The best places in Thailand, from beach adventures to ancient caves
With its clear turquoise sea, white sandy beaches, jungles, breathtaking wildlife and delicious food, Thailand is every traveller’s dream destination. However, as tourism is one of Thailand’s most important industries, there are many inauthentic traps that are easy to fall into. Unless you follow our guide on how to get around one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries without breaking your bank account! Here you’ll find the best places to visit in Thailand, as well as information on what to do, where to stay and most importantly, what to eat when you’re there!
📷 @cadop
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Bangkok
Start your journey in Thailand’s vibrant capital Bangkok. A flight to Bangkok airport is the cheapest way to start your backpacking trip through Thailand. If you don’t fancy bothering with public transport in Bangkok, take a taxi to your hostel. There are always taxis parked outside the airport, but enquire about the price before getting into a car. Like anywhere else in the world, taxi drivers might try to scam a bit of money from sleep-weary travellers with a travel bag filled with foreign money!
- Khaosan Street
At the top of your list of places to visit in Bangkok is Khaosan Road. Khaosan Road has everything a traveller’s heart desires. Cheap, tasty restaurants, massage parlours, clothes shops, bars and clubs. There are many places where you can have a Singha, Leo or Chang beer and improve your billiard skills. Gypsy’s Lips Bar has strong, tasty cocktails and good music, and you can enjoy live Thai bands at the Brick Bar.
If you are in Bangkok, you should definitely visit the Jim Thompson House Museum. It is one of the best places to see beautiful Thai and Buddhist sculptures, impressive Thai paintings and Chinese ornaments. The house captures important moments in Thai and Asian history. Entry to the museum costs just 200 baht (£2.50) or 100 baht (£5) if you are under 22 years old.
- Or Kor Gate Market
The Or Tor Kor market in Bangkok is worth a visit for its huge selection of fresh produce. Try the dragon fruit here! They look like a cross between a Pokémon and a pink cactus, and they taste heavenly. You can buy smoothies made from dragon fruit from the vendors at the market.
- Somtum Der, Sala Daeng
One of the best things to do in Thailand is to eat! My advice is not to get addicted to gaeng daeng (red curry). When you eat this wonderfully spicy dish with coconut milk in Thailand, even the best Thai curries you’ll find in England seem like a sad comparison. Visit Bangkok’s Somtum Der, Sala Daeng, for flavourful Pad Thai, Gaeng Keow (green curry) and delicious Gaeng Daeng (red curry).
📷 @oelli
Where should I live?
If you’re looking for a nice, relaxed hostel in Bangkok where you can relax between exploring the vibrant capital, check out the Laksameenarai Guesthouse. The guesthouse is designed in the architectural style of the old Siamese houses, giving you the feeling of staying in a traditional Thai family home. Mixed dorms are available from £5 per night.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more sociable, head to NapPark Hostel. It’s easy to meet other travellers in NapPark’s friendly environment. The hostel organises its own happy hour, and there’s a delicious restaurant next door. It’s far too easy to randomly spend a week here! Large mixed dorms are available from £5 per night.
📷 NapPark Hostel
How long are you staying?
Give yourself a full four days to explore Bangkok.
Check out all our youth hostels in Bangkok
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Krabi
In my opinion, the real magic of Thailand lies outside the bustling capital. Head south to Krabi to explore the land of mangrove forests and hidden lagoons, which is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
- Mangrove kayak tour
Kayak to Ao Thalane, home to the most beautiful mangrove forest in Thailand. As you glide along the calm, shallow waters, you can look out over the treetops and watch kingfishers, herons and monkeys. There are also many small caves and secret lagoons to discover in this area, so prepare to unleash your inner explorer.
Where can you stay overnight?
Pak-Up Hostel is located in the centre of Krabi, surrounded by markets to explore. The hostel has a shared kitchen and amazing facilities. The staff will even help you organise your next trip. Dorms are available from £9.
How long do you stay?
Stay for two nights in Krabi.
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Phi Phi Islands
Thailand is famous for its islands, and Phi Phi is a collection of six of the best. If you’ ve seen Leonardo Di Caprio in The Beach, you might recognise these paradisiacal scenes!
- Tham Phaya Nak, Viking Cave
Take a boat to the limestone cave on Ko Phi Phi Don. Known in Thai as Tham Phaya Nak, the Viking cave takes its name from the paintings on the walls – a spectacular boat painting has been likened to a Scandinavian dragon car. On the outside of the cave you can see a scaffold used by the locals to collect the nests of swifts. These edible nests are highly prized in China as they are believed to be beneficial to health.
Where to stay?
