ASIA / 02

Thailand

From Bangkok's river temples to the old capitals of the north, the Khmer ruins of the northeast and the islands of two seas. Choose a guide by region, then plan the stay, the meals and the journey between them.

Central Thailand Western Thailand Northern Thailand Northeast Thailand (Isan)Eastern Thailand Southern Thailand

Wat Arun · Bangkok, Thailand

Destination guides

Each guide helps you decide whether a place fits your trip, how long to stay, where to sleep, what to eat and how to get there.

Central Thailand

Bangkok, the old capital of Ayutthaya and the river and canal country around them — easy to combine by train, boat or road.

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Golden chedis and the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon at Wat Phra Kaew, inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Bangkok · 3–4 days

Bangkok

Plan three or four days in Bangkok: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun by boat, Chinatown by MRT, the dishes worth seeking out and the right district for your hotel.

The three bell-shaped chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet under a blue sky in Ayutthaya Historical Park

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya · 1 day; 2 days with an overnight stay

Ayutthaya

Plan a day or a night in Ayutthaya: which ruins to choose, getting there from Bangkok by train, moving around the island and the local food worth staying for.

The three laterite towers of Phra Prang Sam Yot under a bright blue sky in Lopburi

Lopburi · 1 day; add a night for the sunflower fields

Lopburi

Plan a day in Lopburi: Phra Prang Sam Yot and its macaques, King Narai's palace, the ruins by the station, sunflower season and the train from Bangkok.

The orange-tiled dome and spire of Phra Pathom Chedi above white galleries on a clear day

Nakhon Pathom · 1 day

Nakhon Pathom

Plan a day in Nakhon Pathom: Phra Pathom Chedi, Sanam Chandra Palace, a longtail boat on Khlong Mahasawat and the pomelos and bamboo sticky rice of the province.

Longtail boats with blue canopies moving along the canal at Amphawa Floating Market

Samut Songkhram · 1 day; 2 days with a night in Amphawa

Samut Songkhram

Plan Amphawa and the Maeklong railway market: when to go, a night by the canal, Wat Bang Kung, Don Hoi Lot's razor clams and getting there from Bangkok by road or rail.

The many-spired golden castle building of Wat Tha Sung in Uthai Thani under a pale sky

Uthai Thani · 2 days

Uthai Thani

Plan two quiet days in Uthai Thani: the glass hall of Wat Tha Sung, the view from Khao Sakae Krang, life on the Sakae Krang River and the edge of Huai Kha Khaeng.

Western Thailand

Kanchanaburi's rivers and wartime history, the forested border towns and the Gulf coast resorts to the south-west of Bangkok.

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The black steel spans of the Bridge over the River Kwai reflected in the river under a blue sky

Kanchanaburi · 2–3 days

Kanchanaburi

Plan two or three days in Kanchanaburi: the River Kwai bridge and war cemetery, the Death Railway to Nam Tok, Hellfire Pass, Erawan Falls and where to stay by the river.

The wooden bridge crossing the wide Songkalia River with forested mountains behind

Kanchanaburi · 2–3 days

Sangkhlaburi

Plan two nights in Sangkhlaburi: the 850-metre wooden Mon Bridge, Wat Wang Wiwekaram, a boat on the reservoir, Mon and Karen food and the long road from Kanchanaburi.

A vendor's rowing boat piled with bananas and fruit on a canal at Damnoen Saduak

Ratchaburi · 1–2 days

Ratchaburi

Plan Ratchaburi beyond the floating market: Damnoen Saduak at dawn, the Nang Yai shadow puppets of Wat Khanon, the national museum, caves and the hills of Suan Phueng.

White temple buildings and a domed tower on the summit of Khao Wang under a blue sky

Phetchaburi · 1 day; 2 with Kaeng Krachan

Phetchaburi

Plan a day or two in Phetchaburi, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy: Khao Wang hill palace, Tham Khao Luang, old temples, palm-sugar sweets and Kaeng Krachan.

