CHIANG MAI
Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is quieter than Bangkok. It’s also the world capital of digital nomads. Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, where you’ll find numerous historic temples such as Wat Doi Suthep or Wat Phra Singh. Don’t miss them! There’s also one of the oldest and one of the most popular night bazaars of Thailand.
Don’t miss the Chatuchak Market on the weekend, watch a Muay Thai fight and head to Khao San Road to party! I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Bangkok. Here’s where to stay in Bangkok. Click here to find the best activities.
AYUTTHAYA
Located about 80km (50 miles) north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767 (its name was kingdom of Siam then). It’s one of the most popular Thailand tourist places. Those who like history have to go there. It’s a city full of monasteries, temples, statues and archaeological ruins. You have to see Wat Phra Mahathat and its statue of a Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots! You also have to see Bang Pa In Palace, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the floating market! Click here to find your accommodation.
SUKHOTHAI
Sukhothai is a small town in northern Thailand known for its park, Sukhothai National Park. It’s also a former capital of the kingdom of Siam. Over there you’ll find ruins dating back to the 13th century! Temples, palaces, monuments… The most famous is Wat Mahathat with its nine stupas and its Buddha relics. Click here to find your accommodation.
CHIANG RAI
Chiang Rai is not far from the border with Myanmar and Laos. Smaller than Chiang Mai, it’s mostly known for its wonderful white temple, one of the most popular Thailand tourist attractions! There’s also a blue temple, and a black temple! But there’s more than that. Go to the Singha park. There’s also the Hall of Opium museum and the popular night bazaar! It’s also possible to go trekking or hiking in the area, admire waterfalls, etc. I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Chiang Rai. Click here to find your accommodation.
KANCHANABURI
Kanchanaburi is a city known for its history linked with World War II. 16,000 prisoners of war from the UK, the Netherlands and the US died there during the contruction of a railway over Kwai river. They were under the supervision of the Japanese. It’s called the “Death Railway” now. Two museums there explain in detail what happened at the time (there are paintings, documents, weapons…). There’s also the wonder Erawan waterfall, in the Erawan National Park. Click here to find your accommodation.
PHUKET
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand, and it’s the one of the most popular Thailand vacation spots! I get it, the white sand beaches are stunning, turquoise-water too, and the food and hotels are cheap! Patong is the most popular beach but you can also visit Phuket Town and see its Sino-Portuguese buildings. There are other nice beaches: Kata Noi Beach, Nai Harn Beach, Surin Beach. Click here to find your accommodation.
KOH PHANGAN
Koh Phangan is one of the most famous places in Thailand. It’s famed for hosting the legendary Full Moon Party when the moon is full. Every month, 5 to 30,000 clubbers party outside in Haad Rin Beach. There’s more than that in Koh Phangan. Diving is very common there, there are breathtaking beaches, a nice night market, Thai cooking classes, yoga, meditation… To get around freely, it’s recommended to rent a scooter. Click here to find your accommodation.
KOH SAMUI
More developed than Koh Phangan, there are numerous luxury resorts in Koh Samui. There’s more than that, and this island suits all tastes: families, couples, backpackers… You can explore tropical forests, relax on the beach and enjoy incredible sunsets. There are also numerous spas and temples such as Wat Phra Yai. Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. Click here to find your accommodation.
KOH PHI PHI
Koh Phi Phi became popular after the release of the Leonardo Di Caprio’s movie “The Beach”. There are actually two islands. Phi Phi Don is larger. This is where poeple party, go snorkeling or diving. You can get to the top of the island and reach Phi Phi Viewpoint, with a stunning 360-degrees view! Phi Phi Leh is quieter. You can relax on white-sand beaches. This is where the movie was shot, more precisely in Maya Bay). Click here to find your accom
KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK
This is one of the places to go in Thailand! Khao Yai National Park is the oldest and the most visited national park in Thailand. There are many hiking trails where you’ll admire wonderful waterfalls such as Haew Narok. It’s home to rainforests, mountains, and grasslands. The park is known because there are numerous elephants. But also jackals, bears, monkeys, deers, crocodiles…modation.
KOH TAO
Koh Tao means “turtle island”. It’s one of the most beautiful places to see in Thailand. It’s the place to be to go scuba diving or snorkeling. Getting your scuba diving certification is very cheap there! The water is very clear and it provides easy access to colorful coral reefs. In Koh Tao, you can also go hiking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, fishing…
PAI
Pai is a small town in northern island. It’s very popular among backpackers, so you’ll find numerous guesthouses, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops there. Go to the night market, the Yun Lai viewpoint and the memorial bridge. I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Pai. Click here to find your accommodation.
