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Are you wondering about the best places to visit in Thailand so you can plan your itinerary better? You can achieve your travel goals with our comprehensive list of beautiful destinations, tourist spots to visit in Thailand, including the many attractions that the country has to offer.
Thailand is nicknamed the Land of Smiles, and for a good reason. As soon as you step foot in the country, you would be welcomed with their warm hospitality that you would want to start exploring its many different destinations and meet its people.
Wherever you may go or choose to do—be it to do business in Bangkok, explore Phuket, experience Chiang Mai, party at the Koh Chang Lonely Beach, visit an elephant nature park, trek the Khao Yai National Park, or buy items at the Thailand weekend market or night market—Thailand has everything that you can ever ask for.
Despite being heavily influenced by different cultures, Thailand has successfully kept its exotic appeal intact, making it an unforgettable country to visit no matter the season. The country offers tons of places that cater to both budget travellers and luxury jet setters looking to enjoy Thailand, including sampling some of the best Thai food.
Visiting Thailand means getting access to some of the best islands, highlands, and temples. No matter where you go, you will have a memorable trip. You can go south and explore the Andaman coast of the Gulf of Thailand for the superb beach waters, including doing watersports at Koh Lipe. If you plan to visit the south, you can explore the captivating islands of Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta, or Koh Kradan. You can choose to go to Northern Thailand and be mesmerised at the impressive temples, waterfalls, and mountain sceneries. Do you know that one of Thailand’s priorities right now? It is to showcase the best things that tourists can do when exploring their country.
What Is the Best Part of Thailand? What Are the Best Places to Visit in Thailand?
For many avid travellers, visiting Thailand is one of their bucket lists. Who can blame them when they want to explore the chaotic beauty of the country, including the vast tropical jungles of Krabi Province, palm-lined beaches of Phuket, vast national parks, and of course, the epic street food of Bangkok night market.
You don’t have to worry about going from point A to B because the country has a well-connected transport system and reliable airlines that let you explore the country effectively. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Thailand:
Ayutthaya
This ancient city of Ayutthaya was the past capital of Thailand during the 14th century when Siam was at its peak. Today, however, the city remains one of the iconic spots for tourists. The ruins of the kingdom are now the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to many reliquary towers (prang), stucco statues, and wats. It spans a total of 289 hectares with various rivers and deep moats. Most tourists will visit Ayutthaya to see the Wat Phra Mahathat, featuring the statue of Buddha’s head twisted with tree roots.
The Wat Phra Si Sanphet is another must-visit in Ayutthaya. It is the largest of all the temples in the park and is famous for having three huge Chedis.
If you want to see the giant reclining Buddha and lines and lines of sitting buddha statues, you can end your visit to Ayutthaya by heading to the Wat Yai Chai Mongkol.
Bangkok
If you want to explore the heart of Thailand, one of your stops should be the capital city of Bangkok. It is one of the best places to visit if you enjoy its fast-paced life, cosmopolitan feel, and vibrant nightlife. Despite being the centre for most businesses, Bangkok is also rife with palaces and temples that give you a peek at the culture and heritage of Thai people.
What most don’t know is that Bangkok is situated on vast water. It has many interconnected networks connected by the Chao Phraya River, where you can enjoy a long-tail boat cruise.
Bangkok is also a shopping haven with tons of shopping centres. Some of the highly visited by tourists and locals include the super posh Siam Paragon and the travel-themed Terminal21. You can also choose to explore the many traditional floating markets of Bangkok. Tourists searching for unique shopping experiences should never miss the Chatuchak Market, a weekend market considered to be among the world’s biggest outdoor markets with a labyrinth of thousands of stalls that sells a myriad of items all at an affordable price.
Another one of the best places to visit is the Grand Palace, which includes the buildings of the Royal Reception Halls, the Wat Phra Kaew, and the Wat Pho where you can see the 46-metre reclining buddha gilded in gold.
Amid the skyscrapers and the busyness of Bangkok, tourists can find respite in Lumpini Park, a green oasis where you can observe local life.
