The Best Destinations for Travel in Thailand

June 17, 2015
Jess

I don’t know many travellers who haven’t been to, or don’t want to go to Thailand. Thailand is perfect for both group and solo travel, and a large percentage of the countries income comes from tourism. The best part about travelling in Thailand is there really is something for every budget-whether you want to pay $7 a night for a bunk bed in a hostel, or $100 a night for a five-start hotel.

Here are the best destinations for travel in Thailand:

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Bangkok

Bangkok is a large city, but it has a lot to offer travellers of all backgrounds and budgets. Travellers should spend at least a few days seeing a little of what Bangkok has to offer.

Head to Khao San Road, drink a few buckets, eat the street food, and visit the clubs. Don’t bother seeing a ping pong show (many of these girls are part of the sex trade in Southeast Asia).

Ko Phi Phi

Seen the movie The Beach? So has everyone else visiting Ko Phi Phi. It’s still well worth a visit, and a definite favourite among backpackers. There are also a lot of other islands in the area, so you can easily island hop between them.

Chiang Mai

Located in the north of Thailand, near the mountains, Chiang Mai is popular with expats, digital nomads, and backpackers, along with those who are looking for a slower pace of life after travelling at a fast pace.

The night markets are amazing, and there are plenty of cafes serving great food and coffee. Be sure to go to Monk Chat and talk to some monks, visit Elephant Nature Park to see the rescued elephants, and spend some time hiking on the outskirts of the city.

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Hua Hin

Not many people have heard of Hua Hin, making it a great place if you’re looking for a little R&R. Close to an 11-tier waterfall, it’s also home to some of the cleanest and quietest beaches in Thailand.

Koh Tao

If you’re a fan of scuba diving or hoping to get certified, Koh Tao is the place to be. The marine life is some of the best in the world, and it’s also one of the cheapest places for diving. Stay near the beach, enjoy the food, and cross your fingers that you’ll get to see a whale shark.

Pai

Located north of Chiang Mai, Pai is currently the favourite of backpackers doing the tourist trail in Thailand. The middle of town isn’t anything special, but if you want to see the “real Thailand” be sure to head outside of the town where you’ll see incredible scenery, amazing wildlife, and hill tribes.

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Railey

If you’re looking for some adventure travel, or enjoy rock climbing, Railey is the best place to visit. With limestone cliffs and huge rocks, the tiny peninsula can only be accessed by boat, which makes it the perfect place to do some work on your tan.