Where to go

Thailand Destinations (12 Flagship Guides)

Compare Thailand's 12 essential cities and regions by travel style, ideal stay length, best season, and realistic daily budget in Thai Baht (฿ THB) — or browse all 1,180 Thai cities, market towns & tropical & mountain villages across all 77 Provinces.

Bangkok & Central Plains

Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร)

Glittering Chao Phraya riverside chedis, Michelin-starred street food in Yaowarat Chinatown, rooftop skybars, and elevated BTS/MRT transit

Bangkok & Central Plains · 3–5 days · ฿2,400–฿5,800 ($70–$170) / day

Northern Thailand (Lanna)

Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่)

700-year-old moated Lanna Old City, Doi Suthep's golden mountain chedi, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and smoky Khao Soi curry noodles

Northern Thailand (Lanna) · 3–5 days · ฿1,650–฿3,900 ($48–$115) / day

Southern Andaman Coast

Phuket (ภูเก็ต)

Pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses in Old Phuket Town, turquoise Andaman beaches, and speedboat gateway to Phang Nga & Phi Phi

Southern Andaman Coast · 3–5 days · ฿2,600–฿6,500 ($76–$190) / day

Southern Andaman Coast

Krabi & Railay Beach (กระบี่ / อ่าวไร่เลย์)

Vertical 200-meter limestone karsts, boat-only Railay & Phra Nang peninsula, Hong Island emerald lagoons, and Tiger Cave Temple

Southern Andaman Coast · 3–4 days · ฿1,950–฿4,800 ($57–$140) / day

Southern Gulf Coast & Islands

Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย)

Palm-fringed Gulf beaches, 42-island Ang Thong Marine Park, Fisherman's Village Bophut, and sunny May–September summer weather

Southern Gulf Coast & Islands · 3–5 days · ฿2,500–฿6,800 ($74–$200) / day

Bangkok & Central Plains

Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา)

UNESCO island capital of Old Siam (1351–1767), Buddha head entwined in banyan roots, Khmer-style brick prangs, and giant river prawns

Bangkok & Central Plains · 1–2 days · ฿1,350–฿3,100 ($40–$91) / day

Northern Thailand (Lanna)

Chiang Rai (เชียงราย)

Wat Rong Khun's mirrored White Temple, the Blue Temple, Golden Triangle Mekong confluence, and misty Doi Mae Salong tea hills

Northern Thailand (Lanna) · 2–3 days · ฿1,450–฿3,400 ($43–$100) / day

Southern Andaman Coast

Koh Phi Phi & Maya Bay (หมู่เกาะพีพี / อ่าวมายา)

Twin 100-meter limestone cliffs framing Maya Bay, emerald Pileh Lagoon, car-free island lanes, and coral shark reefs

Southern Andaman Coast · 2–3 days · ฿2,400–฿6,200 ($70–$182) / day

Eastern Seaboard

Pattaya & Koh Larn (พัทยา / เกาะล้าน)

The 105-meter hand-carved teakwood Sanctuary of Truth, ฿30 ferries to turquoise Koh Larn beaches, and family waterparks 2 hours from Bangkok

Eastern Seaboard · 2–3 days · ฿1,800–฿4,500 ($53–$132) / day

Northern Thailand (Lower North)

Sukhothai (สุโขทัย)

13th-century cradle of Thai civilization, lotus-bud chedis mirrored in lily ponds, and tranquil car-free cycling paths

Northern Thailand (Lower North) · 2 days · ฿1,250–฿2,800 ($37–$82) / day

Western River Kwai

Kanchanaburi & River Kwai (กาญจนบุรี / แม่น้ำแคว)

The historic Bridge on the River Kwai, Erawan's 7-tier emerald travertine waterfall, Hellfire Pass, and floating bamboo raft hotels

Western River Kwai · 2–3 days · ฿1,450–฿3,500 ($43–$103) / day

Western Royal Coast

Hua Hin & Royal Coast (หัวหิน / ชะอำ)

Thailand's original 1920s royal beach resort, iconic red-and-cream railway pavilion, seaside teak palace, and Sam Roi Yod cave pavilion

Western Royal Coast · 2–3 days · ฿1,800–฿4,600 ($53–$135) / day