Best things to do in Thailand

• Capital: Bangkok
• Language(s): Thai
• Currency: Baht (฿) (THB)
• Dial Code: + 66

Thailand Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and Why You’ll Never Want to Leave

Welcome to Thailand, where street food costs less than your coffee back home, elephants roam jungle sanctuaries, and every sunset looks like it was designed by a professional Instagrammer. If Southeast Asia were a party, Thailand would be the host with the best snacks, the biggest smile, and a playlist that keeps everyone dancing. Ready for an unforgettable journey? This travel guide will walk you through the best places to visit, top attractions, and the most entertaining things to do in the Land of Smiles.

A Quick Glimpse at Thailand (Spoiler: It’s Amazing)

Thailand sits right in the center of Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The country is a tropical cocktail of islands, beaches, bustling cities, ancient ruins, and jungles full of surprises.

It’s also a constitutional monarchy. King Rama IX (who reigned from 1946 to 2016) held the world record for the longest reign at the time—talk about job dedication! Though the throne has passed to his successor, the monarchy still plays a significant symbolic role in Thai culture.

With around 64 million people and a total area just slightly smaller than France, Thailand packs in more excitement per square kilometer than most destinations you can think of. The capital city, Bangkok, is where skyscrapers touch the clouds, temples glitter in the sun, and the street food scene deserves its own Netflix series.

Bangkok: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Tantalizing Food

If this is your first trip to Thailand, Bangkok is the natural starting point for your sightseeing spree. It’s noisy, chaotic, colorful—and you’ll love every second of it.

Among the top attractions here are:

• The Grand Palace – Gold, glitter, and grandeur all rolled into one. Home to the sacred Emerald Buddha, this is one of Thailand’s most iconic places to visit.

• Wat Pho – Yes, that's the one with the giant reclining Buddha and a school of traditional Thai massage.

• Chatuchak Market – If shopping were a sport, this would be the Olympics. With over 15,000 stalls, it’s one of the largest markets in the world.

And don’t forget the food. From spicy pad Thai on a street corner to fancy rooftop dinners, eating your way through Bangkok is one of the most fun things to do in Thailand.

Chiang Mai: Temples and Tranquility in the North

Need a break from the Bangkok buzz? Head north to Chiang Mai, where the pace is slower, the air is fresher, and the temples are just as impressive.

This cultural gem offers:

• Over 300 temples to explore, including the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep overlooking the city.

• Elephant sanctuaries where you can spend a day feeding and bathing these gentle giants (ethically, of course).

• The Yi Peng Lantern Festival – If releasing lanterns into the night sky with thousands of others doesn’t give you goosebumps, nothing will.

Chiang Mai is also a hub for digital nomads, so if you suddenly feel the urge to stay longer, don’t be surprised.

Islands and Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Snorkeling

You can’t write a Thailand travel guide without drooling over its beaches. And oh boy, does Thailand deliver.

Here are some of the best places to visit by the sea:

• Phuket – Thailand’s largest island is full of luxury resorts, beach clubs, and nightlife. It’s flashy, it’s fun, and it knows it.

• Krabi – Home to the jaw-dropping Railay Beach and stunning limestone cliffs perfect for rock climbing.

• Ko Samui – Think palm trees, coconut shakes, and yoga retreats. This island is all about tropical relaxation.

• Ko Phi Phi – Made famous by The Beach movie, it’s just as beautiful in real life—but much more crowded. Arrive early if you want to enjoy the top attractions in peace.

Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or just lounging under a palm tree—there’s no shortage of things to do in Thailand’s coastal regions.

Ayutthaya: A Historical Treasure Hunt

Only an hour from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of the most underrated places to visit in Thailand. This ancient capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of temple ruins, crumbling Buddha statues, and quiet charm.

Rent a bike and ride through history—you’ll feel like an explorer discovering a long-lost kingdom. It’s a perfect day trip and a must for any travel guide to Thailand.

Thai Culture: More Than Smiles

Thailand isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a deeply cultural experience. Buddhism is practiced by over 90% of the population, and its principles echo through daily life in everything from peaceful morning rituals to the warm, respectful greetings.

The Thai people are famously welcoming, which makes sightseeing and exploring even more enjoyable. Just remember to be respectful—cover your shoulders in temples, take off your shoes, and try not to point your feet at sacred objects.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Language: Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB).

• Weather: Hot and humid most of the year, with a rainy season from June to October.

• Transport: Domestic flights are cheap, and long-distance buses and trains are reliable. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are great for short trips—just agree on the price first!

Why Thailand Should Be Your Next Destination

Whether you're here for the culture, the beaches, the food, or the adventure, Thailand has something for every kind of traveler. It’s a destination where sightseeing feels like storytelling, and every meal, market, or mountain trek becomes part of a bigger, unforgettable experience.

From royal palaces to remote islands, from wild nightlife to serene temples—Thailand is not just one of the top places to visit in Asia; it’s one of the best travel experiences in the world.

Pack light, bring your curiosity, and prepare for sensory overload—in the best possible way.