5 Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First-Timers

So, you're planning your first trip to Thailand? That's amazing! But let's be honest, figuring out the itinerary can be a headache. You see incredible photos of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi and think, "How do I possibly choose?"

Well, you can stop stressing. At TravelThru, we've created this straightforward guide just for you. We’ll help you filter out the noise and focus on the essential destinations for a perfectly balanced first trip to the Land of Smiles.

Key Takeaways

If you're short on time or just want the bottom line, these three destinations combine to create the perfect, well-rounded first trip to Thailand. You simply can't go wrong with this classic trio.

• Bangkok: The essential starting point. This is your destination for vibrant city life, exploring magnificent grand temples, and diving into a world-class street food scene.

   

• Chiang Mai: The cultural heart of Northern Thailand. Choose Chiang Mai for a more relaxed, mountainous vibe, famous for its ethical elephant sanctuaries, ancient temples, and hands-on cooking classes.

   

• The Andaman Coast (Phuket or Krabi): Your postcard-perfect paradise. Head south to the Andaman Sea for world-famous beaches, jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, and unforgettable island-hopping adventures.

5 Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First-Timers

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is the thumping heart of Thailand and the perfect entry point for your trip. This city is packed with cool contrasts, easily blending ancient, gold-topped temples with modern skyscrapers, and calm canals with lively, food-filled streets.

Top 5 Things to Do in Bangkok:

• Explore the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: This is Thailand’s most sacred site and an absolute must-see. You'll be totally blown away by the incredible architecture and the revered Emerald Buddha. Remember to dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees).

   

• Visit Wat Pho & Wat Arun: Just south of the Grand Palace, visit Wat Pho to see the immense, 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha. Afterward, take a cheap cross-river ferry to Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) and climb its steep steps for a fantastic view.

   

• Ride a boat on the Chao Phraya River: Use the efficient Chao Phraya Express Boat to hop between temples or hire a private long-tail boat to explore the quieter khlongs (canals).

   

• Try local Thai foods: Bangkok is a food lover's paradise. For an unforgettable experience, head to Yaowarat (Chinatown) at night when the streets come alive with neon signs and sizzling woks.

   

• Visit a traditional market: For a truly epic shopping day, head to Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest in the world. If you’re more into a relaxed, modern night market vibe, check out Jodd Fairs.

>>> Wondering where to stay in Bangkok?  Check out our top picks!

2. Chiang Mai

After the exhilarating pace of the capital, Chiang Mai feels like a deep, calming breath of fresh air. Nestled in the green hills of Northern Thailand, it’s the country's cultural capital. 

The vibe here is relaxed and creative, with a strong focus on nature, history, and wellness. It’s the perfect place to slow down, connect with nature, and explore a different side of Thai culture.
 

Top 5 Things to Do in Chiang Mai:

• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary: This is a highlight for many travelers. Spend a day with rescued elephants in a humane environment where you can help feed and bathe them. Crucially, choose a sanctuary that is genuinely ethical and does not allow any riding.

   

• Climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Perched on a mountain overlooking the city, this gleaming golden temple is one of the most sacred in the north. Climb the 306-step Naga staircase for breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

   

• Take a traditional Thai cooking class: The food in Northern Thailand has its own distinct flavors. Spend a half or full day at a cooking school, where you'll visit a local market for ingredients and learn to make classic dishes like Khao Soi and green curry.

   

• Explore the Old City Temples: Chiang Mai's historic center is a charming, moated square filled with over 30 beautiful temples. Spend an afternoon wandering on foot to discover ancient wonders like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

   

• Shop at the Night Bazaar: Every evening, a long stretch of Changklan Road transforms into a massive market. It's the perfect place to practice your haggling skills and shop for handicrafts, art, and souvenirs.

>>> Wondering how much it costs for a trip to Thailand? We have the answer for you!

3. Andaman Coast

No first trip to Thailand is complete without seeing the world-famous beaches. The "best" place depends entirely on your travel style. For a first-timer, the Andaman Coast is a fantastic choice because it's easy to access and delivers those jaw-dropping views you’ve been dreaming of.
 

Phuket or Krabi

• Phuket: As Thailand's largest island, Phuket is home to Phuket International Airport, a huge range of hotels for every budget, bustling nightlife (in Patong), and beautiful beaches like Karon and Kata. It's an excellent, easy base for families and those who want plenty of options.

   

• Krabi: Krabi is famous for the limestone karsts that jut out of the turquoise sea. Base yourself in Ao Nang for convenience or the stunning, boat-access-only Railay Beach for a truly unforgettable landscape. It’s a hub for rock climbing and adventure.

The Gulf Coast (Koh Samui)

If you're traveling during the Andaman's rainy season (roughly May-October), consider Koh Samui. It has its own airport and is known for beautiful, palm-fringed beaches and a slightly more relaxed, resort-focused atmosphere.

No matter where you stay, you must go on an island-hopping tour. These full-day trips are the best way to see iconic locations like the spectacular Phi Phi Islands (including Maya Bay, famous from "The Beach") and the unique "James Bond Island" in Phang Nga Bay.

>>> For more weather-related details, read our guide on the best months to visit Thailand.

4. Hua Hin

While the southern islands are stunning, they often require an extra flight and can be geared towards backpackers or adventure travel. For families, especially those with younger children, Hua Hin is the perfect coastal escape. Just a few hours' drive south of Bangkok, this relaxed seaside town has been a favorite getaway for Thai royalty and families for a century.

Top 5 Things to Do in Hua Hin for Families:

• Splash all day at a water park: Hua Hin is home to one of Thailand’s best water parks, Vana Nava Water Jungle. It’s an easy and guaranteed day of fun for all ages, with everything from thrilling vertical slides for teens to a fantastic kids' zone for little ones.