Chiang Mai
A visit to the countryside would best be spent exploring the jungle mountains of Chiang Mai. This area is filled with tropical rainforests and historical constructions. It is one of the best places to visit in Thailand to enjoy some good hill trekking. In fact, the area is pretty popular with backpackers. If you have the time, you can go to the Doi Inthanon National Park where you can see remote villages and have the best vantage point of the Himalayan mountain range.
If you can’t get enough of the many temples in Bangkok, Thailand, Chiang Mai is also home to some of the most active Buddhist temples in the country. The Doi Suthep is among the most popular, but you can also choose to explore the temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Phra Singh.
Outside of the city, tourists can also join organised tours of Thailand. Chiang Mai is often considered a great place wherein they will get the chance to see a few of the hill tribes, including her Karen and Meo Hill tribes. You can even support their livelihood by buying some of the handicrafts they make. If you want to purchase silk and pottery items, you can head to San Kamphaeng Road in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai
Nestled at the border of Laos and Myanmar, Chiang Rai is a mountainous city famous for the Lam Nam Kok National Park that boasts of trails that go straight to the 70-metre Khun Korn Waterfall, hill tribe villages, and dense forest.
Since Thailand is a country of temples, tourists can also expect to find one of Thailand’s best temples located in Chiang Rai, and probably the most visited in the area is the Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple. While it is no longer an active temple but a private compound, it features one of the stunning works of Chalermchai Kositpipat, a modern visual artist.
The Wat Tham Pla is an alternative for the White Temple. It is where you can explore a cave filled with thousands of wild macaques. You can access it via a staircase filled with Naga serpents. Meanwhile, the Wat Phra Kaew used to be the home of the Emerald Buddha before it was transferred to the Grand Palace, but it is still a worthy visit. The Doi Tang Mountain houses the former royal residence, a botanical garden, and a temple with majestic views should also be part of your itinerary. If you plan to stay the night, do check out the night bazaar to get some souvenirs.
Hua Hin
This town may be famous for being the royalty’s summer retreat travel destination, and it isn’t hard to see why. Hua Hin will indeed give you the best vacation with its lively beach life and beautiful turquoise waters.
Besides the main Hua Hin beach, you can also explore the shores of Cham Am and Khao Takiab where you can get to interact with wild macaques and visit the Khao Takiab temple as well. Take note, however, that this area is littered with locals and tourists from December to January.
When you explore further from the Cham Am, you should also take time to visit the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, a Thai-Victorian complex built from teak wood. It used to be the summer home of then, King Rama VI.
For those looking for some outdoor activities, you can head to Pranburi Mangrove Forest and Kaeng Krachan National Park. Roughly 2 hours away from Hua Hin, tourists can explore waterfalls and meet wild elephants in the Elephant Nature Park.
Kanchanaburi
For most locals, Kanchanaburi has a dark past because of its connection to World War II. It is where you can see the infamous bridge over the River Kwai, known for being the Death Railway, connecting Thailand and Myanmar. The said bridge was built by forced labour where more than 16,000 prisoners of war succumbed to death. The historical bridge still stands today, but the railway line remains unfinished.
A visit to Kanchanaburi would take you back to the days of the war with its Kanchanaburi War Cemetery where many prisoners were buried.
You can also explore the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre where you can learn more about the storied past of the railway construction using video exhibits and interactive displays.
You can also visit the JEATH War Museum and the World War II Museum & Art Gallery, where you can see the many weapons, paintings, and documents depicting the war.
To wash away all the stress of reliving the past war and its damages, tourists can find respite about 90 minutes north of the bridge—the Erawan National Park. Here you can see the Erawan Falls, famous for its seven-tier waterfall that ends on emerald green ponds neatly tucked inside the dense rainforest.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
A mountain of 300 peaks is what Khao Sam Roi Yot translates to, and it is evident in the formation of this national park. It is rife with freshwater marsh, scenic beaches, mangrove swamps, jungle trails, and limestone caves. The area has too many offerings that it is impossible to cover everything with a day trip. You can rent out a bungalow where you can stay for the night. If you intend to see everything that this national park has to offer, you can do well by starting at the northwest corner via the Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh. Here you can get to see hundreds of waterbirds against the bluish mountains.
