25 Most Beautiful Places in Thailand + Where to Skip

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Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out this ultimate list of the most beautiful places in Thailand and a few (still quite beautiful) but touristy places you may want to consider skipping.

As I was about to embark on my three-week backpacking trip to Thailand, I had some pretty high expectations. After years of seeing the most beautiful places in Thailand on Instagram, I was SO ready to see them for myself. 

So in preparation for my trip, I did what I always do before a trip – I compiled an ultimate list of every destination worth visiting so I could create my perfect Thailand itinerary! And while sadly I wasn’t able to see everything on my trip, I didn’t want my hard research work to go to waste and thought others may find this list helpful.

And while there’s no denying that these are ALL beautiful places in Thailand to see, some of the most popular places are – dare I say – even worth skipping!

Here’s an epic list of the 25 best places to visit in Thailand and a bit of brutal honesty for which to consider skipping.

Check out my top Thailand travel tips too!

The shores of Phi Phi Island

The Best Places to Visit in Thailand

The Best Thai Islands and Beaches

1. Koh Tao

When trying to figure out where I wanted to island-hop while visiting Thailand, so many people recommended Koh Tao. This beautiful tiny island is most famous for its fabulous open water diving and the cheap diving courses getting certified. 

Aside from stunning snorkeling and diving, the best things to do in Koh Tao include beaching, hiking, stand up paddleboarding, and just straight up relaxing. It doesn’t have a huge party scene like Koh Phangan, so it’s a pretty chill island destination. 

2. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning and protected archipelago made up of 42 small islands. In order to see the best sights in the park, you’ll need to book an organized day trip. Most visitors depart from Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or Koh Phangan.

The best places to see in Ang Thong include Koh Mae Ko, the Green Lagoon, and Ko Thai Plao. Enjoy beautiful viewpoints, snorkeling, kayaking, and more on a boat tour around Ang Thong!

3. Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is definitely a backpacker favorite and is known as one of the best islands in Thailand. It’s gained a lot of notoriety for its famous Full Moon parties on Sunrise Beach during every full moon. The beach gets crazy packed with drunk visitors, and I’ve heard it can be a lot of fun if that’s what you’re into!

There are also some quieter beaches along the north coast of the island if you’re not big into boisterous parties. I recommend staying near Hat Khuat and Hat Thian for a bit of peace, and you might want to consider skipping a visit during the Full Moon if you’re trying to avoid crowds.

4. Koh Samui

Koh Samui is another island that’s super popular and is a bit more chill than Koh Phangan and is known to offer something for everyone. People love the picturesque skinny palm beaches, dense mountainous rainforests and access to posh resorts and spas. 

You can fly to Koh Samui from Bangkok if you wish or opt to take a ferry from Phuket. For more information, check out this travel guide for Koh Samui to learn more.

So this isn’t Koh Samui (it’s some tiny island we visited on an island hopping tour), but same vibes

5. Koh Chang

Koh Chang is another popular island that’s very close to Bangkok. Lots of beautiful beaches for sunbathing, viewpoints to hike to, and more. Enjoy some rest and relaxation in this chill island destination in Thailand.

6. Khao Phing Kan / Phang Nga Bay

Only accessible by island hopping tours, Khao Phing Kan or James Bond Island has become an Instagram famous spot in Thailand. Known for the single tall and epic rock tower right off of the sandy shores, stop by to appreciate the unique landscape of Phang Nga Bay. 

7. Koh Hong

A small little island off the coast of Krabi, Koh Hong is perfect for a day trip to sit and relax on peaceful and soft white beaches admiring the dramatic views of surrounding limestone karsts.

8. Railay Beach

A semi-secluded beach area near Krabi, I really enjoyed my visit to Railay Beach. The beach itself is in a bay that is only accessible via boat ferry from Ao Nang and has restaurants right on the beach for your convenience.

You can wander around behind the beach and hike up some crazy trails that take you to stunning viewpoints of the entire bay. Railay is also famous for the penis cave just off of the beach.

So if you find yourself visiting Krabi or Ao Nang, you definitely need to add Railay Beach to your itinerary because it’s the best part of the region IMHO.

See more of the best islands in Thailand for your adventure planning!

Railay Beach is such a beaut

The Best Thai Cities And Places to See in Thailand

9. Bangkok 

You know, I think Bangkok often gets a bad rep and isn’t always considered one of the cool places to see in Thailand, but I actually really loved my time temple hopping and adventuring around this massive city! 

It’s modern, it’s traditional, and it’s a massive clash of cultures – you just have to know the right places. And because it’s a big city, it meant tons of affordable and cheap accommodation options and money-saving street food opportunists. 

I loved it so much I even compiled a massive list of the most instagrammable places in Bangkok and made my way through them! Here’s a mini taste:

Beautiful things to do in Bangkok:

• Damnoen Floating Market 
• Arun Temple 
• Airplane Graveyard 
• Railway Market
• Dragon Temple 

Check out my four day Bangkok itinerary for even more travel planning inspo.

The morning Alms Giving Ceremony in Bangkok

10. Chiang Mai

A top choice for digital nomads and expat teachers in Thailand, Chiang Mai, is often a staple in any Thailand itinerary. I had so much fun wandering around, checking out the stunning temples and unique local handicraft markets. 

The food and bar scene is also pretty impeccable, I think in part due to the massive expat scene there. There are also many unique things to do in Chiang Mai if you have the extra time to spare. 

Glittering golden temple in Chiang Mai

11. Ayutthaya

Easily done as a day trip from Bangkok, this ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the country’s ancient capital up until the mid-1700s when it was destroyed by Burmese invaders. 

Today, visiting Ayutthaya provides a tiny glimpse into Thailand’s history. Visitors can wander around and explore the old ruins and learn a bit about the past. You can check out Ayutthaya yourself or via an organized tour.

12. Kanchanaburi

Most well known for the historical significance Kanchanaburi played during WWII, it’s here you can find the Japanese inflicted Burma Death Railway and Allied War Cemetery, but there’s actually a lot more to this bustling little Thai town.

Located a quick two-hour bus ride away from Bangkok, aside from the WWII landmarks, the things to do in Kanchanaburi include peaceful bamboo water rafting and hiking to the popular Erawan Waterfall.

13. Mae Hong Son Province

Mae Hong Son Province is a remote region in northern Thailand known for its beautiful mountainous landscape. Covered in the lush jungle and dotted with countless waterfalls, exploring the Mae Hong Son Province by scooter is the best way to enjoy this part of Thailand. It’s also in this area that many of Thailand’s hill tribes reside. 

Visiting Mae Hong Son Province promises a memorable trip away from most of the crowds in Thailand for an authentic cultural and natural experience.

Wat Arun in Bangkok

The Best Nature in Thailand

14. Khao Sok National Park

This was hands down the place in Thailand I wanted to visit the most, but unfortunately, due to budgeting and timing, it just didn’t work out for me in the end. Khao Sok National Park is a bit of a remote natural beauty 3 hours north of Phuket. Best known for its epic waterways, lush greenery, and limestone cliffs, this national park is probably one of Thailand’s most beautiful places.

Because of how remote it is and the fact that it’s a national park, traveling here solo is a bit expensive. The best way to enjoy the area is to pay for the boat tours, the unique lakeside accommodation, and private transportation.

15. Ao Phang-Nga National Park

Ao Phang-Nga National Park is another stunning location along the coast with more epic cliff and jungle views. The best things to do here include island hopping to the region’s stunning tower karst islands and enjoy the local beaches and snorkeling opportunities. 

To enjoy the best of the park, you’ll need to hire private island hopping boat tours and drivers who know the area and can take you out to the best islands of Ao Phang-nga.

16. Khao Sam Roi Yot

Khao Sam Roi Yot is best known for the massive Phraya Nakhon Cave and the picturesque Royal Pavilion inside. You only need one solid day to hike to the cave, enjoy a boat trip from the small village of Khlong Khao Daeng along waterways bordered by towering cliffs. But this destination is also a great place to chill for a few days in Thailand’s natural beauty if you have the time and interest.

17. Doi Chiang Dao

Doi Chiang Dao is a pretty mountain hike that reaches an elevation of over 2,000 meters (7,100 feet) and is a popular trail located about an hour and a half from Chiang Mai. It’s not overly challenging but requires a bit of physical endurance to make it up to the top.

You used to be able to do the hike yourself, but today you must hire a tour guide, and the trail entrance has security guards to ensure tourists are following the rules. For more info on how to hike Doi Chiang Dao, check out this excellent guide by Be My Travel Muse.

18. Wat Phabat Pu Padang

I really really wanted to visit this incredible mountain-top temple, but again just didn’t have time after trying to see the major destinations in Thailand. Situated about a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai, this temple has several pagodas resting atop 1,000+ meter tall rock cliffs. 

If you’re an avid hiker looking for a truly unique thing to do in Thailand, add this to your list! 

