Traveling to Thailand and looking for things to add to your bucket list? We’ve shared 30 of our favorite places below.
N O R T H
01 Elephant Nature Park in Sri Lanna National Park
02 Giew Mae Pan Nature Trail in Doi Inthanon National Park
03 Mountain town of Pai
04 Golden Triangle & Hall of Opium Museum in Chiang Rai
05 White Temple & Black House in Chiang Rai
06 Sunrise at Phu Chi Fah
07 Historical Thai Ruins of Sukhothai
08 Almsgivings to Monks in Chiang Khan
09 Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani
10 Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum
C E N T R A L
11 Klong Plu & Than Mayom Waterfall Trekking on Koh Chang
12 Smile Koh Mak Cooking School on Koh Mak
13 Treepod Dining at Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood
14 Muay Thai Fight at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok
15 Koh Kret Island in Bangkok
16 Death Railway & Bridge Over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi
17 Buddha Head in Bodhi Tree at Ayutthaya
18 Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi
19 Train Market in Samut Songkhram
20 Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi
S O U T H
21 Diving off Koh Lipe
22 Deep Water Soloing at Tonsai Beach
23 Cave Kayaking at Phang Nga Bay
24 Snorkeling off Koh Rok
25 Windmill Viewpoint in Phuket
26 Floating Bungalows at Khao Sok
27 Kitesurfing off Koh Pha Ngan
28 Tha Pom Klong Song Nam in Krabi
29 The Separated Sea off the Shores of Krabi
30 The Cursed Stones at Koh Hin Ngam
01 Elephant Nature Park in Sri Lanna National Park
Visit a special sanctuary that is home to dozens of elephants rescued from the plight of logging and unethical tourism operations. Observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat and experience the once in a lifetime opportunity to bathe and feed them without the riding! Your money goes directly to the rehabilitation and future rescuing of elephants.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
BAMBOO COUNTRY LODGE ★★ MAE TAENG CAMPING VIEW RESORT ★★ SIBSAN RESORT & SPA ★★★★
02 Giew Mae Pan Nature Trail in Doi Inthanon National Park
Follow the lead of a local Hmong hill tribe guide and hike this 2.5-kilometer nature trail through the pleasantly cool jungles of Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. Be wowed by the towering trees, unique flora and fauna, and spectacular views of the Royal Twin Pagodas overlooking the expansive valleys below.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
CHOMTHONG FARMSTAY AND CAMPING ★ BAAN SUAN KITTIKORN ★ INTHANON HOSTEL ★★
03 Mountain Town of Pai
Brave more than 700 turns through the mountains of Northern Thailand to get to the quaint and picturesque town of Pai. Among teak houses and rice paddies, discover a creative community that blends art, music, and health food for a hipster-meet-hippie paradise. Blissfully relaxing, this is the perfect place to unwind.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
THE MOUNTAIN VIEW BACKPACKER GUEST HOUSE ★ KIRINA RETRO HOUSE ★★★ PAI ISLAND RESORT ★★★★★
04 Golden Triangle Overlook & Hall of Opium Museum in Chiang Rai
Witness the magnificent merging of three countries and two rivers at the Golden Triangle viewpoint. It was within these border regions between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar that once contained the world’s leading opium producers and smuggling routes during the twentieth century. Visit the nearby museum that tells this history through artifacts, photos, and written documents.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
WORLD HOUSE FAMILY ★ GIN’S MEKONG VIEW ★★★ ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE ELEPHANT CAMP & RESORT ★★★★★
05 White Temple and Black House in Chiang Rai
One of the most recognizable temples in all of Thailand is the heavenly White Temple. It has an entirely white exterior adorned with tiny mirrors that glint in the sun and is surrounded by impressively intricate sculptures. Two short kilometers away is the Black House, a series of structures that are dark and foreboding and a dramatic contrast to the White Temple.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
BAANBARAMEE GUESTHOUSE ★ NAR-RAK-O-RESORT ★★★ THE IMPERIAL RIVER HOUSE RESORT ★★★★★
06 Sunrise at Phu Chi Fah
Get a rush and stand on the top of the world in a tiny town on the border of Thailand and Laos. In the early morning hours, take a short trek to the Phu Chi Fah summit and watch the sun rise over the neighboring valley that’s blanketed with a sea of mist. It’s out of this world!
