The 5 best places to visit in Thailand for first time visitors.
Zipping through the streets of Bangkok in a tuk-tuk is a unique rush of adrenaline, and the mountain calm of Chiang Mai? Incredible!
Then there is Maya Bay… I can’t even put it into words…
Thailand is full of contrasts. One moment you’re eating street food under neon lights, the next you’re swimming in turquoise waters with cliffs all around you.
But for first-time visitors, it’s hard to narrow it down — where do you even begin?
After exploring Thailand from the temples of the north to the islands of the south, I’ve picked 5 of the best places for first-timers, including cities, beaches, culture, and offbeat gems.
You’ll also find tips on where to stay, how to get around, and which tours are worth it… So you can plan with total confidence.
Whether you're travelling solo, diving into Thai cuisine, or just chasing sunshine and smiles… These destinations offer the perfect introduction to the Land of Smiles.
A picture perfect spot.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
In no particular order, here are the best places to visit in Thailand as a first timer:
Chiang Mai.
Phuket.
Phi Phi Islands.
Bangkok.
Pai.
Make sure you are prepared for Thailand.
Before you go, sort out these key essentials, as they’ll make your trip smoother, safer, and more connected:
Travel Insurance.
Don’t take risks in a new country.
Insubuy – Ideal for trekking, boat tours, and activities.
👉 Compare travel insurance options before you fly.
Stay Connected with a Thailand eSIM.
Avoid airport SIM stress — install before arrival.
👉 Buy a Thailand eSIM via Airalo.
Book Buses, Trains & Transfers Easily.
Skip scams and queues — use 12Go Asia to book:
Trains (e.g. Bangkok to Chiang Mai).
Buses (e.g. Bangkok to Pattaya).
Airport shuttles and ferries (Ko Samui to Ko Pan Ngan).
👉 Reserve seats on 12Go Asia.
Thailand is a special place.
Chiang Mai.
Ahh, nature, tranquillity, culture, and some pretty epic cuisine…
Welcome to the northern gem of Thailand..
If Bangkok is all noise and neon, and the islands are all beach bars and boat trips, Chiang Mai sits somewhere perfectly in-between — creative, calm, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and filled with centuries-old temples, the city offers a slower, more soulful pace… But this only one side of the city.
What really stood out for me was the striking balance which Chiang Mai has nailed.
Ancient temples on one corner, modern co-working cafés and smoothie bowls on the next.
Chiang Mai has evolved into a kind of peaceful hub — locals, digital nomads, backpackers, and retirees all coexisting in a place that somehow stays warm and welcoming.
A khao Soi and fresh smoothie followed by a day of jungle adventure.. It doesn’t get better than that for me!
Elephants in Chiang Mai.
A city of temples and traditions.
One of my favourite things about Chiang Mai is how easy it is to dive straight into Thai culture.
I found walking around the Old City to be an experience in itself….
Ancient walls and a moat circle more than 30 temples, each with their own distinct character.
On my first day in Chiang Mai I rented a scooter and visited several famous Thai temples, in between trying the local dishes…
Khao Soi, Sai Ua, and Tam Khanun all deserve a special mention.
There are plenty of places to try the beautiful dishes, with thousands of restaurants within the walled city centre.
Although there are so many awesome places to eat, I have to give a personal shout out to Kat’s Kitchen.
It really does feel like that special Thai dining experience, and it’s cheap… You may struggle to book a table though!
Some of the most memorable spots aren’t inside the city walls though. My favourite temple is tucked away in the hills and jungle just outside Chiang Mai…
👉 Want a deeper look into Chiang Mai’s spiritual side?
Join this top-rated half-day temples and culture tour — it’s an easy way to learn the stories behind these incredible sites.
Wat Pha Lat.
Wat Pha Lat.
Hiding deep in the jungle, with picturesque waterfalls, awesome hiking trails, and many active monks lies Wat Pha Lat….
A tranquil temple retreat that feels almost lost in time.
It reminds me very much of some of the temples I visited on my Angkor Wat tour.
