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Thailand

Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos
Whether you want to visit Buddhist temples, sample Bangkok’s street...

Thailand conjures images of white sand beaches and cerulean waters, peaceful temples, and lush mountain jungles. In Bangkok, a 21st-century playground, the scent of spicy street food fills the air, and the Grand Palace recalls the country's traditions. Outside the capital, the wonders of the countryside enchant, whether you are elephant trekking in the northern hills, exploring Ayutthaya’s splendid ruins, or diving in the waters of the idyllic southern coast. The unique spirit of the Thai people—this is the “land of smiles,” after all—adds warmth to any visit.

Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos
Whether you want to visit Buddhist temples, sample Bangkok’s street...

Fodor's Travel Award

FODOR'S FINEST

The Best Hotels in Asia & the Pacific

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Koh Samui, Thailand

Find a Hotel

Fodor's Travel Award

FODOR'S FINEST

The Best Hotels in Asia & the Pacific

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Koh Samui, Thailand

Find a Hotel

Fodor's Travel Award

FODOR'S FINEST

The Best Hotels in Asia & the Pacific

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Koh Samui, Thailand

Top Destinations

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Bangkok

Bangkok, also known as the City of Angels and Venice of the East, will hit you like a ton of bricks. Hot, polluted, and chaotic...

The Gulf Coast Beaches

With its white sandy beaches, crystal-blue water, and laid-back lifestyle, the Gulf Coast captures the imaginations of travelers worldwide. East of Bangkok lie high-profile Pattaya...

Phuket and the Andaman Coast

For its amazing setting, variety, and charm, Phuket has consistently been voted as one of the world's favorite tourist destinations, both for budget travelers and...

Chiang Mai

Cosmopolitan Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, is regarded by many as its rightful, historic capital. It’s a fascinating and successful mix of old and new...

Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand begins where the flat rice-growing countryside above Bangkok rises north toward the mountains bordering Myanmar and Laos. The vast region is strikingly different...

Phuket

Phuket (or "Koh" Phuket—Koh is "island" in Thai, but this is rarely used because Phuket is so large) is one of the region's economic powerhouses—millions...

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the most popular tourist destination on the Western Gulf coast, which isn't surprising, considering the island's gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and sparkling...

Around Bangkok

Escaping the congestion and chaos of Bangkok is quite simple, and a must for anyone who wants a truly memorable Thailand experience. The surrounding provinces...

Chiang Rai and The Golden Triangle

This fabled area is a beautiful stretch of rolling uplands that conceal remote hill tribe villages and drop down to the broad Mekong, which is...

Koh Lanta

Long beaches, crystal clear water, and a laid-back natural environment are Koh Lanta's main attractions. Although "discovered" by international travelers in the early 2000s, Koh...

The Mae Hong Son Loop

Remote Mae Hong Son is reached along a mountainous stretch of road known to travelers as "the Loop." The route runs from Chiang Mai to...

Pattaya

Pattaya's proponents boast that their city has finally emerged as a legitimate upscale beach destination. This is partly true: recent years have seen the opening...

Koh Chang

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is the largest and most developed of the 52-island archipelago that became Mu Koh Chang National Park in 1982. Most...

Phuket Town

Though few tourists linger here, Phuket Town, the provincial capital, is one of the more culturally interesting places on the island to spend half a...

Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands. The largest, Phi Phi Don, is shaped like a butterfly: the "wings," covered by limestone mountains, are...

Ao Nang

In the daytime, Ao Nang is busy with visitors flowing to and from beaches. In the evening, storefronts light up the sidewalk and open-air restaurants...

Kanchanaburi

The city of Kanchanaburi is home to interesting and sometimes moving World War II historic sites, among them the Bridge on the River Kwai. In...

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, which means "the dawn of happiness," holds a unique place in Thailand's history. Until the 13th century most of Thailand consisted of small vassal...

Hua Hin

The golden sands near the small seaside city of Hua Hin have long attracted Bangkok's rich and famous. The most renowned visitors are the king...

Koh Phangan

As Koh Samui developed into an international hot spot, travelers looking for a more laid-back scene headed for Koh Phangan. Decades ago, the few wanderers...

Pai

Although Pai lies in a flat valley, a 10-minute drive in any direction brings you to a rugged upland terrain with stands of wild teak...

Ayutthaya

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, carefully preserved Ayutthaya provides a fascinating snapshot of ancient Siam. Scattered ruins testify to the kingdom's brutal demise at the...

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a place to go to if you want a relaxed, low-key holiday. It just cuts the right side of developed to offer...

Lampang

At the end of the 19th century, when Lampang was a thriving center of the teak trade, the well-to-do city elders gave the city a...