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
BANPAKPHUCHEEFAH ★
07 Historical Thai Ruins of Sukhothai
Step into the past and visit the ancient Thai capital city of Sukhothai. Rent a bicycle and slowly pedal your way past the remains of a once flourishing metropolis filled with calming Buddha statues, crumbling stone chedis, and majestic temple remains.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
VIENG TAWAN SUKHOTHAI GUESTHOUSE ★★ SAWASDEE SUKHOTHAI RESORT ★★★ SRIWILAI SUKHOTHAI ★★★★
08 Almsgivings to Monks in Chiang Khan
Go where few international visitors go and stroll through the streets of this sleepy little town on the banks of the Mekong River. Wake up just before the sunrise and see the orange robe-clad monks slowly make their way past old-fashioned stilted houses to collect their morning alms.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
BAAN SUAN LA MOON ★★ REMEMBER LOEI LOVE ★★★ INBOX LIVING RIMKHONG ★★★
09 Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani
Surround yourself with a million hot pink lotus flowers on this expansive lake in Thailand’s quiet northeastern countryside. Hop on one of the many pontoon boats moored along the lake’s shoreline and take a ride along the shimmering ‘roads’ that cut through the lily pads and floating flowers as far as the eye can see.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
GECKO VILLA ★★★ GRAHAM & DONLAYA ★★★ KP HOTEL ★★★
10 Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum
Explore the beauty of nature in one of Thailand’s national parks in Isaan. Two must-visit sites within the park are the Hom Hud Cliff with 180-degree views of the blue mountains and the hot pink Siam Tulip fields. Diehard nature fans can camp overnight, too.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
BAAN TUNG KRAJAEW HIGHLAND RESORT ★★ PASAK HILLSIDE RESORT ★★★SIAM RIVER RESORT ★★★★
11 Klong Plu and Than Mayom Waterfall Trekking on Koh Chang
Take a half-day and explore the inner works of an island in the Gulf of Thailand. Beginning and ending with two stunning waterfalls within the island’s national park, enjoy a hike through the jungle and take a refreshing dive into a natural plunge pool.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
BAAN RIM NAM ★★ RAMAYANA KOH CHANG RESORT & SPA ★★★ THE EMERALD COVE KOH CHANG ★★★★★
12 Smile Koh Mak Cooking School on Koh Mak
Spend an afternoon learning how to make classic Thai dishes from a sweet and funny Thai woman. She’ll teach you the ins and outs of how to make several crowd-pleasing dishes from scratch – even the ubiquitous Thai curry paste – all while enjoying a beautiful seafront views.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
AO PONG RESORT ★ KOH MAK AO KHAO WHITE SAND BEACH ★★★ SEAVANA KOH MAK BEACH RESORT ★★★★
13 Treepod Dining at Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood
Take fine dining to new heights – literally! Spend the afternoon in a private bamboo ‘treepod’ that hoists you high into the jungle’s leafy canopy for aerial views of the nearby beach. What makes this experience even more intriguing is the waiters who deliver Thai delicacies by zipline acrobatics through the trees.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
KATEEN HOMESTAY ★★ KOH KOOD BEACH RESORT ★★★ HIGH SEASON POOL VILLA & SPA ★★★★★
14 Muay Thai Fight at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok
Watch an authentic Muay Thai match at one of the biggest and best stadiums in the country. These athletes are experts in a special form of cultural martial arts, complete with ritualistic Wai Kru dance and distinct rhythmic music that adds to the atmosphere of the fight.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
SUPER HOSTEL ★ MEET AND GREET APARTMENT ★★★ NOVOTEL BANGKOK IMPACT ★★★★
15 Koh Kret Island in Bangkok
Escape Bangkok’s hustle and bustle with a trip to an island in the heart of the Thailand’s capital city. Wander around its charming skyscraper-free village and relax with views of the Chao Phraya River. On weekends, vendors set up shop and sell traditional terracotta pottery and refreshing central Thai desserts.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
