Thailand is one of the most popular Southeast Asian countries for tourists, drawing countless visitors every year. From the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to the cultural and historical charm of Chiang Mai, the tropical beach havens of Pattaya and Phuket, and the UNESCO-listed treasures of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, Thailand offers a wealth of experiences. Its diverse appeal ensures that every visit brings something new to explore, making it a perennial favorite. In this guide, we’ll take you through Thailand’s travel highlights, the most popular areas, and must-visit spots for your next adventure.
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Where should you go when visiting Thailand? Discover its top destinations and must-see attractions!
When is the best time to visit Thailand for sightseeing?
- Best seasons for weather: dry season or rainy season.
Thailand's Koh Samui after a rain shower.
・Dry Season (November to February): Highly recommended ◎ / Recommended attire: light summer clothing with a jacket or shawl for cooler evenings.
・Rainy Season (June to October): Good choice ○ / Recommended attire: summer clothing, a raincoat, and sandals for convenience.
・Hot Season (March to May): Challenging weather △ / Recommended attire: breathable summer clothing (pack extra changes) and a lightweight jacket.
For comfortable sightseeing, the dry season (November–February) and the rainy season (June–October) are ideal. The hot season (March–May) can be quite taxing due to the heat. While some travelers may worry about the rainy season, it usually involves short, intense showers in the late afternoon, lasting about an hour. Waiting it out under a shop or canopy can be a charming part of the Southeast Asian experience.
- Best seasons for affordable flights: avoid peak travel holidays.
Flight prices to Thailand rise significantly during Golden Week, Obon, and New Year holidays. Outside these peak times, round-trip tickets typically range between 25,000–50,000 yen plus taxes. Flights from Kansai or Narita are generally cheaper in February (end of dry season) and June (start of rainy season).
- To experience the Water Festival, April is the top choice.
The hot season from March to May may feel extreme, but it’s the perfect time to join the famous "Water Festival (Songkran)" held from April 13 to 15. This lively event takes place across Thailand, with water fights filling the streets of major cities. Most tourist areas host festivities, but Phuket’s celebration stands out for its vibrant and free-spirited atmosphere—perfect for joining in wearing swimsuits.
Do you need a visa for a tourist trip to Thailand?
Tourists traveling to Thailand don’t require a visa if the following conditions are met:
Stays of up to 30 days are visa-exempt for air travelers.
①For overland entry from neighboring countries, the limit is 15 days—be mindful of this.
②Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
Many travelers are denied entry ue to expired passports, so double-check yours before departure.
③Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds is required.
At entry, travelers should have at least 10,000 Baht per person (or 20,000 Baht per family) available.
How affordable is Thailand?
As of January 22, 2019: 1 Baht = 3.44 yen.
In bustling cities like Bangkok and popular resort destinations, prices may not feel exceptionally low. For example:
・Local street food stalls are much more budget-friendly.
Daily necessities, groceries, and public transportation are quite inexpensive.
・Clothing from street vendors is very affordable, but prices for global brands.
・Accommodation ranges widely, with clean and cozy budget stays available for under 5,000 yen.
1. The Grand Palace and Three Major Temples in Bangkok's Old Town (Central Thailand)
Bangkok offers a variety of experiences. From the traditional and dignified Grand Palace to the three major temples and the bustling downtown, every aspect of the city is stimulating and full of energy.
Bangkok has many historic temples and buildings, but the contrast of gold and white, as well as the intricate architectural style of the three major temples, makes them must-visit tourist spots. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) are all located along the Chao Phraya River, making it easy to visit them in one trip. Crossing the river by boat is also an enjoyable experience.
Access to Downtown Bangkok
From Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can reach the city center’s Phaya Thai Station in about 30 minutes via the Airport Rail Link.
2. Pattaya's Beaches and Leisure Entertainment (Central Thailand)
This beach resort is located about 150 km southeast of Bangkok. Famous spots include Pattaya Beach and the offshore Koh Larn (Coral Island), where you can enjoy a variety of marine activities. The "Sanctuary of Truth," often called Thailand's Sagrada Família, is also highly recommended.
A bustling city, Pattaya also offers vibrant nightlife. Besides go-go bars and nightclubs, the Tiffany's Show (a cabaret performed by transgender artists) is a unique Thai entertainment experience.
Buses depart from Bangkok's BTS Ekkamai Station. Look for the bus stop with a "PATTAYA" sign. The travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the one-way fare is less than 400 yen.
3. Ayutthaya's Buddhist Temples and Ruins (Central Thailand)
Ayutthaya is an ancient city of Thailand. You can explore temples and ruins related to the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350–1767).
Famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlights include the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Phra Mahathat, the royal chapel ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the magnificent reclining Buddha at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. These sites are rich in history and well worth visiting.
Common options include taking a train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok or using a shared van (rot tue). By train, it takes just over 2 hours, while car travel is slightly faster. If you’re flying into Don Mueang Airport instead of Bangkok city, you can conveniently access Ayutthaya by train or shared van directly from the airport.
4. Phuket Offers Plenty of Beach Leisure and Nightlife! (Southern Thailand)
A paradise resort featuring crystal-clear waters, tropical rainforests, and beaches surrounded by small hills. The main tourist areas are Patong Beach on the west coast and Phuket Town in the southeast of the island. It’s also recommended to explore offshore islands such as Coral Island and Phi Phi Island. Patong Beach, in particular, has a vibrant atmosphere with numerous shops and hotels lining the beautiful beachfront, making it a lively tourist destination.
