Things to Do in Thailand: Our Top 17 Highlights

Thailand's Highlights on a Map

Before we dive into each highlight, we’ve marked all 17 of our top things to do in Thailand on the map below.

This gives you a quick overview of where the best places to visit in Thailand are located and where it’s worth heading on a first trip to Thailand.

Our tip: Save the Thailand attractions that interest you most directly in Google Maps. It’s one of our favorite apps for trip planning.

The Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand

We’re kicking off our list of the top things to do in Thailand with the most beautiful temples. Many temples here are absolutely worth seeing and offer an authentic glimpse into Buddhism as well as Thai architecture.

Here are our five favorite temples in all of Thailand.

Wat Arun in Bangkok

What do you need to know? Wat Arun is famous for its tower standing over 70 meters tall, decorated with thousands of reflective glass tiles. The temple is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset — which is why it’s called the Temple of Dawn. Its location right on the river in Bangkok is seriously stunning.

Is it worth it? Of all the things to see in Bangkok, Wat Arun was at the very top of our list on our first visit. Its extraordinary architecture is unlike anything else in Thailand — it just stands apart from every other temple we’ve visited. An absolute must-see!

Our tip: A boat tour in Bangkok gives you the perfect view of Wat Arun. A city tour is also really worth it. Both are among our 9 best tours in Bangkok.

Group tour with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun

Wat Pho in Bangkok

What do you need to know? Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Alongside beautifully decorated buildings and chedis (the pointed towers), you’ll find one of our absolute highlights here: the 46-meter-long, 15-meter-tall Reclining Buddha statue.

Is it worth it? Yes! We absolutely loved Wat Pho, and the Reclining Buddha is simply incredibly impressive. Also really cool: right inside the temple complex is Thailand’s most famous school for traditional medicine and massage techniques — you can get a massage right there on the spot.

Our tip: Both Wat Arun and Wat Pho are in the historic center of Bangkok, which is also where you’ll find most of the city’s other major attractions. On your first visit, we’d suggest booking your hotel in Bangkok in this area.
Read all our tips for Bangkok here
Group tour with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

What do you need to know? Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, set picturesquely on a hill just outside the city. The gilded chedi at the center of the complex is particularly striking. There’s also a viewing platform with a seriously beautiful panorama.

Is it worth it? For us, this temple is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Chiang Mai. And since we highly recommend visiting Chiang Mai anyway, a trip up to the temple should definitely be on your list!
Get our hotel tips for Chiang Mai here

White Temple in Chiang Rai

What do you need to know? The White Temple is the standout attraction in Chiang Rai. It gleams entirely in white and is decorated with intricate details down to the smallest element. Inside, there are even murals featuring Michael Jackson!

Is it worth it? This temple is unlike any other we’ve visited. Alongside Michael Jackson, there are also murals of Master Yoda and Superman — wild, right? The modern meets the traditional in the most unexpected way. And only about 20 percent of the planned complex has been built so far, so it keeps evolving.

Our tip: If you don’t have much time in northern Thailand, you can easily do a day trip from Chiang Mai to the White Temple — totally doable in one day.
Read all our tips on the White Temple in Chiang Rai here
Day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Wat Khunaram on Koh Samui

What do you need to know? Wat Khunaram is probably one of the most unusual attractions in Thailand. Inside the temple sits a mummified monk — specifically Luang Pho Daeng, who lived in deep meditation and passed away at the age of 79 in a meditative seated position.

Is it worth it? The mummified monk in his glass case is an absolute must-see on Koh Samui. If you’re already on the island, don’t skip it. Koh Samui is one of the most popular and beautiful islands in Thailand — and this is one of its most memorable stops.

Our tip: On Koh Samui, there are also great guided sightseeing tours that include a stop at Wat Khunaram. You can find more exciting things to do in our article on the best activities and excursions on Koh Samui.
Get our hotel tips for Koh Samui here
Half-day tour of Koh Samui’s highlights

Culture and History in Thailand

Beyond the temples, there are other places where you can experience Thai culture — and learn something about the country’s history along the way.

Here are our four favorite cultural highlights in Thailand.

