Thailand is an incredible destination offering bustling cities, enchanting temples and serene beaches.
There is so many beautiful places to visit it’s hard to choose and even harder to come up with an effective Thailand itinerary. To make it a bit easier for you we put together a list of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers.
1. Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi islands certainly deserve to be number one on the list of best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
What I personally loved the most was a perfect blend of peaceful beaches, bustling nightlife, incredible viewpoints and without a doubt unforgetable island hopping.
If you visit Koh Phi Phi certainly go on a day trip offered by number of tour operators. It includes Monkey beach, snorkeling stops, swimming with sharks, islands and lagoons as well as swimming with bioluminiscent plankton.
How to get to Koh Phi Phi
Luckily all of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers are easily accessible and moreover can be reached from any other destination in Thailand.
Koh Phi Phi Don is an island with no airport, therefore the only way to get here is by a ferry. You can catch a direct ferry from Phuket, which takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours. Furthermore you can choose speedboat or slow ferry.
Additionally you can get here from Krabi town, Railay beach or Ao Nang. The journey takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the boat you choose. You can also get here from Koh Lanta.
TIP: The most reliable and our personal favorite website for any transport tickets in Asia is without a doubt 12go.asia. So check it out!
The closest airport to Ko Phi Phi can be found in Krabi town or Phuket. You can check the flight schedule and prices on skyscanner.com.
Best activities on Koh Phi Phi
When staying on Koh Phi Phi Don there are few activities you can do on the island. Spend your day relaxing on different beaches, explore the surrounding corals and go snorkeling. In addition you can climb one of few viewpoints for sunset.
Koh Phi Phi Don is also known as a party island. There are few parties happening each evening. You can watch Muay Thai fights while sipping the famous bucket cocktails.
In conclusion, it’s all these activities that make Koh Phi Phi one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
You certainly shouldn’t miss a boat day trip that visits Maya Bay. It covers a few other destinations such as Shark Point, Monkey beach, lagoons and Bamboo island. I will link some of the tours below.
TIP: Have you ever wondered where you should go on your honeymoon? Read about the best honeymoon destinations in Asia, and make your planning a piece of cake.
Where to stay on Koh Phi Phi
There are two Phi Phi islands – Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Lee. All the hotels, restaurants etc are on Koh Phi Phi Don.
On the other hand Koh Phi Phi Lee is the island where you can find Maya Bay – one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers you cannot skip. It’s not possible to spend a night there, you can only visit the island as a part of a day tour.
When choosing a place to stay on Koh Phi Phi Don you have to consider that it’s a party island. There are parties happening every day on the Loh Dalum beach. However if you are looking for more relaxed place choose other areas to stay.
Best hotels on Koh Phi Phi
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2. Koh Tao
Koh Tao Island is a very small but lively island. The main tourist area is a hub full of bars, restaurants, parties, and street food. But if you are looking for a more relaxing stay there are many options too.
Koh Tao is mostly famous for its incredible underwater life. There are multiple snorkeling spots you must visit.
The most beautiful snorkeling beach is without a doubt Tanote Bay. Koh Tao is also the best place in Asia where to get PADI certified.
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How to get to Koh Tao
Just like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao is an island without any airport. There are ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Surat Thani.
If you are traveling from some other destination it’s also possible to buy combined tickets for bus/train + ferry. Check 12go.asia to see which transport option is best for you.
We also wrote a complete guide on how to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, and Bangkok. Check it out for more details and tips.
If you want more details about getting to Koh Tao from different destinations around Thailand, make sure to read our travel guide.
The closest airport to Koh Tao island is Surat Thani or Koh Samui. Check the flights on skyscanner.com.
Best activities on Koh Tao
Koh Tao, one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers, is known as a snorkeling and scuba diving paradise. You certainly shouldn’t miss Freedom Beach, Tanote Bay, and John Suwan viewpoint.
It is even one of the best places in the world where you can get scuba certified. You can also join a boat trip to visit Koh Nan Yuang island. Additionally, in the evenings you can have fun on one of many parties happening here.
Where to stay on Koh Tao
The most popular area to stay is around Sairee Beach. You’ll find most restaurants around. However, this area is also a bit too loud, both during the day and night. If you’re coming to Koh Tao to relax, stay near one of many beaches.
We wrote a complete guide describing where to stay on Koh Tao, including the best areas as well as hotels and hostels for every budget.
Best hotels on Koh Tao
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3. Railay beach
Railay beach is a real paradise tucked away in a jungle. To explain, it’s a small area surrounded by jungle with no road access. Hence the only way to get to Railay beach is by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi town.
