Top 30 Tourist Places in Thailand
Thailand, known as the “Land of Smiles,” is a vibrant and diverse country in Southeast Asia, famous for its stunning beaches, rich culture, ancient temples, and bustling cities. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of the islands, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler. Here are the top 30 tourist places in Thailand, each with its unique tourism specialty, locality, best time to visit, nearby attractions, and recommended restaurants and hotels.
1. Bangkok
Tourism Specialty: Grand Palace, bustling street life Locality: Central Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market Nearby Restaurants: Gaggan, Issaya Siamese Club, Bo.Lan Nearby Hotels: Mandarin Oriental, The Siam, Shangri-La Hotel
2. Chiang Mai
Tourism Specialty: Temples, vibrant night markets Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Elephant Nature Park Nearby Restaurants: The Riverside, Dash! Restaurant and Bar, SP Chicken Nearby Hotels: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Rachamankha Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel
3. Phuket
Tourism Specialty: Beaches, nightlife Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Phi Phi Islands Nearby Restaurants: Raya Restaurant, La Gritta, Suay Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Trisara, The Shore at Katathani, Amari Phuket
4. Ayutthaya
Tourism Specialty: Ancient ruins, historical sites Locality: Central Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya Historical Park Nearby Restaurants: Malakor, Baan Watcharachai, Sala Ayutthaya Eatery and Bar Nearby Hotels: Sala Ayutthaya, Krungsri River Hotel, Baan Thai House
5. Pattaya
Tourism Specialty: Vibrant nightlife, beaches Locality: Eastern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Nearby Restaurants: Mantra Restaurant & Bar, Rimpa Lapin, The Glass House Nearby Hotels: Hilton Pattaya, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Dusit Thani Pattaya
6. Krabi
Tourism Specialty: Stunning limestone cliffs, clear waters Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, Ao Nang Beach Nearby Restaurants: The Hilltop, Krua Thara, Lae Lay Grill Nearby Hotels: Rayavadee, Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Centara Grand Beach Resort
7. Sukhothai
Tourism Specialty: Historical ruins, ancient temples Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Si Chum, Ramkhamhaeng National Museum Nearby Restaurants: Sinvana Restaurant, Poo Restaurant, Turban Bistro Nearby Hotels: Sukhothai Heritage Resort, Sriwilai Sukhothai, Legendha Sukhothai Resort
8. Koh Samui
Tourism Specialty: Luxury resorts, stunning beaches Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: December to April Nearby Attractions: Ang Thong Marine Park, Big Buddha, Fisherman’s Village Nearby Restaurants: Zazen Restaurant, Barracuda Restaurant, Dining on the Rocks Nearby Hotels: Four Seasons Resort, Banyan Tree Samui, W Koh Samui
9. Hua Hin
Tourism Specialty: Beaches, royal palaces Locality: Western Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Cicada Market, Hua Hin Beach, Maruekhathaiyawan Palace Nearby Restaurants: Baan Itsara, La Terrasse, Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant Nearby Hotels: InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Centara Grand Beach Resort, Anantara Hua Hin Resort
10. Chiang Rai
Tourism Specialty: Temples, hill tribes Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Black House (Baan Dam), Golden Triangle Nearby Restaurants: Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Lu Lam Restaurant, Barrab Nearby Hotels: Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, The Riverie by Katathani, Nak Nakara Hotel
11. Koh Phi Phi
Tourism Specialty: Picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: Maya Bay, Phi Phi Viewpoint, Viking Cave Nearby Restaurants: Anna’s Restaurant, Garlic 1992, Oasis Bar & Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
12. Kanchanaburi
Tourism Specialty: WWII history, natural beauty Locality: Western Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Bridge on the River Kwai, Erawan National Park, Hellfire Pass Nearby Restaurants: Keeree Tara Restaurant, Blue Rice Restaurant by Apple & Noi, The Loft Nearby Hotels: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi, The FloatHouse River Kwai, X2 River Kwai Resort
13. Koh Tao
Tourism Specialty: Scuba diving, snorkeling Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: December to April Nearby Attractions: Shark Bay, Sairee Beach, John-Suwan Viewpoint Nearby Restaurants: Barracuda Restaurant & Bar, The Gallery Restaurant, Blue Water Nearby Hotels: Jamahkiri Resort, The Tarna Align Resort, Koh Tao Cabana
14. Koh Lanta
Tourism Specialty: Tranquil beaches, clear waters Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Klong Dao Beach, Kantiang Bay Nearby Restaurants: Same Same But Different, Red Snapper, Drunken Sailors Nearby Hotels: Pimalai Resort & Spa, Layana Resort & Spa, Twin Lotus Resort
15. Pai
Tourism Specialty: Mountain scenery, relaxed atmosphere Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Pai Canyon, Pai Hot Springs, Yun Lai Viewpoint Nearby Restaurants: Pai Country Hut, Charlie and Lek, Na’s Kitchen Nearby Hotels: Reverie Siam Resort, Pai Village Boutique Resort, The Quarter Pai
16. Koh Chang
Tourism Specialty: Jungle trekking, beautiful beaches Locality: Eastern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: Klong Plu Waterfall, White Sand Beach, Mu Ko Chang National Park Nearby Restaurants: Kati Culinary, Infinity Restaurant, Saffron on the Sea Nearby Hotels: The Emerald Cove Koh Chang, Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort, KC Grande Resort & Spa