Mae Hong Son

Stressed-out residents of Bangkok and other cities have transformed this remote, mountain-ringed market town into one of northern Thailand's major resort areas. Some handsome hotels...

Krabi

Krabi is a major travel hub in southern Thailand. Travelers often breeze through without stopping to enjoy the atmosphere, which is a shame, because Krabi...

Koh Tao

In just a few decades, the tiny island of Koh Tao has evolved from a sleepy backwater to a sought-after diving getaway, with lodgings that...

Nang Cape/Railay Beach

Be careful not to strain your neck admiring the skyscraping cliffs as your longtail boat delivers you to Nang Cape. Here four interconnected beaches are...

Phitsanulok

For a brief span in the 14th century, after the decline of Sukhothai and before the rise of Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok was the kingdom's capital. Farther...

Lamphun

Lamphun claims to be the oldest existing city in Thailand (but so does Nakhon Pathom). Originally called Nakhon Hariphunchai, it was founded in AD 660...

Phetchaburi

This small seaport town with many wats once linked the old Thai capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya with trade routes on the South China Sea...

Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park

The looming limestone karsts are the most spectacular feature of Phang Nga Bay, made famous in movies and a thousand picture postcards...

Lopburi

Lopburi is off the beaten track for most tourists, and those who do come here are generally outnumbered by the city's monkey population. Some foreigners...

Koh Samet

Koh Samet's beautiful beaches are a hit with Thais and Bangkok expats, especially on weekends. Although newer resort areas beckon, Koh Samet remains popular with...

Chalong

The waters in horseshoe-shape Chalong Bay are usually calm, as the entrance is guarded by Koh Lone and Koh Hae. It's not a scenic stop...

Cha-am

It may not be the most picturesque seaside town, but Cha-am does offer an authentic Thai-style beach experience. The pier at the north end of...

Si Satchanalai

Si Satchanalai, a sister city to Sukhothai, was governed by a son of Sukhothai's reigning monarch. Despite its secondary position, the city grew to impressive...

Takiab Beach

Directly to the south of Hua Hin, Khao Takiab is a good alternative for people who wish to avoid Hua Hin's busier scene. Takiab is...

Koh Si Chang

For centuries Koh Si Chang was considered a gateway to Thailand, the spot where huge sailing ships docked and smaller barges loaded goods bound for...

Sangklaburi

This sleepy town sits on a large lake created by the Khao Laem Dam. There was once a Mon village here, but when the dam...

Samut Songkhram

The provincial town of Samut Songkram has little to recommend it, but the many nearby attractions make this an enjoyable day trip from Bangkok. There...

Damnoen Saduak

The image of this frenetic market of floating vendors selling all sorts of raw and prepared food is so evocative that it has become an...

Nakhon Pathom

Reputed to be Thailand's oldest city (it's thought to date from 150 BC), Nakhon Pathom was once the center of the Dvaravati kingdom, an affiliation...

Mae Sariang

The southern route of the Loop runs through Mae Sariang, a neat little market town that sits beside the Yuam River. With comfortable hotels and...

Chumphon

Chumphon is regarded as the gateway to the south, because trains and buses connect to Bangkok to the north, to Surat Thani and Phuket to...

Surat Thani

Surat Thani is where you board the boats bound for Koh Samui. Though not particularly attractive, Surat Thani has a few culturally interesting sights that...

Bang Pa-In

This village, a popular stopping point between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, has a few architectural sites of note: a Thai palace, a European-style temple, and a...

Chiang Dao

The dusty, rather dilapidated village of Chiang Dao has two claims to fame: Thailand's third-highest mountain, 7,500-foot Doi Chiang Dao, which leaps up almost vertically...

Doi Ang Khang

Ang means "bowl," and that sums up the mountaintop location of this remote corner of Thailand. A tiny, two-street settlement shares the small valley with...

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are synonymous with two things: beautiful, unspoiled beaches and diving in crystal-blue waters. There are nine islands in this archipelago, each with...

Cape Yamu

The headland at Yamu is an isolated part of Phuket and, because of the isolation, is particularly quiet and exclusive. There is no beach here...

Tha Ton

North of Chiang Dao lies the pretty resort town of Tha Ton, which sits on the River Kok right across the border from Myanmar. The...

Koh Yao

Koh Yao Noi is the most developed of this pair of islands, Noi (little) and Yai (large), but it is still worlds away from the...

Surin Islands

Sixty kilometers (37 miles) off the west coast of Phang Nga, the five Surin Islands are special for their diving and fishing. The national park...

Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi has played a big role in Thai history. It was here that the man who would become King Taksin gathered and prepared his troops...

