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We have a confession: we LOVE Thailand! With its epic tropical scenery, world famous cuisine, incredible architecture, out of this world beaches and the warmest of welcomes, Thailand delivers on every level. It’s not difficult to see why it’s one of the most visited countries in the world, drawing in visitors from across the globe ranging from backpackers to those with a bigger budget looking for a luxury getaway.
We are firm believers that a Thailand multi-centre holiday is the best way to truly get to know a country and Thailand makes it super easy to combine a city, the rainforest, and the beach all into one trip.
It’s been challenging to narrow down our ‘Thailand Top 10’ as there is so much to see and do in this wonderful country, but here goes…
Bangkok is a bustling city with an inimitable chaotic charm. Despite its super modern skyscrapers, the city’s culture is still strongly rooted in the traditional values of Thailand and one of the most visible aspects of this is the traditional architecture, being home to numerous temples and shrines. Wat Pho (pictured above), also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the city’s most popular for tourists, containing a massive gold-plated Reclining Buddha statue and beautiful wall murals. Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is another must-see, with its iconic spire rising up over the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace (pictured below) is home to some truly breath-taking architecture, with a collection of impressive buildings from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to the Royal Chapel.
The city’s Chatuchak Weekend Market is a sight to be seen, with over 8,000 stalls selling everything from antiques to clothing and food. For a shopping experience that’s a little bit more chilled, head to the riverbanks and experience the smells, sights, and sounds of Bangkok’s floating markets, where locals set out their small boats and sell everything from local handicrafts to fruit and veg. The most popular market is the Damnoen Saduak, which is just outside the city but well worth the visit.
If you visit Thailand, an absolute must do experience is to visit a responsible elephant sanctuary. Look for venues that focus on observing elephants behaving naturally and don’t offer riding, bathing or performances. Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s best known rescue centres, while Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, which was inspired by its work, offers a fully hands off experience.
Located around 50 miles north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and one of Asia’s great trading centres, until it was attacked and razed by the Burmese army in 1767.
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and today its temples, monasteries and palace ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into its past.
Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand, makes a wonderful stop on a multi-centre Thai holiday. Being a major city, it is still buzzy, but offers much less hustle and bustle (and slightly less traffic!) than Bangkok plus nature is never far away as the city is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. There are over 300 temples to visit, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang plus a plethora of fascinating streets to explore, but one of our favourite things to do in Chiang Mai is to simply wander around the night markets, where you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to the most amazing street food stalls. Sample the local delicious cuisine such as khao soi (a noodle curry) and Gaeng hang lay (a Burmese-style curry).
Locals say you haven’t truly experienced Chiang Mai until you’ve been to Doi Suthep, located just outside of the city. This spectacular temple is draped in gold and majestically perched on top of Mount Doi Suthep. Perhaps even more impressive than the temple complex is the magnificent view of Chiang Mai at the summit which will truly take your breath away.
It is no secret that Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world, which are found around its coast in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The islands offer some of Thailand’s best beaches and sparkling blue, tropical waters that offer fantastic snorkelling and diving. Adding at least one island to your itinerary is non-negotiable if you are a beach lover.
Koh Samui is one of the most popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s known for its white sandy beaches, lush jungle and scenic waterfalls and is home to some luxurious beachfront hotels where you can truly relax, drink in the wonderful sunsets, and enjoy the Thai hospitality. Chaweng Beach is the island’s main hub, but to escape the crowds, head to Maenam or Lipa Noi Beach. Just 30 minutes north of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan is famed for its full-moon parties that take place on its beaches once a month. The island offers a laid-back, spiritual vibe that has traditionally attracted backpackers but now also offers a good selection of peaceful luxury resorts for the more discerning traveller. Also, if you’re in this region, take a day trip to the unique Koh Nang Yuan. This formation of three tiny islands connected by a sandbank is simply picture-perfect.