   

• Explore the themed attractions: A short drive north of Hua Hin, you'll find Santorini Park, with its Greek-themed photo ops and amusement park rides, and the Camel Republic, a unique park that combines zoo animals with rides and attractions.

   

• Walk the Hua Hin Night Market: This market is much calmer and easier to navigate with children than those in Bangkok. It's the perfect place to introduce your family to Thai street food classics like grilled seafood, chicken satay, and delicious roti (sweet pancakes).

   

• Enjoy a beach day: Hua Hin’s main beach is a long, sandy stretch with calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for kids to splash around safely. You can also find the unique activity of horseback riding along the shoreline, which is always a family favorite.

   

• Climb Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill): Known affectionately as "Monkey Mountain" for its large population of macaques, this hill at the southern end of the beach offers a small adventure. Climb the steps to the temple at the top for fantastic views of the coastline (just be sure to hold on to your snacks and sunglasses!).
   

Hua Hin's biggest advantage is its accessibility, with a pleasant 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Bangkok. To make this journey as easy and comfortable as possible, consider a private transfer with TravelThru.

You'll be picked up directly from your hotel, so you can avoid the hassle of getting to a bus or train station. Throughout the journey, you can relax in a clean, private, air-conditioned car. Unlike a bus or train, you have the flexibility to travel on your own schedule. It’s a door-to-door solution that lets your vacation start the moment you leave Bangkok.

5. Ayutthaya

Long before Bangkok became the capital, the heart of the Thai kingdom beat in Ayutthaya for over 400 years. What was once a bustling, glittering metropolis is now a stunning UNESCO park where you can explore the ruins of ancient temples and palaces. 

A visit here really connects you to Thailand's rich history. And because it’s so easy to get to from Bangkok, it's a fantastic day trip for anyone who loves exploring the past.
 

Top Things to Do in Ayutthaya:

• See the Buddha Head in the Banyan Tree: The iconic and most photographed site in Ayutthaya is at Wat Mahathat, where the roots of a massive banyan tree have grown around a serene stone Buddha head.

   

• Explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet: Wander through the ruins of the grandest and most important temple on the site of the former Royal Palace, recognizable by its three large, bell-shaped chedis (stupas).

   

• Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon: This well-preserved monastery is still an active temple. You can climb its central chedi for a fantastic view of the surrounding complex and its rows of saffron-robed Buddha statues.

   

• Rent a bicycle: The historical park is vast and spread out. One of the best ways to explore is by renting a bicycle for a small fee, allowing you to discover hidden ruins at your own pace.
   

Ayutthaya is located just 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok. You can easily get there via a 90-minute train ride from Hua Lamphong station, by minivan, or by booking an all-inclusive guided day tour from your hotel in Bangkok.

How Long Should You Spend in Thailand for a First Visit?

While you could spend months exploring Thailand's wonders, there is a definite "sweet spot" for a first-time visitor. Here’s a breakdown of what you can realistically achieve in different timeframes:

7-8 Days (1 Week)

This is a short but sweet introduction. In one week, you should be realistic and limit yourself to two locations to avoid spending your whole holiday in transit. You’ll get a fantastic taste of the country that will leave you wanting more.

• Option A (City & Beach): Fly into Bangkok (3 days) and then take a short flight to one beach destination like Phuket or Krabi (4 days).

   

• Option B (City & Culture): Fly into Bangkok (3 days) and take an overnight train or flight to Chiang Mai (4 days).

10 Days (The Popular Choice)

This is a very popular trip length and allows you to experience the classic "Thailand Triangle" of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and an island. It will be fast-paced, and you’ll need to rely on domestic flights to make it work, but you'll get to see the country's three main highlights without feeling too rushed.

>>> Sample 10-Day Itinerary in Thailand for First-Timers

14 Days (The Sweet Spot)

This is the ideal duration for a first trip to Thailand. Two weeks gives you the perfect amount of time to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and a southern island destination at a more comfortable pace. You can dedicate 3-4 full days to each location, which allows for deeper exploration and even a day or two of spontaneous relaxation without feeling like you're constantly running for your next flight.

2-Week Thailand Itinerary for First-Timers

Days 1-3: Bangkok (City & Culture) 

Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), settle into your hotel, and dive into the city. Spend these days exploring the Grand Palace, visiting the major temples (Wat Pho, Wat Arun), and enjoying the incredible street food.

Day 4: Travel to Chiang Mai 

Take a short, cheap morning flight from Bangkok (DMK or BKK) to Chiang Mai (CNX). Check into your hotel in the Old City and spend the afternoon exploring its charming lanes and temples on foot.

Days 5-7: Chiang Mai (North & Nature) 

Dedicate one day to an ethical elephant sanctuary, another to a Thai cooking class, and be sure to visit the magnificent Doi Suthep temple on the mountain for sunset.

Day 8: Travel to the South 

Fly from Chiang Mai (CNX) to either Krabi (KBV) or Phuket (HKT). Settle into your beachside accommodation and enjoy a spectacular tropical sunset.

Days 9-13: Krabi or Phuket (Beaches & Islands) 

This is your time to relax and explore paradise. Take a famous island-hopping tour to Koh Phi Phi, snorkel in turquoise waters, discover hidden lagoons, and spend at least one full day just relaxing on the beach with a good book.

Day 14: Final Beach Morning & Fly Home 

Enjoy one last Thai breakfast. If possible, book your flight home directly from Phuket (HKT) or Krabi (KBV) to save you from having to fly back to Bangkok first.

>>> Read more: Best Ways to Get Around in Thailand for First-timers

Ultimately, your first trip to Thailand doesn't need to be complicated. By combining the city, mountains, and beaches, you can be assured of an unforgettable vacation. You're now fully prepared to explore the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers.