from Phuket is the coastal province of Krabi. Located in southern Thailand, it has more than 150 offshore islands. It is immensely picturesque with its beautiful white sand beaches and magnificent limestone formations. Krabi is pretty vast in area, so attractions may require a fair bit of travelling.
What makes Krabi one of the best places to visit in Thailand is that it has an overall relaxed vibe but also good nightlife. Better yet, there is plenty to do in Krabi for all kinds of travellers. There are numerous options for group sunset cruises and private yacht/boat hire so you can snorkel, paddleboard, dine and drink aboard a boat while admiring the towering cliffs.
You can also go island hopping over azure waters to Phi Phi’s brilliant white beaches; laze, kayak or rock climb at the beautiful Railay Beach; soak in Klong Thom Hot Springs; visit the Kaew Korawaram Buddhist Temple that sits atop a hill in Krabi Town, and hike to Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint. In the evening, head to Aonang beach to dance the night away or to the Night Market at Krabi Town (open Friday to Sunday) for some delicious local food, drinks and trinkets.
Stay at a private pool villa like Tambon Ao Nang near Aonang Beach. You’ll be just a short tuk-tuk ride (provided by the villa) from the buzz of Aonang so you can have peace when at your accommodation and relax in your pool with your travel companions.
By Trisha from Try Wandering More
7/ Koh Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are without a doubt one of the most popular destinations on every Thailand itinerary. They became famous after Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Lee featured in the movie The Beach, with Leonardo di Caprio.
Today Maya Bay is closed to allow the beach and natural ecosystem time to recover from the damages of over-tourism. That doesn’t mean that the other islands of Koh Phi Phi aren’t still worthy of a visit.
Located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi is part of the Krabi Province, You can reach the Phi Phi islands by ferry, which takes approximately 2 hours from Phuket or 45 minutes from Koh Lanta.
Koh Phi Phi Don is the biggest island of the archipelago, where you will find all the bars, restaurants and hotels. The town is divided in two distinct parts, one where you will find the party hostels and bars, and the more laid-back side with resorts and casual restaurants.
From Koh Phi Phi Don you can go on a traditional longboat tour to all the best beaches of the islands, you can hike to the famous Koh Phi Phi viewpoint, you can go scuba diving and many other exciting activities.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the calm part of the island, Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort is an excellent choice. It has gorgeous views over the bay and huge rooms with infinity pool access.
By Greta of Greta’s Travels
8/ Koh Chang
Are you still looking for the authentic island feeling in Thailand but don’t feel like visiting the country’s touristy islands in the south? Then Koh Chang is probably the perfect Thai destination for you.
This wonderful island is located in the east of the country, near the border with Cambodia, in the Gulf of Thailand. Among the best things to do in Koh Chang, the most notable is the island’s picturesque beaches: paradise, white sand, and clear warm water as far as the eye can see.
But also, the island’s scenic landscapes contribute to Koh Chang’s tropical atmosphere. Whether you simply drive across the island or visit the island’s national park or waterfalls, it doesn’t matter as the whole island is full of wonderful nature and stunning photo spots.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Koh Chang is also a great place to visit in Thailand for activities. Rent a scooter and ride the island’s winding roads or visit the adventure park located on Koh Chang.
One of the best places to stay on the island is Rock Inn Bailan. The accommodation is located just a few minutes away from Bailan Beach. It is usually much less busy here than in other parts of the island – so you can relax even more.
By Vicki Franz from Vicki Viaja
9/ The Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are a series of small islands off the Andaman Coast that can be visited as a day trip or – even better – on a live aboard dive boat trip – from Phuket or Khao Lak. The islands are a snorkeler’s and diver’s dream, as the water is crystal clear and the entire area is teeming with fish. In addition to thousands of colorful tropical fish, it is common to see leopard sharks, enormous sea turtles and even moray eels and schools of barracudas. It’s even possible to see whale sharks and manta rays.
The nine Similan Islands are inside Mu Ko Surin National Park. There is no place to stay on any of the islands, so they can only be visited by boat trip.
