Language 
No results found
Best cities in Thailand: Top destinations for culture, beaches, and adventure
Explore the best cities in Thailand, from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Phuket and Krabi. Discover culture, beaches, hidden gems, and tips.
When you think of Thailand, beaches and islands usually come first. Yes, Thailand’s emerald green waters, pristine beaches, and stunning islands are unforgettable.
The real heartbeat of the country, however, lies in Thailand’s cities. Ancient cities like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok, to beach islands like Phuket and Krabi, are so different from one another. That’s what makes exploring Thai cities so rewarding.
This guide to the best cities in Thailand to visit includes local insights and helps you plan your trip based on your interests and key attractions. From navigation to bookings and restaurant searches, having reliable data makes everything easier. Choose Holafly’s travel eSIM so you’re connected from the moment you land.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Cultural capitals and ancient cities
These Thailand cities are where you’ll find stunning temples and old city walls that reflect the country’s rich culture. If you’re looking forward to exploring Thailand beyond the beaches, start here.
Bangkok: Thailand’s vibrant capital
Best for first-time visitors, food lovers, grand temples, and exploring night markets
Locally known as Bkk, Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city and, for many, the first city they experience in the country. According to our local Holafly expert, Bangkok is “a vibrant capital city. Where traditions meet the modern world.”
You can explore ancient attractions and temples, savor delicious street food, and go rooftop bar-hopping in a single day. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (home to the emerald Buddha) in the morning, and in the afternoon, explore Chatuchak Weekend Market or Bangkok’s sleek shopping malls.
Key attractions
- Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun
- Floating markets and boat ride experiences
- Chinatown and delicious Thai street food
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (perfect for Thailand souvenir shopping)
- Rooftop bars in the city center
Chiang Mai: Northern cultural hub
Best for culture enthusiasts, slow travellers, and digital nomads
Set in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is slower-paced than Thailand’s largest cities. Our local expert describes it as “a calm and charming city close to the mountains and nature”. This historic old city is surrounded by ancient walls and is famous for its rich culture, night markets, and access to nature.
Here, you can explore Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and one of Thailand’s most famous national park areas, Doi Inthanon National Park.
Chiang Mai also offers excellent value for hotels, making it ideal for planning multi-city routes across Thailand.
Key attractions
- Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Elephant sanctuaries
- Day trips to hiking trails and waterfalls
Important ⚠️Chiang Mai experiences a “smoke season” every year, usually from February to April. If you’re traveling during this time, try to stick to indoor activities, wear a mask, and use an air purifier in your room. Conditions tend to improve after April, once the rainy season begins.
Chiang Rai: the Golden Triangle
Best for temple lovers, photographers, and travellers looking beyond tourist hot spots.
Chiang Rai is smaller and quieter than Chiang Mai. Here, the bold mountain landscapes, also known as the Golden Triangle, make up for the silent atmosphere. This Thai city is also known for its bold, contemporary temple art and northern Thai heritage.
Explore the famous Way Rong Khun (White Temple), Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), and the Baan Dam Museum (Black House).
Key attractions
- Wat Rong Khun
- Blue Temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten
- Baan Dam Museum
- Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Ayutthaya: An ancient capital with UNESCO ruins
Best for history lovers, photographers, and short day trips from Bangkok
Ayutthaya was once the heart of Siam and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic city in Thailand is an easy day trip from Bangkok, if that’s your base.
The city’s historical park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with temple ruins dating back to the 14th-18th centuries. Among the ruins, you’ll see Wat Mahathat, the famous stone Buddha head wrapped in tree roots.
Key attractions
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Wat Mahathat
- Temple ruins across the historical park
- River boat tour options
Beach and island cities
The following Thailand coastal cities offer the perfect balance between beautiful beaches with cultural landmarks, and lively town centers.
Phuket: Thailand’s largest island
Best for beach lovers, island-hoppers, a comfortable yet exciting stay
This is one of the most versatile cities to visit in Thailand. Many people come for the beaches, but Phuket also offers a historic old town, cultural landmarks, and easy access to the Andaman Coast.
Phuket Old Town showcases Sino-Portuguese architecture, local cafes, and weekend markets. Spend a day visiting Wat Chalong, a popular cultural site to visit. When you crave a relaxing beach day, take a short island-hopping trip to turquoise waters and nearby bays.
