Thailand
Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. Thailand has more than 1,400 islands scattered around its coastline, but few are as famous or iconic. The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands in the south to the misty hillsides and temple-peppered mountains of the north, and the ruins of ancient cities surrounded by jungle, Thailand never disappoints.
Bangkok
For most travelers, an adventure in Thailand will likely kick off in the nonstop, energetic capital city, Bangkok. one of my favorite international cities and dizzying destination, Bangkok is full-on sensory overload — but in the best way. Dig into sizzling street food; meander back alleys and bustling thoroughfares in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples; cruise along the Chao Phraya River; and grab a cocktail at the dozens of sky-high rooftop bars.
Koh Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea, comprising two islands — Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and raucous party scene. For the last one, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, meanwhile, is uninhabited and beloved by those looking to disappear into nature.
From 2018 to 2022, the beach was shut down due to over tourism that was destroying the cove’s coral reef. But it’s open to visitors again with some new rules and regulations (outside of its annual two-month closure).
Ayutthaya
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and only an hour from the Bangkok. Many Thai cities have the ability to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time, but few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai is another beautiful ancient city, and for people who like history. Sukhothai is much more rural and harder to reach, meaning it has fewer tourist. You also don’t have a city built up around it.
Chaing Mai
The northern city of Chiang Mai is second most visited place after Bangkok. Many travelers even prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok for its relatively slower pace of life. The spectacular city is bursting with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must) and humming with restaurants and bars.
It’s such a neat city. It’s one of those destinations that has something for everyone … Are you a foodie? Do you want to hike? See cool temples? Have amazing trekking opportunities? It can all be done here, and it slots into any itinerary perfectly.
Karabi
Karabi is located in southern Thailand and bordering the Andaman Sea. It is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands and offers activities and more that make Thailand famous.
Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks.
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is a small & one of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay. Koh Yao Noi is flecked off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai.
Sandy beaches and small fishing villages comprise most of the land here. The Six Senses Yao Noi resort located at the eastern coast of the island and its infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between the sky and sea.
Khao Yai National Park
Thailand has more than 100 national parks. Khao Yai is the oldest National Park, which also happens to be the country’s third-largest. Within the park lies a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and herds of elephants.
It’s a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking and has a lot of bat caves. Plus, it’s just a couple of hours by car from Bangkok.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most easily accessible island. Your Thailand trip would not be complete without Phuket. While Phuket has a reputation for being crowded with resort after resort.
Millions of visitors come evey year to explore its wide array of hotels, white-sand beaches, parties in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and eclectic culinary scene.
LamPang
Lampang city is located approximately two hours southeast of Chaing Mai. Like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where time has stood still. Horse carts are still used here for the transportation.
The city, Lampang has play intigeral role in teak trade. Because of this many migrants from Myanmar made this northern city home, and you’ll find teak mansions and Burmese-style temples everywhere.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a tiny island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, and very close to Koh Samui. It is one of the country’s best locations for diving and snorkeling and destination of divers choice in Thailand. The palm-fringed island is best known for its abundance of sea turtles.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the second most popular island of Thailand, and sits off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. The island has white sandy beaches, so many temples, veined with hiking trails, and splashed with fabulous resorts and energetic beach towns and villages.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand depends on your preferences and what you want to do. The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April, when temperatures range from 29°C to 34°C. However, the climate varies throughout the country and you can visit all year round.
In the south, the climate differs between the eastern and western coasts. The west coast is more favourable during the winter months, when diving and snorkelling will be at their best.
The weather on the east coast of Thailand is good for most of the year. Rainfall there is lowest in January and February, and highest in November.
Here are some things to consider:
Weather
The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for weather, with temperatures around 26–32°C and low humidity. However, the climate varies by region:
Western coast:
The islands of Phuket and Phi Phi are ideal for outdoor activities and water sports during the dry season.
Eastern coast:
The islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao experience the rainy season from September to January. The best time to visit is from mid-January to August.
Bangkok:
December and January are the best months to visit, with temperatures around 87–89°F during the day and 68°F at night.