10 best places to visit in Thailand

Expat life
13 Feb 2023
9 mins read
Written by Team Instarem

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich culture. If you’re looking for an amazing vacation destination, Thailand should be at the top of your list! There are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand, it can be hard to decide where to go. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 best places to visit in Thailand. 

Weather in Thailand

Thailand is known for its balmy climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking to escape the unpredictable weather at home. While the country enjoys regular sunshine and warm temperatures year-round, a few months stand out.

From May until October, there’s intense heat and humidity, which can provide the perfect excuse to take a break at the beach! Come late October and November, it can get quite rainy but don’t worry; in true Thai fashion, you’ll always be able to find some street food stalls open no matter what weather arrives.

December and January reward visitors with pleasant evenings spent outdoors under clear skies.

Thailand might not be considered a country known for winter wonderlands – unless you’re talking about all the exciting festivals that occur during this time – but February brings cooler days while March serves up an extra dose of sunshine before temperatures start rising again. So if you can handle the summer swelter, Thailand has it all waiting for you!

Best time to go to Thailand

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, the best time to go is any time! With its warm and humid climate year-round, there won’t be any need for an umbrella or jacket.

But keep in mind, if you want your beach days on the islands to be the most fun, then going in peak tourist season (from December – February) will guarantee you the tropical paradise experience with gorgeous beaches and clear waters.

On the flip side of things, going during off-peak season definitely has its advantages too; think fewer people, cheaper rates and more bang for your buck.

So whether you’re looking for a wild couple of months or just a quiet escape from reality—Thailand has something for everyone all year long!

1.      Bangkok

Bangkok is like going to an amusement park without the lines: it’s a veritable cornucopia of experiences and unexpected surprises all wrapped up in one vibrant city. From glamorous shopping malls, authentic street food vendors, and countless markets and temples bursting with local flavour, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok!

Home to world-famous attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, local must-sees include exploring the Chao Praya River by boat and taking a tuk-tuk ride through Chinatown.

After a long day of sightseeing – although it may be hard to leave – you can end your evening with some rooftop drinks that offer panoramic views of the city skyline.

For first-time travellers to Bangkok, it has everything: culture, cuisine, incredible shopping deals – you name it! So why not make Bangkok your starting point for your Thailand experience?

2.      Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is an incredible city in Northern Thailand filled with some of the most unique experiences you can imagine.

Whether you’re looking to float through the jungle on a bamboo raft, see some of the most exquisite temples in the country or get up close and personal with some wild elephants, there are plenty of things to do here!

Take a Thai cooking class to learn how to cook their iconic dishes, explore caves full of mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites, or take a trek in the mountainous region of Doi Inthanon for spectacular views. Oh, and don’t forget about wandering through night markets and trying out all kinds of delicious street food like khanom bueang – it really is an adventure for all your senses! 

3.      Pattaya

Pattaya is like Thailand on steroids! It’s the wild child of the Thai coast, boasting an array of activities that can keep any thrill-seeker entertained. From drinking and partying at the ‘Walking Street’ to the breathtaking views from the many piers and night markets, Pattaya has all bases covered. If you’re into adrenaline-pumping activities, then it has one of Asia’s most notorious water parks – a must-experience if you don’t want to feel like you’ve missed out.

4.      Hat Yai

Golden standing Buddha at the peak at Hat Yai

Hat Yat is something of an enigma in Thailand, at least to most tourists. It’s situated in the Andaman Sea and like Krabi and Phuket, it has some stunning beaches and hidden coves.

Unlike Krabi and Phuket, Hat Yai offers visitors a much more laidback experience than the hedonistic one found in its famous cousins. The nightlife here is quite dull in comparison – but that’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed holiday away from the party crowd.

There are still plenty of things to do during your time in Hat Yai; you can take a fishing excursion with local fishermen or go on an exhilarating kayak or paddle board session to explore the surrounding bay by day.

If that seems too active, why not take a lazy stroll along its coastline and admire the tranquillity of its secluded beaches?

In other words, if you’re after an adrenaline-fueled good time – go to Krabi or Phuket – but if what you’re seeking is peace & relaxation then Hat Yai should be right up your street!

5.      Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a lovely seaside town in Thailand located right next to the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a very popular destination that draws in both locals and tourists alike!

