Whether your interests lie in adventure, relaxation, or exploring the nation’s historical background, these ten locations are essential additions to your Thailand travel itinerary for 2025.
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1. Bangkok
Bangkok, a city steeped in mystique, seamlessly blends its rich historical background with a dynamic modern scene, offering a one-of-a-kind experience where ancient temples share space with historical sites and soaring skyscrapers.
Getting around the city is simple, thanks to the BTS sky train, MRT metro, and a wide array of buses, taxis, motorbike taxis, songthaews, and tuk-tuks available throughout the city.
The Old Town of Bangkok, more commonly known as Rattanakosin, is an intriguing area showcasing historical architecture dating back centuries. The Grand Palace sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. Within the palace complex sits Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains the famous relic and is regarded as Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple. The Emerald Buddha dates back to the 14th century.
As in most capital cities, there's so much to do in Bangkok.
There are many markets, such as floating markets, train markets, and night markets, including Chatuchak weekend market. Here, you'll discover one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world, a dynamic neighbourhood alive with street food vendors, impressive temples, and intriguing cultural landmarks. Bangkok is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene with diverse options, from rooftop bars with city views to bustling party streets and unique entertainment venues catering to various tastes and preferences. Enjoy a delightful dinner on a Phraya River cruise as you explore the city from the water, gliding by the royal palace and numerous temples along the way.
The areas of Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza are notorious for their red-light districts and their variety of lady bars. Other popular nightspots are:
- Khao San Road, a popular area for backpackers and young travellers and known for its lively atmosphere and bar hopping.
- Sukhumvit Soi 11, a buzzing area with a mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants, attracting a diverse crowd.
- Thonglor, a trendy and upscale area with chic cocktail bars, trendy nightclubs, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- Silom, a bustling area with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues, including a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
2. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's oldest national park, its third largest, and home to around 300 wild elephants. Nestled in the San Kamphaeng Mountain Range, the park covers over 2,000 square kilometres and features a stunning variety of landscapes, including evergreen rainforests, mountains, and open savannahs.
This diverse environment supports a rich array of wildlife, with approximately 2,000 plant species and animals like Tigers, monkeys, Elephants and bears. Just a few hours from Bangkok, it's an excellent choice for a day trip. Highlights include hiking to Pha Diao Dai, known as the "Lonely Cliff," for spectacular views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The Haew Suwat Waterfall, famous for its appearance in Leonardo DiCaprio's film The Beach, is a must-see.
3. Phuket
As the largest of Thailand's 1,400 islands, Phuket is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations after Bangkok. Famous for its idyllic tropical beaches, known for their soft white sands and the stunning backdrop of the azure Andaman Sea.
The most popular tourist attractions in Phuket are Wat Chalong and Big Buddha, which are among the most important and revered landmarks on the island. This monumental statue sits atop the Nakkerd Hills and is 45 metres high. With 360-degree views, Big Buddha offers sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon and across the sparkling blue Chalong Bay. Reachable via a winding 6km route leading from Phuket's main road, it's a must-visit island destination.
Phuket City is the island and provincial capital. In Phuket Old Town, you will find its Portuguese heritage with painted shophouses and old neoclassical buildings.
If you love going to the beach, Phuket is surrounded by them! With the island being 48 kilometres long and 21 kilometres wide, you're never far from the sea or a great beach at any given point. Some of them are crowded with tourists, especially in the high season between November and April, but if you search around or come to Phuket in the low season, you will find many beautiful beaches where you can find yourself all alone, like Robinson Crusoe, even during the high season.
As night descends, there are many places to eat and drink all around the island, but Patong, with its many bars and exciting nightlife, is where most people head to if they want to kick up their heels.
4. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is 700 kilometres north of Bangkok. The city was founded in 1296 and was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. The city and surrounding areas are a treasure trove of culture and history, home to more than 500 temples, including the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, another of the country's most famous temples.
