Thailand's breathtaking diversity attracts numerous visitors every year, who are enchanted by the Deep Jungles in the North to the Tropical Beaches in the South. After more than a month in Thailand, I would like to share my personal recommendations for the eleven most beautiful places in the country with you.
Known as a City of Temples, Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand offers more than religious sites. The surrounding area attracts visitors with breathtaking national parks and the Mae Hong Son Loop, an unforgettable motorcycle tour through picturesque villages and landscapes.
Doi Inthanon National Park in northern Thailand offers spectacular scenery, majestic waterfalls and the opportunity to climb Thailand's highest mountain. With a variety of hiking trails and breathtaking views, this national park is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Krabi is a true paradise for nature lovers with its beautiful islands, the famous Railay Beach and imposing mountains. The region also offers delicious dining experiences at the colorful night markets. If you're looking for typical postcard motifs where dramatic rock formations stand out from the turquoise sea, Krabi is the place for you! We liked Krabi the best during our trip and would always be back on our to-do list.
Be sure to visit the Wat Tham Suea Temple, also known as Tiger Cave Temple. This temple is a Buddhist temple north-northeast of Krabi and offers spectacular views of the entire region. With its 1,260 steps, the climb is sometimes intense, especially if you are slightly hungover and is still worthwhile!
Known as an island dream in southern Thailand, Koh Lipe impresses with crystal-clear water and picturesque beaches that invite you to snorkel and relax. In the evening, as is so often the case in Thailand, the lively walking street attracts visitors with culinary delights and refreshing cocktails.
Despite its easy access to the mainland, Koh Lanta is a quiet oasis with fantastic beaches and excellent cuisine. Here you can not only relax, but also enjoy great diving experiences.
For diving enthusiasts, Koh Tao is the ultimate destination. In addition to the many diving opportunities, the island's beaches offer a perfect backdrop for relaxation or for breathtaking views from the numerous viewpoints. If you don't have enough time to see all three famous islands in the East (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan & Koh Samui), then we recommend choosing Koh Tao. However, if you're celebratory, number 7 on our list is the way to go.
Just a short boat ride from Koh Tao is Koh Phangan, known for its legendary parties and at the same time for its pristine nature. Here you can discover the beauty of the island amidst the lively atmosphere of the full & half moon parties. Interestingly enough, the Full Moon Party takes place on the beach, while the Half Moon Party draws people into the jungle. Since we only attended the Full Moon Party itself, we can't draw any comparisons here.
As the largest island in the region, Koh Samui offers a wide range of activities and entertainment. From Bustling Beaches to World-Class Resorts, there's something for everyone here. Although Koh Samui has plenty to offer, for those looking for peace and idyll, it may not be the best choice compared to the slightly smaller and quieter neighboring islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. However, if you've brought enough time, Koh Samui should also be on your list.
The famous island group of Koh Phi Phi is another highlight of Thailand, which impresses with its breathtaking beauty and diverse activities. Here, too, snorkeling in crystal-clear water and hiking to spectacular viewpoints are the order of the day. However, Koh Phi Phi is unique due to the surreal island and rock formations. It was not without reason that well-known films such as “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio were filmed here. Although the island is quite small, it offers party-goers enough bars in the Center of the Island and also has secluded beaches for lovers.
Khao Sok National Park, a true natural wonder, completes our trip through Thailand. With lush rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, and abundant wildlife, the park is a paradise for nature lovers. A boat trip on the lake and an overnight stay in one of the floating bungalows offer an unforgettable experience amidst this breathtaking landscape. We stayed here for 3 days and did our own hiking tour through the rainforest in one day and also visited an elephant sanctuary. But our highlight was, of course, the boat trip on the lake, where sometimes our jaws stopped blowing.
Phang Nga Bay is a truly spectacular gem of the Thai countryside and an essential stop for travelers who want to experience the beauty of nature. Famous for its Limestone Rocks, Which Rise Majestically from the Turquoise-Blue Water, the Bay offers a breathtaking panorama that amazes visitors. Boat trips through the Winding Waterways and to the Bay's Hidden Caves are an unforgettable way to explore the unique landscape. In addition to its impressive nature, Phang Nga Bay is also known for its idyllic beaches and picturesque islands, which invite you to linger and relax. A visit to this enchanting bay promises unforgettable moments and unforgettable memories of Thailand's beauty.