The Phraya Nakhon has a colossal cave outfitted with a royal pavilion inside. The only way you can access this is by traversing a steep, uphill trek, but what you can see is definitely worth the 30-minute walk. Another worthy climb that you should take is to explore the Sai Cave where you can see stalactites and gorgeous viewpoints. You can also explore the mangrove forests and the different species of animals in Khao Daeng Canal. It may be necessary to rent a boat in the village.
Khao Yai National Park
Despite being the oldest Thailand national park, Khao Yai National Park remains a popular travel destination for locals and tourists for its vast population of wild elephants. The national park spans almost 2,000 square kilometres and is home to mountains, rainforests, and grasslands, making it an ideal home to many different faunas, including jackals, gibbons, and bears.
If you are keen on exploring a national park, Khao Yai National Park is the one you should prioritize. It is an easily accessible area, only about a few miles from Bangkok. Khao Yai National Park is one of the best places in Thailand you should consider visiting because what you will experience here will take you much closer to nature.
If you have watched The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. You will remember the Haew Suwat Waterfall, which you can access by foot while in the park. Plus, you can enjoy many different beaches in the area that will truly keep you awe-struck. The park also has trekking and biking trails that visitors can enjoy while basking at the majestic views.
Koh Samui
For a more luxurious getaway, one of the best places to visit in Thailand would be Koh Samui. It is the country’s second-largest island and offers palm-lined beaches and mountainous rainforests where guests can experience breathtaking sunsets. Koh Samui is also home to the Wat Phra Yai that boasts of a 12-metre Big Buddha.
From the island, guests can ride a ferry to Kah Tao where they can enjoy scuba diving and exploring the underwater beauty of the beaches in the area. They can also head to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a protected area where many exotic animal species reside.
Krabi
Krabi province is made up of 200 islands, with a considerable part of the region designated as national parks. It is also one of the best places in Thailand where you can get access to beautiful beaches. The coast may be rugged with limestone cliffs, making it extremely popular for climbers. The province also boasts of the Railay Beach that consistently attracts climbers who find solace in exploring its mystical caves.
Krabi is also home to the Koh Phi Phi Islands surrounded by coral waters and surrounded with limestone rocks. It is said that Krabi beaches offer the perfect site for snorkelling. Other activities that visitors can do include kayaking, sailing, and bird-watching. Aside from exploring the Koh Phi Phi Islands, It would also be worthy of your time to explore the virgin rainforest of the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park and experience the area’s natural pools and lush rainforest. Don’t miss visiting even one of the islands Koh Phi Phi when you reach Krabi. It will surely give you one of the best things during your trip—an unforgettable time.
Pattaya
Pattaya used to be a quiet fishing village. Today, it is one of the go-to places for those residing in Bangkok who want to escape the busyness of city life. Here, they can soak up some sun and explore many different beaches such as the Hat Sai Kaew and Koh Samet beaches. Not only do these beaches have clear blue waters, but they also have food stalls where tourists can taste exotic Thai cuisine.
Koh Larn is where you should go if you want to see vibrant sea life while aboard the glass-bottom boats. The Koh Larn Island is also a go-to place for those who wish to have some adrenaline-packed adventures with its windsurfing and parasailing offerings.
You can also check out the Chanthaburi Sapphire Mine that would allow you to take a peek at the mining activities in the region. Visit Siam Pattaya where you can see many different miniature replicas of famous landmarks worldwide, including Angkor Wat and the Statue of Liberty. One wat you can visit here is the Wat Phra Yai Temple with its 18-metre golden buddha.
