Our guide to Thailand's top places, plus our lesser-known favouritesThough it’s perhaps most famous for its beaches — stereotypically idyllic, with gently rustling palms and brilliant blue skies — Thailand is about a whole lot more than just sun, sea and sand.Bangkok is the archetypal Southeast Asian megalopolis: big, bold and brash, for sure — but somehow beautiful in its dizzying, non-stop chaos. Meanwhile, chilled-out Chiang Mai offers a seductive, East-meets-West blend of tradition and modernity; familiarity and exoticism. Endless coastline intersperses dramatic cliffs and caves with low-rise fishing villages and world-class luxury resorts, while Khao Sok National Park offers the chance to escape the modern world altogether as you sleep in a rafthouse surrounded by rainforest that’s changed little since prehistoric times.Not everywhere in Thailand is sunshine and lollipops. Mass tourism arrived here a long time ago, bringing with it overdeveloped and characterless resorts, badly behaved backpackers, and a seedier element that lingers in some destinations. Thankfully, those places are in the minority. Whether you’re in a massive city or a rural town, on a tropical island or a remote jungle mountain, you’ll find some of the world’s friendliest people, tastiest food, and best accommodation in Thailand.“I love Samui in the wee small hours. I especially love it on nights like this when the white moon stares down from the blackness like the pockmarked eye of a blind god. At such times [...] the dark hills appear to me as slumbering prehistoric leviathans, the clouds assume the air of restless ghosts, and the moon-dusted sea murmurs in some long forgotten tongue of the divine.” – John Dolan, Everyone BurnsRead morePlan my trip Overview Trip ideas Experiences Places to visit Best time to visit Accommodation Thailand Ko SamuiWith its trifecta of swoon-worthy tropical scenery, cutting-edge spas, and unbeatable, ocean-fresh dining, could Ko Samui be the most indulgent island getaway in the world? Thailand Ko Yao NoiKnown for its low-key tourist scene, ultra-luxurious resorts, and peace-loving Muslim culture, Ko Yao Noi is an island idyll hidden among the famous party islands and backpacker beach towns of the Andaman Sea. Thailand Ko Yao YaiKo Yao Yai, or "Big Long Island" in Thai, is only 30km from tip to tip despite its ideas of grandeur, and sits in the middle of Phang Nga Bay roughly halfway between Phuket and Krabi. Thailand KrabiKrabi’s coastline is the stuff travel dreams are made of. Emerald vegetation clings to dramatic, gravity-defying cliffs, towering limestone pinnacles teeter precariously over the sea, and hundreds of little islands lie waiting to be explored. Thailand Mae Hong SonWedged into a narrow valley in Thailand’s far north, with steep-sloped, jungle-cloaked mountains rising on all sides, Mae Hong Son is a laid-back base for adventures through forest and farmland to the villages of Karen, Lisu and Black Lahu ethnic minorities. Thailand PhuketThe largest and most popular of the Thai Islands has as many different personalities as it has beaches — and that’s quite a few! Pay no heed to those who say Phuket is past its prime: there are pockets of paradise here to compete with anywhere in the world. Thailand SukhothaiIt’s difficult to overstate the importance of Sukhothai in the history of Thailand. Abandoned for four centuries, today its 193 restored temples offer a glimpse into the civilisation that created the Thai alphabet, spread Theravada Buddhism, and gave birth to Thai culture. Why book with InsideAsia? Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours. Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone. Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us. Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times. Speak with a Thailand specialist Friendly, dedicated people who care as much about your trip as you doGet a brochureGet in touch
Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours.
Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone.
Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us.
Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times.