Thailand is one of the world’s most loved destinations—and for good reason. Think golden temples, turquoise beaches, vibrant nightlife, lush jungles, floating markets, and the kind of food that keeps you coming back again and again.
Thailand has something amazing to offer everyone, whether you’re a luxury traveler, family vacationer, backpacker, or a couple.
This travel guide covers:
Table of Contents
Let’s dive in!
Why Visit Thailand?
Thailand is famous for its:
- Affordable luxury compared to other world destinations
- Friendly locals (“Land of Smiles”)
- Island-hopping and powder-soft beaches
- Spectacular temples & historic landmarks
- Night markets, shopping, and nightlife
- Incredible Thai food
- Adventure activities like diving, hiking, ziplining & ethical elephant experiences
Perfect for:
- Couples
- Families
- Backpackers
- Food lovers
- Beach lovers
- Luxury travelers
- Solo travelers
Top 18 Best Things to Do in Thailand (2025)
(With Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak attractions)
Bangkok – Best Things to Do in Bangkok/ Bangkok Attractions
1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)
Why Visit: Bangkok’s most revered landmark and architectural wonder.
Fee: 500 THB is the entrance fee.
Required Time: two to three hours
Advice: To avoid crowds, go early in the morning.
2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Why Visit: Its riverside setting and porcelain spires look magical at sunrise or sunset.
Fee: 100 THB
Time Needed: 1–2 hours
Tip: Take the ferry from Tha Tien Pier for the best view.
⭐ Book Chao Phraya sunset cruise (free cancellation)
3. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Why Visit: The world’s largest weekend market with 15,000+ stalls.
Fee: Free
Time Needed: 3–5 hours
Tip: Carry cash & try coconut ice cream.
⭐ Hotels near Chatuchak Market
4. Bangkok Floating Markets (Damnoen Saduak / Amphawa)
Why Visit: Colorful boats, authentic local life & great street food.
Fee: Free entry; boat tours 200–300 THB
Time Needed: Half-day
Tip: Go early morning for the best experience.
⭐ Top-rated floating market tours
Pattaya – Things to Do in Phuket/ Pattaya Attractions
5. Walking Street – Pattaya Nightlife
Why Visit: Thailand’s most famous nightlife street.
Fee: Free
Time Needed: 1–3 hours
Tip: Families visit before 8 PM.
⭐ Hotels near Walking Street
6. Sanctuary of Truth
Why Visit: A fully hand-carved wooden temple, unique in the world.
Fee: 500 THB
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Tip: Sunset offers the best photos.
⭐ Skip-the-line ticket deals
7. Pattaya Beach & Water Sports
Why Visit: Parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides & beachfront cafés.
Fee: Free (activities priced separately)
Time Needed: 2–4 hours
Tip: For cleaner waters, visit Jomtien Beach.
⭐ Best beachfront hotels in Pattaya
8. Coral Island (Koh Larn) Day Trip
Why Visit: Clear water, white sand, snorkeling & relaxing beaches.
Fee: Ferry 30 THB
Time Needed: Full day
Tip: Tawaen & Samae beaches are the best.
⭐ Book a Coral Island day tour
Phuket – Best Things to Do in Phuket/ Phuket Attactions
9. Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
Why Visit: Stunning turquoise waters, Maya Bay & snorkeling.
Fee: Tours from 1200–1800 THB
Time Needed: Full day
Tip: Pre-book during peak season (sells out).
⭐ Best-selling Phi Phi speedboat tour (free cancellation)
10. Patong Beach & Bangla Road Nightlife
Why Visit: Famous beach + neon nightlife district.
Fee: Free
Time: Evening
Tip: Stay in Patong if you love nightlife.
⭐ Compare Patong hotels here
11. Big Buddha Phuket
Why Visit: 45-meter marble statue overlooking the island.
Fee: Free
Time Needed: 1 hour
Tip: Combine with Wat Chalong.
⭐ Phuket city tour including Big Buddha
12. Phuket Old Town Walking Street
Why Visit: Sino-Portuguese buildings, food stalls & street art.
Fee: Free
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Tip: Visit Sunday night for the best market.
⭐ Food tour in Old Town
Chiang Mai – Best Things to Do
13. Doi Suthep Temple (Sunrise Viewpoint)
Why Visit: Golden pagoda + best panoramic view of Chiang Mai.
Fee: 30 THB
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Tip: Sunrise is unbeatable.
⭐ Doi Suthep sunrise tour
14. Elephant Nature Park (Ethical Sanctuary)
Why Visit: Thailand’s top ethical elephant experience (no riding).
Fee: 2500–3500 THB
Time Needed: Full day
Tip: Book early—it sells out weeks ahead.