Khun Yuam

In the mountain village of Khun Yuam, along the southern route of the Loop between Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang, you can find one...

Muang Boran

An easy and popular day trip from Bangkok, Muang Boran provides a captivating introduction to Thailand's architectural and cultural highlights via replicas and reconstructions...

Doi Inthanon National Park

...

Khun Yuam

...

Khao Pra Taew National Park

Located in the north of the island, Khao Pra Taew is the last virgin rain forest in Phuket. You can take a hike through the...

Bangkok

Bangkok, also known as the City of Angels and Venice of the East, will hit you like a ton of bricks. Hot, polluted, and chaotic...

The Gulf Coast Beaches

With its white sandy beaches, crystal-blue water, and laid-back lifestyle, the Gulf Coast captures the imaginations of travelers worldwide. East of Bangkok lie high-profile Pattaya...

Phuket and the Andaman Coast

For its amazing setting, variety, and charm, Phuket has consistently been voted as one of the world's favorite tourist destinations, both for budget travelers and...

Chiang Mai

Cosmopolitan Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, is regarded by many as its rightful, historic capital. It’s a fascinating and successful mix of old and new...

Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand begins where the flat rice-growing countryside above Bangkok rises north toward the mountains bordering Myanmar and Laos. The vast region is strikingly different...

Phuket

Phuket (or "Koh" Phuket—Koh is "island" in Thai, but this is rarely used because Phuket is so large) is one of the region's economic powerhouses—millions...

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the most popular tourist destination on the Western Gulf coast, which isn't surprising, considering the island's gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and sparkling...

Around Bangkok

Escaping the congestion and chaos of Bangkok is quite simple, and a must for anyone who wants a truly memorable Thailand experience. The surrounding provinces...

Chiang Rai and The Golden Triangle

This fabled area is a beautiful stretch of rolling uplands that conceal remote hill tribe villages and drop down to the broad Mekong, which is...

Koh Lanta

Long beaches, crystal clear water, and a laid-back natural environment are Koh Lanta's main attractions. Although "discovered" by international travelers in the early 2000s, Koh...

The Mae Hong Son Loop

Remote Mae Hong Son is reached along a mountainous stretch of road known to travelers as "the Loop." The route runs from Chiang Mai to...

Pattaya

Pattaya's proponents boast that their city has finally emerged as a legitimate upscale beach destination. This is partly true: recent years have seen the opening...

Koh Chang

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is the largest and most developed of the 52-island archipelago that became Mu Koh Chang National Park in 1982. Most...

Phuket Town

Though few tourists linger here, Phuket Town, the provincial capital, is one of the more culturally interesting places on the island to spend half a...

Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands. The largest, Phi Phi Don, is shaped like a butterfly: the "wings," covered by limestone mountains, are...

Ao Nang

In the daytime, Ao Nang is busy with visitors flowing to and from beaches. In the evening, storefronts light up the sidewalk and open-air restaurants...

Kanchanaburi

The city of Kanchanaburi is home to interesting and sometimes moving World War II historic sites, among them the Bridge on the River Kwai. In...

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, which means "the dawn of happiness," holds a unique place in Thailand's history. Until the 13th century most of Thailand consisted of small vassal...

Hua Hin

The golden sands near the small seaside city of Hua Hin have long attracted Bangkok's rich and famous. The most renowned visitors are the king...

Koh Phangan

As Koh Samui developed into an international hot spot, travelers looking for a more laid-back scene headed for Koh Phangan. Decades ago, the few wanderers...

Pai

Although Pai lies in a flat valley, a 10-minute drive in any direction brings you to a rugged upland terrain with stands of wild teak...

Ayutthaya

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, carefully preserved Ayutthaya provides a fascinating snapshot of ancient Siam. Scattered ruins testify to the kingdom's brutal demise at the...

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a place to go to if you want a relaxed, low-key holiday. It just cuts the right side of developed to offer...

Lampang

At the end of the 19th century, when Lampang was a thriving center of the teak trade, the well-to-do city elders gave the city a...

Mae Hong Son

Stressed-out residents of Bangkok and other cities have transformed this remote, mountain-ringed market town into one of northern Thailand's major resort areas. Some handsome hotels...

Krabi

Krabi is a major travel hub in southern Thailand. Travelers often breeze through without stopping to enjoy the atmosphere, which is a shame, because Krabi...

Koh Tao

In just a few decades, the tiny island of Koh Tao has evolved from a sleepy backwater to a sought-after diving getaway, with lodgings that...

Nang Cape/Railay Beach

Be careful not to strain your neck admiring the skyscraping cliffs as your longtail boat delivers you to Nang Cape. Here four interconnected beaches are...