Ayutthaya

What do you need to know? Ayutthaya was once the capital of Thailand and a major trading hub. Today, the city is known for its temple ruins, which reflect the former power of the kingdom — with a fascinating mix of Thai, Khmer, and European architecture.

Is it worth it? If you’re into history, culture, and ancient temples, absolutely. Thanks to the Khmer influences, some temples here strongly remind us of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. That said, Ayutthaya has a distinctly Thai character of its own, with more chedis and Buddha statues.

Our tip: You can cover the most important temple ruins in Ayutthaya in a single day — no overnight stay needed. There are great day trips from Bangkok that make it super easy.

Day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Phuket Old Town

What do you need to know? Phuket’s old quarter is lined with colorful buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, small cafés, shops, and temples. Phuket was once an important trading hub, which is why you’ll find strong Chinese and Portuguese influences throughout.

Is it worth it? Yes — Phuket Old Town is a really great point of interest on Phuket and can genuinely hold its own alongside the beautiful beaches. If you’re spending time on Phuket, don’t miss it.

Our tip: Every Sunday, a great night market takes place here — worth timing your visit around.

Get our hotel tips for Phuket here

Find the 9 most beautiful beach hotels on Phuket here

Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok

What do you need to know? The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is one of the largest markets in Thailand — and the world — with around 15,000 stalls and over 200,000 visitors per day. It draws not only tourists but is hugely popular with locals too.

Is it worth it? Honestly, Chatuchak is our favorite market in Thailand. It’s not just a paradise for flea market fans — it’s a genuine top thing to see in Thailand. You can probably find just about anything you can think of here, at fair prices.

Floating Markets near Bangkok

What do you need to know? Just like in Vietnam, Thailand also has floating markets — and the Thai ones are actually considered the most famous and oldest. What makes them special: vendors sell their goods directly from boats. The markets around Bangkok are the easiest to reach.

Is it worth it? Our favorite is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Admittedly, it’s become quite touristy, but it’s still colorful and lively. You can buy fruit, snacks, and souvenirs here — and despite the crowds, you still get a real sense of the traditional water trade.

Our tip: The easiest way to visit is on a day trip from Bangkok — that’s exactly how we did it. Along the way, you also stop at the Train Market, which reminds us a little of the Train Street in Hanoi.

Tour to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The Coolest Nature Highlights in Thailand

Thailand’s breathtaking nature is also a serious draw — and honestly, this was the hardest category for us to narrow down.

Here are our top four nature highlights in Thailand.

Khao Sok National Park

What do you need to know? Khao Sok National Park is a natural paradise in southern Thailand. The standout is Cheow Lan Lake — a reservoir surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs that are reminiscent of Vietnam’s Halong Bay. Around it stretches a dense rainforest that’s one of the oldest in the world.

Is it worth it? The national park is an absolute must for any Thailand trip — so worth it! While you’re there, you’ll spend most of your time on the lake, cruising by boat or paddling your own kayak. Don’t skip it.

Our tip: If you’re short on time, you can visit on a day trip from Khao Lak — that’s how we did it. Khao Lak is a great base with some impressive sights of its own, but above all, stunning beaches.
Read our personal hotel tips for Khao Lak
Day trip to the lake in Khao Sok National Park

Ban Nam Rad Watershed Forest

What do you need to know? The Ban Nam Rad Watershed Forest (Emerald Pool) near Khao Lak is a lesser-known natural gem. The water pools are crystal clear and emerald green, surrounded by a forest with waterways — perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace in your own boat.

Is it worth it? Ask most travelers what you absolutely have to see in Thailand, and the Emerald Pool probably never comes up. That’s exactly what makes it such an under-the-radar pick. And we can promise you: the place is stunning.

Our tip: The Emerald Pool was a stop on our day trip to Khao Sok National Park and a total surprise. We visited outside the peak travel season for Khao Lak and had both spots almost entirely to ourselves — incredibly quiet and peaceful.