Picture ancient traditions, ageing buildings, and overgrown nature. It definitely works well in my opinion.
This awesome temple is only 15 minutes on a scooter, but I spent a good part of my afternoon just chilling and admiring the surroundings.
There are many temples in Chiang Mai.
As I wandered around, I could feel that Chiang Mai hasn’t quite caught up with the high energy of the other destinations in Thailand.
It still feels very traditional and a city embedded deeply in Thai culture.
It’s a place where life moves a little slower, which was much needed on my hectic backpacking trip.
Unique stays in Thailand:
Chiang Mai.
• Budget: The Entaneer Poshtel
• Mid-Range: BED Chiang Mai Gate
Pai.
• Budget: Pai Country Hut
• Mid-Range: Reverie Siam
Phi Phi Islands.
• Budget: P.P. Princess Resort
• Mid-Range: Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort
A quirky cafe in nature.
How long do you need in Chiang Mai?
Three to four days is ideal for Chiang Mai, which is enough time to explore temples, try a cooking class, and maybe squeeze in a day trip to the jungle, or an ethical elephant sanctuary.
I stayed 5 days, but I wanted to enjoy the fitness scene and get into a daily routine.
These were arguably the best 5 days of my whole backpacking trip around South East Asia.
My recommended tour in Chiang Mai:
Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour.
Learning how to cook Massamam curry was awesome, as it is one of my favourite Thai dishes.
Toey was a great tour guide and helped us step by step to cook 4 different meals. Of course, the funnest part is eating them!
It was way more social than I expected, and we met some awesome people during our morning. This made it so much more fun!
Phuket.
Phuket really does have something for everyone.
It’s Thailand’s largest island and one of the most popular stops for first-time travellers.
It does get very busy with International tourists, however, it has world class tourist infrastructure, and much variety for activities.
One moment I was wandering through European-style streets hunting out street art, the next I was watching a fun Muay Thai fight, then finishing the night with a Singha beer on Bangla Road.
There aren’t many places where you can pack that much into a single day.
The architecture in Phuket Old Town is incredible.
A quirky old town.
Phuket isn’t just about beaches and bars.
The Old Town is a totally different vibe, and was probably my favourite part of the island.
As I wandered around, I spotted bright pastel shophouses with Portuguese/Chinese architecture, hidden cafes in cool courtyards, and huge colourful murals splashed across entire buildings.
The Old Town area feels very European in large parts, but with a unique Thai twist.
The weekly food markets are awesome, with plenty of unique Thai street food to try.
The Old Town is also filled with colourful murals.
Patong - a very lively area.
Patong is the complete opposite… Brash, loud, and always buzzing.
The beach area attracts many international tourists throughout the day with long sandy beaches, watersports, and vendors selling street food and coconuts.
But it’s Bangla Road where things go up a level in the evening…
The infamous spot is buzzing every evening with rows of beer bars, go go bars, and nightclubs lining the streets.
The area is mad with so much going on, so I could only deal with it for one evening…
However, if partying is your thing, it is an ideal spot!
If you want a bit of nightlife without going full Bangla, there are plenty of more relaxed bars alongside streets and the beach road.
The more lively area of Phuket.
A night of authentic Muay Thai.
One of the highlights of my time in Phuket was heading to Bangla Boxing Stadium for a proper Muay Thai fight night.
This is one of the top venues in Thailand to see the national sport, and in terms of vibes, it felt a world away from the rest of Patong.
The atmosphere is awesome, and the fights are really entertaining.
It is loud, authentic, and just really fun!
It made an awesome change from the prior night on Bangla Road.
A popular activity in Patong.
Is Phuket better than Ko Samui?
It really depends on what kind of vibe you’re after. Phuket is bigger, busier, with more nightlife, luxury resorts, and easy day trips to places like Phi Phi.
I have visited both places and prefer Phuket.
Koh Samui is a bit more laid-back, with boutique beaches, yoga spots, and a slightly calmer feel.
But for a first-timer wanting lots of options (and some chaos thrown in), Phuket edges it in my opinion.
