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Thailand Frontier
From the royal temples of Bangkok to the limestone bays of the south, here is how Thailand breaks down by region, and what each part is known for

Attractions

Attractions in Thailand

From the royal temples of Bangkok to the limestone bays of the south, here is how Thailand breaks down by region, and what each part is known for.

Start with a region

Explore Thailand by region

  • Central Thailand
    Central Thailand

    Bangkok and the historic river towns: temples, palaces and the old capital of Ayutthaya.

  • Northern Thailand
    Northern Thailand

    Chiang Mai, mountains, hill-tribe country and the cooler, forested north.

  • The Andaman Coast
    The Andaman Coast

    Phuket, Krabi and the limestone islands of the western sea.

  • The Gulf & Islands
    The Gulf & Islands

    Koh Samui, Pha Ngan and Tao, plus the Gulf coast beaches.

Top-rated Thailand tours & tickets

Not sure where to start?

How to plan your route

  • First time in Thailand

    Pair Bangkok with either Chiang Mai or a southern beach. Ten days covers two regions without rushing.

  • Short on time

    Stay on one coast. Fly in and out of the nearest airport and skip the long overland hops between regions.

  • Travelling with family

    Phuket and Khao Lak have calm beaches in season, easy airport access and plenty of child-friendly day trips.

Top-rated Thailand tours & tickets

The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise Free cancellation

The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

★ 4.8 (872) from $47.8
Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride Free cancellation

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

★ 4.7 (6,712) from $35.47
Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai Free cancellation

Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai

★ 5.0 (20,745) from $27.76
Phang Nga Bay Canoeing & James Bond Island Tour from Phuket Free cancellation

Phang Nga Bay Canoeing & James Bond Island Tour from Phuket

★ 4.9 (5,214) from $89.28
Deep Mangrove and Canyon Kayak Tour in Krabi Free cancellation

Deep Mangrove and Canyon Kayak Tour in Krabi

★ 4.8 (572) from $40.05
Half Day Highlights Koh Samui Tour Free cancellation

Half Day Highlights Koh Samui Tour

★ 4.9 (1,560) from $30.53
Private Tour: Best of Bangkok in A Day Free cancellation

Private Tour: Best of Bangkok in A Day

★ 4.8 (565) from $215.58
Half-Day Floating Market and Railway Market Tour from Bangkok Free cancellation

Half-Day Floating Market and Railway Market Tour from Bangkok

★ 4.5 (4,346) from $26.21
Chiang Rai White and Blue Temples Private Trip Free cancellation

Chiang Rai White and Blue Temples Private Trip

★ 5.0 (1,388) from $149
Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings Free cancellation

Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

★ 5.0 (2,143) from $59
One Day Tour Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi Free cancellation

One Day Tour Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi

★ 4.1 (162) from $110.71
Angthong National Marine Park VIP Small Group Tour Free cancellation

Angthong National Marine Park VIP Small Group Tour

★ 5.0 (925) from $183.5

See all Thailand tours on Viator

Thailand attractions, answered

What is Thailand best known for?+

Temples and palaces, a long coastline of islands and beaches, and some of the best street food anywhere. Most trips mix a city, the north and a stretch of coast.

How many regions should I visit?+

For a first trip, two: Bangkok or the north, plus one coast. Trying to cover Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the southern islands in one week means most of it is spent in transit.

Do I need to book attractions in advance?+

Big-ticket tours and island day trips sell out in high season, so book those ahead. Temples and markets you can simply turn up to.

Is Thailand safe for solo travellers?+

Generally yes. The main tourist areas are well set up for independent travel, though the usual city precautions apply. Keep photocopies of your passport and travel with insurance.