Recently, Thailand was awarded the title of “Destination of the Year 2025” by the leading travel magazine, Travel + Leisure. According to Travel + Leisure, Thailand boasts a rich cultural heritage, exceptional cuisine, and a perfect blend of tradition with modern innovation.
Furthermore, Thailand is considered highly deserving of this title because it offers a wide variety of valuable experiences, such as its delicious culinary scene, stunning natural beauty with its 1,430 islands, and world-renowned luxury hotel service.
In fact, in mid-2024, one of Thailand's islands, Koh Samui, had already been included in Travel + Leisure’s list of “Best Islands in the World to Visit,” based on a survey of the magazine’s readers.
With all these advantages, it is no surprise that Thailand has become a favorite travel destination for international tourists in recent years.
Which tourist destinations should you visit when traveling to Thailand?
Destination of the Year 2025: Thailand’s Must-Visit Attractions
As a favorite travel destination, Thailand offers countless tourist spots worth exploring, ranging from vibrant cities to breathtaking natural landscapes. Below are some of the must-visit places during a trip to Thailand.
Bangkok
Bangkok is undoubtedly the first destination that should be included in your Thailand travel itinerary. So popular is Thailand’s capital city that Bangkok consistently ranks among the “Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World.”
There are countless tourist attractions in Bangkok, one of the most famous being The Grand Palace, a complex of stunning architectural buildings.
Within The Grand Palace complex lies its main highlight, Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Inside Wat Phra Kaew, you will find a Buddha statue carved from jade, specifically nephrite stone, known as Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha). This statue is a significant religious relic for Thai Buddhism.
Please note that The Grand Palace is considered a sacred site, and there are specific dress codes and regulations visitors must follow before entering.
Chiang Mai
Another popular destination besides Bangkok is Chiang Mai. Situated in the mountains, Chiang Mai is famous for its ancient temples, beautiful mountain scenery, cool climate, and charming atmosphere.
The city center is filled with attractions like restaurants, cafes, and bars, while the outskirts offer stunning landscapes and traditional villages.
One of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple named after its location on Mount Doi Suthep.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a sacred site for many in Thailand. It is said that the golden spire at the top of the temple can be seen from all around Chiang Mai. In turn, the temple offers panoramic views of the city.
As with other temples in Thailand, visitors must adhere to certain rules when entering the premises and should always maintain proper etiquette.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Here, visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and lively nightlife.
Undoubtedly, one of the main reasons people choose Phuket is its abundance of beautiful and diverse beaches. One of the most popular beaches in Phuket is Patong Beach.
Patong Beach is the main attraction in Phuket. The area around it is the hub for nightlife, shopping, and most of the activities tourists seek in Phuket. The waters at Patong Beach are generally calm and ideal for swimming. During times of larger waves, it is also suitable for surfing.
Krabi
Much like Phuket, Krabi is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and stunning islands.
Krabi is also home to some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs, making it a great destination for snorkeling.
Moreover, Krabi has more than 200 islands. One of the most famous and popular islands in the Krabi region is Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Phi Phi offers vibrant nightlife, especially around Tonsai Beach, where dozens of beach bars and restaurants can be found, along with Tonsai Village, a bustling area full of shops, bars, and eateries.
The smaller beaches around the island are perfect for honeymooners, families, budget travelers, and those seeking luxurious resort retreats.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, known for its tranquil beaches, shopping complexes, restaurants, and relaxing atmosphere. The island also offers spa resorts with hydrotherapy circuits, including saunas, steam rooms, and vitality pools.
Koh Samui has repeatedly been recognized as one of the Best Islands in the World, most recently ranking 9th in Forbes' 2024 list of the World's Best Islands.
One of the most visited attractions in Koh Samui is Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, comprising 42 islands.
The main headquarters of the National Park is located on Ko Wua Talap, the largest island, where visitors will find an information center, bungalow accommodations, camping areas, and first aid facilities.
Ko Wua Talap is the only island where overnight stays are allowed.
Exciting activities at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park include hiking, kayaking, island hopping, snorkeling, beach hopping, and camping.
Of course, beyond the destinations listed above, Thailand still has many more attractions waiting to be explored.
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