Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Food, Beaches, and Hikes

Around 35 million tourists travel to Southeast Asia to visit Thailand each year, and it actually makes total sense. 

That's because when you visit Thailand, you really can experience it all.

You've got picture-perfect beaches and enchanting moon parties. You've also got six unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore, not to mention the vast jungles and mountains that are home to exotic wildlife and hidden, ancient temples.

And the food? Let's just say the night markets, mango sticky rice, and khao soi deserve their own itinerary.

So if you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking adventure or retreat and don't want to miss a thing, read on for some of the best places to visit in Thailand for food, fun, nature, and everything in between.

Street Food and Ancient Temples in Bangkok

Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, is like a sensory explosion. It's busy, bright, and bursting with flavour around every corner. Bangkok is, without a doubt, overwhelming when you first get there. But give it a little time, and you'll be able to appreciate the rhythm of the city amidst in the chaos.

Eat Your Way Through the City

Bangkok's love language is food, more specifically, street food. And there's no better way to start than with a night market. One place to explore is Yaowarat Road, located in Chinatown, where you'll find sizzling woks, infinite dumpling stands, and dessert carts selling Thai-style banana pancakes.

On the weekends, it's also worth visiting Chatuchak Market, which turns into a sprawling maze of shops and food stalls. The must-try dishes? Go for Pad Thai, boat noodles, and tom yum soup. And for dessert, you absolutely cannot skip the mango sticky rice, which is best eaten fresh and sitting curbside amidst the noise and chaos.

Temples and Riverside Views

Beyond the markets, Bangkok’s temples offer a glimpse into the spiritual side of Thailand. Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha (located on Rattanakosin Island) and Wat Arun (located on the Chao Phraya River) are two tourist attractions well worth the visit. Another must-visit spot is the Grand Palace, also located on Rattanakosin Island, which features over 100 royal and religious buildings dating back to the 18th century. Here, you'll also find the Emerald Buddha.

Before you head out to explore temples in Bangkok (and Thailand in general), it's important to check the opening hours and dress codes ahead of time. This is easy with a travel eSIM (like ZenSim) that helps you stay connected to the internet at your hostel and wherever else you go!

Mountain Hikes and Cultural Riches in Chiang Mai

Head north, and the pace of life completely changes. Chiang Mai, located about 600km north of Bangkok, offers a cooler, quieter side of Thailand. This is the place to go if you want to chill out and experience Thailand's natural beauty.

Trekking and Waterfalls

One thing to know about Chiang Mai is that it's home to some of Thailand’s most scenic landscapes. For example, at Doi Inthanon National Park, you can find forest trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views, along with the country's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. North of Chiang Mai, you'll also find the Elephant Nature Park, which is a much-adored elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre, perfect for a day trip.

West of Chiang Mai, you can also find Doi Suthep, another mountain with opportunities for hiking. What's special about Doi Suthep is its golden hilltop temples and shrines, which attract millions of tourists each year.

Night Markets and Northern Thai Food

When the sun goes down, Chiang Mai comes alive. The "Sunday Walking Street" transforms the old city of Chiang Mai into a sea of stalls offering handmade crafts, live music, and some of the best food in Northern Thailand. Don’t leave without trying khao soi, which is a creamy, curry-based noodle soup popular in Northern Thailand.

Other Northern Thai dishes worth trying include khao niao (brown sticky rice), larb khua moo (stir-fried lamb), and gaeng hunglay pork belly.

Laid-Back Jungle Escapes in Pai

A few hours north of Chiang Mai by minivan (or motorbike if you’re feeling adventurous), you'll find Pai. Pai offers an even slower and softer side of Thailand, and it's here where you'll find stunning mountain views, hot springs, rice fields, and a small town that has long been a backpacker's favourite.

Nature and Relaxation

Pai is best explored without a strict itinerary. Start by wandering across the bamboo bridge that weaves through the farmland. Then, take a soak in the Tha Pai Hot Springs or watch the sunset from Pai Canyon. You'll also find plenty of open-air yoga studios and cafés that you can dip in and out of. This is a welcoming place to meet fellow travellers and Thai locals.

Getting Around

The easiest way to see Pai is by renting a scooter, but you'll want to make sure to download directions, offline maps, and safety information ahead of time before you leave. This is where ZenSim's travel eSIM is a lifesaver, as it helps you stay connected to your maps in Pai's more remote corners, without the need to search for a café with internet.

Beaches and Cliffs in Krabi Province

In the south of Thailand, Krabi offers one of Thailand's most dramatic coastlines with limestone cliffs rising straight from the sea. Here, you'll find some of Thailand's liveliest beaches, but also some of the most secluded beaches for taking in all of Thailand's natural beauty.

Island Hopping and Sea Adventures

Take a journey to Railay Beach, which is only accessible by boat. You'll be blown away by its towering cliffs, which are a hotspot for rock climbers. Even if you're staying at sea level, the views really are stunning, and the area has such a relaxed vibe. You can also explore nearby Phra Nang Cave, Koh Hong, or "Chicken Island" (locally known as Koh Kai or Koh Gai) for even more breathtaking seaside views and marine life.

Where to Eat

After you've spent the day in the sun, head to Krabi Town's night market, where you'll find colourful tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and some of the best street food in Thailand. Not sure what to try? Go for local favourites like grilled squid or spicy papaya salad. If you'd like a more relaxed meal, you can also find plenty of beachside restaurants in Ao Nang, which offer incredible food alongside sunset views.

Go Big and Bold at Phuket Island

Another iconic stop is Phuket Island, the largest island in Thailand and one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Thailand. This is a quintessential pitstop on any backpacking holiday or gap year. And for good reason, because it's absolutely buzzing with activity.

South Thailand’s Cultural and Beach Hub

The best place to start on Phuket Island is with a visit to Big Buddha, a towering statue offering sweeping views across the island. From there, take a taxi or mini bus into Old Phuket Town, where you'll find colourful buildings, indie cafés, and quirky museums.

If you want to see more, you can also travel to nearby Thai islands like Phi Phi or the Similan Islands. These tropical islands are just a boat ride away and perfect if you enjoy snorkelling through coral reefs or diving into turquoise waters.

For a touristy day, you certainly won't struggle to find an amusement park, golf course, or guided boat tour to fill your itinerary.

Vibrant Nightlife and Dining

Phuket is a beach city known for its vivid nightlife scene. If you're in the mood for a party, head to Patong Beach, where you'll find nightclubs, DJs, and street performers. For something a bit more laid back, head to Kata or Kamala for rooftop bars and cocktails on white sand beaches.

And don't forget to hit up the night markets for even more food, drinks, and entertainment.

Tropical Jungle Adventures at Khao Sok National Park

If you're craving a bit of nature (without the crowds), Khao Sok National Park is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand, and it's highly underrated. Located between the Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand, this ancient rainforest feels like a completely different world.

Rainforests and Floating Bungalows

The crown jewel of Khao Sok National Park is Cheow Lan Lake, which is a manmade reservoir surrounded by tropical jungles. Here, you can relax in floating bungalows, explore the Khao Sok Floating Markets, or kayak across crystal clear waters. This region of Thailand really prides itself on its eco-friendliness, making it a must-visit natural attraction for environmentally-conscious tourists and nature lovers.

Island Hopping East on Thailand's Eastern Shores: Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Thailand’s eastern gulf islands offer scenic, serene coastlines. Koh Samui is the larger, more developed of the two islands, while Koh Phangan is smaller and serves as a hub for wellness retreats and the legendary full moon parties.

Full Moon Parties and Serene Beaches

On Koh Phangan, Haad Rin is most famous for its Full Moon Party scene. Full Moon Parties last all night on the beach and take place on the night of every full moon. However, not every beach on the island attracts party-goers, and you can also find quieter beaches like Bottle Beach or Haad Yuan, which offer an equally magnetic but more peaceful alternative.

Over on Koh Samui, key attractions include exploring the Na Muang Waterful, visiting the Big Buddha Temple at Bang Rak, or soaking up all the good vibes at Silver Beach. This is also a good spot for snorkelling and scuba diving!

Local Travel Tips

Every region in Thailand has its own customs and cultural norms. Being prepared ahead of time (both culturally and practically) can make your visit in Thailand go a whole lot smoother! Here are a few key travel tips to bear in mind before you jet off.

What to Pack

Thailand’s climate can shift insanely quickly, especially during the rainy season, which takes place from June to October. Make sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing to keep you cool, but also bring along an added layer for extra waterproof protection.

When visiting temples, it's important to be mindful of the dress code, which typically requires you to cover your shoulders and knees (no beach gear!). Shoes should also be easy to slip on and off, as you'll have to take your shoes off when you enter temples and sacred sites.

Getting Around

Transportation in Thailand is an experience in and of itself! And it's all part of the adventure. In bigger cities, tuk-tuks and ride-share apps are quite flexible and easy to use. You can also rent a scooter, which gives you a bit more freedom in smaller towns and islands with limited public transport.

Thailand can be a bit complicated to navigate, so it's important to have all of your maps downloaded and routes planned ahead of time. While you're out exploring, it's also a good idea to use a travel eSIM (like ZenSim), so you can always check bus routes, compare local taxi prices, or confirm your scooter rental without having to search for a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Staying Mindful of Local Culture

In Thailand, it's all about respecting the local Thai culture. This means smiling often, speaking softly, and avoiding public displays of frustration.

If you plan to visit any temples, like the Blue Temple or White Temple, make sure to remove your hat and shoes before entering. You should also be mindful of the positioning of your feet, as pointing your feet toward Buddha statues or people is considered rude.

Make the Most of Every Region in Thailand

Urban chaos. Spicy noodles. Quiet, serene beaches. Thailand has it all, with each region offering a completely different flavour of adventure.

Whatever corner of Thailand you're looking to get stuck in to, it's a good idea to pack light, keep your itinerary flexible, and let the country surprise you in the best possible ways — one tuk-tuk ride and night market at a time.