Most people come for a day trip only. But I highly recommend staying at least 1 night. There is a few hotels and restaurants.
Apart from the beach you can also try rock climbing here or hike to an incredible viewpoint and a lagoon. Railay beach is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
How to get to Railay Beach
A visit of Railay Beach is best combined with a stay in Krabi or Ao Nang, since there are also direct boats from Krabi to Railay. You have to travel by longtail boat but it only takes 30 minutes. In addition there are direct ferries from Phi Phi islands as well.
Best activities near Railay beach
Railay beach is a bit secluded since the only way to reach this place is by boat. Apart from beach bumming you can try rock climbing, hike to a viewpoint and also visit hidden lagoon.
There are multiple boat tours you can join as well as some other water activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking. Furthermore, you can even swim with bioluminiscent plankton near Railay beach. Railay beach is certainly one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
Where to stay on Railay beach
Railay beach is relatively small area so there’s not a lot of choice when it comes to choosing the best hotel. Luckily you can find a place for all budgets here. Keep in mind that prices for accommodation are generally a bit higher than in other parts of Thailand. However it’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers so trust me, it’s worth it.
Best hotels on Railay beach
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4. Mae Hong Son
What I liked about Mae Hong Son is that you can get closer to the real Northern Thailand culture here. This part of Thailand is still not that visited, hence everything is less touristy.
If you want to experience local life in Thailand, look no further. Mae Hong Son is a small town but it has a few attractions one can visit.
Near Mae Hong Son you can also visit the famous Long Neck Village – Huay Pu Keng. Mae Hong Son is part of a Mae Hong Son loop, a beautiful road trip you should certainly not miss! This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers.
We also recommend watching the sunset at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, visiting Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, and exploring Ban Rak Thai.
How to get to Mae Hong Son
If you are visiting Mae Hong Son, there is transport available from all the major cities around such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai. Unfortunately the only trip you can book online is the one from Chiang Mai via 12go.asia. The closest airport is in Chiang Mai.
We recommend renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai and doing the full Mae Hong Son Loop.
Best activities in Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a small town with a few interesting temples one can visit. In addition, it’s mostly about exploring nature and Northern Thailand’s culture. There are also multiple treks, tribes and cultural villages one can visit in Mae Hong Son.
Read next: Visiting Long neck village in Thailand
Where to stay in Mae Hong Son
Best hotels in Mae Hong Son
If you use the links below, you pay the same and we earn a little commision. It helps us run this blog. You can also check more hotels in Mae Hong Son on booking.com.
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5. Koh Phangan
Number 5 on the list of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers is Koh Phangan. Visiting Koh Phangan is an incredible experience for those seeking a tropical paradise.
Known for its legendary Full Moon Party, this Thai island offers more than just vibrant nightlife. Koh Phangan has two parts – Haad Rin known as the party hub and area around Zen beach famous for hippie vibes.
Whether you’re looking for a party place or a healing experience, Koh Phangan is a good choice. Furthermore you’ll find pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure alike.
Koh Phangan is also home to some incredible snorkeling spots! Our favorites are Mae Haad Beach and Haad Khom Beach.
How to get to Koh Phangan
Since Koh Phangan has no airport you would have to fly to Koh Samui. Find flight tickets at skyscanner.com. Optionally you can also fly to Surat Thani.
You can also get to Koh Phangan by ferry from Surat Thani, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao. When traveling from Bangkok or Phuket you can get a combined ticket for a van/bus + ferry.
TIP: When traveling in Asia we highly recommend booking your tickets via 12go.asia. It’s a very reliable company and in addition you can be sure you won’t get scammed.
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Check it outBest activities on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is known as a party destination thanks to Full Moon parties. However, it also offers spiritual healing and growth opportunities. You can do yoga classes, learn to sing, go on a meditation retreat, try tantra as well as sound healing.
When it comes to nature you can find a few beautiful viewpoints (Bottle beach viewpoint is the best!) as well as many beaches. There are also stunning corals and vibrant underwater life.
As you can see Koh Phangan offers incredible amount of different activities suitable for any kind of traveler. That’s why it’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
Where to stay on Koh Phangan
For party lovers, the best area to stay is near Haad Rin beach. That’s where you’ll also find the famous Full Moon Party. If you’re looking for a hippie laid-back vibe or if you’re a digital nomad head to Zen Beach. Other alternatives can be found in the northern part of the island, too.
Best hotels on Koh Phangan
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6. Khao Sok
Khao Sok is not only the best places in Thailand for first timers. You might even say it’s the most stunning place in Thailand.
Its ancient rainforests, emerald-green lakes as well as dramatic limestone karsts create a mesmerizing landscape.