The red and cream wooden platform canopies of Hua Hin railway station under a blue sky

Prachuap Khiri Khan · 3–4 days

Hua Hin

Plan Hua Hin as Thailand's original royal beach resort: the railway station, Mrigadayavan Palace, Khao Takiab, seafood night markets and how to get there from Bangkok.

Sunlight falling through the roof of Phraya Nakhon cave onto the small royal pavilion

Prachuap Khiri Khan · 2–3 days

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Plan two or three days south of Hua Hin: Phraya Nakhon cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot, wild elephants at Kui Buri, the bays and seafood of Prachuap town and Ao Manao.

Northern Thailand

Mountain towns, Lanna temples and the historic parks of Sukhothai: cooler evenings, slower roads and some of the country's most distinctive food.

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The golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with a gilded parasol under a blue sky

Chiang Mai · 4–5 days

Chiang Mai

Plan four or five days in Chiang Mai: the Old City's Lanna temples, Doi Suthep, Warorot Market, khao soi and northern food, Doi Inthanon and where to stay.

The white, mirror-decorated buildings of Wat Rong Khun reflected in a pond under a blue sky

Chiang Rai · 2–3 days

Chiang Rai

Plan two or three days in Chiang Rai: the White and Blue temples, the night market, tea hills at Doi Mae Salong, sunrise at Phu Chi Fa and the Golden Triangle.

Visitors silhouetted on the ridges of Pai Canyon as the sun sets over the hills

Mae Hong Son · 3–4 days

Pai

Plan three or four days in Pai: the canyon at sunset, the walking street, hot springs, the bamboo Bridge of Merit, Yunnanese food at Santichon and the road there.

The lit Burmese-style chedis of Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham reflected in Nong Chong Kham lake at dusk

Mae Hong Son · 3–5 days

Mae Hong Son

Plan Mae Hong Son: Wat Chong Kham by the lake, Doi Kong Mu at dawn, the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, Ban Rak Thai and Pang Ung, Tham Lod cave and the Mae Hong Son Loop.

The ornate stucco entrance gate of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang against a pale sky

Lampang · 1–2 days

Lampang

Plan a day or two in Lampang: the 15th-century teak hall of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a horse-cart ride, Ban Sao Nak, the Ratsada Bridge and the elephant centre.

The golden main chedi of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai beside a gilded parasol and a carved hall

Lamphun · Half a day to 1 day

Lamphun

Plan a day in Lamphun, the old Hariphunchai capital: Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Wat Chamthewi, the national museum, yok dok silk and the road from Chiang Mai.

The white cross-shaped hall of Wat Phumin with naga balustrades and tiered orange roofs

Nan

Plan three days in Nan: Wat Phumin's murals, the national museum, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, the mountain salt wells of Bo Kluea, Ban Sapan and sunrise at Doi Samer Dao.

The golden octagonal chedi of Wat Phra That Cho Hae beside a gilded parasol under a cloudy sky

Phrae · 1–2 days

Phrae

Plan a day or two in Phrae: Wat Phra That Cho Hae, the teak mansions of Khum Chao Luang and Baan Wongburi, mo hom indigo workshops and the Phae Mueang Phi pillars.

Naga sculptures and a small golden chedi on Kwan Phayao under a pink sunset sky

Phayao · 1 night

Phayao

Plan a quiet stop in Phayao: sunset over Kwan Phayao, the north's largest freshwater lake, lakeside temples and an easy break between Chiang Rai and Nan.

A ruined brick chedi with stucco niches under tall trees at Wat Pa Sak

Chiang Rai · 1 day; 2 with an overnight

Chiang Saen

Plan a day or a night in Chiang Saen: the ruins of the old Lanna city, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, the Mekong riverfront, the Golden Triangle and the Hall of Opium.

The chedis of Wat Mahathat reflected in a lotus pond at sunset

Sukhothai · 2 days

Sukhothai

Plan two days in Sukhothai: Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum's giant Buddha, the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, cycling the park at dawn, and where to stay in old or new town.