The best time to dive and visit is between November and April. Visibility is best in February and March.
By James Ian from Travel Collecting
10/ Surin Islands
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Thailand, you have to add the Surin Islands to your Thailand bucket list. Located 60k from the Thai mainland, it takes over 1.5 hours by speedboat to reach these islands, but the journey is well worth it.
The Surin Islands are famous for their clear turquoise water, rich marine life, soft white sand and pristine beaches. If that sounds like every beach in Thailand, what distinguishes the Surin Islands is the lack of ‘development’ and mass tourism.
In the Surin Islands you won’t find any huge tourist resorts, busy markets selling souvenirs or bars full of drunk partygoers. The only place to stay on the islands is the camping ground on Koh Surin Neua, the biggest island of the archipelago. In the camping ground you will also find the only restaurant of the islands.
Also thanks to the lack of internet connection, the Surin Islands are the perfect place for people looking to completely switch off from their busy daily lives. You can spend your days here relaxing on the beach, snorkeling amongst colourful fish and corals, discovering the local Moken village or hiking amongst mangroves.
By Greta of Greta’s Travels
11/ Koh Lipe
In the southwest of Thailand near the Malaysian border you will find Koh Lipe, a hidden gem known as the ‘Maldives of Thailand’ that Thai vacationers love to escape to. The laidback island is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters that are excellent for diving.
Although the island is only 3km long, there are many fun things to do with its variety of shops, restaurants, bars and activities. During the daytime, swim at Sunrise Beach or rent a kayak and paddle over to Koh Kra, a tiny islet with a beautiful beach. Afterwards, explore and shop Koh Lipe’s walking street and grab lunch at Elephant. Continue your evening at Sea La Vie, an eclectic beach bar with a fun atmosphere and good music.
Stay at Idyllic Concept Resort, a modern boutique hotel located right on Sunrise Beach. You can snorkel right off of the beach and it’s walking distance to Sea La Vie.
Getting to Koh Lipe is what deters many tourists from visiting, however it’s worth the journey. To get there you will need to fly into Hat Yai airport, take a 2-hour shuttle to Pak Bara Pier and a 1.5 hour speedboat to Koh Lipe.
By Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes
12/ Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is located to the west of the Thai mainland, near Krabi, where there’s also the closest airport.
Koh Lanta is made up of two islands, but Koh Lanta Yai is where the tourist facilities are and where they’re expecting you. The noodle-shaped island prides itself in long beaches, extremely laid-back atmosphere and lush nature. Most people come here to relax and parties are rather a rare occurrence.
Beach time is a must when in Koh Lanta. You can either pick the easily accessible large beaches lined with restaurants, such as the Long Beach, or head further south, where the beaches are more pristine and usually deserted. Stop at any roadside hut to eat delicious catch of the day. You can also ride to Ban Saladan, the main town on the island, for the famously delicious Thai street food.
One of the best things to do in Koh Lanta is to explore more of the island’s south. Koh Lanta National Park occupies the whole southern tip – you can do some easy hiking in the jungle there and see monkeys, who usually ‘greet’ you from the side of the road.
You can stay in a popular, but relatively quiet, area near Long Beach. The Escape Cabins come highly recommended – they’re located across the road in a wonderfully green and peaceful setting.
By Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery
13/ Koh Jum
Koh Jum is a small island off the western coast of Thailand. This quiet island is lesser known on the tourist trail, which is what makes it worth visiting. It’s the perfect island for those who want to escape the busy beaches and nightlife scenes of the more popular Thai islands.
Koh Jum is not as developed as other nearby islands, so it has a slow and relaxed vibe. Accommodation is mostly relaxed bungalows which are found along the island’s beaches. Jungle Hill Bungalows are a good choice because they are on a private beach on the Andaman Sea, and only 4 km from the ferries at Koh Jum Pier. There’s only one town on the whole island, and it barely even qualifies as that! It’s just a few cafes and restaurants gathered around the main port on the southern end of Koh Jum.
