The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is a great place for first-time tourists and it doesn’t take long to become your next favourite destination. The country offers a variety of unforgettable experiences.
Visit historical sites, take in its vibrant nightlife scene, relax on the beaches or go on an adventure through the mountains.
Thailand is a destination that has something for everyone. But knowing where to start can be hard when there is so much to see and choose from.
In this Travel Guide for Backpackers we will explore the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers and give you the insight into where to go and how to not miss out on any of Thailands stunning destinations and hidden gems.
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Table of Contents
North Thailand
North Thailand is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, warm and welcoming locals, and its deep and fascinating history. It is a destination where you will get a taste of the vibrant local culture while also exploring its beautiful hill tribe communities, towering mountains and historic temples dating back to the 14th century. This region is made up of 17 provinces, each with its unique attractions and charm.
The north is famous for its mountainous landscape, which offers breathtaking views of misty valleys, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls. Chiang Mai, the largest city in the north, is a popular base for exploring the surrounding mountains and trekking through the lush forests.
The northern region is also known for its unique hill-tribe cultures, such as the Karen, Hmong, and Lahu. When Visiting the region you can immerse yourself in these cultures by visiting hill-tribe villages, learning about traditional crafts and customs, and experiencing local festivals and ceremonies.
Food is also a highlight of the north, with a distinct cuisine that is different from the rest of Thailand. Northern Thai food is characterized by its use of herbs, spices, and vegetables, and is often milder and less sweet than southern Thai food. Must-try dishes include khao soi, a fragrant and spicy curry noodle soup, and sai ua, a flavorful northern Thai sausage.
The northern region of Thailand is a beautiful and culturally rich destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s history, traditions, and natural beauty.
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, is a city that never sleeps, with a blend of history and modern innovation. It is the location of several of the most well-known tourist destinations in the nation, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun.
A must is experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife, with its large ammount of street food, and colorful markets for your every foody desire. Bangkok is a shopping lover’s dream with its abundance of malls and street vendors. A loved mode of transportation in the city is the three-wheeled tuk-tuk, which provides a unique and fun experience and is a must do for first timers in Thailand to immerse into the local experience.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, surrounded by picturesque mountains, attracts a large number of tourists every year for many reasons including its vibrant culture, world-class rock climbing opportunities, and magnificent temples that leaves every visitor in awe.
With its long stretching history and placement amongst the stunning Thai mountains, Chiang Mai offers a nice mix of exploration, cultural immersion and adventure. With its amazing hiking trails, elephant sanctuaries, and national parks for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Chiang Mai is not to be missed.
With the city’s numerous coffee shops and coworking spaces, Chiang mai is largely popular for digital nomads looking for a beautiful spot to conduct their remote work. But the city is really a destination that will cater to any of your travel preferences whether travelling Solo, in a couple or with a family.
Chiang Rai
Popular for its rich cultural legacy, breathtaking natural scenery, and distinctive tourist attractions, Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai is a well-liked place for tourists looking for an off-the-beaten-path and more genuine experience.
The Wat Rong Khun, popularly known as the White Temple, is a unique contemporary Buddhist temple with elaborate and elegant white carvings and a distinctive architectural style. It is one of the province’s most recognizable attractions.
The Karen, Akha, and Hmong people, among other various hill tribe populations in Chiang Rai, are renowned for having maintained their ancient traditions. Visitors can take part in cultural events and activities while learning about other cultures.
For nature lovers, Visiting Chiang Rai is a perfect way to explore the countryside and natural scenery in Thailand.
Pai
Pai is not to be missed for first timers looking for a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city found in most of Thailand tourist hotspots.
Tucked away in the North-West corner or Thailand, you can only arrive at Pai from a winding road through the mountains with 762 turns, but it is well worth this wild trip to experience this peaceful town. Surrounded by stunning mountains, Pai offers many activities with the town’s street markets that are perfect to experience Thai local food and sweets. Hiking and Mountain biking are popular to no surprise to the stunning scenery Pai provides. And if you’re wanting the true place to unwind, Pai’s Natural Hot springs are found in abundance around Pai and are perfect to relax for a day.