Rows of laterite and stucco elephants around the square base of Wat Chang Lom

Sukhothai · 1 day

Si Satchanalai

Plan a day at Si Satchanalai, 80 km from Sukhothai: Wat Chang Lom's 39 stucco elephants, hilltop temples, Chaliang's riverside prang and the old celadon kilns.

Weathered laterite Buddha images, seated and reclining, among brick ruins and trees

Kamphaeng Phet · 1 day

Kamphaeng Phet

Plan a quiet day in Kamphaeng Phet: the walled city by the Ping River, Wat Phra Kaeo, the forest temples of the Aranyik zone and the national museum.

Northeast Thailand (Isan)

Khmer temple ruins, the Mekong riverfront and the grilled, sour and herb-heavy cooking of Isan, far from the main tourist circuit.

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The bronze statue of Thao Suranari on a tall plinth with worshippers making offerings below

Nakhon Ratchasima · 2–3 days

Nakhon Ratchasima

Plan Korat as a base: the Thao Suranari Monument, Wat Sala Loi, Isan food in town, day trips to Phimai and the forests and waterfalls of Khao Yai National Park.

The grey sandstone central tower of Prasat Hin Phimai rising above its galleries and a stepped terrace

Nakhon Ratchasima · Half a day to 1 day

Phimai

Plan a visit to Phimai Historical Park: the Khmer sanctuary of Prasat Hin Phimai, the Phimai National Museum, light-and-sound events and how to get there from Korat.

The pink sandstone central tower of Prasat Phanom Rung with carved pediments

Buri Ram · 1–2 days

Buriram

Plan Buriram: Phanom Rung on its extinct volcano and the sunrise through its 15 doorways, Prasat Muang Tam, Khao Kradong and the city's football and MotoGP venues.

The five brick towers of Prasat Sikhoraphum on a raised base at the end of a path

Surin · 2 days

Surin

Plan Surin: the November Elephant Round-up, Ban Ta Klang elephant village, Prasat Sikhoraphum and Ta Muen, silk-weaving villages and the night market.

The entrance of the Phu Wiang dinosaur museum with a dinosaur head sculpture on the wall

Khon Kaen · 1–2 days

Khon Kaen

Plan Khon Kaen: evenings at Kaen Nakhon Lake, Isan food from street stalls to Michelin-recommended kitchens, and dinosaur fossils at Phu Wiang National Park.

Lily pads and scattered water lilies stretching across Nong Han lake under a wide cloudy sky

Udon Thani · 2 days

Udon Thani

Plan Udon Thani: a morning boat on the Red Lotus Sea at Nong Han, the prehistoric site and museum at Ban Chiang, Phu Phrabat's rock shelters and Isan food in town.

Giant concrete sculptures of a many-headed naga, Buddhas and deities in the gardens of Sala Kaew Ku

Nong Khai · 1–2 nights

Nong Khai

Plan Nong Khai on the Mekong: the giant sculptures of Sala Kaew Ku, Wat Phra That Bang Phuan, Tha Sadet Market, riverside evenings and the naga fireballs at Ok Phansa.

Pine trees on a cliff edge above a valley filled with drifting mist at Phu Kradueng

Loei · 3–4 days

Loei

Plan Loei: the hike up Phu Kradueng's plateau, sunrise over the mist at Phu Ruea, the Phi Ta Khon ghost festival in Dan Sai and cool-season mountain roads.

Old two-storey wooden shophouses with balconies along a street in Chiang Khan

Loei · 1–2 nights

Chiang Khan

Plan a night or two in Chiang Khan: the wooden-shophouse walking street, morning alms, sunrise over the mist at Phu Thok, Kaeng Khut Khu and the Skywalk over the Mekong.

The tall white-and-gold stupa of Wat Phra That Phanom behind its gate under a dramatic sky

Nakhon Phanom · 2 nights

Nakhon Phanom

Plan Nakhon Phanom: Wat Phra That Phanom, the riverside promenade and Naga monument, Ho Chi Minh's house, and the Illuminated Boat Procession on the Mekong at Ok Phansa.

A huge carved wax float of figures and mythical creatures on parade in the Ubon Candle Festival

Ubon Ratchathani · 3 days

Ubon Ratchathani

Plan Ubon Ratchathani: the July Candle Procession, Wat Thung Si Mueang and the national museum in town, Pha Taem's prehistoric paintings, Sam Phan Bok and Wat Sirindhorn.

Eastern Thailand

Gem markets and fruit orchards around Chanthaburi and Trat, and the islands of the eastern Gulf within reach of Bangkok.

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Old wooden houses of the Chanthaboon waterfront lit at dusk and reflected in the river

Chanthaburi · 2 days

Chanthaburi

Plan Chanthaburi: the 300-year-old Chanthaboon waterfront, the riverside cathedral, Wat Leng Hua Yi, Namtok Phlio waterfall, quiet beaches and orchard fruit.

A palm tree leaning over a turquoise lagoon and white sand on Koh Kut

Trat · 1 night in town; 3–5 nights on the islands

Trat

Plan Trat: a quiet town on the way to the islands, the Ban Nam Chiao mangrove community, Koh Mak's low-carbon island life and Koh Kut's beaches.

The forested west coast of Koh Chang and a long white beach seen from a hillside

Trat · 4–5 nights

Koh Chang

Plan Koh Chang, one of Thailand's largest islands: west-coast beaches, Than Mayom waterfall, the rainforest national park and snorkelling trips to Koh Wai.

The wooden shopfront of the Rayong Museum on Yomjinda Road with old objects on display

Rayong · 2 days, plus Koh Samet

Rayong

Plan Rayong: orchard fruit buffets in June and July, Yomjinda Road in the old town, Nang Yai shadow puppets, mangrove boardwalks and the turtle island Ko Man Nai.

Sandstone ledges and white sand along a Koh Samet beach on a sunny day

Rayong · 2–3 nights

Koh Samet

Plan Koh Samet: choosing between Sai Kaew, Ao Phai, Ao Wong Duean and quieter Ao Cho, the national park rules, the boat from Ban Phe and the best season for calm seas.

Southern Thailand

Andaman islands and limestone coast, the Gulf islands, rainforest parks and the spicy cooking of the far south.

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Colourful restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses in pink, yellow and blue in Phuket Old Town

Phuket · 4–6 nights

Phuket

Plan Phuket beyond the beach bars: Sino-Portuguese Old Town, Kata and Karon, the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Promthep Cape at sunset and boat trips to Phang Nga.

Longtail boats pulled up on West Railay beach below towering limestone cliffs

Krabi · 4–5 nights

Krabi

Plan Krabi: Railay's cliffs and beaches, a four-island longtail trip, the Tiger Cave Temple, the Emerald Pool and Khlong Thom hot springs, with Ao Nang as a base.

A quiet palm-fringed stretch of Klong Nin beach on Koh Lanta under a blue sky

Krabi · 4–5 nights

Koh Lanta

Plan Koh Lanta: quiet west-coast beaches, Lanta Old Town and its community museum, the hermit-crab conservation project of the national park and snorkelling at Koh Rok.

Maya Bay's turquoise water enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh

Krabi · 1–2 nights, or a day trip

Koh Phi Phi

Plan Koh Phi Phi: when Maya Bay is open and how to reach it, swimming in Pileh Lagoon, staying on Phi Phi Don, Monkey Bay etiquette and day trips from Phuket or Krabi.

Limestone karst islands rising from the calm green water of Phang Nga Bay

Phang-nga · 1 day; 2 with a night nearby

Phang Nga

Plan Phang Nga Bay: canoeing into Koh Panak's sea caves, James Bond Island, the stilt village of Koh Panyi, Koh Yao Noi and sunrise at Samet Nangshe viewpoint.

A long empty sandy beach lined with casuarina trees on the Khao Lak coast

Phang-nga · 4–5 nights

Khao Lak

Plan Khao Lak: Nang Thong, Bang Niang and Pakarang beaches, Similan Islands trips from Thap Lamu (15 October to 15 May), tsunami memorials and Takua Pa Old Town.