One of the key attractions in Hua Hin is Takiab Bay – perfect for a glorious day at the beach and some novel combinations of seafood. If you’re after something more exciting, try visiting Pala-U Waterfall which is full of lush greenery and beautiful wildlife; it truly is sublime.

Afterwards, head over to Hua Hin Train Station for some lovely historical architecture. Last but not least, experience Hua Hin with all your senses at the Hua Hin Night Market, an unforgettable spot that features delicious food, eclectic goods and lively vibes you won’t find anywhere else!

6.      Krabi

Krabi, Thailand, is one of the most unique destinations on Earth. Its stunning limestone cliffs and idyllic sunset views provide experiences that simply can’t be found anywhere else. This tropical wonderland offers a variety of activities to satisfy every type of traveller. For those who enjoy adventure bedecked with beautiful scenery, Krabi has you covered!

Go kayak through mangrove forests and secret lagoons or climb up bold rock cliffs for panoramic ocean views. Off-the-beaten-track spots such as hot springs, waterfalls, and hidden caves are waiting to be explored!

If relaxation is priority number one then head for the beaches for swimming, snorkelling and indulging in delectable Thai cuisine.

But take note – Krabi is meant to be enjoyed at a slow pace and cherished for its peaceful serenity instead of checking off a busy checklist of attractions to visit!

7.      Koh Samui

Panorama of Koh Samui.

Koh Samui is the ideal holiday destination for anyone looking to get a bit of adventure in. From scuba diving and Muay Thai, to golfing on white sand beaches and yoga with a view, this paradise has something for everyone.

Don’t worry about having to stick to one activity all day (unless you really want to, of course).

You can switch it up every time you work up an appetite; try one of the expertly prepared cooking courses, explore vintage-style Bo Phut, or just lay back in a 5-star resort and sip fresh coconut water. Should we book our tickets yet?

8.      Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the land of pina coladas and sunshine! If you’re looking for an unforgettable tropical escape, then Phuket is the place to be.

From majestic seascapes, sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets to a buzzing nightlife scene, there are plenty of things to do in “the Pearl of the Andaman”.

Not to mention all of the amazing activities to enjoy such as elephant trekking along stunning Phi Phi Island, snorkelling around crystal clear lagoons in the Similan Islands or island hopping on a traditional-style wooden boat.

It’s also known for its luxurious resorts and spas so make sure you book yourself in for a few massages while you’re here – trust us, your body will thank you later!

Is Thailand safe?

When it comes to the question of whether Thailand is safe, people often have some pretty strong – and sometimes conflicting – opinions! After all, despite its rank in the Swiftest Travel Safety index, there seem to be plenty of tourists who still make their way out there and return unscathed.

Ultimately, it seems that Thailand is relatively safe for travellers, as long as they take basic precautions – like carrying a money belt and familiarizing themselves with local customs before arriving in the country.

But if you’re feeling extra cautious you could always try taking up martial arts during your visit; that way no matter what kind of trouble you get into at least you’ll have Bruce Lee-level self-defence skills!

Before you go…

Are you planning a vacation to Thailand? Sounds like it’s time to get your holiday cheer on!

Before you jet set off and explore the Land of Smiles, why not plan out your finances so you can spend and focus more on the fun stuff. Instarem wants to help with that.

With no hidden fees and competitive exchange rates, we make it easy to send money overseas. Try Instarem for your next transfer by downloading the app or sign up here.

And if you are in Singapore, don’t forget to take amaze travel card with you!*. Pair it up with any Mastercard bank cards or top up your amaze wallet and get:

  • Fantastic FX rates with every global purchase.
  • Earn InstaPoints on FX spends and redeem them as cashback or discounts on overseas money transfers.
  • sign up now and get your virtual card promptly

*Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

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Instarem stands at the forefront of international money transfer services, facilitating fast and secure transactions for both individuals and businesses. Our platform offers competitive exchange rates for popular currency pairs like USD to INR, SGD to INR, and AUD to INR. If you're looking to send money to India or transfer funds to any of 60+ global destinations, Instarem makes it easy for you. We are dedicated to simplifying cross-border payments, providing cutting-edge technology that support individuals and businesses alike in overcoming traditional fiscal barriers normally associated with banks. As a trusted and regulated brand under the umbrella of the Fintech Unicorn Nium Pte. Ltd., and its international subsidiaries, Instarem is your go-to for reliable global financial exchanges. Learn more about Instarem.

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