Glittering temples, street-food capitals, jungle north and turquoise southern islands.
Thailand is the ultimate first-timer's and repeat-traveler's destination: chaotic, delicious Bangkok; the temple-and-mountain north around Chiang Mai; and the beaches and limestone karsts of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. It is affordable, welcoming, and endlessly varied, from night markets to island-hopping.
The best things to do in Bangkok. Temples, street food, rooftop bars, markets, and nightlife. 53 handpicked spots with Google Maps links.
View Bangkok Guide →The best things to do in Chiang Mai. Temples, elephant sanctuaries, night markets, cooking classes, and mountain adventures. 40 handpicked spots.
View Chiang Mai Guide →The best things to do in Phuket. Beaches, Phi Phi Islands, diving, nightlife, and Thai food. 40 handpicked spots with Google Maps links.
View Phuket Guide →Railay's limestone cathedrals, Ao Nang's buzz, and hidden coves accessible only by boat.
View Krabi Guide →Chaweng's buzz, Lamai's character, and hidden coves on the quiet south coast.
View Koh Samui Guide →November to February is the cool, dry, peak season, ideal almost everywhere. March-May is very hot; the June-October monsoon is greener, cheaper and quieter (the Gulf islands like Koh Samui stay drier later than the Andaman coast).
10-14 days lets you pair Bangkok and the northern culture of Chiang Mai with a week on the southern islands.
Start in Bangkok to adjust to the time zone and culture, then reward yourself with the beaches, it also makes domestic flights south more convenient.