Pai offers many fun options for accommodation from staying at a Circus hostel to bungalows by the river. All for a great nightly rate to keep every travellers budget unharmed.
South thailand
A tropical haven with stretching beaches, sparkling waters, and lush tropical forests spanning for miles, South Thailand will be found in every first timer’s itinerary for many good reasons.
This region comprises 14 provinces, each with its unique charm and character.
The southern coastline is home to some of the most popular beach destinations in the country, such as Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi. These areas are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Additionally, there are many smaller islands and less-visited beaches in the region that offer a more secluded and tranquil experience for those looking to escape the crowds.
The southern region is also home to several national parks, including Khao Sok National Park, which is contains one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The park is a haven for wildlife, with elephants, tigers, and monkeys, among many other species, calling it home. Other popular national parks in the south include Namtok Ngao National Park, Hat Chao Mai National Park, and Mu Ko Surin National Park.
Phuket
Phuket is known for its gorgeous beaches, pristine oceans, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach are a few of the island’s most well-known beaches that you can easily get to by motorbike or taxi. Phuket is a well-liked location for bars and restaurants. Phuket’s nightlife found at Bangla Road is the number one location for any first timer looking for Thailand’s party experience. With many food options for every traveller Phuket can offer great local Thai or plenty of Western meals if you’ve had one too many Green Currys.
The Great Buddha and the Wat Chalong temple are only two examples of the island’s numerous temples, shrines, and ancient sites with a rich cultural legacy.
Being as popular as it is, Phuket can be very crowded at any time of the year. For visitors looking for a break from the crowd. Many of Thailand’s Islands can be found nearby as alternatives.
Krabi
Thailand’s southernmost province, Krabi, is a stunning place. It is renowned for its magnificent coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and pure, sparkling waters. Krabi is a popular tourist destination and the perfect location for individuals seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty thanks to its mild climate and gorgeous scenery. Outdoor pursuits available to Krabi visitors include hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Krabi is a must-see place for anybody visiting Thailand because of its distinctive combination of natural beauty, culture, and adventure.
Koh Phi Phi Don
The Andaman Sea island of Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its Crystal clear waters, fun atmosphere, and incredible natural scenery. With a variety of dive spots and coral reefs, it is a well-liked vacation spot for snorkelers and divers. Tourists can explore the island’s lagoons and caverns by kayaking around the Island or taking a boat cruise to Maya Bay, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed. Koh Phi Phi’s thriving nightlife scene will appear to any party goers with clubs and beach parties found on every corner of Koh Phi Phi’s south.
Koh Phi Phi can be enjoyed in the south for a social atmosphere or by staying in the North where you will find much quieter beaches to relax by.
Koh Phi Phi is a paradise that must be seen in Thailand, even just for a day. A true beauty to stun all travellers.
Koh Samui
One of the most well-known islands and tropical paradise in Thailand is Koh Samui. There are plenty of activities and relaxing to be found on Koh Samui. Beautiful temples on the island can be explored, as well as the surrounding Ang Thong Marine National Park and local shops.
The Island’s beautiful beaches are lined with restaurants and bars to be enjoyed by every traveller or you can head into the jungle a little more and explore Koh Samui’s various waterfalls and treehouses waiting to be found.
A wide variety of options are available in Koh Samui for everyone’s taste and budget, from luxurious resorts and Upmarket restaurants to low-cost hostels and local markets.
Koh Samui offers more of a relaxing atmosphere than other Thailand options. With parties to be found, they are not as common. The Island is better suited for couples or travellers looking to hit the beach or shops at a slow pace.
