Thailand is where I’m going to introduce you to nearly 50 of the best places to visit and explore. We’ll do some island hopping, check out some amazing temples, head to the north of Thailand, visit Bangkok, and explore the south.
Bangkok:
Grand Palace:
The Grand Palace is considered the premier palace experience you can get anywhere in Thailand. The entrance fee is 500 baht, which comes out to around $15. It’s quite expensive by Thailand standards, but it is worth it if you haven’t been here. There’s also a very strict dress code that you must abide by. Men must wear long pants or a sarong to cover up the legs, and the same goes for the ladies. So be sure to dress appropriately when you come here.
Sleeping Buddha:
Here I am at the reclining Buddha, also known as the Sleeping Buddha, at Wat Pho here in Bangkok. It is gold-plated and measures 151 feet long and 50 meters tall, making it the largest reclining Buddha statue in all of Thailand. The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance price is around 200 baht, which is approximately $5. As you can see, the feet are also very interesting, making this truly an artistic masterpiece.
Wat Phra:
Now, here I am back in the north of Thailand. This is Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai, which also has a big white Buddha statue and a large pagoda. This is one of the most important temple complexes I’ve seen anywhere in Thailand. It’s located nearby the Golden Triangle, which is near the borders of Laos, a popular area in Myanmar. So, definitely add the Golden Triangle to your list. And from the Golden Dragon in the north…
Floating Market:
Now, what I’m going to tell you about is the floating market. This one here is Damnoen Saduak. There are several different floating markets across Thailand. Pattaya has one, like three or four big ones around Bangkok. Even if you go north a bit, you’re going to come across some floating markets. It’s a place where you go around in a boat and you buy things, everything from food to souvenirs or art collectibles. All of that can be done right here on a floating boat in a market. There is typically an entrance fee for one of these floating markets, and you’re basically paying for the boat.
Wat Arun:
The most popular temple along the Chao Phraya River is Wat Arun. There is a dress code here, so please dress appropriately. You can see it is an intricate temple situated right on the river, so you can take a river boat to get here. I would say this is probably going to be the number one temple you should add to your list while visiting Bangkok. Now, while in Bangkok…
Khao San Road:
which is the place you could pick up a souvenir here in Thailand, but really, Khao San Road is known as a backpacker’s dream come true. Just like Bangla Road in Phuket, Khao San Road is absolutely raucous on a Friday or Saturday night, but pretty much every night, this place gets going. You just walk around the streets. Here, we’re obviously walking around in the daytime, but if you come here at night, oh my goodness, this place is rocking. Next up, we’re headed to…
Phuket
Bangla Road:
is located in Patong Beach on the island of Phuket. This is an incredibly vibrant place for nightlife. I would not recommend bringing kids here as it is a bit of a hectic party zone. In the daytime, it’s just a regular road, but at night, this place lights up and becomes absolute mayhem and pandemonium on the street. I have always said this has got to be the biggest party on planet Earth every single night. There are a lot of shows that take place down here as well as a night market and other activities. So keep that in mind when you’re walking around. I will be highlighting the island of Phuket a few times in this blog.
Big Buddha:
in Phuket, this is the Big Buddha. If you go up here, you will see it is still under construction, but for the most part, it is done. Underneath the Buddha is the area where you can talk with monks. It also probably has some of the best views of Phuket.
Phi Phi Island:
I’m over here at Phi Phi Island viewpoint. This is a popular scenic viewpoint that you’ll often see in magazines and pictures. It’s right there on the big island of Koh Phi Phi Don. You can find hotels and bungalows right there on the beach. There’s lots of seclusion out here in the Andaman Sea, really a cool place to be.
Maya Bay:
Now, we’re headed to Maya Bay, where they filmed the movie “The Beach.” Probably the most popular beach in all of Thailand, known around the world. It’s become increasingly more difficult to get here as overtourism has really affected this place. They don’t even let you drive boats inside Maya Bay anymore because they’re trying to restore the reef. So, you will need a tour to get out here. You can either get a private boat tour, which will cost you around 1500 baht to go out of Koh Phi Phi Don or you can go on a group tour, which will be around 1000 baht.
Emerald Pools:
Swimming in natural pools? Come on out here to the Emerald Pools in Krabi. It’s about an hour’s drive from Ao Nang, a little bit closer to Krabi Town. It’s really cool to walk around; there are several different areas. They’re not quite hot springs, but they aren’t cold water either. Either way, it’s still a fun place to go swimming in a natural pool. The entrance fee is around 200 baht for adults and a hundred baht for children.
