Thailand has a lot to offer in one trip. You can wander through temple complexes in the
morning, eat some of the best street food in Asia at lunch, and spend the evening on a
beach. If you’re deciding where to go, these five places cover the best of it.
Bangkok: Start Here
The capital is loud, crowded, and fascinating. Glass towers rise beside gilded temples, and
the Grand Palace and Wat Arun are easy to visit in a single day. For something different,
take a boat to a floating market or follow the smoke to the street food stalls after dark.
Bangkok’s nightlife also covers everything from rooftop bars to busy night bazaars. Most
visitors fly in here, so it makes a natural first stop.
Chiang Mai: Slow Mornings in the North
Chiang Mai sits among forested hills and feels much calmer than the capital. Its old
quarter holds many centuries-old temples, and the evening markets are good for crafts
and snacks. Make sure to try a bowl of northern curry noodles. If you want fresh air, the
mountains outside town are good for a day trip.
Phuket: The Classic Beach Holiday
As Thailand’s biggest island, Phuket has plenty of room for different holidays. Patong is
the place for energy and entertainment, while beaches further south are quieter. Water
sports are easy to arrange, and boat tours can take you out to smaller islands. Fresh
seafood by the shore makes a good ending to the day.
Krabi: Cliffs, Coves, and Clear Water
Krabi’s scenery is its main draw, with tall limestone rock faces rising straight from the sea.
Railay Beach feels secluded, since it is only reachable by boat, while Ao Nang is a handy
base with restaurants and tour desks. Island-hopping trips here take in lagoons, sandbars,
and snorkeling spots.
Phi Phi Islands: Postcard Scenery
This small island group is one of the most photographed places in the country. The wateris a vivid blue-green, the sand is pale and soft, and the surrounding cliffs make for striking views. Snorkeling is the main activity, and the sunsets are worth staying for. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Phuket or Krabi.
A Few Planning Notes
Season: The drier months, roughly November to February, are the most pleasant forbeaches and sightseeing.
Temples: Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Suggested route: Bangkok, then Chiang Mai, then finish on the southern coast withKrabi, Phi Phi, and Phuket.