CAST AWAY ★★ THE JOURNEY ★★★ VILLA BARON ★★★★
16 Death Railway and Bridge Over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi
Regarded now as a symbol of peace, the Bridge over the River Kwai is part of the infamous Death Railway that links Bangkok, Thailand with Yangon, Myanmar. It has a rich but sobering history: under the brutal control of imperialistic Japanese soldiers during WWII, more than 100,000 people died constructing this track including Burmese and Thai laborers alongside American, British, and Australian POWs.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
CANAAN GUESTHOUSE ★ GOOD TIMES RESORT ★★★ DHEVA MANTRA RESORT ★★★★★
17 Buddha Head in a Bodhi Tree at Ayutthaya
One of Thailand’s most recognizable images of Buddha can be found in the Old Capital of Ayutthaya. Long ago, the head of a Buddha statue became entwined by the silver roots of a Bodhi tree. It rests in what is now a historical park that’s home to Buddha statues draped with saffron-colored robes, quiet courtyards, and ancient chedis.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
BAN BOONCHU ★ BAAN TYE WANG GUESTHOUSE ★★★ SALA AYUTTHAYA ★★★★★
18 Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi
Hike along a trail to a seven-tiered waterfall and swim in its natural freshwater pools. This beautiful natural attraction has water that ranges from a clear to soft opaque blue, climbable rocks thanks to unique mineral deposits, and trees offer shades for picnics.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
YAYEI HOMESTAY ★★★ BOUTIQUE RAFT RESORT ★★★ THE FLOAT HOUSE RIVER KWAI ★★★★
19 Train Market in Samut Songkhram
Visit this one-of-a-kind open-air Thai market has made itself comfortable on top of train tracks, but that hasn’t stopped the train or the market from tending to their customers every day. Watch as vendors close their stands’ awnings and pick up produce baskets to make way for the train as it rumbles down the tracks, right through the middle of the market.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
HOMETOWN HOSTEL ★ HOTEL JUNTIMA ★★★ POMELO AMPHAWA THE LOCAL RESIDENCE ★★★★
20 Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi
Experience a postcard-perfect moment and visit one of the largest floating markets in Thailand. Watch the hustle and bustle of dozens of vendors selling their goods to hungry patrons from the unique position of a longtail boat on the back alley waterways in Bangkok’s canals.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
PHOR KUP MAE HOMESTAY ★ BAAN THAI DAMNOEN CANAL HOUSE ★★★ BAAN KLONG RESORT ★★★★
21 Diving off Koh Lipe
Dive into the crystal clear underwater world near Koh Lipe. This tiny island is not far from the southernmost tip of Thailand and has some of the best reefs in the region, but it is not often on divers’ radars. Under the aquamarine water explore soft coral gardens and swim with incredible fish species.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
LIPE HOSTEL ★ MALI RESORT ★★★ AKIRA LIPE RESORT ★★★★
22 Deep Water Soloing at Tonsai Beach
Take rock climbing to new extremes with solo climb routes that end with a splash in the Andaman Sea. With gorgeous views of the surrounding beach coves and limestone cliffs, this is one place that thrill- and adventure-seekers won’t want to miss.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
RAILAY GARDEN VIEW RESORT ★★ AVATAR RAILAY ★★★ BHU NGA THANI RESORT & SPA ★★★★
23 Cave Kayaking at Phang Nga Bay
Glide through the shady jungle in a kayak, pass the tangled roots of the mangrove forest, and into a special cave that only reveals itself during low tide. Paddle under stalactites and then into a rock formation that opens to a huge skylight that lets in the sun to reveal beautiful green water.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
CAMPGROUND SAMETNANGSHE ★ PHANG-NGA COTTAGE ★★ THE SLEEP PHANG-NGA ★★★