Key attractions
- Old Town Phuket
- Island-hopping boat ride tours
- Wat Chalong
- Beach clubs and viewpoints
Krabi: Coastal scenery
Best for adventure seekers, rock climbers, and nature lovers
If dramatic landscapes are high on your list, Krabi stands out among cities in Thailand. It’s known for its towering limestone cliffs, striking scenery, and coastal towns.
Railay Beach is one of the most photographed spots in the country and among the top places to visit in Thailand. It is only accessible by boat ride. Nearby, Phra Nang Beach offers calm waters for swimming and exploring caves. You can also embark on an inland trail leading to temples like Wat Tham Suea, the Tiger Cave Temple.
Key attractions:
- Railay Beach
- Phra Nang Beach
- Tiger Cave Temple
- Island-hopping boat tour
Koh Samui: Island resort destination
Best for couples, honeymooners, and relaxed beach holidays
Koh Samui is Thailand’s popular resort destination. Beyond Koh Samui’s beaches, you can explore cultural landmarks like Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) and Wat Plai Laem, which combines traditional art with contemporary design. Koh Samui is also the perfect place to access Koh Tao, famous for its crystal clear waters.
Key attractions
- Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha)
- Wat Plai Laem
- Chaweng Beach
- Luxury spas and five-star resorts
Underrated cities
Not every city in Thailand is crowded or hosts mass tourism. Some of the most rewarding towns in Thailand are quieter and ideal if you want a more personal travel experience.
Pai: A Bohemian mountain town
Best for slow travel, backpackers, and scenic escapes
Pai is one of the most laid-back towns in Thailand and attracts those seeking a slower pace and scenic landscapes. This Thai city’s charm lies in its simplicity.
Sunset views at Pai Canyon, casual cafe strolling, local hot springs, and lively evenings are what you can expect from Pai. It’s also a base for short hikes and waterfall visits, making it ideal for exploration.
Key attractions
- Pai Canyon
- Night walking street
- Waterfalls and viewpoints
Kanchanaburi: History and nature
Best for history buffs and travellers escaping Bangkok’s pace
This city in Thailand combines history with lush landscapes. Most visitors come to learn about World War II history connected to the Bridge on the River Kwai, and the scenic surroundings are a bonus. Our local expert claims Kanchanaburi feels “frozen in time”, which is an accurate description of this historical town.
Nearby national parks, such as Erawan, offer waterfalls, swimming spots, and forest trails.
Key attractions
- The Bridge on the River Kwai
- Erawan National Park’s seven-tiered waterfall
- Death Railway
- Sai Yok National Park
Hua Hin: Royal beach resort town
Best for families and slower beach days
Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s more refined cities. It’s favoured by Thai royalty and has a calmer, more polished feel than many resort towns.
The main attraction here is the calm and lush Hua Hin Beach. You’ll also find lively night markets, golf courses, seaside cafes, and family-friendly attractions, making it a great place for a weekend trip from Bangkok.
Key attractions
- Hua Hin Beach
- Night markets and family attractions
- Golden Buddha
Planning your Thailand cities itinerary
Planning routes between cities in Thailand is easier than it looks. Here are examples of routes you can choose:
- Classic route: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, southern beaches
- Short trip: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phuket, or Krabi
- Beach focus: Bangkok, Bkk to Phuket, island hopping
Flights connect most major cities in Thailand, while trains and buses are great for shorter distances. Plan 1-2 days for places like Ayutthaya, 2-3 days for large Thai cities, and 3-5 days for beach destinations.
Before you go, check our practical guides on when to travel to Thailand and what to pack for Thailand.
Holafly’s eSIM for Thailand: Stay connected while you explore Thailand’s cities
Exploring Thai cities means using maps, translation apps, ride-hailing services, and online bookings daily. Reliable mobile data keeps everything simple and ensures peace of mind on your trip.
With Holafly’s eSIM for Thailand, you get:
- Unlimited data across all cities to visit in Thailand
- Easy setup before departure
- 24/7 English support
- Coverage in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and more
No more hunting for a local Thailand SIM card or opting for expensive roaming packages. Staying connected effortlessly to focus on what really matters. All you need to get started is an eSIM-compatible phone.
Holafly is highly rated
With a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 from 50,000+ reviews, our eSIMs come with a seal of approval.
Plans that may interest you
Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