Karabi
Raily Beach
Now, here we are in Krabi at Railay Beach. This is one of the most famous beaches in all of Thailand and the world because of the big limestone towering mountain cliffs that you see here. It’s also a popular place with people who want to go to the cave restaurant, Raya Dining, which is actually on Phranang Beach, which is right next to Railay Beach. So if you come out here to this area, just keep in mind you have to take a long-tail boat from Ao Nang because there are no roads. And when the tide goes out, you can actually walk out to the islands, which is a pretty cool experience because when it’s high tide, it’s not possible to go out there unless you’re swimming or taking a kayak. So walking out there changes the whole situation.
Hong Island
Hong Island, also located in Krabi, and Phang Nga Bay, takes about an hour to reach from Krabi’s Ao Nang Beach.
Phang Nga Bay
But in that area is Phang Nga Bay, and it’s really one of the most impressive sights you’ll see anywhere in Thailand. This whole bay is because of the limestone rock spires.
Koh Lanta
It is just south of Phuket and north of Koh Lipe, so if you’re planning to visit Koh Lanta, you might consider arriving in Krabi and doing Koh Lipe and this island at the same time. But you can see it’s all about laid-back nature vibes here. I would say it’s super laid-back, so for those of you looking for more peace and quiet, Koh Lanta is a great choice. As you can see, there are about 15 islands in Thailand that are world-class. But now, let’s talk about elephant sanctuaries.
Elephant Sanctuaries
So, I’ve been to elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and even on Phuket, around Phuket beach, and of course, in Krabi. But yes, this is something popular. You just want to make sure they have humane treatment of the animals.
Chiang Rai:
Blue temple
Just down the road, staying in Chiang Rai, here I’m at the Blue Temple, which is equally as exotic and unique. There is no entrance fee for this one, and it’s open from 7 AM to 8 PM. The temple’s blue color actually represents the heavenly realms of Buddhism. When you visit these Buddhist temples, you should cover your shoulders and your knees as a matter of respect. So, some people like to bring a scarf with them when visiting temples across Asia, especially the Buddhist ones.
White Temple
As one of the most historical places in all of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, I am now going to head up North a bit to the White Temple. This is in Chiang Rai, an old Buddhist temple. The main reason this is so popular is because of its beautiful white color. It uses mirrors in its design, and people like to take pictures here because it’s so exotic and unique. You’re not going to see many temples like this anywhere in the world. The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM and costs 50 baht per person.
Chedi Phakdi Prakat
But yeah, as we keep showing you around Thailand, here we are at Chedi Phakdi Prakat. This is a unique temple right here south of Hua Hin. You can actually come out here and explore if you’re on your way down south. You can stop along the side of the road and go up to the mountaintop here.
Koh Tao:
This is one of the most beautiful islands I have ever visited in the world. I think it’s extremely underrated. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the only way to get here is by boat as there is no airport. While you’re here, you can expect plenty of diving, circling the island on tours, and relaxing on the beach. I could easily spend a week to 10 days here, but since it’s your first time, I would suggest staying for 2 to 3 days initially. Accommodation on the island starts at around $50 a night and goes all the way up to around $120. For backpackers, you can find cheaper accommodation options, so no need to worry.
Buddha Mountain:
Now we’re headed to Buddha Mountain, located in Pattaya City, which is in Chonburi. There is no entrance fee, so that’s really good.
Chiang Mai Old City:
From Phuket in the south, I’m going to head to the north this year to visit the charming old city of Chiang Mai. While in the old walled city, you can visit the five gates, Wat Phra Singh, and several other temples. Personally, I really enjoyed going to the weekend night market, trying out the variety of foods available on Fridays, and browsing through the souvenirs and Thai goods on offer
Pileh Lagoon:
this is Pileh Lagoon, one of the most scenic areas around the Phi Phi Islands. I would say I actually prefer this lagoon over Maya Bay because you can actually swim here. I would suggest visiting in the morning around 10 or 11 before all the boat traffic arrives because these places have become very popular with tourists. For this tour, I would recommend hiring a long-tail boat.
Old Phuket:
Which is actually an old Chinese and Portuguese village right here on the island of Phuket. Facing towards the Andaman Sea, you can find hotels here and hang out for a couple of days, but what I would suggest is just coming down here for one of the night markets.
