Thailand
Asia
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.
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Thai
Why Visit
Home to the stunning beaches of Phuket and Krabi
Must Try
1. Pad Thai 2. Thai Massage 3. Visit the Grand Palace
Insider Tip
Learn a few basic Thai phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it can enhance your experience.
Must-Try Food
Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Som Tum
Top Cities in Thailand
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the remnants of its former glory are scattered among the trees. The city is filled with impressive ancient temples like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, their prangs and stupas standing tall amidst the rice fields and urban encroachment. Visitors come primarily to stroll through Ayutthaya Historical Park, where they can marvel at the architecture and reflect on a city that was at its peak in the 18th century. However, the modern bustle around the ruins reveals a place still very much alive, with elephant experiences at Elephantstay and a floating market adding a contemporary twist to the historical backdrop.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a city where the old and new collide in a dizzying mix of culture, commerce and chaos. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew anchor the historical heart of the city, while modern giants like ICONSIAM and Mahanakhon SkyWalk reach for the sky. A labyrinth of canals once earned it the name 'Venice of the East', but the real waterways are the traffic-clogged streets where tuk-tuks and motorbikes weave through the chaos. With nearly ten million residents, the city is famous for its street food, where vendors serve dishes that can be as spicy as the traffic is slow. People come for the food, especially in Chinatown, where Yaowarat Road lights up with flavours and aromas that you can’t escape, even if you try.
Ko Phi Phi Leh
Ko Phi Phi Leh is a small, island off the coast of Thailand, mostly known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The island is uninhabited, which means the only visitors are day-trippers coming to experience the iconic Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio once frolicked in The Beach. The lack of permanent residents keeps things simple: no shops, no distractions, just scenery that captures the hearts of tourists. The island’s steep cliffs and secluded bays make for great photo opportunities and swimming spots, but as an actual place to stay, you’ll need to head back to Ko Phi Phi Don once the sun sets. You come here for the views and the chance to say you’ve been where a movie was filmed, not for any urban experience.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, is a cultural hub shaped by its history as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It has more than 300 temples, including the renowned Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits on a mountain overlooking the city. The old city is surrounded by remnants of ancient walls and a moat, creating a distinct character that contrasts with the modern cafes and markets. The Elephant Nature Park and the Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe Village draw visitors interested in ethical interactions with animals and indigenous culture. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration, with the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Tha Pae Walking Street providing lively evening options. People come for the culinary scene, from street food to cooking classes, which is among the best in Thailand.
Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is really two islands, the larger Phi Phi Don and the smaller Phi Phi Leh, known for their dramatic limestone cliffs and party reputation. The tourism boom since the early 2000s has transformed the area into a hub where boats line the shores and nightlife thrives. Tourists flock to its busy beaches like Ton Sai Bay and Monkey Beach, often losing track of time as they explore spots like Ao Maya and Viking Cave. The islands also feature quieter retreats such as Nui Beach and Bamboo Island, where you can escape the crowds, if you're brave enough to leave your sunbed. People predominantly come for the natural beauty and nightlife, although the public transport is best described as non-existent.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a major tourist hub, shaped by its beaches and nightlife. The coast is lined with resorts, and each beach has its own character: Patong is for those who prefer chaos, while others like Kata or Karon offer a more laid-back vibe. The island's cultural side emerges in places like Old Phuket Town, filled with Sino-Portuguese architecture, and Wat Chalong, the largest Buddhist temple on the island. The diverse attractions include the Big Buddha that towers over the landscape and Phang Nga Bay's dramatic limestone cliffs. The real reason most people end up here, however, is the convenient combination of sunbathing and nightlife, though you can pick your poison, whether that's a quiet sunset on a beach or a wild night at Bangla Road.
Krabi
Krabi is a coastal city in Thailand known for its limestone cliffs and access to islands. The landscape here is defined by these dramatic formations, drawing tourists to its beaches and surrounding waters. Ao Nang Beach serves as the main hub from which boats depart for the Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach, and other spots like Koh Poda. While Krabi offers adventure from rock climbing to snorkeling, the city itself is a mix of tourist establishments and quiet local life, with the Tiger Cave Temple providing a serene contrast to the beach scene. People come for the beaches, the scenery, and the promise of island-hopping, but most will leave at least a little sand in their shoes.
Pattaya
Pattaya is a coastal city on Thailand's eastern Gulf, known for its nightlife and beaches that pull in tourists from around the world. Originally a quiet fishing village, it underwent rapid development in the 1960s, transforming into a playground filled with bars, restaurants, and hotels dedicated to the seemingly endless stream of visitors. The city's most famous spots include Walking Street, where the party doesn’t stop, and the Sanctuary of Truth, a massive wooden temple that raises questions about whether you can actually build a city of sin and still have some culture. People come for the beaches, nightlife, and shows, making it a must-stop for those looking to experience an unapologetic tourist hub with plenty of beach access.