Koh Phangan
The island of Koh Phangan, which is part of the Gulf of Thailand, is well-known for hosting some of Thailand’s biggest parties. The most popular is the Full Moon Party each month. The ever-growing nightlife on Koh Phangan can be found every night of the week. Whether you’re looking for reggae by the beach or techno rave in the jungle, this party island has it.
But Koh Phangan isn’t just great for its parties. It also has stunning beaches, waterfalls, and natural parks that are available to any traveller not looking to party. Wake up in the morning without a hangover and go explore the island’s marketplaces and temples are open for all visitors, as are the Phaeng Waterfall and Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. A great location to hire a motorbike and explore the natural beauty for a few days.
The island also offers a great number of social hostels that are cheap and comfortable, all packed full of backpackers to meet on your journey.
Ensure to book your accommodation early in time as the Island can become very busy around the times of the full moon party.
Koh Tao
Watch the sun disappear over the horizon turning the sky into an explosion of pink and orange. But add a cocktail in hand and also from a stunning viewpoint. Koh Tao will leave you never wanting to go home on your first journey to Thailand.
This island is small, beautiful, and easy to get around. For travellers looking to have a slow and easy trip to Thailand. Koh Tao will be ideal for you.
Koh Tao displays its breathtaking natural beauty through its Crystal clear waters surrounding the Island and stunning viewpoints scattered within. This can be explored through diving and snorkelling in various spots on the Island where equipment is very cheap and easy to hire.
Hikes scattered on its various peaks are beginner-level and easy to climb making the Islands’ views open to be seen by everyone.
For those looking for a more upbeat trip, Koh Tao’s buzzing nightlife can be found on Sairee beach with plenty of bars and restaurants to be found. Multiple venues offer pub crawls available for travellers looking for a more social time on their trip to Thailand.
For first-timers, Koh Tao is the perfect destination to get the true Island experience to be found in Thailand
Best tips for travelling Thailand
Once you’ve planned your Itinerary it will be time to prepare yourself for a stress-free trip to Thailand. Here are a few tips to make your travels as easy and fun as possible.
Book ahead of time:
Being as popular of a destination as it is, Thailand can become very busy and crowded all year round in certain locations. Book your accommodation and activities ahead of time to ensure you get your desired choices on your journey.
Respect the culture:
Thailand has a unique culture, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, you should dress modestly when visiting temples and remove your shoes before entering a building.
Try the local food:
Thailand is famous for its delicious local food, which is not only tasty but also affordable. You can find these in most popular markets you will see around Thailand’s locations. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes, but make sure you choose vendors that look clean and hygienic and use good water as bugs can be caught easily.
Stay hydrated:
Thailand can get very hot and humid, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times.
Use public transportation:
Thailand has a good public transportation system, including buses, trains, and tuk-tuks. Using public transportation can be an affordable and convenient way to get around and a great way to support the locals.
Negotiate prices:
When shopping at markets or hiring a tuk-tuk, be prepared to negotiate prices. Bargaining is a common practice in Thailand, and you can often get a better price if you’re willing to haggle.
Learn some basic Thai phrases:
Learning a few basic Thai phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable. The locals appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak their language.
Be mindful of scams:
Like any tourist destination, Thailand has its fair share of scams. Be cautious of anyone who approaches you with an offer that seems too good to be true, always keep an eye on your belongings and ensure you use reputable services.
Respect the environment:
Thailand has some of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions, and it’s important to take care of them. Don’t litter, and be mindful of your impact on the environment.
Have Fun
Thailand is a beautiful country with friendly people, delicious food, and rich culture. Now you know the best places to Visit in Thailand, you can be assured your first time to Thailand will be an unforgettable trip. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your trip!
For a full in depth guide of travelling in Thailand see here:
Best Thailand Budget Guide for Backpackers
Where to Next?
Are you interested in exploring other exotic destinations in Asia? If so, we highly recommend checking out some incredible guides that showcase the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka and Bali filled with our best tips and advice. Or Check out The Cheapest Country’s to Visit in 2023.
Happy travelling!
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