Ko Samui is a gateway to the full moon party at Ko Pha Ngan though.
My favourite thing about Phuket.
The famous Fitness Street in Chalong is where I spent much of my time in Phuket on my last visit.
It’s packed with Muay Thai gyms, CrossFit boxes, smoothie bars, and health cafés — the whole area is buzzing with people on fitness retreats or just chasing a healthier routine.
I loved the energy here; and as with Chiang Mai, I got in a very good daily fitness routine.
Phi Phi Islands.
Turquoise water, dramatic limestone cliffs, colourful longtail boats…
The Phi Phi Islands are basically what comes to mind when most people picture Thailand.
It might be touristy, but there’s a reason these tiny islands are on so many bucket lists. From lively beach bars to picture-perfect bays, Phi Phi is pure tropical paradise.
I knew it would be busy, but I was still blown away by just how beautiful the scenery is.
It’s one of those places that I will never forget!
A postcard picture.
Screen saver spots.
The Phi Phi Islands are basically one big photo opportunity… There’s a reason half the world has these views on their screensavers.
I soon realised on my 7 islands boat tour just how aesthetically amazing Southern Thailand is!
Maya Bay is the star, famous from ‘The Beach’.
It’s been closed on and off to protect the coral, so always check if boats are landing or just stopping outside. Either way, seeing it by boat is iconic.
Bamboo Island is another stunner, with white sand, turquoise water, and fewer crowds if you get there early.
We anchored here on a snorkel trip and I didn’t want to leave.
How long do you need on Phi Phi?
Two to three days is the sweet spot.
Long enough to hit the best boat tours, explore the town, and soak up a couple of lazy afternoons on the beach.
Any less and you’ll be rushing.
Any longer… And the crowds and party scene might start to wear a bit thin (unless that’s exactly what you’re here for).
Ko Phi Phi is only a very small island so the novelty of the famous nightlife only lasts two nights.
The idyllic Bamboo Island.
An awesome sunset viewpoint on Ko Phi Phi.
Back on Ko Phi Phi Don, don’t miss the short but sweaty climb up to the Viewpoint.
It’s a bit of a leg-burner in the heat, but the panorama over the twin bays is absolutely worth it… Especially at sunset.
I found a trippy bar with loads of quirky props, and a very chilled spot to take in the moment.
A quirky environment to enjoy the best sunset.
Anything else for first timers?
Phi Phi is small and there are no cars or roads, so be ready to walk with your luggage (or pay a local with a cart).
ATMs are around but sometimes run dry, so make sure you bring enough cash for tours, food, and beach beers.
It’s also worth mentioning that the vibe here is pretty party-heavy at night. If you want total peace, stay slightly outside the main area or on one of the nearby quieter islands.
Basically… It is island life - love it or hate it!
A movie scene, which is even better in real life.
Full Day 7 Island Tour by Longtail with Sunset.
There is no question that Maya Bay is the best place I have ever visited!
Bamboo Island ran it close on this day's tour though. It is as Idyllic as it gets… Pure paradise.
The Beach movie has made Maya Bay globally renowned, and for good reason.
When I first arrived, I could not believe just how beautiful this Hollywood Beach is.
It is literally a dream!
In terms of the tour, it is very established and runs very well. We got breakfast, fruit, lunch, and plenty of water for our day sailing around the Andaman Sea.
This one does sell out most days, as there is strict limited capacity at Maya Bay for visitors.
It doesn’t get better.
Bangkok.
Tuk-tuks, golden temples, neon lights, and street food that’ll blow your mind…
Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand’s famously chaotic capital.
The sensory attack on every corner of the Thai capital is fascinating, and a big reason why it is one of the most popular cities in Asia.
My favourite activity in Bangkok is booking a motorbike taxi on Grab and heading somewhere fun, and believe me the ride is one hell of an adrenaline rush!
Some people find it overwhelming, for sure… But for me, that’s half the fun.
Juts a typical day in Bangkok.
Bangkok is the perfect jumping-off point for any Thailand itinerary.
It’s a city where ancient traditions and modern madness crash together in the best way possible.
I was just chilling at a temple in the sunshine, but before you knew it I was trying scorpions and buckets on Khao San Road.
Quite the shift of vibes!
It’s loud, busy, and doesn’t slow down for anyone… but that’s exactly why it’s worth seeing.
A city of culture.
The best temple route in a day.
If you only have one day to explore Bangkok’s temples, this is the route I’d recommend.
It packs in the iconic sites, and they all are fairly close to each other.
Wat Pho — home to that giant reclining Buddha and my personal favourite. It’s not just the statue; the whole temple is fun to explore, with active monks, incense, and intricate details everywhere.
Wat Arun — right across the river, easily reached by a cheap local ferry. Its towering spires are especially stunning up close, and you can climb partway for cool views. This one does get very crowded in peak tourism months.
Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace — Thailand’s most sacred site. It also gets insanely busy, but the sheer detail and colour here is worth battling the crowds for.
I started early to avoid the worst of the heat, and ended up grabbing a fruit smoothie from a tiny street cart outside Wat Pho.
It definitely helped cool me down… For about 5 minutes!
City life is awesome in Thailand.
A famous restaurant that lives up to its hype.
Before arriving in the Thai capital I had been planning on trying the famous pad kaprao at Phed Mark.
The very popular restaurant is owned by food YouTuber Mark Wiens, and only focuses on pad kaprao (stir-fried holy basil with pork and chilli, served over rice with a fried egg on top).
So you can imagine how good it is!
You pick your spice level… and I definitely went too high… They don’t go easy with the spice.
My mouth was on fire, but it was easily one of the best meals I had in Thailand, and it is very reasonable cost-wise.
I highly recommend it if you're up for proper Thai heat - You will probably have to queue, but it is worth it.
The best pad kra pao.
A floating market experience.
Another Bangkok highlight was visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
It’s touristy, sure, but still so cool to see boats piled with fruits, noodles, and randomly, I saw a barbeque on a boat.
We hired a long-tail boat to cruise through the canals, and as you would expect it does get very busy and very chaotic in spots, but that’s part of the fun and unique charm.
The street food here is absolutely unreal…
I had some of the best Pad Thai of my trip here, and it was only the second day.
A popular floating market near Bangkok.
Two unique Bangkok travel experiences in one day.
Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour.
This is hands down one of the best tours in all of Thailand… No doubt about it!
One minute we were sipping smoothies as a train passed by, just inches from us in the railway market, and the next we were taking a long tail boat around one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets.
And the street food at both stops? Absolutely unreal. Make sure you come hungry.
These private tours are super well-organised in Thailand’s tourist hubs, so you can count on everything running smoothly, with plenty of surprises along the way.
It’s days like this that really sum up why I love Thailand so much.
Pai.
Chilled-out cafés, hot springs, mountain roads, and some pretty unforgettable sunsets…
Welcome to Pai, the little hippie town tucked away in the hills of Northern Thailand.
If Chiang Mai feels calm compared to Bangkok, then Pai takes it a step further…
It’s slow, quirky, and surrounded by scenery that makes you want to stay forever - hence the famous ‘Pai Hole’ which many visitors fall into.
Located in a lush valley and surrounded by rice paddies and rolling hills, Pai has this laid-back, and slightly bohemian vibe that’s a total contrast to Thailand’s busy cities.
It definitely isn’t for everyone, but if it is your vibe, it is very special!
Quiet wanders around the little town are a world away from the chaos of Bangkok.
Pai Canyon is very popular for sunset.
A place of sunsets, hot springs & slow days.
One of my favourite things about Pai was just jumping on a scooter with no plan at all. The roads twist through gorgeous countryside, past bamboo huts and locals tending to their fields.
Along the way, these are some spots you really can’t miss:
Pai Canyon is epic for sunset, with narrow, dusty ridges with sweeping views of the valley. It gets a bit crowded, but trust me, it’s still an epic evening.
If you want less hassle and adventure, and a chilled spot with drinks and some food, then Two Huts is another contender for best sunset spot in Pai.
An awesome town in the north of Thailand.
The giant White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) is perched quietly on a hillside. It’s a short, but steep climb up, which isn’t easy in the Thai heat, however, it is the best view of Pai.
And after a long day exploring by scooter, relaxing in the Pai Hot Springs was pretty fun!
Another chilled highlight for me was the Pai Bamboo Bridge. It winds through bright green rice paddies for what feels like forever, and it’s so peaceful that you’ll want to stop and enjoy the moment… I know I did!
The White Buddha statue.
A tour which covers all of Pai’s attractions.
From Pai: Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour.
No trip to Northern Thailand is complete without exploring Pai’s epic scenery — and this private sightseeing tour made it effortless on my trip.
I opted for this tour as it is rated 4.8/5 from over 100 reviews in Viator, proving it is an established tour.
From lush mountain lookouts to hot springs and quirky temples, it was the perfect way to see Pai beyond the walking street.
The views from the top of the stairs at the White Buddha are unbeatable!
Which is my favourite place in Thailand?
This is one of the hardest decisions, which just shows how brilliant the country is!
The beautiful beaches down south are one of the biggest draws to Thailand, however, it’s the north that wins it for me.
Although Maya Bay is my favourite ever travel experience, there is just something special about renting a scooter in Chiang Mai and exploring the local area.
I went at my own pace, and I found loads of hidden spots, none more intriguing than Wat Pha Lat as discussed above.
Thai food is also my favourite cuisine, and it’s incredible throughout the country. But the northern influence, with dishes like Khao Soi… Made my last visit to Chiang Mai especially memorable.
So there it is… Chiang Mai is my favourite place in Thailand!
PS - If you head up north during the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, you’ll get to enjoy a unique cultural highlight to add to your Thailand itinerary.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
Also planning Vietnam? Check out my guide to the 5 best places for first-time travellers in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Thailand.
Before you start packing your bags, here are some of the most common questions first-time travellers have about visiting Thailand - and everything I wish I’d known on my first trip:
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand for the first time?
Most travellers can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days under the tourist exemption. However, requirements vary by nationality, so always double-check the latest rules on the official Thai e-Visa site or consider using a visa agency to simplify the process.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Thailand is warm year-round, but generally:
Nov–Feb: Cool, dry season — best for first-timers, beaches and exploring cities.
Mar–May: Hot season, especially inland.
Jun–Oct: Rainy season, with tropical downpours.
For fewer crowds and lower prices, try the shoulder months like November or early March.
Is Thailand safe for solo travellers?
Yes — Thailand is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for solo travel. Violent crime against tourists is very rare.
Still, take normal precautions: avoid isolated streets at night, watch your drinks, and keep valuables secure.
And don’t forget travel insurance, especially if you’ll be riding scooters or diving.
👉 Compare insurance options with Insubuy
Can I get a SIM card or eSIM for Thailand?
Absolutely. For convenience, many travellers buy a Thailand eSIM before arriving — it activates the moment you land.
👉 Get your Thailand eSIM here via Airalo
Or pick up a physical SIM at the airport from providers like AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove.
What’s the best way to get around Thailand?
Long distances: Domestic flights (Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, AirAsia) are cheap and save hours.
Islands & short hops: Ferries and speedboats, bookable in advance.
Trains & buses: For scenic routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Taxis & tuk-tuks: Always negotiate or use Grab (the Thai Uber).
Another picture perfect setting.
Should I book hotels in advance?
For popular spots like Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Phi Phi, yes — especially in the high season (Dec–Feb).
Booking.com is my go-to for Thailand because of the wide range (from budget hostels to boutique resorts) and easy free cancellation.
👉 Browse top-rated Thailand stays on Booking.com
How much does it cost to travel Thailand?
Budget: £25–£40/day (hostels, street food, local buses).
Mid-range: £50–£90/day (private rooms, occasional tours, island transfers).
Luxury: £120+/day (4–5 star hotels, guided day trips, fine dining).
Thailand is very scalable — you can go ultra-budget or enjoy affordable luxury.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.