Best Places to Explore in Thailand

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Last Updated on: 3rd August 2025, 05:23 am

Thailand is a breathtaking country, with an active city scene and stunning natural beauty. If you want to relax on a beach, you can do that. But if you prefer adventure, whether it’s on a hike to see some stunning natural places or exploring busy cities, you can also find those places in Thailand.

So, whether you’re going on a family vacation, exploring with friends, or solo traveling, here are some amazing places to visit and stay in Thailand.

Bangkok

As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is a pretty obvious destination. But just because it’s obvious, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. Bangkok is great for tourist attractions and more authentic experiences alike, and you can use it as a base camp for different day trips and activities.

Bangkok also features some absolutely amazing shopping areas, so you can buy plenty of things to bring home and help you remember your trip there.

You can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without applying for a VISA (as long as you register beforehand), so it’s worth spending a bit more time to explore Bangkok and the surrounding areas.

Phuket

Phuket is another famous city in Bangkok, and it’s found much further south on Phuket Island just off the Malay Peninsula. If you love the beach but don’t want to get away from city life, then Phuket is the place for you.

You can stay in Phuket itself and enjoy some amazing food and landmarks, but you’re right near the coast if you want to relax on the beach or engage in some water sports. You can go boating, surfing, or even snorkeling. As well as bustling beaches with plenty to do, you can explore some smaller, lesser-known coves for a bit more peace and quiet.

Koh Samui

If going to an island appeals to you, but you want somewhere a bit more peaceful than Phuket, Koh Samui might be a better choice. It’s got plenty of beaches to choose from, as well as some amazing cultural sights and even mountains and rainforests.

For a really private and luxurious experience, you can enjoy Koh Samui villas that also have access to a resort club, allowing you to get the best of both worlds. This includes a beachfront location and, for private swimming, a pool to dip into.

Chiang Mai

Getting away from the southern peninsula and its beaches, you have plenty to do in the rest of Thailand as well. Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and forests.

There are loads of national parks nearby, as well as ethical elephant visits and encounters so you can see the stunning wildlife up close. You can also visit temples and, just like any other city, explore the local cafes and shops.

If you love adventure and hiking, as well as history, then Chiang Mai might be the perfect place to visit. It might also be less touristy than Bangkok and Phuket, which is another bonus.

Violeta Matei
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