The area is home to many hill tribes, such as the Akha, Hmong, Lahu, Lawa, Lisu, and Karon. The Karon are originally from Myanmar and crossed the border into Thailand many years ago due to persecution in their own country for their beliefs. The Long Neck Women are well-known for wearing metal rings around their necks, which are seen as a representation of beauty. Interestingly, the neck doesn’t actually stretch; instead, the collarbone and rib cage weaken and compress under the burden of the heavy coils. When these women reach adulthood, they can either continue wearing the rings or remove them, with the majority opting to keep them.
The people of Chiang Mai are fiercely proud of their heritage, and they are known to be the friendliest in Thailand, going out of their way to help Westerners and welcome them to their province. A key feature in Chiang Mai is the Northern Thai Food. This food is unlike Thai food found in the South of Thailand in the sense that it has strong Burmese, Chinese, and Laotian influences. Being the third largest area where expats live in Thailand, the city has many international restaurants and a lively nightlife scene.
In Chiang Mai, shopping offers a diverse experience, ranging from lively cultural night markets showcasing handmade crafts to farmers' markets brimming with fresh produce and delicious prepared foods, as well as sleek modern shopping malls.
A highlight is the Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen, where you can immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with food stalls and craft vendors. Similarly, the Saturday Walking Street on Wualai provides a comparable experience.
5. Koh Samui
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is Thailand's third-largest island and part of the Surat Thani province. Its ease of access, thanks to its international airport and three ferry ports, makes it a favourite island destination among travellers.
The island is renowned for its white sandy beaches scattered all around the island, the most popular being Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, Bophut and Nathen, as well as its lush mountainous forests with stunning waterfalls. Food enthusiasts will find a diverse array of international and Thai restaurants scattered around this beautiful tropical island. The island is home to many markets and night markets, and in Chaweng, there are two large shopping malls, while Lamai and Nathon each have a sizable mall.
The nightlife is concentrated in Chaweng and Lamai, where you can enjoy a variety of international restaurants, bars, and lady bars, making for an exhilarating nightlife experience.
If you love Buddhist Temples, you won't be disappointed. Samui has many temples, including the 12-metre tall Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai, and a ten-minute drive down the road sits Wat Plai Laem, which features a striking white, 18-armed image of Guanyin, a popular figure in Chinese Buddhism, representing compassion and mercy.
Another intriguing temple is Koh Samui’s Wat Khunaram, where sits the preserved body of monk Luang Pho Daeng, the famous mummified monk who died in 1973 while meditating in the same temple. His preserved body is displayed as a reminder of the transience of human existence. The mummy is notable for sporting a pair of sunglasses, placed there by the monks to hide the decomposed eye sockets.
6. Koh Pha Ngan
Koh Pha Ngan is Thailand's 5th largest and one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It is located 70 kilometres from the mainland and 12 kilometres from its sister island, Koh Samui. You can't fly into Pha Ngan as the island doesn’t have an airport, but you can fly into Samui and then take a ferry, or you can take a direct ferry from Donsak Pier in Surat Thani to Koh Pha Ngan.
If you're searching for a quieter island experience, Koh Pha Ngan is the perfect choice, as it isn't as overly commercialised as Koh Samui. The island is renowned for its lush tropical jungles and mountainous regions. Koh Pha Ngan’s main claim to fame is its legendary Full Moon Parties, which are tied to the lunar calendar and attract thousands of young party revellers from around the world on the night of the full moon every month. So, if you are of a certain age, check that there’s not going to be a full moon during your stay on the island!
Koh Pha Ngan's shopping scene is characterised mainly by a wide range of independent boutiques that sell a diverse array of souvenirs, arts and crafts, beachwear, fashion, and gifts. The town is home to traditional bazaars, lively markets, and night markets waiting to be discovered.
A must-visit is the Thong Sala Fresh Market, where an entire street is dedicated to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and more stalls selling delicious Thai food at bargain prices.
The Sunday Walking Street market is another great spot for souvenirs, clothing, food, and crafts. If you plan to stay for an extended period, you'll find a medium-sized shopping mall on the island that meets all your grocery requirements.
7. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya sits on the Chao Phraya River, about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was home to over one million people when it was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) and was a prosperous international trading port from 1350. The city was razed by the invading Burmese (now Myanmar) in 1767. The ruins of the old city offer an intriguing insight into the golden age of Siam through its historical ruins. A highlight is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which features impressive, tall stupas that visitors can climb.
