From the incredible food to the breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, there’s no question as to why Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia. North to south spans lush jungles, vibrant cities, and pristine beaches. Coined the “Land of Smiles,” Thai locals have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming towards tourists. Thailand is very affordable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. After exploring Thailand from corner to corner, I recommend these three destinations for any first-time visitors.
Bangkok
Most tourists either start or end their trip in Bangkok—I recommend starting there. People who begin in Bangkok tend to like it more than those who go there last. As energetic and lively as it is hot and humid, Bangkok is anything but boring.
Popular activities include visiting the famous floating market, taking a boat tour through the canals of the Chao Phraya River, shopping at the 10-story Icon Siam Mall, or spending the night out on the infamous Khao San Road (although I only recommend this if you really like to party). Another must is one of the many rooftop bars. Although dining there is more expensive than elsewhere in Bangkok, you get 360-degree views of the city at the fraction of what you would pay in the United States.
Be sure to set aside a few hours for the number one attraction in Bangkok, and one of the most popular in all of Thailand: The Grand Palace*. Once home to the Thai Royal Family, it features an array of intricately designed buildings lined with ornate gold trim and vibrant mosaic tiles. Across the river from the Grand Palace another one of Bangkok’s most famous temples; Wat Arun. It’s made up of five spires, each decorated with intricately designed porcelain mosaics and shells. It is also a great spot to catch the sunset.
When you get hungry, street food is incredibly popular and cheap. If you’re a fan of Pad Thai, you can find it for as little as $2 on almost every corner (yes, the street food in Thailand is safe to eat, just don’t drink the tap water).
Recommended stay length: 3-4 nights
*The temples do have a dress code; knees and shoulders have to be covered but if you aren’t wearing proper attire, sarongs are available for purchase outside of the temple.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a fan favorite destination in Thailand. Compared to Bangkok, it’s smaller, safer, and easier to navigate; most of it is walkable. The old town dates back to the 1200s, making it rich with culture and history, and there is no shortage of ancient gold-lined temples. It is also a jumping off point to access Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle—where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar (Burma); day tours regularly leave from the city, but plan on a full 14-hour day.
Elephants are the national animal of Thailand, and the streets of Chiang Mai are lined with unique shops offering every elephant item you could think of. You can find clothing, jewelry, ceramics, keychains, and leather trinkets—perfect for elephant enthusiasts.
Outside of town, the buzz of the city is replaced with the hum of birds. Elephant-crossing signs line the winding roads. Deep in the verdant jungle, you’ll find the inspiration for Chiang Mai’s theme: elephants. Surrounded by velvety green mountains and gentle waterfalls, elephants reside in sanctuaries where you can feed, bathe, and play with them—a truly unforgettable experience. There are day trips that depart from the city, but I highly recommend staying overnight if you have room in your itinerary.
A note on ethical elephant sanctuaries:
While getting up close to elephants is a wonderful and unique experience, unfortunately, not all elephant attractions are ethical. Make sure to research the sanctuaries carefully and read what other tourists had to say about how the elephants are treated. A huge red flag is if elephant rides or circus-type shows where the elephants do tricks are offered; elephants are not ever meant to be ridden or perform tricks.
Recommended stay length: 3-5 nights
Koh Phi Phi
Just short flight (or long bus ride) away from Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the many islands of Southern Thailand. My personal favorite is Koh Phi Phi. The natural beauty, near-empty beaches, and some of the most vibrant colors I’ve ever seen make for an unbeatable combination.
Majestic emerald cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters welcome you into the harbor of Tonsai Village. Wooden boats adorned with vibrant multicolored ropes line the beach. Boat taxis are a regular mode of transportation here, since there are no cars or real roads on the island other than a few bikes and utility vehicles. Many hotels and beaches are only accessible by boat, so be prepared to step a few inches into the water if you aren’t staying in town.
Phi Phi offers plenty of outdoor activities, including boat tours around the island that stop at hotspots such as Maya Bay and Monkey Beach. There is also snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking. Tonsai Village may be small but it comes alive at night, buzzing with restaurants, bars, live music, and if it’s your thing, Muay Thai fighting.
To get to Phi Phi, you have to take a boat either from Phuket or Krabi. There are two different boat options: You can take a speedboat, which takes around 45 minutes and costs around $40 USD per person round trip. You can also take the ferry, which is cheaper but takes around two-hours. There are usually only 2-3 boat trips per day so it’s best if you plan it out in advance.
Recommended stay length: 3 nights (although I could have stayed there forever)
Thailand is truly an amazing country and while this is just the tip of the iceberg of what it has to offer, you can’t miss these spots on your first trip there. Happy adventuring!