Exploring Khao Sok offers opportunities for jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and also boat or kayak rides on Cheow Lan Lake. Moreover you can spend a night in a floating bungalow on a lake here.
How to get to Khao Sok
The nearest airport to Khao Sok is Phuket airport or Surat Thani airport. If you’re somewhere in the area, you can get here by bus or a van either from Surat Thani or Phuket. If you need to travel to Khao Sok from any other destination check 12go.asia.
Best activities in Khao Sok
When visiting Khao Sok it’s best to book a complete tour. You can choose 2, 3 or even more days long stay in Khao Sok national park. It’s possible to go kayaking, hiking, visit caves and you can also learn more about the flora and fauna of this area.
Where to stay in Khao Sok
If you are looking for a place to stay before/after the visit of Khao Sok national park there is a few hotels to choose from. You can also stay directly in the park, there are few floating hotels.
Furthermore you can find some budget friendly options as well as more luxurious places such as 500 Rai floating resort.
Best hotels in Khao Sok
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7. Krabi
Krabi in Thailand is like a dream come true. It’s got beautiful beaches, unique cliffs, as well as clear waters. In addition you can go on cool adventures, like exploring caves and climbing rocks.
At night you can enjoy tasty Thai food on nightmarkets. Krabi is a perfect place for both relaxing and having fun, making it great for a tropical vacation.
How to get to Krabi
Krabi town has it’s own airports with direct flights from Bangkok and few other destinations in Thailand. Alternatively you can also travel by bus or by train. In case you’re coming to Krabi from nearby islands, there’s always a ferry available. Check your options using the form below:
Best activities in Krabi
There is not that much to see near Krabi town. But you certainly shouldn’t skip Tiger Cave temple and a night market visit. Apart from that there are a few interesting tours you can join, such as the ones I link below.
Where to stay in Krabi
A good place to stay is Krabi town since it is a base for any other trips around Krabi. But you can also choose one of few islands and beaches in Krabi area.
Best hotels in Krabi
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8. Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok is an exciting adventure. The city is a bustling metropolis with towering skyscrapers, ancient temples, as well as vibrant street markets.
From the magnificent Grand Palace to the bustling street food stalls, it’s a place where tradition meets modern age. You can explore cultural attractions, try delicious Thai cuisine, and experience the city’s lively atmosphere. After all, Bangkok’s energy and diversity make it a captivating destination for travelers.
I can even say it’s our favorite big city in Asia. And it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
How to get to Bangkok
Getting to capital of Thailand is easy no matter where you’re traveling from. For international as well as domestic flights check skyscanner.com. In case you’re in Thailand or want to cross border from nearby countries check 12go.asia.
Best activities in Bangkok
Bangkok is a bustling capital full of opportunities. There’s so many places one can visit that you could easily spend a few weeks here without getting bored. Anyway, I’ll link some of the most interesting tours in Bangkok below.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Backpackers mostly choose Khao San road. Other budget friendly area is around Chatuchak market. But if you want to stay in the modern part of Bangkok Sukhumvit is a great place.
Best hotels in Bangkok
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9. Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a tropical paradise famous for its stunning beaches, like Patong or Kata. You can enjoy beach bumming all day or try some of the water activities.
In addition to its coastal beauty, Phuket features vibrant nightlife, delicious street food, and cultural attractions like the Big Buddha.
Phuket is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers. It’s popular amongst families with kids as well as young backpackers looking for some fun.
How to get to Phuket
Phuket has it’s own airport. There are direct flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and also Koh Samui. However if you want to fly here from Surat Thani or Krabi you’ll have to change flights.
When traveling from Khao Sok, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan it’s possible to buy tickets using 12go.asia. Some of them are combined tickets for ferry + van/bus.
Best activities in Phuket
Since Phuket is a favorite holiday destination with many long beaches and activities, there’s always something to do. Take a look at the following tours we recommend.
Where to stay on Phuket
Phuket offers many beaches to choose from. The most famous of them is probably Patong known for it’s bustling nightlife scene. Kata and Karon are also very popular among tourists.
Best hotels on Phuket
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10. Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a peaceful city in Northern Thailand. It’s famous for the White Temple, a beautiful all-white building. But you certainly can’t skip the incredible White Temple, the Blue Temple, and Wat Huay Pla Kang. Green mountains and little villages also surround this place.
In addition, Chiang Rai is a quiet and interesting place to explore the unique culture and lovely landscapes of Northern Thailand, away from the usual tourist spots.
Many people only do a day tour from Chiang Mai, but Chiang Rai deserves more attention. This is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers that certainly has to be on your list.