Phuket
Located on the west coast of Thailand, along the Andaman Sea, Phuket is a must-visit for beach buffs looking for different scenery. It houses several beaches, including the Kata Noi beach home to some of the most gorgeous and quiet views. Nai Harn beach, on the other hand, features crystal-clear waters with palm-fringed shorelines. Those looking for some luxurious destinations can head to Surin Beach, where they can experience gourmet dining while overlooking the coast of the Andaman Sea.
Phuket is more than just the beaches, as it also has a spiritual side. You can find it atop the Nakkerd Hill and gaze at the 45-metre Big Buddha. Wat Chalong is where you should go if you want to see the stupa said to have a bone fragment of the Buddha.
Its town centre is best explored on foot if you want to discover the many Sino-Portuguese buildings that still stand along the Thailand Road. You may find that some of the buildings were converted into businesses that serve both locals and tourists.
Sukhothai
Another UNESCO World Heritage site that you should visit is theor the Sukhothai Historical Park where visitors can see the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom of the 13th century. Enveloped by ancient city walls, the site is home to a total of 193 ruins made up of 26 temples, stupas, stucco statuary, and the royal palace. Sukhothai used to be the capital city of Thailand before Bangkok.
The Wat Mahathat is the most impressive of all the temples on the grounds. It comprises two tall Buddha images standing nine metres, a pillared pavilion, and nine huge stupas with the main one holding the Buddha relics.
The most photographed in Sukhothai Historical Park is Wat Sa Si. It is nestled in the middle of the lake and is only accessible via a wooden bridge. You can also not miss the Noen Prasat, formerly a royal palace, and the Wat Si Sawai, the oldest temple on the site. After exploring the temples, spend some time in the city’s night markets to score some bargain finds.
Khao Sok National Park
Thailand has a number of national parks that you should explore, and one of those you should include in your trip is the Khao Sok National Park. A day trip may not be enough to explore the entire place as it is covered with dense evergreen rainforest with limestone rock formations shooting to the sky. If you are looking for a destination where you can marry nature with adventure, Khao Sok National Park is one you shouldn’t miss. When exploring the Khao Sok National Park, you can avail yourself of the different safari packages offered in the area. You can choose to trek the vast rainforest or kayak on the jungle lakes. It is one of Thailand's scenic spots where nature is well-preserved. Explore the heart of Khao Sok National Park and be amazed at the diverse flora and fauna of Thailand.
Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son province is a remote area in Northern Thailand that shares a border with Myanmar. This area offers picturesque views with a relaxed vibe, making it a perfect destination for foreign tourists who want to experience a slower pace of visit. A trip to Northern Thailand would not be complete without completing the Mae Hong Son Loop tour.
Koh Tao
If you want to experience the best of scuba diving in Thailand, one great place you can visit is Koh Tao. This area, near the Similan Islands, has tons of diving schools that all work together to provide both local and international diving enthusiasts a wonderful experience. When visiting Koh Tao, it is advisable to stay for at least three days to maximise the experience. You can explore the many sandy coves of Koh Tao, but its main draw is diving. Why? In all of Thailand, Koh Tao offers one of the cheapest diving instructions.
Similan Islands
After visiting Koh Tao, you can drop by the Similan Islands. It is a collection of 11 islands, with Koh Similan being the largest of all and the Koh Huyong as the one with the widest and longest beach. Note, however, that Koh Huyong is restricted to tourists as this area in the Similan Islands is where turtles lay their eggs. The Similan Islands was established as the Mu Ko Similan National Park in 1982.
Koh Phangan
For most tourists exploring the best places to visit in Thailand, the least of their expectations would be to learn that Koh Phangan is a nature lover’s dream destination. It may be popular for its monthly Full Moon Party, but it is also a treasure trove of natural beauty. It would be a sin not to include this city as one of the places to visit in Thailand.