Staying on Koh Jum is all about relaxing. You can spend all day sunbathing on secluded beaches, snorkelling in the warm waters, or cycling around the island stopping at local fruit stands and restaurants. For beautiful views of the island and ocean, hire a guide to take you hiking on Koh Pu Mountain. And in the evenings, head to Magic Beach to watch the beautiful sunset.
Submitted by Erin from Pina Travels
Best Places to Visit in Thailand: Cities, Historic Sites and National Parks
14/ Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. It is also considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Bangkok has lots to offer visitors, including a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. The food scene in this city is especially vibrant with street vendors selling pad Thai noodles or spicy soup at every corner. With so many things to do it’s no wonder that Bangkok has been ranked as the best place to visit in Thailand by TripAdvisor!
If you wonder where to stay when visiting this vibrant city, don’t fret. A great place to book a room is at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel. This hotel is right in the heart of everything and offers a rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, and fitness center.
A few things to do while visiting Bangkok: Wat Arun, Erawan Shrine at night, River Kwai National Park, and of course the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is a must-visit during your stay. It was built in 1782. It was home to the Thai King and Royal Court and it is absolutely stunning.
You certainly won’t run out of beautiful sites and tantalizing treats to delight the palate! Be sure to add Bangkok to your list when visiting Thailand. You won’t regret it.
By Cortney of Tin Can Living
15/ Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is both a city and a province located about 150 kilometers from Bangkok, in the west of Thailand, right on the border with Myanmar. In addition to being one of the best places in Thailand for a few days’ break from loud Bangkok, you can learn about the tragic but fascinating World War II history of the region.
The biggest attraction of the town is the bridge on the River Kwai, which you may have heard about from the 1957 movie of the same name. It’s worth watching it before your trip to Kanchanaburi.
The film depicts events of 1942, when the Japanese ordered Allied prisoners of war captured during the fighting in Asia and the Pacific to build a section of railway between Thailand and Myanmar – now dubbed the ‘Death Railway. Over 65,000 Allied POWs battled torture, starvation, and disease to hack the 255-mile railway out of the harsh jungle. A quarter of them died.
Worth a stop is also JEATH War Museum – which honors the prisoners of war who died building the bridge – and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
But Kanchanaburi is not only about tragic WWII history. These are beautiful landscapes by the river Kwai and some of the best street food in Thailand. In Sangchuto Street, there is a night market full of stalls selling fine Thai food.
In addition, while in Kanchanaburi province, it is worth visiting the Erawan Waterfalls. The entire complex of 7 waterfalls belongs to the Erawan National Park, founded in 1975. It is best to reach the waterfalls by scooter from Kanchanaburi, train, bus, or book an organized trip at one of the offices in the city.
Less than 40 kilometers outside Kanchanaburi is the Tiger Temple, where Buddhist monks look after animals, particularly tigers. You can also take a trip to the village of the Karen tribe to get a closer look at the unusual costumes and traditions cultivated by the tribe.
One of the best places to stay for a night is River Kwai View Hotel, with spectacular views.
By Agnes of The Van Escape
16/ Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a beautiful, mountainous escape located in the northern region of Thailand. The city’s much slower pace of life than Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, is a perfect getaway destination while still having plenty of conveniences and things to do in the area.
Chiang Mai is home to many elaborate Buddhist temples, including the popular Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh in the Old City, and the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man.
In addition to Chiang Mai’s rich culture and history, the city is filled with plenty of shopping. There is an abundance of coffee shops and small cafés that are very appealing to the digital nomad community, as well as incredible restaurants with some of the most amazing Thai food you’ll ever taste.
Night markets (or night bazaars) are scattered throughout the city, where multiple vendors typically sell a wide range of locally-made products and food for very cheap. As well as the abundance of things to do in the town of Chiang Mai, there are amazing options outside of the city, such as hiking and visiting an elephant sanctuary.