How to get to Chiang Rai
In case you’re already in Northern Thailand getting to Chiang Rai is really easy. There are always some buses or vans available daily. You can either buy your tickets from local tour operators, at the bus station or using 12go.asia.
In case you’re traveling to Chiang Rai from Bangkok, there are direct flights or buses. Buses take more than 20 hours though. Additionally you can use train, but you’ll have to change in Chiang Mai or Nakhon Lampang.
Best activities in Chiang Rai
The most popular attraction and one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers is without a doubt White Temple in Chiang Rai. There are a few other temples worth visiting as well.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
The best area to stay is near the bus station or around clock tower. If you’re looking for more budget friendly options, you’ll likely find them a bit further from the town centre.
Best hotels in Chiang Rai
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11. Pai
Pai, a small town in northern Thailand, is a laid-back gem surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Furthermore, the town’s relaxed vibe, scenic landscapes, and lush greenery make it a haven for travelers. You can explore waterfalls, hot springs, and picturesque canyons during the day.
In the evenings, Pai’s vibrant night market comes to life with delicious street food as well as local crafts. Additionally here are many fun activities for backpackers too!
You can go tubing, try yoga session, get a massage training and so much more! Definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
How to get to Pai
If you’re already in Northern Thailand you can get to Pai from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son by a minivan. There are numerous street vendors that can help you organise the transport.
You can also visit Pai as a part of Mae Hong Son loop which can be done on a scooter. It’s an incredible adventure we highly recommend!
Best activities in Pai
Pai is a small town with incredible amount of activities and attractions. The best thing you can do is rent a scooter and explore all the nice places around Pai. There are numerous viewpoints, hotsprings, waterfalls.
Apart from that you can also go river rafting or tubing. The number of various activities is what makes it one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
Where to stay in Pai
Pai is not a big town. However if you do not wish to ride a scooter I recommend finding a place close to the night market. Otherwise you can find some cozy bungalows a bit out of town surrounded by beautiful nature.
Best hotels in Pai
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12. Chiang Mai
What makes Chiang Mai so interesting is a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. There is a number of ancient temples worth visiting. Moreover Chiang Mai boasts a vibrant street food scene, bustling night markets, and nightlife opportunities.
Since it’s surrounded by mountains, it’s a perfect place for outdoor adventures such as trekking and exploring local hill-tribe villages. Chiang Mai is a destination that offers a balance of cultural exploration as well as natural beauty. That’s what makes it one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
How to get to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a train station so it’s easy to get here from Bangkok by train. The train ride is very comfortable, includes food and it’s rather cheap as well. Another option would be to fly to Chiang Mai from other destination in Thailand.
Best activities in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a very diverse city. In order to witness the traditional Northern Thailand culture head to the old town. There are multiple temples, each of them very different. Furthermore you can enjoy delicious Thai cuisine here. In addition the area of Chiang Mai offers various activities for nature lovers.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
If you are looking for a traditional place stay in Chiang Mai’s old town. For modern experience choose for example Nimmanheamin area. It offers many restaurants, bars and nightlife. It’s also common choice for expats.
Best hotels in Chiang Mai
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13. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a popular destination for beach lovers and those seeking relax. With its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush palm trees, it’s a postcard-perfect paradise.
The island also offers a range of water activities, from snorkeling and diving to boat tours. If you’re looking for some fun you will certainly enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Chaweng.
How to get to Koh Samui
Koh Samui has it’s own airport with direct flights from few destinations in Thailand including Bangkok. But if you’re already nearby you can come to Koh Samui by ferry from Surat Thani, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.
Best activities on Koh Samui
I personally found Koh Samui to be a bit boring since most of the island is inaccessible. There is a jungle road 360 which offers lovely views. You can also visit a few waterfalls but only after rainy season. Otherwise they’re gonna be dry.
However Koh Samui is great if you want to relax on the beach, enjoy slow days or party in the evenings. Moreover there are incredible fire shows organised every night. It’s still one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
Where to stay on Koh Samui
Most people decide to stay in Chaweng or Lamai. While Chaweng is more lively with vibrant nightlife, Lamai is the more peaceful destination. Other areas are also worth checking out. If you’re a digital nomad, see our guide for the best areas.
Best hotels on Koh Samui
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Best places to visit in Thailand for first timers
As you can see Thailand is full of incredible places. To sum it up, there’s so may different things to do and must visit places 2 months would not be enough! This list certainly doesn’t include all the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers and returning travelers.
Thailand has something for every type of traveler, whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, family looking for adventuruous holiday with kids or backpacker who wants to party all night. Let us know in the comments which place in Thailand is your favorite.
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