Phitsanulok

For a brief span in the 14th century, after the decline of Sukhothai and before the rise of Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok was the kingdom's capital. Farther...

Lamphun

Lamphun claims to be the oldest existing city in Thailand (but so does Nakhon Pathom). Originally called Nakhon Hariphunchai, it was founded in AD 660...

Phetchaburi

This small seaport town with many wats once linked the old Thai capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya with trade routes on the South China Sea...

Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park

The looming limestone karsts are the most spectacular feature of Phang Nga Bay, made famous in movies and a thousand picture postcards...

Lopburi

Lopburi is off the beaten track for most tourists, and those who do come here are generally outnumbered by the city's monkey population. Some foreigners...

Koh Samet

Koh Samet's beautiful beaches are a hit with Thais and Bangkok expats, especially on weekends. Although newer resort areas beckon, Koh Samet remains popular with...

Chalong

The waters in horseshoe-shape Chalong Bay are usually calm, as the entrance is guarded by Koh Lone and Koh Hae. It's not a scenic stop...

Cha-am

It may not be the most picturesque seaside town, but Cha-am does offer an authentic Thai-style beach experience. The pier at the north end of...

Si Satchanalai

Si Satchanalai, a sister city to Sukhothai, was governed by a son of Sukhothai's reigning monarch. Despite its secondary position, the city grew to impressive...

Takiab Beach

Directly to the south of Hua Hin, Khao Takiab is a good alternative for people who wish to avoid Hua Hin's busier scene. Takiab is...

Koh Si Chang

For centuries Koh Si Chang was considered a gateway to Thailand, the spot where huge sailing ships docked and smaller barges loaded goods bound for...

Sangklaburi

This sleepy town sits on a large lake created by the Khao Laem Dam. There was once a Mon village here, but when the dam...

Samut Songkhram

The provincial town of Samut Songkram has little to recommend it, but the many nearby attractions make this an enjoyable day trip from Bangkok. There...

Damnoen Saduak

The image of this frenetic market of floating vendors selling all sorts of raw and prepared food is so evocative that it has become an...

Nakhon Pathom

Reputed to be Thailand's oldest city (it's thought to date from 150 BC), Nakhon Pathom was once the center of the Dvaravati kingdom, an affiliation...

Mae Sariang

The southern route of the Loop runs through Mae Sariang, a neat little market town that sits beside the Yuam River. With comfortable hotels and...

Chumphon

Chumphon is regarded as the gateway to the south, because trains and buses connect to Bangkok to the north, to Surat Thani and Phuket to...

Surat Thani

Surat Thani is where you board the boats bound for Koh Samui. Though not particularly attractive, Surat Thani has a few culturally interesting sights that...

Bang Pa-In

This village, a popular stopping point between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, has a few architectural sites of note: a Thai palace, a European-style temple, and a...

Chiang Dao

The dusty, rather dilapidated village of Chiang Dao has two claims to fame: Thailand's third-highest mountain, 7,500-foot Doi Chiang Dao, which leaps up almost vertically...

Doi Ang Khang

Ang means "bowl," and that sums up the mountaintop location of this remote corner of Thailand. A tiny, two-street settlement shares the small valley with...

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are synonymous with two things: beautiful, unspoiled beaches and diving in crystal-blue waters. There are nine islands in this archipelago, each with...

Cape Yamu

The headland at Yamu is an isolated part of Phuket and, because of the isolation, is particularly quiet and exclusive. There is no beach here...

Tha Ton

North of Chiang Dao lies the pretty resort town of Tha Ton, which sits on the River Kok right across the border from Myanmar. The...

Koh Yao

Koh Yao Noi is the most developed of this pair of islands, Noi (little) and Yai (large), but it is still worlds away from the...

Surin Islands

Sixty kilometers (37 miles) off the west coast of Phang Nga, the five Surin Islands are special for their diving and fishing. The national park...

Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi has played a big role in Thai history. It was here that the man who would become King Taksin gathered and prepared his troops...

Khun Yuam

In the mountain village of Khun Yuam, along the southern route of the Loop between Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang, you can find one...

Muang Boran

An easy and popular day trip from Bangkok, Muang Boran provides a captivating introduction to Thailand's architectural and cultural highlights via replicas and reconstructions...

Doi Inthanon National Park

...

Khun Yuam

...

Khao Pra Taew National Park

Located in the north of the island, Khao Pra Taew is the last virgin rain forest in Phuket. You can take a hike through the...

Bangkok

Bangkok, also known as the City of Angels and Venice of the East, will hit you like a ton of bricks. Hot, polluted, and chaotic...

