Thailand is a country of contrasts. While most people imagine soft white beaches and days in the sun when they think of Thailand, this tropical paradise is also home to cosmopolitan cities, grand palaces and ancient temples, hiking trails that disappear into misty mountains, and some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia.
Even if your first stop is Bangkok, it’s worth looking into visiting other cities using Bangkok as your home base to explore the country. From seaside Hua Hin to outdoor-oriented Chiang Mai to beach-getaways like Krabi and Phuket towns, there are many destinations waiting to be discovered.
Plan your travels with our list of the best cities in Thailand.
- Bangkok
There are plenty of things to do in Bangkok, a bustling metropolis where metal and glass skyscrapers sit next to centuries-old temples. The city of angels, the great city, the city – eternal treasure, the impregnable city of God Indra, the great capital of the world, endowed with nine precious stones, a happy city with a grandiose Royal Palace, reminiscent of a divine abode, where the reincarnation of God reigns, the city donated by Indra and built by Vishnukarn, it’s the official full name of the city, which fell into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest geographical name.
- Chiang Mai
It is a very special Thailand. This is a lot of temples and the abode of creative people.
Every corner of the tourist square can be called an art object. It is a city of woodcarvers, silk and linen manufacturers, artists, and designers. Probably in terms of craft, it can be compared with the Indonesian Bali. - Chiang Rai
A city in the north of Thailand and the capital of the province of the same name. It is worth coming here to see the White and Black Temples and the “Golden Triangle” (the border of Burma, Laos, and Thailand), soak up the hot springs and meet the unforgettable sunrise above the clouds on Mount Pu Chi Fa. - Pattaya
A lively, passionate, and never sleepy city. The main place not only for entertainment but also for forbidden debauchery. It’s the most famous street in Thailand – Walking Street is located here. - Aonang
A popular resort town in the Krabi province. Only here you can live in a hotel built right in the rock, on which the monkeys jump. - Ayutthaya
“A place consecrated by the Gods”.
The capital of ancient Siam. This is a city for those who have an interesting history of Thailand.
In 1991, Ayutthaya was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