Day trip to Khao Sok National Park from Khao Lak

Mu Koh Lanta National Park

What do you need to know? On the island of Koh Lanta lies the beautiful Mu Koh Lanta National Park. You can hike to the white lighthouse, soak in the views, swim at a dream beach, or wander through a small jungle. One of Thailand’s more low-key but genuinely rewarding attractions.

Is it worth it? The national park is our favorite highlight on Koh Lanta. We visited during the off-season and had the park almost entirely to ourselves. Unlike most popular spots in Thailand, this one offers real peace and quiet.
Get our hotel tips for Koh Lanta here

James Bond Island

What do you need to know? James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay is famous from the film The Man with the Golden Gun — and is one of the most popular filming locations in the world. The island features striking limestone rocks and is part of a national park, accessible only by boat.

Is it worth it? For many visitors, the island is a real highlight in Thailand, and we loved it too. But here’s what you should know: it’s fairly small, and during the peak travel season in Thailand, boat after boat pulls up — it gets seriously crowded.

Our tip: We combined James Bond Island with a kayaking excursion on a day trip from Phuket — that was pretty awesome and made the whole trip feel much more adventurous.

Trip to James Bond Island with kayaking

Beaches and Ocean in Thailand

Of course, the beaches and underwater world are one of the biggest reasons to visit Thailand — and for many people, they’re the real highlights of southern Thailand.

Here are our four top picks in Thailand when it comes to beaches and the ocean.

Maya Bay near Koh Phi Phi

What do you need to know? Another famous filming location is Maya Bay — this is where The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was shot. The water is turquoise blue, the sand white, and the cliffs steep. After being closed for years to protect the environment, it’s now open again.

Is it worth it? Maya Bay is a definite must for us when it comes to the best places to visit in Thailand. We went during the off-season and were the very first ones in the bay. With the beach all to ourselves, it was one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. In high season it gets really crowded — but we’d still go!

Our tip: The only way to reach Maya Bay is by boat. The best starting point is Koh Phi Phi, which has plenty of other beautiful things to see and a great backpacker vibe!
Get our hotel tips for Koh Phi Phi here
Private longtail boat to Maya Bay with snorkeling

Bottle Beach Viewpoint on Koh Phangan

What do you need to know? The Bottle Beach Viewpoint on Koh Phangan is our favorite vantage point in Thailand. The vista over Bottle Beach and the hike through the jungle are really awesome — and after a strenuous descent, one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand awaits you.

Is it worth it? Both the viewpoint and the beach are absolute highlights for us and the most beautiful spots on Koh Phangan. We’ll be honest: we didn’t quite make it all the way to the edge of the rocks at the top. Even so, the view was already breathtaking.

Our tip: Koh Phangan is our favorite island in Thailand, so plan a few days here. There’s so much to discover, great activities on Koh Phangan, and the legendary Full Moon Party happens here once a month.

Get our hotel tips for Koh Phangan here

Underwater World around Koh Tao

What do you need to know? Around Koh Tao you’ll find what is probably the most beautiful underwater world in Thailand and the country’s best diving spots. While snorkeling and diving, you’ll discover wrecks, coral reefs, rock formations, colorful schools of fish — and with a bit of luck, turtles and sharks.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! On our very first trip to Thailand, we did an introductory dive course straight away — and we can promise you: it’s worth every bit. We saw so many incredible sea creatures! Diving is genuinely one of the top things to do on Koh Tao.

Our tip: Seriously consider doing a dive course here — Koh Tao is considered one of the cheapest places in the world to get certified.

Check out our hotel tips for Koh Tao here

1-day introductory dive course for beginners

Railay Beach near Krabi

What do you need to know? Railay Beach near Krabi is a true postcard image: emerald green water, soft white sand, palm trees, and dramatic limestone cliffs on all sides. The area has plenty of outdoor activities and is world-famous for sport climbing.

Is it worth it? We made a one-night stopover at Railay Beach because the photos had us hooked — and what can we say, the beach is stunning! We spent hours taking photos with our phones and enjoyed the sunset with a Chang Beer on the sand.

Our tip: We included this stopover on our route from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui. But you can also spend a few days in the Krabi area — for example in Ao Nang, which we’ve visited too and really enjoyed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Highlights in Thailand