Thailand is the most popular destination in South-East Asia for good reason: in one country you get glittering temples, chaotic street food, tropical islands and cool northern mountains, all with famously warm hospitality and at gentle prices. It is a place that works equally well for a first big trip and a tenth return. Here are five of the regions worth building a route around.
Bangkok
The capital is a city of contrasts, where gleaming skyscrapers rise beside golden temples. Don’t miss the Grand Palace and neighbouring Wat Phra Kaew, home of the revered Emerald Buddha; take a boat through the canals and floating markets for a glimpse of older Thai life; and dive into the backpacker buzz, street food and night-time energy around Khao San Road.
Pattaya
Pattaya is best known for its beaches and famously raucous nightlife, but there is more to it: the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden combines beautifully landscaped grounds with cultural shows, and the viewpoint on Phra Tamnak Hill takes in the whole sweep of Pattaya Bay.
Phuket and the Andaman Islands
Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island and the gateway to its most spectacular seascapes. Patong is the busy, party-loving beach; from the island you can take boat trips to the Phi Phi Islands, made famous by the film *The Beach*, and into Phang Nga Bay, where sheer limestone karsts rise straight out of the sea.
Chiang Mai
Up in the north, Chiang Mai is calmer, cooler and steeped in the old Lanna culture. Climb (or ride) up to the mountaintop temple of Doi Suthep for its views over the city, wander the famous night markets for local crafts, and use the town as a base for the forested hills, waterfalls and ethical elephant sanctuaries beyond.
Ayutthaya
An easy day trip from Bangkok, Ayutthaya was the majestic capital of old Siam, and its UNESCO-listed ruins — crumbling temple towers and a stone Buddha head cradled in tree roots — are the best place to feel the depth of Thailand’s history.
Getting In
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is the main gateway, with Phuket and Chiang Mai also served internationally. Most Western visitors enter visa-free — a period that has recently been up to 60 days, though the length is under review, so check before you fly. Everyone must now complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival, so keep the QR code on your phone.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Many nationalities enter visa-free (recently up to 60 days, currently under review). Regardless of visa status, every foreign visitor must complete the free online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. Check the latest rules before booking.
What is the best route for a first trip?
A classic loop is Bangkok, a few days in the north at Chiang Mai, then south to Phuket or the islands for the beaches — with Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok.
When is the best time to visit?
The cool, dry season from November to February is the most comfortable; March to May is very hot, and June to October brings the monsoon rains.