⭐ Reserve ethical elephant experience
15. Chiang Mai Old City Temples
Includes Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man
Fee: 40–50 THB per temple
Time Needed: 3–4 hours
Tip: A walking tour helps you understand the history.
⭐ Book Old City temple walking tour
Krabi – Best Attractions/ Things to Do
16. Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave Beach
Why Visit: Limestone cliffs, caves, blue water & soft sand.
Fee: Free (longtail boat costs 200–300 THB)
Time Needed: Half day to full day
Tip: Perfect for rock climbing & kayaking.
⭐ Railay Beach day tour
17. Ao Nang Night Market & Beachfront
Why Visit: Food stalls, souvenirs & beautiful sunset views.
Fee: Free
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Tip: Try the grilled seafood stalls.
⭐ Top hotels in Ao Nang
Khao Lak – Best Thing to Do/ Attractions
18. Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour (Seasonal)
Why Visit: Crystal-clear water, coral reefs & marine life—world-class snorkeling.
Season: Open November–April
Fee: Around 2000 THB
Time Needed: Full day
Tip: Book early during peak months.
⭐ Top-rated Similan Islands tour
Where to Stay in Thailand
Budget Hotels (Backpackers & Solo Travelers)
Clean, central & affordable hotels and stays in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and more.
Mid-Range Hotels (Families & Couples)
You can find comfortable rooms & great value in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and more.
➡️ Check mid-range hotel deals in Thailand
Luxury Hotels & Resorts (Honeymooners & Relaxation Seekers)
Private pools, beachfront views & spa facilities.
➡️ Explore best luxury resorts
Book a guided tour (best-rated & skip-the-line) Check hotels in Phuket Book Chao Phraya sunset cruise (free cancellation) Find discounted Thailand tours Compare Thailand hotel prices
Best Thai Food & Restaurants to Try
Must-Try Dishes
- Pad Thai
- Tom Yum Goong
- Green Curry
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Khao Soi (Chiang Mai specialty)
- Massaman Curry
Best Places to Eat
- Bangkok: Chinatown, Jay Fai, Thip Samai
- Phuket: One Chun, Tu Kab Khao
- Pattaya: Ninja BBQ, Surf & Turf
- Chiang Mai: Khao Soi Khun Yai, Sunday Night Market
Best Time to Visit Thailand
- November–February: Best weather, peak season
- March–May: Hot, ideal for islands
- June–October: Rainy but budget-friendly (green season)
How to Reach Thailand
By Air (International Airports)
- Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK)
- Phuket (HKT)
- Chiang Mai (CNX)
Within Thailand
- Trains
- Domestic flights
- Buses
- Ferries
- Local transport: Grab taxi, tuk-tuk, scooter rentals
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary (Bangkok)
- Grand Palace
- Wat Arun
- Chinatown
- Evening river cruise
3-Day Itinerary (Bangkok + Pattaya)
Day 1: Bangkok temples
Day 2: Floating markets
Day 3: Pattaya Coral Island
5-Day Itinerary (Bangkok + Phuket + Chiang Mai)
Day 1: Bangkok temples
Day 2: Shopping & markets
Day 3: Fly to Phuket – beaches
Day 4: Phi Phi Islands
Day 5: Fly to Chiang Mai – temples & elephant park
Travel Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
✔ Book island tours in advance
✔ Carry cash for markets
✔ Dress modestly for temples
✔ Use Grab to avoid taxi scams
✔ Choose ethical elephant sanctuaries
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Avoid drinking tap water
✔ Try street food but choose clean vendors
Budget & Travel Costs
Daily Budget (Per Person):
- Budget: 1500–2500 THB
- Mid-range: 3000–5000 THB
- Luxury: 7000+ THB
Average Costs:
- Meals: 50–300 THB
- Hotels: 800–8000 THB
- Tours: 800–3000 THB
- Transport: 100–300 THB
FAQs – Thailand Travel Guide
1. What is the number one thing to do in Thailand?
Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok or Phi Phi Islands in Phuket.
2. Is Thailand worth visiting in 2025?
Absolutely—new attractions, improved transport & better prices.
3. How many days do I need in Thailand?
7–10 days is ideal for Bangkok + Phuket + Chiang Mai.
4. Is Phuket better than Pattaya?
Phuket for beaches; Pattaya for nightlife.
5. What month is best for Thailand?
November to February.
Conclusion: Ready to Explore the Best of Thailand?
Thailand offers everything—from iconic landmarks in Bangkok to island escapes in Phuket, nightlife in Pattaya, culture in Chiang Mai, and stunning waters in Krabi & Khao Lak.
For the best experience:
➡️ Compare hotel prices here
➡️ Book tours & activities with free cancellation
➡️ Find discounted island trips & skip-the-line tickets
➡️ Follow Tripvarsity for more interesting content.
Start planning your Thailand journey today—the Land of Smiles awaits.