Chiang Mai

Cosmopolitan Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, is regarded by many as its rightful, historic capital. It’s a fascinating and successful mix of old and new...

Phuket

Phuket (or "Koh" Phuket—Koh is "island" in Thai, but this is rarely used because Phuket is so large) is one of the region's economic powerhouses—millions...

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the most popular tourist destination on the Western Gulf coast, which isn't surprising, considering the island's gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and sparkling...

Chiang Rai and The Golden Triangle

This fabled area is a beautiful stretch of rolling uplands that conceal remote hill tribe villages and drop down to the broad Mekong, which is...

Koh Lanta

Long beaches, crystal clear water, and a laid-back natural environment are Koh Lanta's main attractions. Although "discovered" by international travelers in the early 2000s, Koh...

Pattaya

Pattaya's proponents boast that their city has finally emerged as a legitimate upscale beach destination. This is partly true: recent years have seen the opening...

Phuket Town

Though few tourists linger here, Phuket Town, the provincial capital, is one of the more culturally interesting places on the island to spend half a...

Koh Chang

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is the largest and most developed of the 52-island archipelago that became Mu Koh Chang National Park in 1982. Most...

Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands. The largest, Phi Phi Don, is shaped like a butterfly: the "wings," covered by limestone mountains, are...

Kanchanaburi

The city of Kanchanaburi is home to interesting and sometimes moving World War II historic sites, among them the Bridge on the River Kwai. In...

Ao Nang

In the daytime, Ao Nang is busy with visitors flowing to and from beaches. In the evening, storefronts light up the sidewalk and open-air restaurants...

Hua Hin

The golden sands near the small seaside city of Hua Hin have long attracted Bangkok's rich and famous. The most renowned visitors are the king...

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, which means "the dawn of happiness," holds a unique place in Thailand's history. Until the 13th century most of Thailand consisted of small vassal...

Koh Phangan

As Koh Samui developed into an international hot spot, travelers looking for a more laid-back scene headed for Koh Phangan. Decades ago, the few wanderers...

Pai

Although Pai lies in a flat valley, a 10-minute drive in any direction brings you to a rugged upland terrain with stands of wild teak...

Ayutthaya

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, carefully preserved Ayutthaya provides a fascinating snapshot of ancient Siam. Scattered ruins testify to the kingdom's brutal demise at the...

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a place to go to if you want a relaxed, low-key holiday. It just cuts the right side of developed to offer...

Lampang

At the end of the 19th century, when Lampang was a thriving center of the teak trade, the well-to-do city elders gave the city a...

Krabi

Krabi is a major travel hub in southern Thailand. Travelers often breeze through without stopping to enjoy the atmosphere, which is a shame, because Krabi...

Mae Hong Son

Stressed-out residents of Bangkok and other cities have transformed this remote, mountain-ringed market town into one of northern Thailand's major resort areas. Some handsome hotels...

Koh Tao

In just a few decades, the tiny island of Koh Tao has evolved from a sleepy backwater to a sought-after diving getaway, with lodgings that...

Nang Cape/Railay Beach

Be careful not to strain your neck admiring the skyscraping cliffs as your longtail boat delivers you to Nang Cape. Here four interconnected beaches are...

Phitsanulok

For a brief span in the 14th century, after the decline of Sukhothai and before the rise of Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok was the kingdom's capital. Farther...

Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park

The looming limestone karsts are the most spectacular feature of Phang Nga Bay, made famous in movies and a thousand picture postcards...

Lamphun

Lamphun claims to be the oldest existing city in Thailand (but so does Nakhon Pathom). Originally called Nakhon Hariphunchai, it was founded in AD 660...

Phetchaburi

This small seaport town with many wats once linked the old Thai capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya with trade routes on the South China Sea...

Koh Samet

Koh Samet's beautiful beaches are a hit with Thais and Bangkok expats, especially on weekends. Although newer resort areas beckon, Koh Samet remains popular with...

Lopburi

Lopburi is off the beaten track for most tourists, and those who do come here are generally outnumbered by the city's monkey population. Some foreigners...

Chalong

The waters in horseshoe-shape Chalong Bay are usually calm, as the entrance is guarded by Koh Lone and Koh Hae. It's not a scenic stop...

Cha-am

It may not be the most picturesque seaside town, but Cha-am does offer an authentic Thai-style beach experience. The pier at the north end of...

Si Satchanalai

Si Satchanalai, a sister city to Sukhothai, was governed by a son of Sukhothai's reigning monarch. Despite its secondary position, the city grew to impressive...

Sangklaburi

This sleepy town sits on a large lake created by the Khao Laem Dam. There was once a Mon village here, but when the dam...