Also in the Gulf of Thailand is the small island of Koh Tao which is often regarded as one of the best places in Thailand for diving and snorkelling with its clear blue waters and a huge range of marine life. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular activities for exploring the island’s waters.
Koh Phi Phi is a group of six islands in the Andaman Sea, located in between Phuket and Krabi with simply stunning picture-perfect scenery. Whilst tourism has made Phi Phi slightly overcrowded, to experience a more peaceful dose of paradise, head to the less known and less crowded islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.
Closer to the mainland near Krabi is the island of Koh Lanta, one of Thailand’s lesser known islands. It boasts jaw dropping beaches and a laid-back feel, perfect for those looking for a peaceful beach escape. Snorkellers and divers will love to explore the colourful coral reefs off the island’s coast.
Whilst there isn’t a great deal of accommodation on the Similan islands, you can also take a boat trip here to see some of the most stunning coral reefs in the world. The Similan Islands are seasonal and normally close from around mid May to mid October.
For the ultimate holiday rejuvenation experience, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Thai massage is a traditional practice that combines assisted stretching with pressure applied using the hands, elbows and feet. It may not be the kind of massage you’re used to in the UK, but trust us, give it a try and you’ll come away feeling refreshed and revitalised. An interesting fact for you too – the traditional Thai massage, or Nuad Thai, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019.
Thailand is a foodie’s paradise, with the street food scene being one of the major draws of the country. Simple one-dish stalls are dotted around almost every street and offer exceptional quality at a very affordable price. Street food is ingrained in the Thai culture, with many relying on the delicious and cheap street food to feed them and their families. One of the most popular street foods in Thailand is Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind based sauce. Another must-try is Som tum, a spicy papaya salad that’s a refreshing contrast and ideal in the heat of the day. Each region has its own local speciality though, so it’s good to ask the locals what you should sample when you arrive – ask your guide or hotel team for their favourite local stall!
A cookery class is the perfect opportunity to learn about local ingredients and prepare some staple Thai dishes. Top tip: don’t eat before you arrive as you’ll get the chance to sample everything you make!
Northern Thailand is home to a number of ethnic communities, including Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu and Akha peoples, each with their own languages, traditions and craft heritage. A community led visit or homestay can offer a fascinating insight into local life, particularly around Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Choose a responsible guide or experience where local communities benefit directly, and support local crafts and businesses during your visit.
About two hours west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is closely linked to the Burma Thailand Railway, built during the Second World War using Allied prisoners of war and forced Asian labourers.
Today you can cross the famous bridge, visit Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Thailand Burma Railway Centre, or continue to the moving Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail.
Thailand boasts 156 national parks and offers a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the country’s unspoiled wilderness and wildlife. About two and a half hours north east of Bangkok, Khao Yai is Thailand’s third-largest park and part of the UNESCO listed Dong Phayayen Khao Yai Forest Complex. Visitors can enjoy everything from wildlife watching to spectacular waterfalls and forest trails. If bats are your thing, make your way to the park’s Bat Cave before sunset where you will witness the spectacular mass exodus of these nocturnal creatures flying into the night.
In southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park showcases incredible limestone mountains with the stunning emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake in the centre. Surrounding the lake are lush green rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, and hidden caves, all waiting to be explored. Other spectacular parks to add to your bucket list include Ang Thong National Park, which is a marine park west of Koh Samui, Kui Buri where you can take a safari experience to catch sight of the plentiful wild elephants and gaur and nearby Khao Sam Roi Yot, which is home to impressive caves.
The beauty of Thailand is that you can combine many of the highlights above into one incredible trip, or simply pick and choose the places and experiences that suit you best. Mix Bangkok with Chiang Mai, add wildlife and rainforest in Khao Sok, explore ancient temples and national parks, then finish with a few days on the beach or island hop between two or three different islands. Our Thailand multi centre holidays are designed to help you create the perfect trip around Thailand.
Inspired by the guide? We’ve handpicked a few holidays that bring it to life—perfect for turning travel ideas into reality.