Bangla Road, a bustling entertainment district, is home to many nightclubs and bars, making it a popular nightlife hub for tourists.
Access from Bangkok to Phuket
It’s a 1 hour and 20-minute flight from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Phuket International Airport.
5. Krabi: A Hidden Paradise of Endless Scenic Beauty (Southern Thailand)
Krabi is located on the opposite shore of Phuket Island, across the Andaman Sea. Though it may not be as well-known, it’s recognized as a hidden paradise and secret retreat in Thailand.
With breathtaking views of endless blue skies, transparent seas, and strikingly tall rocky cliffs, Krabi offers awe-inspiring landscapes. You can relax in secluded resort hotels scattered throughout or enjoy a popular island-hopping tour to explore its mystical surroundings by boat.
Access from Bangkok to Krabi
A flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to Krabi Airport takes about 1 hour. Budget airlines offer affordable tickets starting from 6,000 yen.
6. Koh Samui: A Resort Island Recommended for a Relaxing Stay (Southern Thailand)
Located in the Gulf of Thailand off Surat Thani’s coast, Koh Samui is fondly referred to as the "Coconut Island." T As the name suggests, it is a resort island filled with coconut trees.
While the beaches and resort hotels are undoubtedly amazing and need no detailed explanation, other highlights include the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem. The splendid Buddha statue with the backdrop of tropical resort scenery is unique to Koh Samui.
Access from Bangkok to Koh Samui
The quickest way to reach Koh Samui is by air, with a flight taking roughly 1 hour. However, ticket prices can be relatively high (20,000–30,000 yen). For better value, it’s recommended to fly directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport, making it less ideal for combining with a Bangkok city tour.
7. Chiang Mai: A City Where You Can Experience Rich Thai Culture (Northern Thailand)
Chiang Mai is the central city in the mountainous region of northern Thailand. Its history as a crossroads for various ethnic groups gives it a unique culture distinct from Bangkok, known as Lanna culture. The famous Long Neck Tribe is also among the hill tribes in northern Thailand, around Chiang Mai. The main attractions are numerous Buddhist temples. As the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in the late 13th century, it boasts many magnificent temples.
With its diverse ethnic culture, Chiang Mai is also known for unique and charming handicrafts and souvenirs, which are popular to buy at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Access from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
A flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 1 hour, with budget airline tickets typically costing around 7,000–8,000 yen. For those short on time, flying is the best option, as traveling by land takes nearly half a day.
8. Visit World Heritage Sites in Sukhothai (Northern Thailand)
Known as the birthplace of Thailand’s first kingdom, Sukhothai is nestled between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The town is famous for its ancient fortress and temple ruins, part of a UNESCO World Heritage designation that includes surrounding towns. Visitors should not miss the well-preserved Sukhothai Historical Park, a highlight of this heritage area, or the delicious Sukhothai-style noodles. Extend your journey to nearby Si Satchanalai Historical Park and the historic fortress ruins of Kamphaeng Phet, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Access from Bangkok to Sukhothai
Flying to Sukhothai takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Bangkok Airways offers round-trip tickets starting at approximately 12,000 yen (excluding additional fees). Land travel is possible but less convenient due to longer travel times, making flights the best option. For international travelers, connecting through Suvarnabhumi Airport is the most common route.
9. Experience the Mountain Culture in Chiang Rai (Northern Thailand)
Chiang Rai, the northernmost city in Thailand, is often mistaken for its nearby counterpart Chiang Mai, though they are entirely different. As the first capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Rai shares a similar charm to Chiang Mai, but with a unique identity of its own.
Chiang Rai sits at the border shared with Myanmar and Laos, in an area known as the Golden Triangle. The bustling Mae Sai Market is a lively hub of activity. Don’t miss tasting the famous khao soi and locally brewed coffee. To experience the hill tribe culture, join a guided tour to visit the settlements of major ethnic groups.
Access from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Budget airlines also operate on this route, with round-trip tickets available for under 10,000 yen. Flights departing from Don Mueang Airport are particularly convenient due to their frequency. Land travel may be cheaper but takes nearly half a day, making it less ideal.
◎ Bonus Recommendation: Enjoy a Unique Thailand Trip at the Maeklong Railway Market
The Famous Train-Cutting Maeklong Market
Maeklong Market is a unique market where stalls are set up right beside the Maeklong Railway. The sight of trains passing close to the shops has often been featured on TV and online. While the market doesn’t sell typical tourist souvenirs, its quirky scenery is perfect for storytelling. Don’t forget to visit the Amphawa Floating Market, 7 km northwest of Maeklong, to enjoy Thailand’s distinctive riverside life.
Reaching Maeklong from Bangkok
You can catch a minibus from the "Minibus Station Morchid," situated near Chatuchak’s Queen Sirikit Park and the Bangkok North Bus Terminal. The journey to Maeklong takes about 90 minutes and costs 60–90 baht (approximately 210–315 yen).
Accessing the station is easy via a short taxi ride or a 25-minute walk from the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain or Bangkok Metro stations.
