Quick Summary:

  • Question: What is Thailand best known for?
  • Answer: Thailand is best known for its picture-perfect southern beaches and its wonderfully spicy food.
  • Question: Why is Thailand one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia?
  • Answer: Thailand offers a variety of attractions, and many visitors find that the friendliness of the smiley Thai people is the highlight of their trip, no matter which part of the country they visit.
  • Question: What regions of Thailand should visitors explore?
  • Answer: It’s worth exploring everything from the mountains of the north to the lush rice paddies of the central heartland and the sunny beaches in the south.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Phuket ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Phuket | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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2. Ao Phang Nga National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Ao Phang Nga National Park | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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3. Bangkok

Bangkok | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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4. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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5. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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6. Doi Inthanon National Park

Category: Activities
Doi Inthanon National Park | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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7. Erawan National Park

Category: Activities
Erawan National Park | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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8. Hat Yai

Hat Yai | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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9. Hua Hin

Hua Hin | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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10. Huai Kha Khaeng Wild Life Sanctuary

Huai Kha Khaeng Wild Life Sanctuary | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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11. Karon

Karon | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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12. Khao Sok National Park

Category: Activities
Khao Sok National Park | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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13. Khao Yai National Park

Category: Activities
Khao Yai National Park | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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14. Ko Pha Ngan

Ko Pha Ngan | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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15. Ko Samet

Ko Samet | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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16. Koh Samui

Koh Samui | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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17. Ko Tao

Ko Tao | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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18. Koh Chang

Koh Chang | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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19. Krabi

Krabi | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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20. Lampang

Lampang | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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21. Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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22. Pai

Pai | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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23. Pattaya

Pattaya | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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24. Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary

Category: Activities
Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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25. Udon Thani

Udon Thani | These Thailand Destinations are Worth the Long Flight
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Summary & FAQ Phuket Ao Phang Nga National Park Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Doi Inthanon National Park Erawan National Park Hat Yai Hua Hin Huai Kha Khaeng Wild Life Sanctuary Karon Khao Sok National Park Khao Yai National Park Ko Pha Ngan Ko Samet Koh Samui Ko Tao Koh Chang Krabi Lampang Mae Hong Son Pai Pattaya Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary Udon Thani

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