7 Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First Timers + Sample Itinerary
Looking for the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers? I got you!
I first visited Thailand in 2010 and fell in love with the country. Since then, I’ve returned several times and even experienced my first solo backpacking trip in Thailand.
Bordered by Laos (north and east), Cambodia (southeast), and Myanmar (west), Thailand has a rich history and culture, breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and beautiful people. No wonder it’s one of the countries in South East Asia most visited by international tourists.
But with so many great options and so little time, what then are the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers?
Well, you’re in the right place! By the end of this blog post, you’ll have an answer to the question, “What are the best places to visit in Thailand for first-time visitors?“
⏳ Short on time?
Here are my recommended travel planning resources for your trip to Thailand!
✈️ Flights: Book your flights with WayAway [BONUS: Get cashback for flights, accommodations, car rentals, tours with WayAway Plus; get 10% OFF your WayAway Plus Membership if you use my code: thebohotravels]
💸 Flying within Thailand on a budget? Book your flights with Airasia.
🛌 Hotels & Accommodation: Booking.com & Hostelworld
🏞️ Tours & Activities: GetYourGuide, Viator, & Klook (popular in Asia)
🛜 e-Sim: Airalo
📁 Visas & Other Travel Documents: iVisa
🩺 Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing
👣 Recommended Experiences:
– Visit Bangkok’s top temples and the Grand Palace
– Go on a foodie adventure in Bangkok’s Chinatown or Siam
– Get up close with the elephants at the Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary
– Explore Chiang Mai Old City and Temples through a guided walking tour
– Watch the sunrise from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
– Admire the artistry of Chiang Rai’s gorgeous temples
– Go on a speedboat cruise and enjoy Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, and Bamboo Island from Phuket
*These are all travel resources I personally use for planning and booking my trips. If you use them, some of them will earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping my site up. Thanks!
Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First Timers
With the many great places to visit in Thailand, it’s not easy to choose just seven (7). But I tried my best!
So, here you go, here are the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers:
1) Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, offers a great introduction to what the country has to offer, making it one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
A popular tourist destination, this modern, bustling city has majestic temples, vibrant street life, and unique gastronomic delights (including 33 Michelin-starred restaurants).
So, if it’s your first time visiting Thailand, I recommend including Bangkok in your itinerary.
Best things to do in Bangkok
✔️ Visit Bangkok’s top temples: the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), Wat Pho, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
✔️ Explore the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
✔️ Dine at one of Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurants, go on a foodie adventure in Bangkok’s Chinatown or Siam, or enjoy a fine dining experience with a 360-degree view of the Bangkok skyline.
✔️ Witness the market scene at the Damnoensaduak Floating Market and experience the thrill of watching the train pass at the Maeklong Railway Market.
✔️ Experience the vibrant nightlife at Khao San Road, Bangkok.
💡 PRO TIP: If you still have time, visit Bangkok’s Ancient City, Erawan Museum, and Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary Art (for art lovers!).
💡 PRO TIP: Do these activities by yourself and save a lot of money! But if, like me, you want to learn about the places you visit and avoid the hassle of navigating the commute around Bangkok, you can hire a tour guide to learn more about the country’s history, religion, and culture.
Where to stay in Bangkok
👉🏼 Budget Option: Pinto Hostel
👉🏼 Mid-range Option: 1905 Heritage Corner
👉🏼 Luxury Option: Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
2) Ayutthaya
If you love visiting temples and learning about history and culture, I recommend including a day trip to the Historic City of Ayutthaya in your Thailand itinerary. A mere 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
Best things to do in Ayutthaya
✔️ Visit the Bang Pa-in Palace, formerly used by Thai kings as a summer retreat place.
✔️ Explore the 600-year-old Wat Mahathat, where you can find the Buddha’s head wrapped around a tree’s roots.
✔️ Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, considered the holiest temple in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya.
✔️ Explore the well-preserved Wat Chaiwatthanaram, famous for its Khmer-style architecture.
✔️ See one of Thailand’s biggest bronze Buddha statues at Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
Where to stay in Ayutthaya
👉🏼 Budget Option: Room Story Hostel
👉🏼 Mid-Range Option: Baan Thai House
👉🏼 Luxury Option: iuDia Hotel
How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
🚂 The fastest and cheapest way of getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is by riding a train from Don Mueang, Bangkok.
🚐 You can also get there by riding a minivan from Mochit New Van Terminal, hailing a taxi, or chartering a private ride. (💡 PRO TIP: If you choose to hail a cab for Ayutthaya, make sure that you agree on the rate first!)
🚗 Or, you can join a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, which usually includes transportation to Ayutthaya and back to Bangkok. Or, if you fancy driving to Ayutthaya on your own, you can also rent a car.
3) Kanchanaburi
I think Kanchanaburi is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers, especially if you’re interested in history and culture. Primarily known for the Death Railway, it also has gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, caves, and hot springs.
Best things to do in Kanchanaburi
✔️ Swim at the Erawan Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.
✔️ Immerse yourself in history as you walk on the Thai-Burma Death Railway.
✔️ Meet (and possibly interact!) with the rescued elephants in Kanchanaburi.
How to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok
🚌 The fastest and cheapest way to get to Kanchanaburi is by taking the bus from Southern Terminal Bangkok.
🚐 You can also get there by riding a minivan, taking a taxi, or chartering a private ride. (💡 PRO TIP: If you choose to hail a cab for Kanchanaburi, ensure you agree on the rate first!)
🚗 Or, you can join a day tour to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, which usually includes transportation to Kanchanaburi and back to Bangkok. Or, if you fancy driving to Kanchanaburi on your own, you can also rent a car.
4) Chiang Mai
Famous for its historic temples, beautiful views, cool weather, friendly locals, and laid-back vibe, Chiang Mai is one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand. It is located in Northern Thailand and is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
Best things to do in Chiang Mai
✔️ Go on a tuk-tuk tour or walking tour and visit Chiang Mai’s top temples: the impressive Wat Chedi Luang, the lavish Wat Phra Singh, and the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town Wat Chiang Man. Or, see the beautifully lit temples at night.
✔️ Try Thai street food at the local market.
✔️ Sign up for an informative cooking class introducing you to Thai and Akha cuisine.
✔️ Visit the 700-year-old Buddhist temple, Wat Umong, and explore the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at night.
✔️ Go on a trip to the Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary and get up close with the elephants. Watch them take a mudbath, bathe with them in the river, and learn how to protect them.
✔️ Watch the sunrise over Chiang Mai riding the hot air balloon! Get a bird’s eye view of the stunning Chiang Mai scenery. If it’s out of your budget, you can watch the sunrise from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep instead and enjoy exploring the temple minus the crowd.
💡 PRO TIP: Schedule your visit during Songkran Festival, held every April 13-15, and take part in the festivities!
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
👉🏼 Budget Option: Hostel One Art & Gallery
👉🏼 Mid-range Option: Smile Lanna Hotel
👉🏼 Luxury Option: Baan Boo Loo Village
How to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok
🚂 The cheapest way to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by riding a train, which takes 10-14 hours, depending on which station you’re hailing from.
🚌 But if you are more comfortable riding the bus, there are bus trips from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
✈️ The fastest is traveling by air from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai. The flight usually takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you’re looking for budget flights, I recommend flying with Airasia.
5) Chiang Rai
Hometown of the famous artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Chiang Rai is home to stunning art masterpieces, ancient temples, and museums – making it one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers, especially if you love art and history.
Best things to do in Chiang Rai
✔️ Be amazed (or creeped out) at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple).
✔️ Admire the artistry of Wat Rong Seu Ten (Blue Temple).
✔️ Explore the one-of-a-kind Baan Dum Museum (Black House).
✔️ Experience being in the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.
6) Mae Hong Son
If you want to go off the beaten path, you should include a visit to Mae Hong Son in your itinerary. A remote mountainous area located in northern Thailand, Mae Hong Son has ancient temples, Tham Pla National Park, and some of Thailand’s hill tribes, like the Hmong, Karen, and Lisu – making it one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers, especially if you’re interested in culture and heritage.
Best things to do in Mae Hong Son
✔️ Visit the ancient temples Wat Chong Klang, Wat Chong Kham, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu.
✔️ Explore Tham Pla National Park.
✔️ Trek the forested mountains of Mae Hong Son and visit the villages of different ethnic groups living there.
📝 A note from The Boho Travels: Visiting the Karen Hill Tribe was one of the highlights of my trip when I backpacked Chiang Mai & Ayutthaya a few years back. I get that there is mixed feedback from travelers visiting the hill tribe groups of Thailand. But, for me, it’s essential to know the indigenous communities of the places I visit because they are part of the country’s heritage, and it’s an honor for me to meet them.
7) Phuket
Thailand isn’t just about ancient temples. It’s also home to some stunning beaches. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters, consider visiting Phuket, one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
Best things to do in Phuket
✔️ Go on a speedboat cruise and enjoy Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, and Bamboo Island
✔️ Snorkel at Koh Phi Phi Le and Bamboo Island
✔️ Spot local wildlife at the Monkey Beach
✔️ Go on a guided tour to Karon View Point, Big Buddha Phuket, Wat Chalong, Phuket Old Town, and Saeng Tham Shrine.
✔️ Ride the kayak around Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, and Panak Island.
