Top Things to Do and See in Thailand

Thailand packs gilded temples, ancient capitals, jungle-clad mountains and some of Asia's most photogenic coastline into one country. These are the experiences that deserve a place on your list, grouped by region so you can plan a route around them.

Bangkok's unmissable sights

• The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: the former royal residence and the temple of the revered Emerald Buddha form the country's best-known landmark. Arrive soon after opening to beat the tour groups and the midday heat.
• Wat Pho and Wat Arun: see the giant Reclining Buddha, then take the short cross-river ferry to Wat Arun, whose porcelain-studded spire looks its best at sunset from the opposite bank.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market: thousands of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to ceramics and houseplants. Go early on a Saturday or Sunday, before the heat builds.

Easy trips from Bangkok

• Ayutthaya Historical Park: a UNESCO World Heritage Site of temple ruins left by the kingdom that ruled for more than four centuries before Bangkok became the capital. Explore by bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk for the day.
• Kanchanaburi and Erawan Falls: walk the Bridge over the River Kwai, learn about the wartime railway in the local museums, then swim beneath the tiered cascades of Erawan Falls in the nearby national park.

Chiang Mai and the north

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: climb the long naga-lined staircase to this golden mountain temple for sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
• An ethical elephant sanctuary: choose a place where you observe and walk alongside the elephants rather than ride them or watch them perform. Many sanctuaries combine a visit with a Thai cooking class or a hill walk.

The Andaman coast

• Phang Nga Bay: sheer limestone islands rise from emerald water. Paddle into sea caves by kayak and see the much-photographed pinnacle known as James Bond Island.
• Railay and the Krabi islands: reachable only by boat, Railay offers cliff-backed beaches and superb rock climbing, while island-hopping trips head out to Koh Phi Phi and the Hong Islands.

The Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf islands are the place to get underwater. Koh Tao is a well-known spot to learn to dive, with plenty of dive schools, sheltered bays and coral close to shore, while snorkellers can join boat trips from neighbouring Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. From Samui, a day out to Ang Thong National Marine Park adds kayaking among dozens of jungle-covered islands and a steep climb to a viewpoint over the archipelago.

Booking tips

• Book sleeper trains, cooking classes and popular island tours a few days ahead in the cool season, roughly November to February.
• For boat trips, pick operators that limit group sizes and provide life jackets, and ask whether national park fees are included; they are often paid in cash on the day.
• Some marine parks close for part of the year to protect reefs and wildlife, and boat trips can be cancelled in rough weather, so keep a spare day in your plans.
• Wear temple-appropriate clothing on sightseeing days in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
• Buy tickets at official counters or official websites, and walk away from strangers who claim a sight is closed.

Stay connected in Thailand

Mobile data turns a long sightseeing day into an easy one: check boat schedules, show e-tickets at the pier, call a ride between temples and share photos as you go. A HelloSIM eSIM is data-only, installs at home before your trip and connects once you land in Thailand. If you are combining Thailand with other countries in the region, an Asia Pacific regional plan can cover the whole route.