Thailand Travelers Recommend

Bangkok’s exciting blend of historical landmarks, notorious entertainment venues and rapid modernization draws eleven million visitors every year, placing it third, worldwide, behind Paris and London. With literally thousands of temples to see, unique floating markets and both Westernized and Eastern shopping centers, it’s no surprise that Bangkok is such a popular destination. Of course, Thailand boasts world-renowned food and Bangkok is a great place to sample some signature dishes. During this tour of the Grand Palace complex you will take in the Grand Palace itself, which is still used for ceremonial occasions now, the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall. The Rose Garden Cultural Centre, which is 20 miles (32 km) out of Bangkok is a great chance to connect with rural Thai culture and craft. Witness silk-weaving, pottery making, umbrella painting, doll making, fruit carving and the crafting of silverware.

If you take the Ayutthaya Temple tour and boat cruise, then you get to see the old site of a once thriving Siamese kingdom, 53 mi (85 km) out of Bangkok. The Ayutthaya Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its temples, many of which are still intact, including Wat Phra Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Panangcherng and Wat Chai Mongkol, which is known for its large bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha. The tour also includes a trip to the summer palace of King Rama IV, which has been preserved as a museum to take you back in time to Siam. Finally, the tour ends with a boat trip that will enable you to see many other temples along the river. If you have less time to spend looking at the temples, then local tour guides also offer half day tours. Expect to see the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which has a 3 meter (9 feet) tall gold statue of Buddha, weighing five tons. Once again, the tour takes in the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Located on Thailand’s west coast, just south of Bangkok, the city of Phuket serves as a gateway to the blue seas and white sand beaches of the Thai Islands. By basing yourself on the island of Phuket, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of this well-developed resort area while taking day cruises to some of the surrounding islands and beaches. If you’ve ever seen the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, you’re already familiar with Ko Phi Phi, an island with some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Take an express ferry from Phuket to Ko Phi Phi for a day of soaking up the sunshine on the beach, swimming or snorkeling among the colorful corals. Another popular cruise option made famous by the James Bond franchise takes you to Phang Nga Bay and iconic James Bond Island. On a Phang Nga Bay Tour by speed boat from Phuket, you’ll get to see some of the 100 limestone outcrops and islands and visit a traditional village on stilts.

As the ancient capital of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is resplendent with temples and historic sites. Spend your first day in Chiang Mai exploring the historic heart of the city. Within the crumbling old city walls are more than 30 Buddhist temples plus parks, museums, and monuments. Visit the gold-encrusted Wat Phra Singh to see the city’s most revered Buddha statue then Wat Chedi Luang to see the ruins of a 15th stupa carved with stone elephants. If you’re curious about the saffron-robed monks you see on the temple grounds drop by the “Monk Chat” at Wat Suan Dok. If you love Thai cuisine, why not enroll in a Thai cooking class? There are more than a dozen cooking schools in Chiang Mai where you can learn to make favorites like phat Thai and green curry plus northern Thai specialties like papaya salad and khao soi (noodles in curry soup). After two days in the city it’s time to explore Chiang Mai’s countryside.

The verdant hills surrounding cosmopolitan Chiang Mai have long been dotted with hill tribe villages of Thailand’s many ethnic minorities. Visiting one or more of these rural outposts has become a quintessential Northern Thailand experience. The seven main ethnic groups that make up the hill tribes of Chiang Mai — Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu, Mien, Akha and Padaung — have migrated to Northern Thailand from other parts of the Asian interior over the years, yet they all retain much of their traditional way of life. Many of these agricultural communities welcome visitors and the economic opportunities they bring with them. The two most populous tribes in the Chiang Mai area are the Karen, known for their woven turbans and tunics, and the Hmong, famous for their intricate embroidery work. Typically a visit to one (or more) of these hill tribe villages is combined with various adventure activities — everything from jungle trekking to white water rafting.

Dubbed the "Pearl of the South," Thailand's largest and most visited island is one of the world's most famous dream destinations. Even before you arrive on this stunning tropical island, you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Best advice is to see the downtown scene for what it is, get a few trinkets or souvenirs and head out to the real Phuket. The best way to do this is by a morning introduction tour, where an English-speaking guide will tell you all you need to know about your new surroundings. After your introductory day out and about on the island, it’s time to get out there and get active! Elephant tours are a fun and distinctive way to see the jungle scenery, while the Phuket Safari Tour offers you a comprehensive look into regional landscapes and customs such as monkey-training, tree tapping, and Thai cooking lessons. If yesterday's activities weren't enough of a water fill for you, you're in luck. Phuket is surrounded by exquisite groups of islands.

Koh Samui is one of the most spectacular getaways in all of Thailand – and the world. Your best bet is to begin your stay with an island tour. Koh Samui’s most salient landmarks are the Big Buddha statue and the “Grandpa and Grandma Rocks.” The former reaches 15 meters tall and presides over a nice beach; like many of Koh Samui’s beaches, restaurants and shops abound here. On your second day, book a Sea Kayaking Tour at Ang Thong National Marine Park. Koh Samui is ringed in small islands, and a “sea canoe” is one of the best ways to experience them. Paddling under and around a fantastic array of granite arches and outcroppings, you’ll explore the park and head to Tai Nalay, an amazing saltwater lake and marine habitat. Spend your last day in the jungle. Viator can book you a tour in which you will explore the island’s interior in an open-air 4x4.You’ll get lunch at the restaurant on the mountain, in addition to an amazing view from atop.

The northern city of Chiang Rai will appeal to those who like a slower pace of life. Get acquainted with the spirit of Chiang Rai by visiting the ancient temples of Wat Phra Keow and Wat Phra Singh. Next, to see the modern face of Buddhism, visit the bizarrely beautiful White Temple. Also worth a visit is the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Learn more about the unique cultures of northern Thailand like the Karen, Akha and Hmong by visiting one of the hill tribe villages outside of Chiang Rai. As you’ll need transportation and a translator to get the most out of the experience, considering joining a tour which will take you to multiple villages plus nearby natural attractions like waterfalls and hot springs. Chiang Rai makes an ideal base for day trips deeper into north Thailand. If you're seeking adventure there are plenty of options including treks around Doi Mae Salong mountain, elephant riding in the jungle, and journeys up the Mae Kok River.

Party-town Pattaya likes to stay up late and sleep it off on the beach the next day. Pattaya’s nightlife is second only to Bangkok and has to be seen to be believed! When the sun goes down the lights come on and you’d be forgiven for thinking that the whole town is just one big party. The main action, however, is in South Pattaya, where you’ll find the densest concentration of bars, go-go bars, massage parlors, and discos along the famous neon-drenched strip known as Walking Street. Coral Island is a popular excursion from Pattaya that can be visited in a day. With its pure white sand and translucent water, the island offers a chance to relax on its beaches or go water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing. There are opportunities to meet and even ride elephants in the jungle just outside of Pattaya, where you can also take a trek through the jungle and float down the river on a raft. Tigers can also be observed at the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo.