Destination Guides

Where to go in Thailand

Matching Thailand's regions and cities to trip types — first-timers, beach weeks, food trips and family holidays.

6 min read · Updated 2026-08-01

Thailand is the most straightforward introduction to Southeast Asia: dense transport options, accommodation at every level and a clear split between city and culture, the northern mountains and two southern coast systems. The Tourism Authority of Thailand describes a tropical monsoon climate with average temperatures roughly 18–38°C across hot, rainy and cooler seasons, and stresses regional differences — the Gulf and Andaman coasts can have different usable beach windows at the same time of year.

The places worth building a trip around

Each of these has its own page with timing, budget and getting-around notes.

Bangkok (City) — Markets, temples, rooftops and the country's transport hub.
Chiang Mai (City) — Old-city temples, northern mountains and a slower pace.
Phuket (Island) — Andaman coast: the largest island, with resorts, nightlife and direct flights.
Krabi (Coast) — Andaman limestone cliffs, longtail boats and climbing.
Koh Samui (Island) — Gulf coast island on a different weather pattern to the Andaman side.
Koh Tao & Koh Phangan (Island) — Gulf islands for diving, budget travel and beach nightlife.
Ayutthaya (Region) — Historic former capital and an easy day trip from Bangkok.