✔️ Visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Phuket
Where to stay in Phuket
👉🏼Budget Option: The Z Nite Hostel
👉🏼Luxury: InterContinental Phuket Resort
Map of the best places to visit in Thailand
Here is a map of the best places to visit in Thailand:
Sample Itinerary: Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First Timers
Here is a sample itinerary, which includes the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers:
DAY 1: 📍 Bangkok
- Arrive in Bangkok in the morning. Head to your accommodation by riding the train, hailing a cab, or booking a GrabCar or GrabTaxi (💡 PRO TIP: Make sure to download the Grab app on your phone). But, if it’s still too early to check in, you can deposit your luggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport in the meantime so that you can start your holiday in Bangkok, one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
- Kick off your holiday with a foodie adventure and head to Old Siam or Chinatown. Your pick!
- After lunch, you can head back to your accommodation to rest and freshen up, or return to Suvarnabhumi to pick up your luggage.
- In the evening, you can go on a dinner cruise and enjoy a different view of Thailand!
DAY 2: 📍 Bangkok
- Start your day by exploring Bangkok’s famous temples: Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
- For lunch, dine at one of Chinatown’s many restaurants and enjoy authentic Thai cuisine.
- In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and explore the Grand Palace with a guided tour.
- After a full day of exploration, you deserve a treat! Dine at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok and enjoy its meticulously crafted and mouthwatering Thai cuisine.
- If you still have the energy, cap your night with a beer or two as you enjoy the lively and vibrant nightlife at the famous Khao San Road.
DAY 3: 📍 Kanchanaburi | 🛌 Bangkok
Want a break from visiting the famous temples in Thailand? Perfect! Today, you can go on a day trip to Kanchanaburi and immerse yourself in history and nature.
DAY 4: 📍 Bangkok
- Start your day early with a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market and witness the training pass by this “life-risking market.”
- Enjoy a private canal tour that will bring you to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, you can spend time tasting Thai desserts and shop!
- In the evening, enjoy a fine dining experience with a 360-degree view of the Bangkok skyline.
DAY 5: 📍 Ayutthaya | 🛌 Bangkok
So, today, you’ll go on a 2.5-hour drive and immerse yourself in history and culture with a day trip to one of Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic City of Ayutthaya – one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
- Visit the Bang Pa-in Palace.
- Explore the 600-year-old Wat Mahathat.
- Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, explore Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and see one of Thailand’s biggest bronze Buddha statues at Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
DAY 6: 📍 Chiang Mai
Now that you’re done experiencing the top things to do in Bangkok and other top destinations in Central Thailand, it’s time to travel to Chiang Mai – another one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.
- If you’re arriving in the morning, ride a tuk-tuk or walk on the streets of Chiang Mai and visit its top temples: the impressive Wat Chedi Luang, the lavish Wat Phra Singh, and the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town Wat Chiang Man.
- If you’re arriving late in the afternoon, you can plan to see the beautifully lit temples at night or have a taste of Thai street food at their local market.
- Before the night ends, have a drink or two at a local pub while listening to live music or get a relaxing Thai massage (‘cos you deserve it!).
DAY 7: 📍 Chiang Mai
- Go on a trip to the Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary and get up close with the elephants. Watch them take a mudbath, bathe with them in the river, and learn how to protect them.
DAY 8: 📍 Chiang Rai & Mae Hong Son | 🛌 Chiang Mai
While you can still do many things in Chiang Mai, this day will be all about going on a day trip to Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.
- Admire the artistry of Chiang Rai’s gorgeous temples: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Wat Rong Seu Ten (Blue Temple), and Baan Dum Museum (Black House).
- Experience being in the Golden Triangle, where three Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos) meet!
- Meet the Karen Hill Tribe in Mae Hong Son.
DAY 9: 📍 Chiang Mai
Want to learn how to cook authentic Thai cuisine? This is your day!
- Get a chance to source your food from the local market and enjoy an informative cooking class that will introduce you to both Thai and Akha cuisine.
- Afterward, visit the 700-year-old Buddhist temple, Wat Umong, and explore the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at night.
DAY 10: 📍 Chiang Mai | 🛌 Phuket
It’s your last day in Chiang Mai! Let’s make the most out of it, shall we?
- Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the sunrise over Chiang Mai riding the hot air balloon and get a bird’s eye view of the stunning Chiang Mai scenery. If it’s out of your budget, you can watch the sunrise from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep instead and enjoy exploring the temple minus the crowd.
- Travel by air to Phuket.
DAY 11: 📍 Phuket
- Go on a speedboat cruise and visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and snorkel at Ko Phi Phi Le.
DAY 12: 📍 Phuket
- Go on a luxury cruise through Phang Nga Bay, relax at Rang Yai Island, visit Phing Kan Island, also known as James Bond Island, and watch the sunset as you cruise back to the marina.
FAQs: Best Places to Visit in Thailand
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the best places to visit in Thailand:
The Wrap-Up: Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First Timers
It’s true. Thailand is a beautiful country worth visiting. With its rich history and culture, stunning temples, gorgeous beaches and falls, and beautiful people, it’s not easy to decide which part of Thailand you should go to first. So, I hope that this short list of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers has helped you decide which destinations to include in your itinerary for your first visit.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to help!
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