Koh Lanta
While Koh Lanta is technically a part of Krabi, it deserves a separate post. Tourists would need to stay in the area for at least seven to nine days to make sure that they have covered the entire stretch of Koh Lanta. This is one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you want to enjoy community-based tourism villages during your beach holiday.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is made of several villages mostly catering to tourists, particularly those located in the Takua Pa District of the Phang Nga Province. For its location and offerings, Khao Lak is an alternative for tourists who want to avoid the more touristy areas of Thailand. Khao Lak is one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you are looking for a quick day trip to satisfy your hunger for white-sand beaches. There are Khao Lak organized tours that you can avail of if you want to enjoy your visit.
What Is the Most Beautiful City in Thailand?
Most people would agree that Thailand is a wonderful place to visit and experience their beautiful culture. If you want to know Thailand beyond pictures, take your time during your day trip. The country consists of many tourist destinations, greeted by Thais with genuine smiles and hospitality. You have an eternal choice of islands, beaches, villages, and great cities that you need to explore and see for yourself what Thailand can offer. Besides Bangkok, Khao Sam Roi Yot, Krabi, Pattaya, Phuket, and Sukhothai, Thailand has so much more that you would want to explore. If you want to know more about Thailand’s major cities, check out our list of the best places to visit in Thailand:
Pai
A small town situated midway between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son (Mae Hong Son Loop), travellers can find Pai with majestic mountains surrounding it. This place offers a great experience with nature where you can feel relaxed and recharged from your busy daily living. Tourists may try bamboo rafting in the scenic Pai River, and white-river rafting for the more adventurous guests. Some activities to enjoy in Pai include mountain trekking, waterfalls and hot springs bathing, sunbathing at its white-sand beaches, shopping at souvenir stores, and visiting ethnic hill-tribe villages. There are also a number of café galleries and relaxing resto-bars.
To get to Pai, you need to go through a very windy road. It may be scary for first-time explorers, but you have to bear it because what you will experience in Pai will definitely be worth the hassle. Get ready to explore its lush jungle by renting a motorcycle and checking Pai Canyon for some unforgettable views. Aside from the canyon, visitors also rave about the area’s waters, including the Mo Paeng Waterfall and the Thai Pai Hot Springs. Exploring its downtown will give you the chance to explore the street food stalls and handmade goods shops in the night bazaar.
Chiang Dao
If you’ve already crossed out Pai off of your bucket list, you can head to Chiang Dao. Located in the Chiang Mai province, this quaint city has a steep mass of jungle featuring the third tallest mountain in Thailand, the Doi Luang Chiang Dao. The area offers serenity amid the chaos in most cities of Thailand, as it has no shopping centers or any huge crowds, making it a perfect escape.
Nong Khai
By Pitt – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9854040
Situated along the banks of the Mekong River, this city of Nong Khai is one of the most underrated places in Thailand. This beautiful destination is where tourists can get a glimpse of the simple life of the northern province of Isaan, known for being a country with a solid cultural identity and warmness. Some of the best places to explore in this region are its river and stunning rock formations best viewed from the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park.
Before heading out of the city, you may want to visit the Wat Pho Chain and the Wat Khaek to witness some of the area’s most impressive temples. Make sure to plan out your visit to coincide with some of the annual festivals of Nong Khai, including the Mekong Fireballs, Rowing Festivals, Rocket Festivals, and the Thai New Year.
Phetchaburi
Phetchaburi serves as the capital city of the Phetchaburi Province, which is an ancient city located in the southwest of Bangkok. Those who have a great interest in ancient architecture would find it a worthy detour to this city. For sure, visitors would be amazed at the skyline where they can see plenty of temples and even the former historical Royal Palace along the River Phet, and near the Tham Khao Luang Cave where you can also see an archaic Buddhist shrine. It would definitely be one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Koh Chang
Thailand may be known for Bangkok and Phuket for their unforgettable beauty and way of life. But, one of the best places to visit in Thailand that you should include is Koh Chang. This is where you can live your bucket list items with tons of adrenaline-inducing activities, including kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and jungle trekking.
Is Thailand Dangerous for Tourists This 2021?