Sanctuary Of Truth:
Headed to the Sanctuary of Truth, this is in Pattaya Beach. It’s a wooden temple, absolutely amazing. They’re still working on it; construction began in 1981, and it’s not expected to be completed until 2025. Because of that, you still have to wear a hard hat when going inside. The temple incorporates a mix of Ayutthaya Kingdom, Buddhist, and Hindu beliefs.
Khao Sok:
Now, we’re going to head down to Khao Sok. This is just north of Phuket, and it’s a man-made reservoir surrounded by limestone cliffs and canyons. Remember, it’s a lake inland on the peninsula, and there’s lots to see and do here. It’s very scenic; when you’re flying into Phuket, if you look out the window, you’ll see it. This area is known as Khao Sok National Park. Do not expect any party activity here; it is a nature lover’s paradise.
Koh Samui:
we’re headed out to the Gulf of Thailand again. This is Koh Samui, one of the most popular tourist destinations. You have Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui, all side by side, and you have to get there by ferry, although Koh Samui actually has an airport that you can arrive at. Some of the most famous places here are Chaweng Beach, Grandmother and Grandfather Rock, and Lamai Beach.
Koh Lipe:
Now, here we are at Koh Lipe. This is the furthest south tourist destination on the list, right next to Malaysia. Nearby, you can easily get a ferry boat to go to Langkawi, which is Malaysia’s best island. Here, you’ll find unique rock formations, beautiful laid-back resorts, and beaches. Koh Lipe is seasonal, though; during the rainy season, it’s mostly closed. Rainy season in Thailand begins around June and extends all the way until November. I would say plan for 3 days in Koh Lipe, but it’s definitely not a party island. And I say that because some of you are here for the parties. I know also if you guys are enjoying these videos so far, please consider…
Hot Springs:
Now, here we are at actual hot springs. This is right down the road from the Emerald Pools. Across Thailand, you’ll find they have several different areas for hot springs. I actually got a hard-boiled egg in a hot spring near Chiang Mai, so if you get a chance, go visit some of these hot springs. It’s really relaxing to get in that water. Sometimes it’s super hot, though, so take consideration when being in there for longer than 10 or 15 minutes. Also, make sure you drink a lot of water before going in one of those.
Rooftop Bars:
Now, let’s talk about rooftop bars and rooftop pools in Bangkok. This is probably the best place to go. Although in Phuket, they do have rooftop bars, but here at the Hyatt Regency, the Marriott has one. If you go online and do a Google search, there are at least 25 different rooftop bars you’ll want to explore in Bangkok. I recommend the open-air rooftop bars.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar:
Now, let’s talk about night markets. This is the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. It’s one of the most popular night markets you’ll find around Thailand. But they also have them in Phuket in places like Fisherman’s Village, they have them in Bangkok, and in Old Town. So, night markets all across Thailand are something you should do. Just look them up, whatever city you’re in. This one here, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, is really an amazing one. It’s a great way to get in touch with the culture but also to try exotic street food. That’s one of my favorite parts of this, of course, buying some souvenirs is cool too.
Ayutthaya:
Now, we’re headed to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. This is about an hour and a half to two hours north of Bangkok. This was one of the old capitals of Siam, but it was the Ayutthaya Empire. There were a few different empires that you may want to learn about in Thailand, including the Sukhothai Empire. So just going here and walking around, it’s like Thailand’s science. It’s reminiscent of the importance and grandeur of the city. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and it’s free.
Siam Paragon:
Thailand is also known for its mega malls. Now, there are a few, but one that stands out to me is Siam Paragon, right here along Rama I Road in Bangkok. There are a few other malls nearby, like Iconsiam, CentralWorld, and Central Westgate. Thailand, in my opinion, really stands out with its malls. It’s very hot and humid, and people like to go indoors to the malls.
Koh Kood:
Right next to Koh Chang is Koh Kood, and it’s also in the province of Trat in the Gulf of Thailand, nearby Cambodia. So between these two islands, you can easily visit both. But again, don’t expect much partying. Most people come here for the nature, the beautiful beaches, the seclusion, and the relaxation. If you didn’t want to drive from Bangkok, they do have an airport nearby here called Trat Airport (TDX). You can look it up.