17. Phang Nga Bay
Tourism Specialty: Limestone karsts, emerald-green waters Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: James Bond Island, Koh Panyee, Ao Phang Nga National Park Nearby Restaurants: Samchong Seafood, Bang Pat Homestay, Kinaree Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, Six Senses Yao Noi, TreeHouse Villas
18. Koh Phangan
Tourism Specialty: Full Moon Party, stunning beaches Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: December to April Nearby Attractions: Haad Rin Beach, Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach, Bottle Beach Nearby Restaurants: Nira’s Home Bakery, Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar, House People Nearby Hotels: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, Buri Rasa Village, Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa
19. Lopburi
Tourism Specialty: Monkey temples, historical ruins Locality: Central Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Phra Prang Sam Yot, King Narai’s Palace, Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That Nearby Restaurants: Bua Luang Restaurant, Raan Je Pon, Somtum Khun Por Nearby Hotels: Naraihill Golf Resort & Country Club, Lopburi Inn Resort, Windsor Resort
20. Khao Sok National Park
Tourism Specialty: Rainforest, wildlife Locality: Southern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: Cheow Lan Lake, Nam Talu Cave, Bang Hua Rat Waterfall Nearby Restaurants: Rafflesia Cafe, Pawn’s Restaurant, Bamboo Bistro Khao Sok Nearby Hotels: Our Jungle House, Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, Panvaree Resort
21. Mae Hong Son
Tourism Specialty: Hill tribes, mountain landscapes Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Pai, Tham Pla National Park, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu Nearby Restaurants: Salween River Restaurant, Little Good Things, Bai Fern Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Fern Resort, Imperial Mae Hong Son Resort, Pai Village Boutique Resort
22. Koh Samet
Tourism Specialty: Sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters Locality: Eastern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearby Attractions: Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Phrao Beach, Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park Nearby Restaurants: Ploy Talay Restaurant, Tubtim Resort Restaurant, La Luna Italian Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Paradee Resort, Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa, Ao Prao Resort
23. Khon Kaen
Tourism Specialty: Dinosaur fossils, silk production Locality: Northeastern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum, Wat Nong Wang, Bueng Kaen Nakhon Nearby Restaurants: Pomodoro, Slove U House, Kai Yang Rabeab Nearby Hotels: Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid, Kosa Hotel
24. Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
Tourism Specialty: Khmer ruins, national parks Locality: Northeastern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Phimai Historical Park, Khao Yai National Park, Wat Phra Narai Maharat Nearby Restaurants: Class Cafe, Tapestry Restaurant, The Grill Room Korat Nearby Hotels: Dusit Princess Korat, Kantary Hotel Korat, Sima Thani Hotel
25. Surin
Tourism Specialty: Elephant Round-Up, traditional silk Locality: Northeastern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village, Phanom Rung Historical Park, Surin National Museum Nearby Restaurants: Rongsi Coffee, Tawan Daeng, Kaneng Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Maneerote Hotel, Thong Tarin Hotel, Martina Hotel
26. Lampang
Tourism Specialty: Horse-drawn carriages, traditional temples Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Wat Si Rong Mueang, Thai Elephant Conservation Center Nearby Restaurants: Aroy One Baht, Long Jim New York Pizza, The Riverside Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Lampang River Lodge, The Zenery Hotel, Pin Hotel
27. Phitsanulok
Tourism Specialty: Historical significance, ancient temples Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Chan Royal Palace Nearby Restaurants: Baan Mai Restaurant, Ban Mai Cafe & Bistro, Yok Club & Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Pattara Resort & Spa, Topland Hotel, The Park Hotel
28. Ratchaburi
Tourism Specialty: Floating markets, caves Locality: Central Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Khao Ngu Stone Park, Wat Mahathat Worawihan Nearby Restaurants: Khun Lek’s Kitchen, Chom Chan Restaurant, Khun Lek’s Kitchen Nearby Hotels: La Toscana Resort, Maikaew Damnoen Resort, Rachabhura Hotel
29. Phetchaburi
Tourism Specialty: Historical temples, caves Locality: Central Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, Tham Khao Luang Cave, Cha-am Beach Nearby Restaurants: Swiss Palazzo, Rim Nam Restaurant, Nuttaporn Ice Cream Nearby Hotels: I Tara Resort & Spa, Sun Hotel, Royal Diamond Hotel
30. Phayao
Tourism Specialty: Scenic lake, cultural heritage Locality: Northern Thailand Best Time to Visit: November to February Nearby Attractions: Phayao Lake, Wat Si Khom Kham, Wat Analayo Nearby Restaurants: Hua Seng Hong Restaurant, La Gondola Restaurant, Phu Tong Tan Restaurant Nearby Hotels: Phayao Gateway Hotel, Green Hill Hotel, M2 Hotel
Thailand’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern attractions make it an irresistible destination for travelers. Whether you’re exploring the bustling city of Bangkok, relaxing on the pristine beaches of the islands, or delving into the historical depths of ancient cities, Thailand promises a journey filled with unforgettable experiences.