Best Cities to Visit in Thailand

Thailand is a country full of unique and beautiful sights to see, so it’s hard to choose where to visit with its wide array of cities. If you only have limited time to visit this great destination, here are the four cities you can’t miss.

Khao San Road, Bangkok © Ioana Grecu | Dreamstime

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand is easily the most divisive in the country. Some people love it, others hate it and then there are those who just love to hate it. It’s bustling, sometimes dirty, but there’s no place on Earth quite like it. The shopping here is top-notch and the food is absolutely delicious.

Songkran Water Festival in Chiang Mai © Hwannaa | Dreamstime

Chiang Mai

This tiny little city in northern Thailand is a favorite among expats. The laidback atmosphere makes for a great alternative to Bangkok. Chiang Mai is famous for its night markets, where you’ll find hundreds of locals selling clothes, food and other trinkets. There are also pretty wonderful elephant sanctuaries nearby and the country’s best zoo.

Patong Bangla Road, Phuket © Iryna Rasko | Dreamstime

Phuket

Phuket is a great jumping off point for island hopping in the south of Thailand. The city itself is a fun atmosphere with great beaches and good food. Locals here are some of the friendliest in the country and the nearby Patong Beach is a famous shopping and nightlife destination.

Wat Rong Khun, The White Temple of Thailand © Phittavas Phupakdee | Dreamstime

This sleepy town not too far from Chiang Mai often serves as something of a way station for those about to cross the border into Laos. Explore a little and you’ll experience a charming town with a great surprise in the form of The White Temple. It’s a modern Buddhist temple painted entirely in white with sculptures of some of film’s greatest characters scattered throughout.