We’ve been exploring Thailand for quite some time now, and it still surprises us. There’s always more to uncover new places, fresh experiences. That being said, while Thailand is mostly known for its islands and beaches, there’s so much more to see. Here’s the top 10 of Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
The country is incredibly diverse; it has something for every type of traveler. Given that, we’ve created this guide to pick the top 10 places for you. But honestly speaking, narrowing it down to just ten was not easy. But these are the 10 spots we keep coming back to. Most are well-known, though you might find a few surprises.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this guide is a must-read. Let’s jump in.
10. Pattaya | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Pattaya has a wild reputation, and yeah, parts of it live up to that. But if you skip it entirely, you miss a different side. Jomtien Beach is more relaxed, and Koh Larn’s clear water is perfect for a beach day.
The Sanctuary of Truth is stunning, hand-carved wood and nothing like anywhere else in Thailand.
Grab coffee at Dripoly, hit the viewpoint at Khao Phra Tamnak, or explore local markets in Naklua.
It’s messy, fun, and full of contrast. Not for everyone, but worth a look if you’re open to it.
Best For: Curious travelers, weekend escapes, nightlife with options
Check out the best hotels in Pattaya
9. Khao Yai National Park | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Khao Yai is Thailand’s oldest national park and one of its most accessible. Just a few hours from Bangkok, it feels like another world: cooler air, dense forests, and open grasslands.
You can spot elephants in the wild, hear gibbons calling from the trees, and catch waterfalls like Haew Suwat, made famous in The Beach.
There are guided treks, wildlife night safaris, and quiet picnic spots with sweeping views. The park is popular on weekends, so visit midweek if you want more space.
Khao Yai combines raw nature with comfort: nearby cafes, wine farms, and boutique stays make it easy to balance adventure with downtime.
Best For: Hikers, nature lovers, weekend travelers, photographers
Check out the best hotels in Khao Yai
8. Pai | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Pai is a small town with a big following. The drive from Chiang Mai takes you through 700 curves in the mountains, but what waits at the end is worth it.
The vibe is laid-back, with riverside cafés, walking street food stalls, and fire-dancers performing at night.
Rent a scooter and ride to Pai Canyon, the Land Split, or Mo Paeng waterfall.
Soak in hot springs in the morning mist, then finish the day watching sunset over rolling hills.
Pai has become popular, but it has not lost its rhythm. If you need time to slow down, start here.
Best For: Backpackers, couples, creatives, slow travelers
Check out the best Hotels in Pai
7. Kanchanaburi | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Kanchanaburi offers a quieter, more reflective escape. It’s best known for the Bridge over the River Kwai and its World War II history.
Visit the Death Railway Museum and take a slow train ride through the countryside on the original tracks. But there’s more here than memory.
Erawan National Park has turquoise waterfalls and forest trails worth spending a full day exploring.
Float down the River Kwai on a bamboo raft or stay overnight in a riverside bungalow. The town itself is relaxed, with local markets and small cafés.
It’s an easy trip from Bangkok, but it feels like a world away.
Best For: History buffs, nature lovers, peaceful getaways
Best hotels in Kanchanaburi
6. Ayutthaya | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam (the former name of Thailand), and its ruins still hold that sense of former grandeur. Wat Mahathat is the most photographed site, where a stone Buddha head rests in the roots of a bodhi tree.
Rent a bicycle and explore temple complexes like Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The town is encircled by rivers, easy to hop on a boat for a different view of the ruins.
It’s just two hours from Bangkok by train, which makes it a popular day trip but staying overnight gives you quieter mornings and golden light on the ancient bricks.
Best For: History lovers, photographers, day-trippers from Bangkok
Check out the best Hotels in Ayutthaya
5. Khao Sok National Park | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural escapes. The national park is covered in ancient rainforest, towering limestone cliffs, and glassy green rivers.
Stay overnight in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake for misty mornings and absolute quiet.
Go trekking through jungle trails, kayak through flooded forests, or take a longtail boat across the lake.
You might spot gibbons calling from the trees or hornbills gliding overhead.
If you want to unplug and feel close to nature, this is the place.
Best For: Nature lovers, adventure travelers, off-the-beaten-path seekers
Check out the best places to stay in Khao Sok
4. Krabi | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Krabi offers postcard scenery without the crowds of Phuket. Railay Beach is the gem, only reachable by boat, and framed by cliffs.
Go rock climbing, kayak through mangroves, or swim in the turquoise water at Phra Nang Cave Beach.
Ao Nang is busier, with beachfront hotels and easy day trips to islands like Koh Poda or the Hong Islands.
Inland, hike to the Emerald Pool or soak in the Klong Thom hot springs.
And if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in Krabi, consider staying at Voasis Valley. It’s a natural resort with plenty to do yoga, ice baths, saunas, and more. The food is great too, mostly pure organic.
For a slower pace or to wind down your trip, Krabi is worth staying a few extra days. Particularly for families, it’s a great place.
Best For: Couples, families, nature lovers, climbers, beach-hoppers
Check out the best places to stay in Krabi
3. Bangkok | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Bangkok is big, busy, and full of energy. There is a lot, literally a lot, to see: ancient temples, modern skylines, street stalls, shopping malls, and rooftop bars, all in one city.
Spend your morning at the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, then chill out inside mega-malls like Siam Paragon or ICONSIAM.
For street food, explore the chaos of Chinatown or the night markets in Ratchada.
If you’re after views, rooftop bars in Sukhumvit are the place to be.
We’ve rounded up the best rooftop bars in Bangkok. Be sure to check out the full list and pick your favorite.
Bangkok does not move at your pace, you adjust to its. But once you do, it pulls you in completely.
Best For: Food lovers, city explorers, culture seekers, nightlife
Check out our blog on best places to stay in Bangkok
2. Chiang Mai | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Chiang Mai offers a slower, richer take on Thai life. Explore ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Wander the Sunday Walking Street for handmade crafts and street food.
Escape to Doi Suthep for mountain views or visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in the hills. The Old City is walkable, full of cafés, and easy to love.
Check out One Nimman for artful shops and creative spaces, or café-hop through local favorites like Dantéwada or Graph.
Visit in November for Yi Peng and Loy Krathong when lanterns fill the sky. Chiang Mai blends history, creativity, and nature in a way that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Best For: Culture lovers, digital nomads, nature seekers, festival-goers
Best hotels in Chiang Mai
1. Phuket | Top 10 Best Places in Thailand
Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island and one of its busiest. Patong Beach is the center of it all, loud, crowded, and lined with bars.
If you’re after nightlife, Bangla Road is where it all happens. For families, or if you want to relax, head to Kata or Karon Beach, or explore Phuket Old Town with its Sino-Portuguese buildings, night markets, and affordable guesthouses.
Take a long-tail boat to nearby spots like Coral Island or the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and crystal-clear water.
The scenery here is dramatic, limestone cliffs, palm-lined shores, and that deep Andaman blue. We’d say Phuket is a must-visit!
Best For: Beach lovers, families, nightlife, island hopping
Check out the Best Hotels in Phuket
We hope this guide gives you a clearer sense of just how much Thailand has to offer. Whether you’re into culture, nature, food, or just looking to slow down somewhere beautiful, there’s always a place that fits.
These are the spots we return to again and again, and we’d love for you to experience them too.
If even one of these places makes it onto your itinerary, we’d call that a win.
Safe travels and enjoy discovering your own version of Thailand.
After the mainland, check out our picks for the Top 10 Islands in Thailand.