A tall limestone pinnacle rising from the blue water of Cheow Lan Lake

Surat Thani · 2–3 nights

Khao Sok

Plan Khao Sok National Park: jungle trails and waterfalls, a night in a raft house on Cheow Lan Lake among limestone cliffs, rafflesia, wildlife and how to get there.

The ornate stucco-and-brick chedi of Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya beside smaller white chedis

Surat Thani · 1 night, or half a day between connections

Surat Thani

Plan Surat Thani beyond the ferry pier: Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, local food, and connections to Samui, Phangan, Tao and Khao Sok.

Chaweng beach curving along the east coast of Koh Samui seen from a hillside

Surat Thani · 5–6 nights

Koh Samui

Plan Koh Samui: choosing between Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Mae Nam and Choeng Mon, the Big Buddha, Hin Ta Hin Yai, waterfalls and a day in Ang Thong National Marine Park.

The Haad Rin peninsula of Koh Phangan with beaches on both sides seen from above

Surat Thani · 4–5 nights

Koh Phangan

Plan Koh Phangan: Haad Rin and the Full Moon Party, the waterfalls and royal inscriptions of Than Sadet National Park, quieter northern bays and ferries from Samui.

The three islets of Koh Nang Yuan joined by white sandbars seen from the viewpoint

Surat Thani · 4–5 nights

Koh Tao

Plan Koh Tao, Thailand's diving island: learning to dive responsibly, Sairee Beach, the sandbar islands of Koh Nang Yuan and ferries from Chumphon and Samui.

The long sweep of Thung Wua Laen beach with palms and a headland under a cloudy sky

Chumphon · 1–2 nights

Chumphon

Plan Chumphon: the long sandy beach of Thung Wua Laen, snorkelling in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, the Krom Luang Chumphon shrine and boats to Koh Tao.

Steam rising from the mineral-crusted rim of a hot spring basin at Raksawarin

Ranong · 1–2 nights

Ranong

Plan Ranong on the Andaman coast: the 65°C Raksawarin hot springs, misty mornings at Ranong Canyon, island boat trips and the border river with Myanmar.

White sand and turquoise water at Ko Kradan with limestone islands on the horizon

Trang · 2–3 days

Trang

Plan Trang: roast pork and dim sum breakfasts, Trang cake and kopi, the walking street, and island trips to Koh Mook's Emerald Cave in Hat Chao Mai National Park.

Pink and white lotus flowers and lily pads spreading across the water of Thale Noi

Phatthalung · 1–2 days

Phatthalung

Plan Phatthalung: dawn boat trips among lotus and waterbirds on Thale Noi, Thailand's largest waterfowl reserve, the pierced peak of Khao Ok Thalu and sedge weaving.

The tall white bell-shaped chedi of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan with its gilded spire

Nakhon Si Thammarat · 2–3 days

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Plan Nakhon Si Thammarat: Wat Phra Mahathat's 78-metre stupa, the Nang Talung shadow-puppet house, Khiriwong village under Khao Luang and Khanom's pink dolphins.

Old shophouses with balconies lining Nakhon Nok Road in Songkhla Old Town

Songkhla · 1–2 days

Songkhla

Plan Songkhla: Sino-European shophouses of the old town, the 19th-century city wall, the mermaid at Samila beach and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

The skyline of Hat Yai city spreading across the plain with hills beyond

Songkhla · 1–2 nights

Hat Yai

Plan Hat Yai, the south's commercial hub: dim sum breakfasts and Hat Yai fried chicken, night markets, the cable car up Kho Hong hill and onward trips to Songkhla.

A white sand spit curving into turquoise water off Koh Lipe framed by trees

Satun · 4–5 nights

Koh Lipe

Plan Koh Lipe: walkable white-sand beaches, longtail trips to snorkel around Koh Adang and the Tarutao islands, the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark and boats from Pak Bara.

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