Other remarkable sites include the Buddhist temples, monasteries, and statues at Wat Mahathat, Wat Na Phra Men, and Wat Lokayasutharam. The park encompasses around 50 temples and relics. Notably, Wat Mahathat is famous for the Buddha's Head, which is surrounded by tree roots, while Wat Lokayasutharam showcases the largest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya, measuring 42 metres long and 8 metres high. Ayutthaya is easily reached by train, bus, or slow boat ride up the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, where visitors can rent bicycles on arrival to cycle through the historic areas to discover the large old city.
8. Sukhothai
Similar to Ayutthaya, Sukhothai is another one of Thailand’s ancient capitals. Sukhothai is a small city with a population of 36 thousand and lies 420 kilometres north of Bangkok on the shores of the River Yom.
The area is known for its many ancient cultural sites, but most famously, the Sukhothai Historical Park that lies 12 kilometres west of Sukhothai City and contains the partially restored 13th- and 14th-century palaces and temples of the Kingdom of Siam's first capital, Sukhothai translates to Dawn of Happiness, and the city is a popular tourist destination because of the famous ruins of the ancient city.
For 120 years as the capital of Siam, Sukhothai was ruled by many kings; the most dynamic monarch was King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who created the Thai alphabet and laid the foundation for politics, monarchy and the Buddhist religion. Anyone who loves quiet and peaceful historical areas should not miss Ayutthaya or Sukhothai when visiting Thailand.
9. Krabi
Situated in the Southwest of Thailand, Krabi Town is the capital of Krabi Province, and the surrounding areas are some of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations. Often regarded as the most picturesque province in Thailand, the area is characterised by its stunning limestone karsts and lush mangrove forests.
With its international and domestic airport, Krabi welcomes people from all over the world to its shores. Krabi is home to one of the most stunning beaches, Rawai Beach, which is only accessible by boat but has beautiful hotels along the secluded white sand beach and many restaurants within walking distance.
Ao Nang is the main beach in Krabi and a busy tourist hub. It's here where you will find most of the international restaurants, markets, night markets and bars. You can also take ferries from Krabi to Phuket and Phi-Phi Island across the Andaman Sea, and the more laid-back island of Koh Lanta is just a short ferry ride away.
Krabi is an excellent destination for those looking for a relaxing area in Southern Thailand away from the more touristy areas like Koh Samui and Phuket. There are many temples around Krabi Province, the most famous being Wat Tham Suea or the Tiger Cave, as it's better known. The temple was founded in the 1970s by Abbot Luang Srilasatheto, who came to meditate in a cave where he encountered a tiger. He dedicated the temple to the tiger that once lived there.
There are also many Mosques in Krabi province as many Muslims live in Krabi Province, and there is a significant Indian presence, which adds to the cultural experience waiting for you in Krabi.
10. Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a well-known city in west central Thailand, just a two-hour drive or a short train journey from Bangkok.
Located at the point where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers meet and form the Mae Klong River, the province is best known for its dark connection to WWII and the Death Railway, which is an infamous site that was made into the film starring Alec Guinness, The Bridge on the River Kwai.
The building of the bridge resulted in the loss of 12,500 Allied soldiers and the lives of 100,000 conscripted Asian workers. In the town, there are numerous museums dedicated to those who died at the hands of the Japanese invaders and also the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, where the remains of many allied soldiers are buried. It's a beautiful city with many restaurants along the river's banks.
52 kilometres north of Kanchanaburi, you will find the Erawan National Park, with Erawan Waterfall inside the park. It's named after a white, 3-headed Hindu elephant god due to the white spray from the falls. There are 7 tiers of emerald-green pools, all easily accessed via stone steps. As a bustling city frequented by many expatriates due to its historical significance, Kanchanaburi offers various international, Asian, and Thai dining options. Like other major towns in Thailand, it is filled with markets, night bazaars, food stalls, and shopping malls.
Image Credit: Alejandro Cartagena MX at unspalsh
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