I’ll admit it. Thailand wasn’t really on my radar until this past season of The White Lotus. But after watching those dreamy island scenes, I found myself Googling flights and daydreaming about tropical adventures. If you’re suddenly craving pad Thai on a beach or want to explore ancient temples tucked in the jungle, you’re not alone.
Thailand is packed with incredible destinations, and choosing where to go can be a bit overwhelming. The country has everything from buzzing cities to peaceful islands, so it can be difficult to know where to begin. What’s the best time to visit Thailand? And how do you avoid tourist traps while still soaking up the magic that makes this country so special?
To help answer those questions, I chatted with a few seasoned travel experts and globe-trotters who know the ins and outs of Thai travel. Here’s what they say about the best places to visit in Thailand, whether you’re chasing your own White Lotus-inspired escape or looking for something entirely your own.
Krabi
Looking for a laid-back alternative to Phuket? Krabi might be your perfect match. “Sometimes referred to as Phuket’s ‘little sister,’ Krabi is a more relaxed beach destination than Phuket, but almost as convenient to get to,” says Jeff Rottschafer, Senior Trip Planner for Adventure Life.
It’s also a great launching point. “From there, it’s easy to take ferries to other islands in Thailand,” he adds. But don’t rush off too quickly. Krabi itself offers beautiful limestone cliffs, white-sand beaches, and incredible day trips for kayaking, snorkeling, and island-hopping. Be sure to check out Railay Beach and the iconic Phi Phi Islands nearby.
Bangkok
You can’t talk about Thailand without mentioning its buzzing capital. Bangkok is a city of contrasts, offering something for every type of traveler. Luxury lovers can indulge at five-star gems like the Mandarin Oriental and Capella Bangkok, while budget travelers can get lost (in the best way) at Chatuchak Weekend Market, home to over 15,000 stalls.
Additionally, make sure you check out the stunning Wat Pho or enjoy a night out on Soi Nana, the city’s top bar-hopping street. Aaron Henry, founder of Foundeast Asia, recommends a hidden gem: “My number one recommendation for a place that visitors to Bangkok might easily overlook is Bang Krachao, the “green lung” of Bangkok. It’s a lushly forested area on the south side of the Chao Phraya River, with elevated concrete walking and cycling paths, boutique hotels, and a floating market.”
Chiang Mai
One of the best places to visit in Thailand for a mix of culture, nature, and city is Chiang Mai. “We often use Chiang Mai as a base for exploration,” says Chris Brunning, Co-founder of Untold Story Travel. “The city is lively enough in its own right, with a strong street food and nightlife scene without feeling overwhelming, as Bangkok often can.”
It’s also a great jumping-off point for hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park or visiting remote hill tribe communities. Make sure you check out the well-preserved temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, especially during a peaceful morning stroll through the walkable Old City.
Khao Lak
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful beach escape, Khao Lak is calling. “Khao Lak is a small village on the west coast, surrounded by jungle and pristine beaches, which gives clients a more tranquil experience than busier Phuket or Krabi,” says Jack Tydeman, Thailand specialist at Audley Travel.
With nearly 30 kilometers of quiet beaches and coves, it’s perfect for unwinding. Nature lovers can explore nearby national parks or take a boat trip to the Similan Islands, an 11-island archipelago known for world-class diving and snorkeling.
Tarutao National Marine Park
Few travelers explore beyond Phuket and Bangkok, let alone to Thailand’s far south near the Malaysian border. However, those who do are rewarded with one of the country’s best-kept secrets: Tarutao National Marine Park. Located in the Strait of Malacca off Satun Province, this paradise is perfect for those looking to explore a more remote, untouched area.
“Many destinations in Thailand have become overly commercialized,” says Jeremy Clubb, Founder of Rainforest Cruises. “But thankfully, travelers are increasingly advocating and practicing sustainable tourism principles. As off-the-beaten-path and more culturally and ecologically sensitive travel experiences gain in popularity, Tarutao stands out as one of the few, true Thai ecotourism frontiers remaining, where travelers can still connect with the raw beauty of Thailand and discover it as it was decades ago.”
Mae Hong Son
If you’re craving a remote northern escape, Mae Hong Son delivers big. Tucked over six hours from Chiang Mai, this mountain town is a dream for those who want to be one with nature. “There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, different ethnic groups, and extremely scenic drives,” says Jeff Rottschafer. “Travelers who take the time to get here are rewarded with some of the most beautiful parts of northern Thailand, with a fraction of the visitors compared to Chiang Mai.”
Be sure to visit the Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge (the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand), explore Tham Pla (Fish Cave), and soak in the nearby Pha Bong Hot Springs.
Koh Phi Phi
Floating in the middle of the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for gorgeous scenery and island vibes. You’ll need to catch a ferry or speedboat from Krabi, Phuket, or nearby islands as there’s no airport here, and once you arrive, cars are a no-go. You’ll get around on foot or by longtail boat. Once you’re there, don’t miss Maya Bay, cliff jumping, or hiking up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for incredible panoramas.
“Koh Phi Phi has bounced back post-pandemic,” says travel blogger Courtney Lynn Muro. “Rent a private longboat and go snorkeling at sunrise before the tourists hit.”
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