Idyllic islands scattered about, wild parties, phenomenal beaches, chill mountain towns, bustling cities, and outdoor activities galore are just a few of the perks of the best places to visit in Thailand before you die. Once you land in the country, you will be blown away by the sights and smells that are Thailand. The culture and history will sweep you away as you wander around ancient temples and your eyes will be dazzled by the incredible karst mountains that jet out of the deep blue sea. There truly is something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.”
One reserve you might have on traveling to Thailand is safety. As in many places across the globe – or even your hometown – precautions must be taken. Don’t travel down dimly lit streets at night, be defensive, stay in populated areas, etc. The country truly is spectacular, and very easily can be navigated with precaution. There are plenty of beautiful and safe places to visit in Mexico too, despite the country’s reputation for crazy crime lords. Stop worrying, it would be a shame to miss these best places to visit in Thailand before you die!
10. Railay
Located in the indescribably amazing Krabi province, Railay is a blissful getaway from the busy mainland towns. While this is not an island, a boat is the only way to reach it due to the massive karst rocks that surround it. It has everything a tourist needs, without over doing it. Nice resorts, great eateries, spectacular beaches, and activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and rock climbing. Enough said, no more reasons needed!
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9. Koh Tao
Although the island has been under some scrutiny for some incidents, it’s generally a safe place to be, and happens to be the diving capital of the country. Want to get certified? This is the spot. It’s one of the cheapest places you can stay and get certified at. There’s great snorkeling too!
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8. Koh Phuket
Phuket is the country’s largest island. It’s very much developed and caters to all types of holidayers. There’s plenty of accommodation for all price ranges, nice beaches, an international airport, and western luxuries. It’s a popular destination for good reason. It’s a beautiful place to visit in Thailand and it’s great for couples, singles, and families alike.
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7. Bangkok
You will certainly stop in Bangkok either way, but make sure you also make your way around. If you avoid the seedy areas, you will be avoiding trouble, especially if you’re a single male. Many can find themselves is less than desirable positions when exploring the red light districts, so if you stick to the main sights and enjoy the non-seedy side of Bangkok, you will be golden. There are tons of temples, modern sky bars (a must do), great bargain shopping, and more.
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6. Chiang Mai
Sticking with our city theme for now, let’s move on to Chiang Mai. This spot will certainly have a much different feel than Bangkok. More temples to explore, more culture and less city life, and fantastic eateries are what you will find here. Do you need a city escape without going far? Nature is just around the corner. Doi Suthep is located on a mountain and it’s one of the most revered temples in the country. There’s city life and the countryside all in one area here.
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5. Pai
Moving your way even more north to Pai is a good idea if you’re into the “One Love” vibes. A chill hippy mountain town, this stop is certainly not off the beaten track, but also not totally tainted by tourists. Tourists find themselves getting lost for days and possibly weeks here. In fact, many just simply can’t leave. Surrounded by mountains, Pai is a great spot to relax, but also explore nature up close. Mountains, waterfalls, a canyon, rivers, forests and more are all waiting for your adventurous soul to wander around. At the end of the day, sit at a reggae bar and have a few beers. That’s pretty much how life goes here.
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4. Kanchanaburi
If you want to escape Bangkok, this spot is only a few hours west. It’s a small town but has a great atmosphere and a lot of history. Discover the tragic times endured during WWII at the Jeath War Museum and walk across the Death Railway that is still being used today. Nature is just outside of town with one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls, Erawan Falls.
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3. Ayutthaya
You have seen plenty of temples during your stay here, but none like these. Ayutthaya is one of the ancient capitals and here you will be able to feel like you’re Indiana Jones discovering ruinous temples scattered about the city. When you’re ready for some more excitement, Bangkok is only an hour back south.
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2. Koh Chang
Ready for the beach again? I thought so. Koh Chang is a beautiful and safe getaway in Thailand. There’s Lonely Beach, which is anything but lonely, but if you’re wanting to escape a bit more, just grab a motorbike and drive around. There are beaches that are not frequented by tourists dotted around the huge island. Which gorgeous beach will you stumble upon?
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And, the best place to visit in Thailand before you die is: Koh Phangan
OK crazy party animals, I haven’t forgotten about you. If you’re wanting the ultimate party island, this is the spot. It’s another one of Thailand’s beautiful destinations, and if you’re smart, it’s totally safe too. Just be mindful of your drinks and don’t drink and drive – again a rule that would be true for you back home too. Enjoy the beaches in the north to escape the craziness, and head to the south of the island for the infamous Full Moon Party, or any of the other parties that might be raging during your stay.
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This list of the 10 best places to visit in Thailand before you die is certainly not inclusive. There’s so much here, it will take a while to discover it all, but this list will definitely get you started off right. What amazing destination in Thailand will you be visiting first?
