Places to Visit in Thailand: Bangkok, the North and the Islands

It helps to think of Thailand in three main regions: the capital, Bangkok, with its temples, markets and street life; Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north, with their mountains, old city walls and relaxed pace; and in the south, with their beaches and islands, the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) and the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui and around). On a first trip, combining Bangkok with a beach region is the most common plan; if you have time, you add the north too.

Bangkok: temples and canals

The capital is usually the first stop when entering the country, and it will more than fill a few days.

• The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: The complex housing the royal palace and, within it, the temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred statues in the country. Dress rules are strictly enforced here.
• Wat Pho: Known for its giant reclining Buddha statue. It is also known as a centre where traditional Thai massage is taught.
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): On the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, with its tower decorated with pieces of porcelain. The view of it from the other side of the river at sunset is very striking.
• The Chao Phraya River and canals (khlong): River boats offer both transport and views.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market: A huge open-air market with thousands of stalls.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat): It comes alive in the evenings with street food stalls.

Floating markets that can be visited on a day trip from Bangkok (such as Damnoen Saduak) are also popular, although some have become very touristy.

Ayutthaya: ruins of the old capital

Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok and reachable on a day trip, was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for centuries. The historical park on the UNESCO World Heritage list is full of brick temple ruins and Buddha statues. The Buddha head caught among tree roots at Wat Mahathat is its best-known image. As the ruins are spread out, exploring by bicycle or tuk-tuk is common.

The north: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai, with its walled old city and many temples, is the cultural centre of the north. The Doi Suthep temple overlooking the city, night markets and cookery classes are the highlights. In the mountainous area around it, there are nature walks and village visits.

Elephant experiences are very common around Chiang Mai. Rather than places offering elephant rides and shows, we recommend researching and choosing sanctuaries based on observing the animals that put animal welfare first.

Chiang Rai is known for Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), famous for its white colour and extraordinary architecture. The Blue Temple has also become a popular stop in recent years. The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, is also close by.

The Andaman coast: Phuket, Krabi and around

• Phuket: The country's largest island. It has a range of beaches, from lively Patong to quieter bays. The colourful Sino-Portuguese houses of Phuket Old Town are also worth seeing.
• Phang Nga Bay: Known for the limestone cliffs rising from the sea. It is explored on boat or kayak trips.
• Krabi and Railay: Known for beaches surrounded by cliffs and for climbing routes. Railay is reached by boat, not by land.
• The Phi Phi Islands: With turquoise water and snorkelling spots. As they are very touristy, early mornings are more enjoyable.

The Gulf of Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao

Koh Samui, with easy access and a wide range of accommodation, is the largest island in the gulf. Koh Phangan is known for its famous full moon parties, but the island also has quiet bays. Koh Tao is a small island frequently visited by people who want to learn to dive. The rainy season on the gulf islands differs from the Andaman coast; we explain this in our article on when to go to Thailand.

Alternatives away from the crowds

• Kanchanaburi: The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Erawan National Park with its waterfalls.
• Sukhothai: The peaceful historical park of a capital older than Ayutthaya.
• Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe: For those looking for a quieter island atmosphere.
• Pai: A small town among the mountains in the north.

Things to keep in mind as you explore

Traffic in Bangkok is heavy; river boats, the Skytrain (BTS) and the metro (MRT) are often faster than the roads. Most temples are both cooler and quieter early in the morning. On the islands, boat trips depend on the weather and sea conditions, so it is a good idea to add a spare day to your schedule. Some bays and islands with national park status may be closed to visitors from time to time to let nature recover; check the current situation before you go.

How to plan the route

As distances between regions are long, domestic flights save time. Rather than trying to fit everything into one trip, choosing one or two regions in addition to Bangkok makes for a more enjoyable journey. You can find sample routes by number of days in our article on how many days you need in Thailand. Before visiting temples, we also recommend reading our article on Thai etiquette.

We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What should first-time visitors to Thailand see?

Bangkok and a beach region (Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui) are the classic combination for a first trip. If you have time, adding Chiang Mai in the north shows you a different side of the country.

Phuket or Krabi?

Phuket is a larger, livelier island with plenty of accommodation. Krabi and Railay stand out for their limestone cliffs and more natural atmosphere. As they are close to each other, you can also visit both.

Where can you go on a day trip from Bangkok?

The most popular choices are the old capital Ayutthaya, the floating markets and Kanchanaburi. Ayutthaya is especially recommended for history lovers.

Is it right to go on an elephant excursion in Thailand?

Elephant rides and shows are criticised on animal welfare grounds. If you are interested in elephants, it is better to research and choose sanctuaries based on observation that put animal welfare first.