Make the Most of Thailand from Beaches to Bangkok and Beyond

The island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand has an alluring mix of natural beauty and rich cultural and spiritual experiences. Visitors love the fuss-free cadence of languorous mornings spent soaking in the warm waters of Chaweng Beach before tucking into a tasty lunch of seafood omelet or a spicy mango salad at some of the island's seafront eateries, such as FishHouse (kimptonkitalaysamui.com). 

Marvel at area beaches on a traditional junk boat with Red Baron Charter and hire a 4x4 to visit the Buddha statues atop Khao Pom Mountain. You can also take a scenic daytrip to explore dozens of islands with towering limestone rock formations that make up Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park (explore available tours at GetYourGuide.com). Sample street food favorites at a night market in Fisherman’s Village and close the day out with a lively beach party back at Chaweng Beach.

For those interested in deepening their spiritual journey, the Samui International Meditation Center is a must-visit. It offers daily complimentary meditation led by head monk Phra Punnadhammo as well as more immersive retreats. Time your visit to April for the opportunity to participate in the annual Songkran Water Festival, which marks the start of the Buddhist new year and is celebrated with cleansing rituals, including public water fights. 

Temples and Elephants in Chiang Rai

The gateway to northern Thailand’s lush, hilly jungle, Chiang Rai is a cultural crossroads, also known for its proximity to the Golden Triangle, the border that connects to Laos and Myanmar. While there’s ample rural charm (the city is surrounded by fields of rice as far as the eye can see), a striking number of contemporary projects are redefining Chiang Rai’s appeal, including venues for natural wine and jazz music, exceptional coffee, pottery, and art galleries. You may also want to scope out The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, which was delicately brought to life by a Thai artist and is one of the most visited landmarks.

The Modern Village of Chiang Mai

Thailand’s Rose of the North, Chiang Mai offers a delightfully varied travel experience. Yes, you’ll find quintessentially Thai temples and energetic night markets, which are great for tucking into Khao soi, the area’s signature coconut curry noodle soup. The city is also full of hip bars and workshops helmed by local creatives, plus third-wave coffee shops, modern shopping center One Nimman, and The House by Ginger (thehousebygingercm.com), a restaurant in a former colonial mansion. 

Of course, if you choose to venture outside the city, the verdant hillside that surrounds Chiang Mai is just as inspiring, whether you’re going for a brisk hike or to visit an elephant sanctuary. Explore available activities at GetYourGuide.com. 

Big, Beautiful Bangkok

One of the world’s most popular cities, Bangkok appeals to every indulgence: eating is a thrill, from street food to fine dining; shopping is truly exciting, whether you’re browsing at Chatuchak Weekend Market or contemporary malls like Emsphere (which are also handy for cooling off from the heat); and the nightlife is its own reason to visit. 

Start your day at the Jim Thompson House (jimthompsonhouse.org) to learn about the Thai silk industry before picking up beautifully patterned scarves, dresses, and shirts to take home—or to wear for the remainder of your vacation. Then spend the afternoon discovering recently revived Charoenkrung, the city's creative district. It's full of quirky boutiques, homegrown cafes, and thrilling galleries. For dinnertime, book an award-winning restaurant like Rongros or Sorn (sornfinesouthern.com). 

After-dark diversions also include food tuk tuk tours (available at GetYourGuide.com), Muay Thai shows at Lumpinee or Rajadamnern stadiums, and cocktails with live jazz at the legendary Bamboo Bar within the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Seek out Bangkok’s quieter moments in the spas of top hotels or while navigating the under-the-radar network of canals on a traditional long-tail boat (also available at GetYourGuide.com).

A rising destination in Thailand’s tourism scene, Khao Yai’s popularity is particularly strong with Bangkok residents, who can reach the national park in just over two hours by car. The reward is hiking forested mountains, seeking out serene waterfalls, and praying to spot one of the hundreds of wild elephants that call Khao Yai National Park home. It’s also buzzing with a nascent local winemaking scene that’s already gotten the stamp of approval from many of Bangkok’s leading restaurants.

A three-hour drive south from Bangkok, Hua Hin is renowned as Thailand’s original beach resort and is the ideal partner to a big-city trip if you don’t want to fly to one of the islands. The last few years, however, have seen this party hotspot turn a more cosmopolitan page as chic hotels, lively beach clubs, mindful wellness retreats, and elegant restaurants have launched at a clip. But Hua Hin beach remains the most in-demand attraction—you can’t miss the non-stop action along the four-mile stretch of sugary sand.

Before Koh Samui, Phuket, the country’s largest island, was considered Thailand’s glitziest beach destination. Dense rainforests and pristine beaches on the Andaman Sea characterize its natural beauty—still the primary draw for Phuket, although there’s also the  restaurant scene (most of which honor southern Thailand’s spicy culinary style), the colorful architecture in the Old Town, and the nightlife.