Erawan National Park:
Now, here we are at Erawan National Park, known for waterfalls and nature. There are 7 tiers to this waterfall. It’s about 3 and a half hours away from Bangkok, nearby the Myanmar border. Now, here we…
Cabaret Show:
Start a cabaret show. This is a very unique activity for people; it might not be for everybody, but they have these cabaret shows in Pattaya and Bangkok. Also in Phuket. This one here is called Simon Cabaret. The ticket price is around $22 USD.
Train Market:
Now, here we are at the Train Market nearby Bangkok. It happens around 6 PM when the train comes rolling through here. They pick up everything in the market, and it’s a tight squeeze going through here. It’s also nearby the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, so you may consider doing both activities in the same day. You can visit the floating market and then the train market right after, and then head back to Bangkok. It is totally free to walk around the market and watch the train.
Phraya Nakhon Cave:
This is nearby in the mid area of the peninsula, just as it starts to go south. The interesting thing about Phraya Nakhon Cave is that it’s one of the biggest temple caves in the world. Now, it’s a bit of a hike, I found, and it’s an adventure getting out here because you have to take a boat to get to the beach where you begin the hike. But like I said, it might not be a hike for everyone; it’s a bit difficult.
Similan Islands:
Here are the Similan Islands. It is a protected marine sanctuary just off the coast of Phuket. It’s really fun to visit, located right here in the Andaman Sea off to the west of Thailand. It’s a beautiful place; you can see the water is pristine. It takes about 2 hours to get here by boat. If you love diving, this place, along with Koh Tao, are probably the two best places for you to go and do some diving.
Khao Yai:
Now, here we are in Khao Yai. This is probably the best national park in all of Thailand if you love hiking, biking trails, waterfalls, and viewing wildlife. Because here, you’re gonna see everything from big cats to elephants. Safaris are popular here, so this place is really the best national park for those who are looking to see some wildlife – monkeys, birds, you name it, it’s all right here in Khao Yai
Skytrain:
I highly recommend getting a Rabbit card and using the Skytrain to get around Bangkok. This is one of the most effective metro systems in the world, and it’s a lot easier to get around Bangkok on the Skytrain than it is to take a taxi or a car. Riding this thing up and down is convenient, from malls to rooftop bars. It probably will cost you no more than $10 a day, and that’s if you spend the whole day traveling around, exploring, because it’s very affordable.
Koh Chang:
I’m in Trat, another province, and this is Koh Chang. Now, Koh Chang is considered one of the best-kept secrets in Thailand in terms of the islands, and you’re going to see why when you get here. Beautiful beaches, crystal-clear translucent water – it’s actually very close to Cambodia. It is a bit harder to get to because you have to drive about 7 hours from Bangkok, but wow, what a place when you go to Koh Chang.
James Bond Island:
Another island is James Bond Island, famous for the movie “James Bond,” where he walks onto the beach. You can see the unique rock formation here. This island is about an hour away from Hong Island by boat, situated between Phuket and Krabi. So you can get to this island from either location if you go to James Bond Island.
I recommend you also include 3 or 4 other stops along the way because it’s not worth it to come all the way out here just for that.
Koh Panyee:
There’s actually a unique village here; it’s a Muslim village called Koh Panyee. You can walk around here and get lunch, typically on one of your tours. You can see it’s a very unique village built right here on the side of this island cliff because the tide is always rising and then going down again. It’s all built on stilts so depending on the time of day you arrive here, it might be high tide or low tide.
Full Moon Party island:
This is Koh Phangan, known as the Full Moon Party island. It happens once a month on the full moon, and when you go down here, you will see absolute pandemonium and chaos for parties. Lots of people come down here to just rock and roll. This is located on Haad Rin Beach, facing right out towards the eastern part of Thailand in the Gulf. So it’s really a beautiful place, smack right in between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The entrance fee is around 100 to 200 baht.
Paragliding:
And if you’ve ever wanted to turn yourself into a human drone and get aerial views, you’ve got to try paragliding. This is mostly done in Patong Beach on Phuket. It’s an amazing experience. Just make sure when you go up, it’s not too windy; that’s the big risk here.
The train over River:
Kwai also has a unique nickname, which I’m not going to say here, but it’s known for being a dangerous train ride, they say. People take pictures and like to do this for a lot of different reasons. But this is in the northwestern part of Thailand, nearby Mae Sot.
If any of these areas caught your attention, we will put links to more in-depth travel guide. So I would recommend you those places. Also, you can click a link here at the end for the Bangkok things to do or Phuket things to do. We’ll see you guys on the next one.