Takiab Beach

Directly to the south of Hua Hin, Khao Takiab is a good alternative for people who wish to avoid Hua Hin's busier scene. Takiab is...

Koh Si Chang

For centuries Koh Si Chang was considered a gateway to Thailand, the spot where huge sailing ships docked and smaller barges loaded goods bound for...

Samut Songkhram

The provincial town of Samut Songkram has little to recommend it, but the many nearby attractions make this an enjoyable day trip from Bangkok. There...

Damnoen Saduak

The image of this frenetic market of floating vendors selling all sorts of raw and prepared food is so evocative that it has become an...

Mae Sariang

The southern route of the Loop runs through Mae Sariang, a neat little market town that sits beside the Yuam River. With comfortable hotels and...

Nakhon Pathom

Reputed to be Thailand's oldest city (it's thought to date from 150 BC), Nakhon Pathom was once the center of the Dvaravati kingdom, an affiliation...

Bang Pa-In

This village, a popular stopping point between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, has a few architectural sites of note: a Thai palace, a European-style temple, and a...

Chumphon

Chumphon is regarded as the gateway to the south, because trains and buses connect to Bangkok to the north, to Surat Thani and Phuket to...

Chiang Dao

The dusty, rather dilapidated village of Chiang Dao has two claims to fame: Thailand's third-highest mountain, 7,500-foot Doi Chiang Dao, which leaps up almost vertically...

Surat Thani

Surat Thani is where you board the boats bound for Koh Samui. Though not particularly attractive, Surat Thani has a few culturally interesting sights that...

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are synonymous with two things: beautiful, unspoiled beaches and diving in crystal-blue waters. There are nine islands in this archipelago, each with...

Cape Yamu

The headland at Yamu is an isolated part of Phuket and, because of the isolation, is particularly quiet and exclusive. There is no beach here...

Tha Ton

North of Chiang Dao lies the pretty resort town of Tha Ton, which sits on the River Kok right across the border from Myanmar. The...

Doi Ang Khang

Ang means "bowl," and that sums up the mountaintop location of this remote corner of Thailand. A tiny, two-street settlement shares the small valley with...

Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi has played a big role in Thai history. It was here that the man who would become King Taksin gathered and prepared his troops...

Surin Islands

Sixty kilometers (37 miles) off the west coast of Phang Nga, the five Surin Islands are special for their diving and fishing. The national park...

Khun Yuam

In the mountain village of Khun Yuam, along the southern route of the Loop between Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang, you can find one...

Muang Boran

An easy and popular day trip from Bangkok, Muang Boran provides a captivating introduction to Thailand's architectural and cultural highlights via replicas and reconstructions...

Khun Yuam

...

Bangkok

Bangkok, also known as the City of Angels and Venice of the East, will hit you like a ton of bricks. Hot, polluted, and chaotic...

Chiang Mai

Cosmopolitan Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, is regarded by many as its rightful, historic capital. It’s a fascinating and successful mix of old and new...

Phuket

Phuket (or "Koh" Phuket—Koh is "island" in Thai, but this is rarely used because Phuket is so large) is one of the region's economic powerhouses—millions...

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the most popular tourist destination on the Western Gulf coast, which isn't surprising, considering the island's gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and sparkling...

Chiang Rai and The Golden Triangle

This fabled area is a beautiful stretch of rolling uplands that conceal remote hill tribe villages and drop down to the broad Mekong, which is...

Koh Lanta

Long beaches, crystal clear water, and a laid-back natural environment are Koh Lanta's main attractions. Although "discovered" by international travelers in the early 2000s, Koh...

Pattaya

Pattaya's proponents boast that their city has finally emerged as a legitimate upscale beach destination. This is partly true: recent years have seen the opening...

Phuket Town

Though few tourists linger here, Phuket Town, the provincial capital, is one of the more culturally interesting places on the island to spend half a...

Koh Chang

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is the largest and most developed of the 52-island archipelago that became Mu Koh Chang National Park in 1982. Most...

Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands. The largest, Phi Phi Don, is shaped like a butterfly: the "wings," covered by limestone mountains, are...

Kanchanaburi

The city of Kanchanaburi is home to interesting and sometimes moving World War II historic sites, among them the Bridge on the River Kwai. In...

Ao Nang

In the daytime, Ao Nang is busy with visitors flowing to and from beaches. In the evening, storefronts light up the sidewalk and open-air restaurants...

Hua Hin

The golden sands near the small seaside city of Hua Hin have long attracted Bangkok's rich and famous. The most renowned visitors are the king...

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, which means "the dawn of happiness," holds a unique place in Thailand's history. Until the 13th century most of Thailand consisted of small vassal...