24 Snorkeling off Koh Rok
Not far from Koh Lanta is a pair of sister islands with gorgeously clear water and beautiful coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Swim by parrot fish, clown fish, sea stars, giant clams, eels, and more. Along the beach, spot Monitor lizards and hermit crabs galore.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
SEA SUN BUNGALOWS ★★ ANDA LANTA ★★★ PIMALAI RESORT & SPA ★★★★★
25 Windmill Viewpoint in Phuket
Step away from Bangla Road and Patong Beach and visit a gorgeous viewpoint on the southern tip of Phuket. Stand atop a cliff and you’ll see royal blue and turquoise waters crashing into the gray rocks and white beach below. It’s picture perfect with its beautiful horizon dotted with tiny islands and puffy clouds hanging in the sky above.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
THE COZY HOUSE ★★★ VIVI BUNGALOWS RESORT 2 ★★★ THE NAI HARN ★★★★★
26 Floating Bungalows at Khao Sok
Experience an evening like no other, which combines camping and boating on the Cheow Lan Lake in the Khao Sok National Park. When you aren’t taking in the sights of the limestone karst cliffs and emerald green waters from your floating bungalow, hike trails, visit waterfalls, explore caves, and scale viewpoints nearby.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
PANVAREE ★★ KEEREE WARIN CHIEW LAN RESORT ★★★ 500 RAI KHAO SOK FLOATING RESORT ★★★★
27 Kitesurfing off Koh Pha Ngan
Surf across the smooth, open water just off Koh Pha Ngan. With a steady wind at your back, feel the power and freedom of this sport as you glide by tropical beaches and over warm waters.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
WEST SIDE STORY HOSTEL ★ COCO GARDEN RESORT ★★ ANGKANA HOTEL BUNGALOWS ★★★
28 Tha Pom Klong Song Nam in Krabi
Stroll along an elevated wooden walkway, that takes you through a tropical mangrove and to a unique waterway appropriately named “Two Water Canal.” This natural wonder features the joining of crystal clear saltwater from the sea with cloudy, powder blue freshwater from natural ponds.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
PHU TUBKAEK VIEW HOUSE ★ DISCOVERY RESORT ★★★ VILLA THALANENA ★★★★
29 The Separated Sea off the Shores of Krabi
Take a speedboat or an iconic longtail boat to this island complex in the Andaman Sea, which is locally known as Thale Waek. What makes it unique are the pristine white paths of sands that are revealed during low tide, creating natural walkways that connect Tub, Mor, and Chicken Islands for you to walk in between.
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
RAILAY GARDEN VIEW RESORT ★★ AVATAR RAILAY ★★★ RAYAVADEE ★★★★★
30 The Cursed Stones at Koh Hin Ngam
Visit this small inhabited island, which is home to a unique beach made of black pebbles. Prior visitors have created Zen stone pyramids out of the smooth stones, which give the area an unearthly quality. Although the stones are beautiful, be sure to leave them on the beach – legend has it they curse those who take them!
HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
SALISA RESORT ★ SERENDIPITY BEACH RESORT KOH LIPE ★★★ IDYLLIC CONCEPT ★★★★
What are the best domestic airlines in Thailand?
Book your flights through these airlines:
Full Service and Boutique Airlines: Thai Airways and Bangkok Air
Middle-Range Airline: Thai Smile
Budget Airline: Air Asia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion
Need to book a train or bus ticket online?
Pre-book your tickets online on 12go.asia. The alternative is to book through a travel agent or to purchase tickets in-person at the respective train or bus station.
Want more hotel recommendations?
Of all of the hotel booking sites available, Thailand’s best selections can be found on Agoda.com or Booking.com.
Should you get travel insurance?
No one likes to think about vacations going awry. But despite taking preventative measures, you can still get hurt, lose valuables, or have trip cancellations. If you want the peace of mind, we recommend World Nomads.