8 Best Places To Visit In Thailand For First-Time Travellers

Debarati Pal

Bangkok

Thailand’s capital combines royal landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, and modern city life, with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun forming its essential cultural core.

Bangkok's temples and nightlife Unsplash

Pai

Set in a mountain valley in Mae Hong Son province, Pai is known for its relaxed atmosphere, hot springs, waterfalls, and access to northern Thailand’s countryside.

Thai countryside at its best Unsplash

Chiang Mai

Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai remains northern Thailand’s cultural centre, known for its temples, markets, and Old City.

Explore Northern Thailand with Chiang Mai Unsplash

Phuket

Thailand’s largest island, Phuket combines beaches and marine activities with Phuket Old Town, where Sino-Portuguese architecture reflects the island’s history as a trading centre.

Beautiful beaches of Phuket Unsplash

Sukhothai & Ayutthaya

Thailand’s former capitals, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, preserve major temple and palace ruins, with both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their historical significance.

Explore the temple and palace ruins Unsplash

Koh Samui

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the country’s second-largest island and a base for exploring Ang Thong Marine National Park and nearby islands.

Koh Samui's gorgeous beaches Unsplash

Khao Yai National Park

Thailand’s first national park, established in 1962, spans four provinces and protects forests inhabited by elephants, gibbons, hornbills and other wildlife.

A large-eyed pit viper Tha National Parks

Krabi

On Thailand’s Andaman coast, Krabi is known for limestone karsts, offshore islands and beaches, with Railay accessible only by boat because of surrounding cliffs.

Sandy beaches of Krabi Unsplash

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