Relax in the friendly Voyagers Hostel. The staff here are guaranteed to look after you. Dorms are available from £14 per night.
How long do you want to stay?
Spend three nights island hopping and relaxing on Phi Phi.
See all our youth hostels in Koh Phi Phi
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Koh Pha Ngan
Koh Pha Ngan is known for its monthly Full Moon Party, a night-time event with glow sticks and buckets of alcohol (literally). Spend a night here if you want to dance into the early hours, and maybe a day or two to unwind. There’s a large wellness community here with countless yoga studios and vegan cafés, so it won’t take you long to get back on your feet.
- Attend a cookery class
Koh Pha Ngan is so much more than just a party island. Unexpectedly, there is an abundance of cookery courses here. Jang’s Thai Cooking School will teach you how to prepare all your favourite dishes.
Where to stay?
Book a bed at Echo Beach Backpackers. Relax in a hammock on the beach with a cocktail from the hostel bar. The full moon pre-party at the hostel is one of the best on the island and the dorms are ridiculously cheap, starting from just £3 a night.
📷 Echo Beach Backpackers
How long should I stay?
Spend a night or two dancing on Koh Pha Ngan.
See all our hostels on Koh Pha Ngan
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Koh Tao
On Koh Tao, you can sunbathe on the white sands of Freedom Beach, watch pastel-coloured sunsets from John Suwan Viewpoint and swim in crystal-clear waters.
- Scuba Diving
The best thing to do on Koh Tao is diving. In the coral reefs of Koh Tao you can see stingrays, banded sea snakes, schools of fascinating colourful fish, turtles and even sharks. There are many diving organisations to choose from, but I recommend looking for one that works with marine conservation and ocean clean-up programmes. If you really want to learn to dive, you should check out Eco Koh Tao.
- Babaloo Restaurant
There are a number of fantastic restaurants on Koh Tao, but I recommend Babaloo Restaurant for a taste of home-cooked, vegan-friendly Thai cuisine. The charming candlelit restaurant is not far from Koh Tao’s main street and the dishes are surprisingly affordable at £2 – £6.
Where to stay?
Happy to stay in a hostel that’s a little away from the centre of Koh Tao? Book a bed at Deishaview Jungle Hostel. This eco-hostel is nestled in a hillside jungle and surrounded by trees and greenery, making it quiet and secluded. Overlooking Chalok Bay, Desishaview Hostel is the perfect place to enjoy Koh Tao’s natural beauty. Dorms are available from £8 per night.
Popular Hostels in Thailand
📷 Deishaview Jungle Hostel
How long are you staying?
Spend three nights on Koh Tao. Then take a boat to your next destination!
Check out all our hostels on Koh Tao
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Ko Wua Talap Island
This small island is the perfect place to completely relax. Away from most of the tourist traps, you can have a drink at Ko Wua Talap’s beach bar and enjoy Thailand’s unspoilt natural beauty. This slice of paradise is one of the best destinations in Thailand that not every traveller knows about!
- The famous viewpoint of Ko Wua Talap
Take a packed lunch and sensible, non-slip footwear and hike along the viewpoint hike to gaze out over the sea. The hike takes about an hour and a half, but the view is definitely worth it.
Where can you stay overnight?
If you like camping, you can rent a tent for around 250 baht (£6.50) and spend a night under the stars.
How long should you stay?
Spend a day enjoying the tranquillity of Ko Wua Talap Island and take a boat back to the mainland in the evening.
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Sukhothai
You should definitely visit the north when travelling through Thailand! The north of Thailand is home to so many underrated sights. Sukhothai is a beautiful, peaceful area off the beaten track.
- Historical park
Sukhothai is an amazing ancient city and was the first capital of Thailand when it was still called Siam. The best thing to do in Sukhothai is to visit the Historical Park. Here you can see impressively preserved remains of the ancient city.
Where to stay overnight?
Spend a night at At Home Sukhothai. The cosy hostel will help you organise your trip to the historical park. It serves a delicious breakfast, which you can enjoy overlooking the small lake or in the hostel’s garden. Private rooms are available from £18 for two people.
How long should you stay?
Stay for one night and soak up as much history as you can.
Check out all our hostels in Sukothai
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Chiang Mai
From Sukhothai, it’s a four-hour drive to the largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. This vibrant, lively city is a must-see!
- Wat Sri Suphan, the silver temple
Thailand has some of the best temples in the world. Wat Sri Suphan in Chiang Mai is commonly known as the Silver Temple due to its gleaming exterior. The temple is covered with impressive handcrafted decorations and houses beautiful silver Buddha statues. Although many parts of the temple have been repaired, it was originally built around 1500. The paintings around it depict key moments in the life of the Buddha. Take some time to admire the intricate details that adorn the walls of the temple.
- Sunday Walking Street Night Market
Visit the lively Sunday Walking Street Night Market in Chiang Mai’s Old Town. The market is full of beautiful handicrafts and a good place to buy gifts for home. It starts every Sunday at 4 pm and lasts until around midnight.
Chiang Mai is the best place in Thailand to see wild animals! You’ve probably seen pictures of people petting tigers and riding sad-looking elephants. These sleepy animals are often given tranquillisers to keep them calm. However, if you want to experience Thai wildlife in all its splendour, you should visit the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai to see some very happy elephants! You can learn about the individual elephants, feed them and watch them play in the river. With prices starting at 2,500 baht (£60), this is one of my more expensive recommendations, but a visit here is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Visit the North Gate Jazz Co-op to dance to northern Thai jazz. People crowd the street in front of this popular venue where you can experience talented musicians. As it is very popular with travellers, you will also meet many people from all corners of the world here.
Where can you stay overnight?
Book a stay at Big & O’s House 2, a welcoming hostel in Chiang Mai that will make you feel like part of the family. The hostel is famous for its barbecues, and there are lovely balconies and outdoor areas where you can socialise with other travellers. Dorms are available from £8 per night.
📷 @ycchen
How much time do I need to invest?
Spend a three-day weekend exploring Chiang Mai.
Check out all our hostels in Chiang Mai
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Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a stunning mountainous region in the north of Thailand. The small rural town of the same name in the heart of the region is charming and peaceful. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, you will fall asleep to the chirping of grasshoppers and croaking of frogs.
- Bamboo Bridge
This beautiful bridge crosses unspoilt rice fields and allows you to walk between the fields without damaging them. The bridge leads up to a group of temples on a hill, from where you have a view of the mountains rising through the mist and the beautiful olive-green vegetation.
Where can you spend the night?
In Mae Hong Son, you can easily find homestay accommodation. In this rural oasis, you can stay with hill tribe families and immerse yourself in the northern Thai lifestyle. Staying with local families will give you a real insight into Thai culture.
How long should you stay?
Stay for two nights in tranquil Mae Hong Son.
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Pai
You plan to stay one night, you end up staying a week. Pai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand – prepare to be mesmerised!
To reach Pai, drive down the rolling hills and mountains that surround the remote town. The geography of this area offers breathtaking views. Explore jungles, waterfalls and rice paddies in this beautiful area. There is a constant stream of travellers coming through Pai, so it’s a great place to meet people.
- Mae Yen Waterfalls
Visit the waterfalls of Pai. Bring a swimming costume, a packed lunch and plenty of water to hike to the Mae Yen waterfalls. The hike to the falls takes about three hours, but getting there is half the fun. It’s better not to travel here in the dry season as it’s far too hot. Instead, travel in the rainy season and see blooming flowers and butterflies on your journey.
- Tham Lod Caves
The Tham Lod Caves are a unique experience. The Tham Lod Caves consist of three interconnected areas. Inside the cave you will find beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and old drawings of deer can still be seen on the walls.
- Pai Gorge
Watch the sunset from Pai’s Canyon, a wonderful place to have a beer and enjoy the view.
📷 @48dl_
- Pai’s nightlife
Take advantage of Pai’s vibrant nightlife – you might not realise it, but it’s one of the best places in Thailand to hit the bars until sunrise! Thanks to the diverse scene, you can sit back, relax and enjoy an open-mic jazz night or dance to electronic music until the early hours of the morning. Don’t Cry is the hottest late night spot, an open-air reggae bar that is always packed with travellers and locals.
Where can you stay overnight?
Spend your nights in Pai at the Darling Viewpoint Bungalows. The owners, Darling and her husband, have amazing stories to tell if you’re willing to listen. The hostel has its own pool, a large speaker where you can plug in your own music, and they will help you rent bikes. The hostel is located on a small hill away from the main strip of Pai and offers beautiful views of the city. Prices start at just £5 per night.
How long should you stay?
Take four days to explore Pai (I’m sure you’ll stay longer).
From tranquil islands to vibrant cities, from mountain hikes to massages, from historic cities to clubs, Thailand deserves a place on your travel bucket list. There are hidden treasures around every corner in this beautiful country. Tell us about the amazing places you’ve discovered in the comments below!
About the author:
Mira Mookerjee is a London-born freelance writer. Her hobbies include fearing for her life on cheap flights, starting thick books that she probably won’t finish, and talking about herself in the third person.
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🌟 The 23 best hostels in Thailand for every type of traveller
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