By Kylie Loyd of Catch the Drift
17/ Chiang Rai
Located in the northernmost part of Thailand, close to the borders of Laos and Myanmar, Chiang Rai is a true hidden gem that doesn’t make it to many tourists’ radar. Although many people visit this beautiful city as a day trip from Chiang Mai, it’s better to spend at least 2 days in Chiang Rai to be able to discover all the beauty it has to offer.
One of the biggest draws of Chiang Rai is its unique temples but you can also find numerous museums, art galleries, waterfalls and national parks in and around the city. If you want to avoid the rainy season, you should visit Chiang Rai from November to February.
When in Chiang Rai, you can’t miss visiting Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as the White Temple. It’s truly one of the most unique temples you’ll see in Thailand! It’s actually a privately owned art exhibit and its design represents the Buddhist cycle of birth and death.
Other unmissable places in Chiang Rai include Wat Rong Suea Tan (the Blue Temple), Baan Dam Museum (the Black House), and Wat Huay Pla Kang, where you can see the representation of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin. If you have more time, it’s also worth checking out the Huay Mark Liam Hot Spring and Khun Korn Waterfall.
By Krisztina Harsanyi from She Wanders Abroad
18/ Khao Sok National Park
A real hidden gem, Khao Sok National Park is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Thailand. With its luscious vegetation and expansive emerald lake, it’s a place to connect with nature and completely switch off. Based only a few hours north of Phuket, it was sculpted during the same tectonic shift that created the Himalayas.
Khao Sok National Park is the perfect place for an adventure on foot. Go trekking through the rainforest and soak up your surroundings. From gushing waterfalls and magical swimming spots to the largest flower in the world (the Rafflesia Flower), there is plenty to discover. Wander the dense vegetation and look out for bears, deers, elepants, gibbon, and hundreds of bird and reptilian species.
Off the land, the tranquil lake is one of the main attractions and it’s a fantastic way to cool off from Thailand’s intense humidity. As it can get deep, it’s recommended that you wear a life jacket. Even better, use it as a seat to spend more time relaxing in the water.
For a unique way of experiencing the National Park, stay in a floating raft house. Whilst the accommodation itself is usually relatively basic, there’s nothing quite like enjoying the feel and sound of tranquil waters around you. For a bit of luxury, stay at the stunning 500 Rai Floating Resort.
Or, if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, then stay in a treehouse surrounded by the natural wonders of the jungle. Enjoy the relaxing sound of rainfall, the sounds of monkeys scaling the trees, and take a kayak along the river.
By Jessie Moore from Pocket Wanderings
19/ Khao Yai National Park
Located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 137 km east of Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best places in Thailand for wildlife-watching. You start seeing wildlife as soon as you drive through the park’s gate: pig-tailed macaques lounge in the middle of the road, white-handed gibbons and giant squirrels search for fruit high up in the canopy, and magnificent great hornbills fly overhead.
Stretching for more than 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai is home to an incredible abundance and diversity of wildlife. The grassy lawns around the campsites and the visitor center are good for spotting sambar deer and the demure barking deer. Deeper in the park you have a good chance of encountering Asian elephants, and if you are still in the park after sunset, you might come across a golden jackal or even a leopard cat.
The best way to explore Khao Yai is on a wildlife tour. And if you are a serious wildlife watcher, you’ll want to book your tour with Khao Yai’s best wildlife guide – Mr. Nine, who also owns the cozy Green Leaf Guesthouse. There are two tour options offered at Green Leaf – a full day in the park and a half-day tour that includes the spectacle of two million wrinkled-lip bats emerging from their roosting cave to spend the night hunting insects over the countryside. If you have enough time and keen to see as much wildlife as you can, make sure to book both.
By Margarita from The Wildlife Diaries
20/ Hat Yai
Hat Yai is the biggest city in Songkhla province. Located in the southern part of Thailand, the region is close to the Thai-Malaysian border with Kedah and Perlis on the south. It is also a home to the highest proportion of Malay-Muslim and Chinese-Thai people compared to other areas in the country.