Koh Phangan

As Koh Samui developed into an international hot spot, travelers looking for a more laid-back scene headed for Koh Phangan. Decades ago, the few wanderers...

Pai

Although Pai lies in a flat valley, a 10-minute drive in any direction brings you to a rugged upland terrain with stands of wild teak...

Ayutthaya

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, carefully preserved Ayutthaya provides a fascinating snapshot of ancient Siam. Scattered ruins testify to the kingdom's brutal demise at the...

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a place to go to if you want a relaxed, low-key holiday. It just cuts the right side of developed to offer...

Lampang

At the end of the 19th century, when Lampang was a thriving center of the teak trade, the well-to-do city elders gave the city a...

Krabi

Krabi is a major travel hub in southern Thailand. Travelers often breeze through without stopping to enjoy the atmosphere, which is a shame, because Krabi...

Mae Hong Son

Stressed-out residents of Bangkok and other cities have transformed this remote, mountain-ringed market town into one of northern Thailand's major resort areas. Some handsome hotels...

Koh Tao

In just a few decades, the tiny island of Koh Tao has evolved from a sleepy backwater to a sought-after diving getaway, with lodgings that...

Nang Cape/Railay Beach

Be careful not to strain your neck admiring the skyscraping cliffs as your longtail boat delivers you to Nang Cape. Here four interconnected beaches are...

Phitsanulok

For a brief span in the 14th century, after the decline of Sukhothai and before the rise of Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok was the kingdom's capital. Farther...

Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park

The looming limestone karsts are the most spectacular feature of Phang Nga Bay, made famous in movies and a thousand picture postcards...

Lamphun

Lamphun claims to be the oldest existing city in Thailand (but so does Nakhon Pathom). Originally called Nakhon Hariphunchai, it was founded in AD 660...

Phetchaburi

This small seaport town with many wats once linked the old Thai capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya with trade routes on the South China Sea...

Koh Samet

Koh Samet's beautiful beaches are a hit with Thais and Bangkok expats, especially on weekends. Although newer resort areas beckon, Koh Samet remains popular with...

Lopburi

Lopburi is off the beaten track for most tourists, and those who do come here are generally outnumbered by the city's monkey population. Some foreigners...

Chalong

The waters in horseshoe-shape Chalong Bay are usually calm, as the entrance is guarded by Koh Lone and Koh Hae. It's not a scenic stop...

Cha-am

It may not be the most picturesque seaside town, but Cha-am does offer an authentic Thai-style beach experience. The pier at the north end of...

Si Satchanalai

Si Satchanalai, a sister city to Sukhothai, was governed by a son of Sukhothai's reigning monarch. Despite its secondary position, the city grew to impressive...

Sangklaburi

This sleepy town sits on a large lake created by the Khao Laem Dam. There was once a Mon village here, but when the dam...

Takiab Beach

Directly to the south of Hua Hin, Khao Takiab is a good alternative for people who wish to avoid Hua Hin's busier scene. Takiab is...

Koh Si Chang

For centuries Koh Si Chang was considered a gateway to Thailand, the spot where huge sailing ships docked and smaller barges loaded goods bound for...

Samut Songkhram

The provincial town of Samut Songkram has little to recommend it, but the many nearby attractions make this an enjoyable day trip from Bangkok. There...

Damnoen Saduak

The image of this frenetic market of floating vendors selling all sorts of raw and prepared food is so evocative that it has become an...

Mae Sariang

The southern route of the Loop runs through Mae Sariang, a neat little market town that sits beside the Yuam River. With comfortable hotels and...

Nakhon Pathom

Reputed to be Thailand's oldest city (it's thought to date from 150 BC), Nakhon Pathom was once the center of the Dvaravati kingdom, an affiliation...

Bang Pa-In

This village, a popular stopping point between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, has a few architectural sites of note: a Thai palace, a European-style temple, and a...

Chumphon

Chumphon is regarded as the gateway to the south, because trains and buses connect to Bangkok to the north, to Surat Thani and Phuket to...

Chiang Dao

The dusty, rather dilapidated village of Chiang Dao has two claims to fame: Thailand's third-highest mountain, 7,500-foot Doi Chiang Dao, which leaps up almost vertically...

Surat Thani

Surat Thani is where you board the boats bound for Koh Samui. Though not particularly attractive, Surat Thani has a few culturally interesting sights that...

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are synonymous with two things: beautiful, unspoiled beaches and diving in crystal-blue waters. There are nine islands in this archipelago, each with...

Cape Yamu

The headland at Yamu is an isolated part of Phuket and, because of the isolation, is particularly quiet and exclusive. There is no beach here...

Tha Ton

North of Chiang Dao lies the pretty resort town of Tha Ton, which sits on the River Kok right across the border from Myanmar. The...