19. Doi Inthanon National Park

Located about 45 miles south of Chiang Mai, lies one of the country’s most popular national parks. It has mountains, excellent birdwatching, fantastic waterfall viewing, and stunning sunsets. The park features hiking trails that traverse the Himalayas and is a great destination to add for anyone spending time in northern Thailand.

Stunning dragon sculptures at the other white temple in Chiang Rai

Most Beautiful Places in Thailand to Consider Skipping to Beat the Crowds

Let me preface this by saying, I actually really enjoyed my time visiting these places in Thailand that I’m about to tell you to consider skipping. There is truly no denying that they are beautiful places that offer a lot to do, and are incredibly popular with other travelers for a reason.

So, why am I putting them under a list to consider skipping? Simply because of how popular they are. These particular destinations felt really overcrowded and touristy to the point that it was a touch overwhelming. Not to mention, because they were more touristy, they were to a degree more expensive and geared towards luxury travel.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Thailand, these places may not be for you. Or rather, you may want to prioritize shorter visits to them during your time in Thailand.

But let me explain in greater detail why these classic Thai destinations probably wouldn’t be on my itinerary next visit, and why if you’re a backpacker you might want to skip too. 

20. Phuket 

I wasn’t the biggest fan of Phuket for a few reasons. One, it was a pretty touristy and westernized city, and it was pretty expensive compared to other places in Thailand. I didn’t feel it was worthy of my super limited travel funds.

But, if it’s your first time in Asia, or you’re with your family, or even if you prefer luxury destinations, Phuket is a great place to visit for a relaxing beach vacation. It’s very easy to navigate, and there are lots of tourists to do! I think if I had more time, like a week in Phuket, I would have enjoyed it more. 

However, Phuket is a great place to visit if you want to check out the Insta famous James Bond Island or just enjoy an easy, romantic getaway in paradise.

21. Pattaya

Pattaya is another major resort city, much like Phuket, that attracts large crowds every year. If you’re looking to party and beach and don’t mind touristy or resort vibes, I say go for it.

But from a budget backpacker looking to go a bit more off the beaten path, this place wasn’t for me.

22. Krabi

The same sentiment goes for Krabi. Although I did like Krabi more than Phuket and it wasn’t as busy and crowded, it was still pretty touristy. I would’ve been happier using my travel resources to visit a more remote island beach in Thailand instead.

Although I did really love Railay Beach and ultimately I’m glad I spent some time here. Plus, it’s undeniably a popular place to stay thanks to the scenic beaches, ease of transportation to get there, and the beautiful accommodation in Krabi.

Incredible lookout over Railay Beach

23. Phi Phi Island 

Probably the most expensive and resort place in all of Thailand, Phi Phi Islands are gorgeous and have become popular for good reason – the island and this archipelago is absolutely stunning! But today, nearly every inch of the island has been converted into resorts. 

Now there’s nothing wrong with resorts – but that vibe doesn’t fit well with a budget traveler. It’s an expensive place that’s better suited for families or as a romantic getaway. This part of the trip, I was with my boyfriend so it was fun exploring the island together. But I don’t think I would’ve loved it had I been traveling solo.

On an island hopping tour from Phi Phi

24. Chiang Rai

I’m a little torn on putting Chiang Rai in this section of my list because of the Blue and White Temple, but I must admit I was disappointed in this Thai destination. 

For starters, the White Temple is actually about a 20-minute drive outside of the city, which surprised me. I felt nowhere in my research did anyone state that the temple is far outside of Chiang Rai’s center.

And aside from the city’s three biggest attractions (the White Temple, the Blue Temple, and the Black Temple), the city doesn’t have much else going on. 

So if you’re short on time and trying to decide if the trek to Chiang Rai is worth it, I’ll say you don’t need more than 24 hours there to see the highlights of the city. 

The famous Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

25. Pai 

This one will rub some people the wrong way, but I just didn’t love Pai as much as others. Maybe because everyone I chatted with about Pai had raised my expectations with such high praise. 

But when I got there, to me it was an expat weekend destination with a ton of western cafes/restaurants, and a large street market selling the same souvenirs as anywhere else. 

It does have a hoppin’ party and drug scene in a chill environment however, which I know appeals to many backpackers. But I’m an old solo traveler you guys, and this place is for young, partying backpackers and free-spirited folks! 

I did, however, enjoy driving the popular scooter loop around Pai which was fun to do!

There you have it! The most beautiful places to visit in Thailand! And just a small list of Thai destinations to skip.

In truth, they’re all gorgeous destinations and just depends on your travel style. Comment below if you agree!