The diversity makes it unique to the province. Only in Songkhla Province can you visit open-air temples like Wat Hat Yai Nai or the one in Hat Yai Municipal Park, while you can also see the majestic Songkhla Central Mosque.
Hat Yai may not be as popular as Bangkok or Pattaya, but the city often becomes the place for Malaysian travelers to come and spend their weekend getaway.
The shopping scene in the city is incredible. ASEAN Night Bazaar and Santisuk Market are only two of the few markets where you can buy goods from food to souvenirs.
If you prefer exploring nature, the waterfall Namtok Ton Nga Chang is only around an hour by car from the city center. If you don’t mind going a little further out of the city, you can also visit Thale Noi Waterbird Park, one of the largest waterbird reserves in Thailand.
By Marya Sutimi from The BeauTraveler
21/ Ayutthaya
Visit Ayutthaya for its rich history and its serene and majestic temples. Located 80km north of Bangkok, on the train line to Chang Mai, it’s an easy day trip from Thailand’s capital, although an overnight stay is recommended.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 14th Century as the second capital of Siam. These glory days came to an abrupt end when the Burmese razed Ayutthaya to the ground in 1767. Whilst this destroyed the city’s wooden palaces, its graceful stone and brick temples survived.
Spend your time in Ayutthaya touring these magnificent temples. A temple pass, gaining you access to the six main temples – Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratburana, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chai Watthanaram and Wat Mayehong – will save you time and money. After temple-hopping, take a late-afternoon boat trip to visit the city’s riverside temples and to witness the sun set behind Wat Chai Watthanaram.
Enjoy the laid-back vibe of this friendly city once the day trippers have left by staying overnight at the Prom Tong Mansion. This guesthouse is in an excellent location and Jeeda, its owner, is one of the most hospitable people you will ever meet whilst travelling.
By Bridget at The Flashpacker
22/ Sukhothai
Sukhothai, an amazing place in northern Thailand, is a must-have on every Thailand itinerary. It is home to the famous Sukhothai Historical Park, an ancient capital city that was literally the birthplace of Thai language, art, and religion. Sukhothai, along with the nearby cities of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Visiting Sukhothai is like walking through a maze of architectural wonders and intriguing stories. Be sure to check out the sprawling main temple, Wat Mahathat, that looks stunning both at sunrise and sunset. Several other iconic temples such as Wat Sa Si, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Chang Lom, and Wat Si Chum dot the complex.
Once done with the ruins of Sukhothai, you can do a day trip to Si Satchanalai Historic City, visit the Sukhothai Saturday Night Market, and taste some yummy Sukhothai-style noodles. Renting a bicycle or motorbike is the perfect way to explore this historic town.
If you are looking for a nice place to stay, check out Lotus Place in the new town which has clean and comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a garden to wander into. Plus, they serve some amazing breakfast.
By Soumya Gayatri of Stories by Soumya
23/ Pai
If you’re looking for a backpacker’s mountain paradise, mixed with the infamous laid-back Thai island vibes, then you’ll instantly fall in love with the little town of Pai. Nestled between the mountains in far northern Thailand, Pai transports you from the noisy, hectic cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai to a place where you can take things a little slower and chill among the stunning scenery and landscape.
Pai is a haven for wellness activities such as yoga and mediation. Enjoy a herbal tea or chai latte in one of the many cafes or eat some delicious authentic Thai food in a health-conscious restaurant. You can enjoy total freedom and hire a scooter to visit the many waterfalls and hot springs that surround Pai. Make sure you don’t miss the White Buddha, Memorial Bridge, and Pai Canyon (an absolute must at sunset!)
An excellent place to stay, right in the heart of Pai, is Easy Hideout. It’s a great little basic hotel in a great location, just 300-metres from the bus station. You’ll even walk straight out onto the Walking Street Market at your doorstep or you can listen to the live music downstairs in the evening (don’t worry, they stop playing well before midnight!)
By Jeff Yip from Life of Y
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