The 10 Best Places to Visit in Thailand: An Honest Guide for American Travelers
Thailand is always near the top of every list of international destinations.. You know what it is actually worth it. The country is really cheap compared to America the food is amazing the tourism infrastructure is well developed and it has much to offer that you will still feel like you missed out even after two weeks.
The problem is not finding reasons to go to Thailand. The problem is deciding where to focus your attention when the country has much to offer. You can visit the mountain hill tribes in the north go island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand or explore one of the cities in Southeast Asia.
Here are the top ten places to visit in Thailand ranked loosely and described honestly.
1. Bangkok
Most American travelers land in Bangkok. Then move on to quieter places.. That is a mistake. Bangkok is one of the cities in Asia. It is chaotic. It is also very rewarding if you take the time to explore it.
The temples in Bangkok are amazing. Wat Pho has a golden Buddha that is 150 feet long. Wat Arun is best seen at sunset when the ceramic spires shine. The Grand Palace is touristy. It is worth visiting because of its scale and detail.
Bangkok is not just about temples. You can try the street food in Chinatown visit the rooftop bars in Silom or explore the weekend market at Chatuchak. Bangkok is a city that rewards wandering and punishes over planning.
**Recommended time to visit Bangkok:** 3 to 4 days minimum.
2. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city in Thailand that is surrounded by mountains. It is cooler than Bangkok. Has a rich history. The old city is enclosed by an ancient walls and it has over 300 temples.
Chiang Mai is also a base for trekking, cooking classes and visiting elephant sanctuaries. The elephant sanctuaries are a must visit, the ones that prioritize animal care over tourist entertainment. The Sunday Walking Street market is one of the best night markets in Thailand.
**Recommended time to visit Chiang Mai:** 3 to 5 days or longer if you plan to go trekking.
3. Pai
Pai is a town in northern Thailand that is known for its hot springs, waterfalls and canyon viewpoints. It is a place to relax and unwind. You can rent a scooter. Explore the surrounding valley or visit the night market and try some local food.
**Recommended time to visit Pai:** 2 to 3 days.
4. Sukhothai
Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand and it has a rich history. The city is home to one of the impressive archaeological sites in Southeast Asia with dozens of temple ruins and Buddha statues. You can rent a bicycle. Explore the site or take a guided tour.
**Recommended time to visit Sukhothai:** 1 to 2 days.
5. Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a town in Thailand that is known for its war history. The town is home to the Bridge on the River Kwai, which was built by Allied POWs during World War II. You can also visit the JEATH War Museum and the Allied War Cemetery.
**Recommended time to visit Kanchanaburi:** 1 to 2 days. As a day trip from Bangkok.
6. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is a city in Thailand that was once the capital of the kingdom. The city is home to ancient temples and ruins including the famous stone Buddha head that is grown into the roots of a bodhi tree. You can rent a bicycle. Take a guided tour to explore the site.
**Recommended time to visit Ayutthaya:** 1 day. As a day trip from Bangkok.
7. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is an island in Thailand that is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The island is a place to unwind and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. You can rent a motorbike. Explore the island or take a snorkeling trip to see the marine life.
** time to visit Koh Lanta:** November to April. The island is closed during the monsoon season from May to October.
**Recommended time to visit Koh Lanta:** 3 to 5 days.
8. Krabi and Railay Beach
Krabi is a town in Thailand that is known for its beautiful coastline and beaches. Railay Beach is a beach that is accessible only by boat and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sea. You can take a kayaking trip to explore the sea caves or go rock climbing on the limestone cliffs.
**Recommended time to visit Krabi and Railay Beach:** 3 to 4 days.
9. Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a city in Thailand that is known for its beautiful temples and scenery. The city is home to the White Temple, which is a contemporary Buddhist temple that is unlike any other in Thailand. You can also visit the Blue Temple and the Black House museum compound.
**Recommended time to visit Chiang Rai:** 1 to 2 days. As a day trip from Chiang Mai.
10. Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is an island in southern Thailand that is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The island is a place to relax and unwind and it is relatively undeveloped compared to other islands in Thailand. You can rent a bicycle. Explore the island or take a snorkeling trip to see the marine life.
**Recommended time to visit Koh Yao Noi:** 2 to 4 days.
Practical Notes for American Travelers
Visa: American citizens can get a 60-day visa exemption on arrival in Thailand, which can be extended for another 30 days. You do not need to apply for a visa in advance.
Currency: The Thai currency is the baht, which's exchangeable at a rate of around 35 to 36 baht per US dollar. You can use ATMs to withdraw cash. Be aware that there may be foreign transaction fees.
Getting around: You can take flights or trains to get around Thailand. The trains are comfortable and scenic. The flights are faster and more convenient. You can also take ferries or speedboats to get to the islands.
time to visit: The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, when the weather's cool and dry. The monsoon season is from May to October. It is best to avoid traveling during this time.
Health: Make sure to drink water and avoid eating undercooked food. You should get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid before traveling to Thailand. Dengue fever is present in Thailand so make sure to use insect repellent and wear clothing.
Thailand is a destination for American travelers because it is affordable, easy to get around and has a wide range of experiences to offer. The ten places listed above are some of the destinations, in Thailand and they offer a great mix of culture, history and natural beauty.