While you may be looking forward to your visit in Thailand to enjoy the beautiful waters of Phuket and the beautiful cities of Thailand, you still have to ensure that you are doing so with safety in mind. Your trip should include the best places to visit in Thailand that are safe for tourists, including families and backpacker groups. Continue reading to know more about the safest places to visit in Thailand.
What Is the Safest City in Thailand?
If you want to focus your trip to the safest cities in Thailand, here are the best places to visit:
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai may be a large and dense city, but it remains a safe destination. It may be bustling with activity, yet it has successfully maintained a small-town feel. If you prefer to explore the northern regions of Thailand with your family, Chiang Mai is the perfect area. Besides its breathtaking landscapes, it also has tons of family-friendly activities. It is an alternative for those who want an urban destination but avoid the city feel of Bangkok. Chiang Mai should be one of those cities you should not miss while in Thailand. Make sure to take your time exploring the night markets in the city.
Hua Hin
Those exploring the southwest of Bangkok will find Hua Hin a magical escape from the usual tourist destinations. This coastal area is trendy for locals because of its pure beauty, and they don’t have to worry about their safety since it is less congested than other places near Bangkok. Since the area is yet to be explored by tourists, there is a lesser concern for safety. What you can expect, instead would be tons of exciting excursions, including a monkey feeding expedition at Monkey Mountain and exploring the beautiful white sand beaches that dot the area. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Thailand regarding safety, Hua Hin is the place you should head to.
Krabi
Exploring Krabi will show you that this place has one of the most outstanding landscapes in Thailand. For some, a visit to this place can be pretty daunting. If this will be your first time to visit Krabi, you have to know that the area has no cars at all. Instead, what you will see are tons of outdoor adventures. You can expect to have a completely different experience than most popular tourist spots in Thailand. Some of the activities you can do here include kayaking, rock climbing, sunbathing, and snorkeling. If you want to visit one of the safest beaches in the area, you should check out Railay Beach.
Consider scheduling your trip anytime from November to April to make the most out of the secluded beaches and enjoy the jutting limestone cliffs. Visiting Krabi other than those months will be dangerous.
Koh Samui
A family-friendly travel destination in Thailand is Koh Samui. More recently, the area has seen an influx of tourists spending at least a week of their vacation to relax and unwind in Koh Samui. And we can see why. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Thailand because you will have everything you need here. Planning your trip to this island is easy as they have their own airport, luxury accommodations, ferry service, and superb customer service. Plus, it gives you the same beauty of Phuket while not isolated as the Railay Beach in Krabi.
Chiang Rai
One of the best places to visit in Thailand is Chiang Rai. It is also among the safest that you can explore in the northernmost part of the country, hidden behind mountains. Compared to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai has a more relaxed ambience. So expect that you will not find any nightly attractions that are a staple in most Thai cities, making it a safe city to bring your family for a much-needed trip.
Phang Nga
Also known as the home of the James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay is an extremely popular destination for both local and international tourists. The province has earned its keep for having the best scuba diving sites in all of Thailand. The area is filled with tons of water activities that you can safely enjoy with your family. It has islets, underwater caves, and rock formations waiting to be explored. More than that, Phang Nga Bay also has national parks that serve as sanctuaries for many different faunas. Take note, however, that the area does not have an airport, and the only way to access it is by going via bus or car.
What Are the Places I Should Avoid in Thailand?
If you are wondering about the places you should avoid during your trip to Thailand, there aren’t really many. Apart from places where there are protests, the whole of Thailand is safe. However, you must consider that some places in Thailand may have different levels of acceptance for tourist behaviours that go beyond their culture and common practice. That said, here is a comprehensive list of the things you should avoid during your trip to Thailand:
Accommodation for Backpackers
Ideally, backpackers should avoid booking their accommodations in Khao San Road in Bangkok. While the area is rife with affordable accommodations, it is also known for being dirty and an area for cheap bars with seedy clientele. It is not entirely a place you should not go, mainly if you are a budget traveller, but there is always a much better option. You may want to try Siam Square and Sukhumvit as excellent alternatives. You should also try Phra Khanong, one of the places in Thailand rapidly becoming popular among visitors. Soi Ngam Duphli is also an excellent choice for backpackers.
