Things to do in Thailand: 17 must-see attractions

Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis of eight million people where centuries-old gold temples sit against futuristic skyscrapers. The scent of street food, which costs around 70 THB, fills the humid air as saffron-robed monks navigate past busy office workers. From the shimmering Grand Palace and the forty-six-meter Reclining Buddha to the smoky alleys of Chinatown and the high-rise rooftops of Silom, the city never stops. It is a capital where tradition and modernity collide twenty-four hours a day.

Set in the misty mountains of northern Thailand, this former capital of the Lanna Kingdom blends thousand-year-old gilded temples with the modern coffee shops favored by digital nomads. Over 300 Buddhist sanctuaries anchor a daily routine defined by monk processions and the scent of street food. Whether you are trekking to hidden waterfalls, visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, or taking a local cooking class, the city offers a relaxed pace of life that hits different.

As the largest island in southern Thailand, Ko Phuket, or simply Phuket, refers by extension to the surrounding island archipelago. You can unwind under the shade of coconut palms before dancing the night away in the beach bars of Patong, enjoy modern amenities with exceptional value, and pamper yourself at numerous spas. The selection of exotic excursions is extensive, including long-tail boat rides, mangrove kayaking, and jungle trekking. This lush pearl of the Andaman Sea holds plenty of hidden treasures. It is also an ideal opportunity to discover Thai culture, cuisine, and traditions.

The climate is tropical with two distinct seasons, staying warm all year round. The rainy season, featuring daily downpours lasting one to three hours, runs from June to October.

Postcard-Worthy Beaches

The most tourist-heavy spots are Patong, Karon, and Kata. Here, you can try parasailing and jet-skiing, go shopping, and sample street food at the Malin Plaza Patong. When evening arrives, night owls hit the bars along Bangla Road, while others take in a ladyboy show at the Phuket Simon Cabaret or catch a Muay Thai boxing match.

For a quieter atmosphere, the more secluded beaches of Sai Kaew beach, Mai Khao beach, Nai Yang beach, Layan beach, Bang Tao beach, and Surin beach offer a welcome escape. Stay alert as strong currents can make swimming dangerous.

At the southern end of Patong, Crystal Beach is a peaceful cove featuring a small beach known as Paradise Beach. You can reach it by walking 1.5 miles past the Merlin Beach resort.

Travelers seeking absolute quiet head to Ko Kho Kaho, famous for its 9 miles of entirely untouched coastline at Nok Nah beach. Paradise Island at Ko Rang, reached from Ko Yao near Ko Hong (essentially a real-life pirate island), is also well worth a visit.

A Lush Setting for Sunrises and Sunsets

Take in a 360-degree panoramic view over the bay of Nai Harn at the southwestern tip of the island. Phrom Thep Cape translates to Cape of Divine Purity in Thai.

Head out to explore Phang Nga. A motor canoe ride gives off a distinct Crocodile Dundee vibe, and the landscape of towering limestone formations is striking, costing around 600 bts for a 3-hour trip.

Kho Phi Phi, Phi Phi Ley, Coral Islands, and the Similan Islands are known for white sand and crystal-clear water. Coral reefs, occasionally damaged by heavy snorkeling traffic, are now subject to conservation efforts such as Maya Bay, closed from 2018 to 2022 and now open with a visitor cap and a seasonal closure, so check the current rules before you go.

A Lively Local Culture

Lined with charming Sino-Portuguese neoclassical houses and pedestrian alleyways, Phuket Town hosts three major festivals: the Vegetarian Festival in October, Chinese Pimai (Chinese New Year) in February, and Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, all offering a festive family atmosphere. On weekend evenings, the Naka Market comes alive with food vendors and local crafts.

Local families love to spend Sundays picnicking and strolling, often heading to the casuarina pine forest in Sirinat National Park, accessed via Thepkrasattri Road.

Perched high on a green hill, the 148-foot-tall white marble Big Buddha of Chalong is a modern landmark built by a foundation to create a major Buddhist site. The viewpoint from the top is remarkable.

The Thalang National museum offers insight into the history of southern Thailand, regional migrations, and tin mining. Exhibits also touch on the devastating December 2004 tsunami and the subsequent rebuilding efforts.

When to Go

The best window to visit Phuket runs from December to March when temperatures are comfortable and the weather is clear.

How to Get There

Air France and Thai Airways International operate non-stop flights to Bangkok from European hubs such as Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle with frequencies varying by season, taking about 12 to 13 hours. From Bangkok, expect another 1.5-hour flight down to Phuket.

Getting Around

The Phuket Town tourist office hands out schedules for local buses and minibuses. The Phuket bus terminal 1 serves major points of interest on shorter routes, and state-run 999 buses are a reliable option. You can also rent a scooter for around 300 bts a day. The road network is in good shape. Make sure to get an International Driving Permit before leaving home, as police checkpoints are common and fines for driving without one run around $31*.

Lampang moves at a slower pace than Thailand's major tourist hubs. You will find a distinct mix of Lanna temples and Burmese architectural influences here. Horse-drawn carriages still share the streets with local traffic, providing a unique way to navigate the historic center and its markets. Just outside the city, the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang stands as one of the most impressive temple complexes in Northern Thailand, making this an ideal stop for travelers seeking a more authentic experience.

Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, is defined by its UNESCO-listed ruins, including Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The best way to navigate these sites is by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or river cruise, which provides a distinct perspective on the temples and floating markets. Make sure to visit the massive reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam and the active Wat Phanan Choeng to experience the Buddhist history and culture of this region. Expect to spend around 50-100 THB for temple entrance fees.