This overview of the best places to visit in Thailand shows where to find the cultural, historic and natural attractions
BANGKOK
For most travelers, especially the transcontinental ones, Bangkok is where they arrive in Asia. And even if you are not too fond of big cities, Bangkok deserves your attention. Perhaps you are jet-lagged and wish to be pampered before you continue to your beach resort, or you want to take advantage of the “Bangkok highlife” for a couple of days.
PATTAYA
I’ve briefly touched on the nightlife entertainment in Bangkok, but as far as I am concerned, it is relatively restricted to certain areas in the city so it’s not as in-your-face as other tourists or guides will have you believe. Pattaya on the other hand is a little different, and its nickname “Sin City” tells you all you need to know. Unless you are deaf and blind, you will come across Thailand attractions for adults in Pattaya. Despite popular belief, nobody will force you inside though and the seaside town is more than just that.
PHUKET
After Bangkok as a port of arrival, Phuket is the 2nd most popular point of arrival for Australians, Singaporeans and travelers from the Emirates. Unlike the more urban character of Bangkok, Phuket offers island life and tropical paradise. It is a great stepping stone to other areas in the South, and whatever you are into in terms of sports or beach relaxation, you can find it on- and around Phuket.
CHIANG MAI
Most Thailand first-timers tend to go to the South or stick around Pattaya for the first time. The second time around, they may opt to spend more time in Bangkok, but from what I’ve heard, by far the most of them tend to travel to Chiang Mai their second time around. Enticed by the prospect of seeing a more authentic Thailand, and not spending their entire holiday on a beach somewhere, travelers fly in to Chiang Mai or find more exotic and rougher ways to get there.
KOH SAMUI
When you think about islands in Thailand, you can’t forget about Koh Samui. Also situated in the Southern part of Thailand, but a good 5 hours away from Phuket, this is the more quiet and exclusive island, especially compared to Phuket.