Riding Taxis
If you plan to take a cab when exploring the major cities of Thailand, including Ayutthaya and Phuket, you may be tempted to negotiate with a taxi driver to give you a flat rate. Never do that. It won’t give you any savings at all. In fact, you might even pay more. Make sure to always insist on using the meter. Remember, it is illegal for taxi drivers to refuse using the meter. If they refuse to use the meter, don’t try to bargain. Proceed walking to the main street and look for a taxi driver who will use the meter. Another option you can consider is using ride-hailing apps like Uber and GrabTaxi as they are also widespread in Thailand.
Note, however, that you should have mobile data to avail of these services. If you want, you can book a taxi for a day and arrive at an upfront price with the driver. The cost varies depending on the distance of your trip, but they would often be within several thousand bahts per day.
If you have an international license and are confident about your navigation skills, you may also want to rent a private car, which typically costs around 2,000 bahts.
Enjoying Thai Entertainment
Thailand is known for its Red Light District. Over the years, it has earned the reputation for being a go-to place for those looking for sexual pleasures. During your trip to Thailand, it is best to avoid ping pong shows that are extremely popular in certain places in Phuket, Pattaya, and Bangkok. While you may want to enjoy some form of adult entertainment, you also run the risk of being scammed into heading to a bar and barred from leaving until you settle an unbelievably huge bill. This practice is pretty common in the Patpong area.
If you want to enjoy these kinds of shows, you may want to try the Soi Cowboy. The shows may be a bit tamer, but they are good enough as long as you buy drinks from the bar. Note, though, that you may have to spend a considerable time here as wait times between acts can last several minutes.
More than enjoying adult shows, Thailand has tons of impressive shows that showcase amazing performers. If you want to immerse yourself in the mysterious culture of Thailand, you may want to watch a cultural show in Phuket, experience a cabaret extravaganza in Pattaya, and a Muay Thai fight in Bangkok.
If you really want to satisfy your curiosity, you may want to avail yourself of the Hangover Tour, which takes you to some of the seedy locations in Bangkok. This is a safer route because you have a tour guide and the company of curious travellers like you.
Exploring Pattaya
Pattaya may be one of the best places to visit in Thailand, but it is not a perfect location. It does have its own share of seedy areas. Whenever possible, it is best to steer clear of these areas. Instead, you should maximise your trip by enjoying the beautiful white sand beaches of Pattaya, participating in different tours around the area, covering the Sanctuary of Truth, the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. You can watch cabaret shows, including the Tiffany’s Show and Colosseum Shows, both featuring impressive performers.
If you have kids, you can let them wander in Art in Paradise or explore the Cartoon Network Waterpark. For those who want to experience a more exotic Thailand, they can head to Chanthaburi, Thailand’s durian export zone where you can sample the fruit in the many farms in the area offering buffet tasting.
Ko Samet in the Rayong province is another worthy getaway a few miles from Bangkok. It is among the best places to visit in Thailand if you want to enjoy a quick weekend getaway.
Shopping in Night Bazaars
Thailand is known for being one of the best places for bargains. However, whenever you are out shopping in the many night markets in the area, make sure never to bargain too low. It can be downright offensive to do so. Before you try to negotiate a price, consider thinking about how much you are willing to pay for the product before haggling.
Pro-Tip: If you are offered a price, start bargaining at 50% of the offer, and start your negotiations from that price point. If you are unsure about how much an item should cost, try to wander around and ask for prices in other shops.
If you are only bargaining a few bahts, it would be best to give in because you can still be sure that you got a good deal, considering how cheap these items are being offered compared to other Southeast Asian cities.
Now that you know the best places to visit in Thailand, it would be best to carefully plan your trip so each area is maximized. Let us know about your experience, even if it includes just your adventures with riding plentiful of tuk tuks in Thailand.