Doi Ang Khang

Ang means "bowl," and that sums up the mountaintop location of this remote corner of Thailand. A tiny, two-street settlement shares the small valley with...

Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi has played a big role in Thai history. It was here that the man who would become King Taksin gathered and prepared his troops...

Surin Islands

Sixty kilometers (37 miles) off the west coast of Phang Nga, the five Surin Islands are special for their diving and fishing. The national park...

Khun Yuam

In the mountain village of Khun Yuam, along the southern route of the Loop between Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang, you can find one...

Muang Boran

An easy and popular day trip from Bangkok, Muang Boran provides a captivating introduction to Thailand's architectural and cultural highlights via replicas and reconstructions...

Khun Yuam

...

The Gulf Coast Beaches

With its white sandy beaches, crystal-blue water, and laid-back lifestyle, the Gulf Coast captures the imaginations of travelers worldwide. East of Bangkok lie high-profile Pattaya...

Phuket and the Andaman Coast

For its amazing setting, variety, and charm, Phuket has consistently been voted as one of the world's favorite tourist destinations, both for budget travelers and...

Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand begins where the flat rice-growing countryside above Bangkok rises north toward the mountains bordering Myanmar and Laos. The vast region is strikingly different...

Around Bangkok

Escaping the congestion and chaos of Bangkok is quite simple, and a must for anyone who wants a truly memorable Thailand experience. The surrounding provinces...

The Mae Hong Son Loop

Remote Mae Hong Son is reached along a mountainous stretch of road known to travelers as "the Loop." The route runs from Chiang Mai to...

Greater Kanchanaburi Province

...

The Gulf Coast Beaches

With its white sandy beaches, crystal-blue water, and laid-back lifestyle, the Gulf Coast captures the imaginations of travelers worldwide. East of Bangkok lie high-profile Pattaya...

Phuket and the Andaman Coast

For its amazing setting, variety, and charm, Phuket has consistently been voted as one of the world's favorite tourist destinations, both for budget travelers and...

Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand begins where the flat rice-growing countryside above Bangkok rises north toward the mountains bordering Myanmar and Laos. The vast region is strikingly different...

Around Bangkok

Escaping the congestion and chaos of Bangkok is quite simple, and a must for anyone who wants a truly memorable Thailand experience. The surrounding provinces...

The Mae Hong Son Loop

Remote Mae Hong Son is reached along a mountainous stretch of road known to travelers as "the Loop." The route runs from Chiang Mai to...

Greater Kanchanaburi Province

...

Doi Inthanon National Park

...

Khao Pra Taew National Park

Located in the north of the island, Khao Pra Taew is the last virgin rain forest in Phuket. You can take a hike through the...

Doi Inthanon National Park

...

Khao Pra Taew National Park

Located in the north of the island, Khao Pra Taew is the last virgin rain forest in Phuket. You can take a hike through the...

Koh Yao

Koh Yao Noi is the most developed of this pair of islands, Noi (little) and Yai (large), but it is still worlds away from the...

Koh Yao

Koh Yao Noi is the most developed of this pair of islands, Noi (little) and Yai (large), but it is still worlds away from the...

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That is Suite: Here are the Best Hotel Rooms in Bangkok

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The 10 Bangkok Hotels Near Incredible Sights & Gardens

Paul Feinstein

budget

The 10 Best Bang for Your Buck Hotels in Bangkok

Paul Feinstein

best for shopping

Hotels Near All the Best Shopping and Markets in Bangkok

Paul Feinstein

authentic

Boutique Bangkok: 10 Small Hotels With Big Reputations

Paul Feinstein

best for nightlife

The 10 Best Hotel Bars in Bangkok

Paul Feinstein

dining

The 10 Best Hotel Restaurants in Bangkok

Paul Feinstein

luxury

Service is Stellar: Bangkok Hotels That Treat You Like Royalty

Paul Feinstein

design

An Architect's Dream: 8 Bangkok Hotels That Will Blow You Away

Paul Feinstein

dining

Tired of Thai Food? These Bangkok Hotels Will Sate Your International Appetite

Paul Feinstein

views

Rooms with Views: These Bangkok Hotels Soar Above the Rest

Paul Feinstein

luxury

Five Stars Aren’t Enough: Bangkok’s Most Luxurious Lodgings

Paul Feinstein

best for nightlife

Best Hotel Rooftop Bars in Bangkok for Sky High Sips

Paul Feinstein

luxury

That is Suite: Here are the Best Hotel Rooms in Bangkok

Paul Feinstein

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Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos
Whether you want to visit Buddhist temples, sample Bangkok’s street...