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If you’re in the process of planning your first holiday to Thailand, you’re likely wrestling with the decision over which cities to visit. This task needn’t be a difficult one, as it is really just a matter of asking yourself what you like to do. Are you someone who enjoys a holiday filled with activities that make your heart race, or is your goal to find a nice place to unwind? Do you enjoy losing yourself in another culture, or simply losing yourself in seclusion and natural beauty? No matter which of these things you’re looking for, Thailand offers the very best of each to its visitors.

An occasional resident, but long-time traveler to Thailand, I recommend that first-time visitors to the Land of Smiles visit at least one of three cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. While this recommendation probably comes as no surprise (these are the three primary tourist destinations in Thailand), I believe that it is worth reiterating what makes each place so very special.

In a perfect world, you’ll have the time and means to visit all three of these wonderful destinations during your first holiday to Thailand. Because that may not be possible, however, this article may be able to point you toward the one or two cities that will best accomodate what you’re looking for on your holiday. As the ad campaign states, Thailand is truly “amazing”, and offers as much to the traveler as any country in the world. It is the goal of this article to make sure that you discover these treasures for yourself.

Bangkok

Bangkok is not just Thailand’s capital and largest city, but the bustling metropolis of 11 million is also its heart and soul. The majority of foreign visitors both start, and finish, their holidays here because the nearby international airport is the country’s primary port of entry. This convenience makes it probably that you’ll wind up spending some part of your visit to Thailand in the capital, which is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in one of the world’s highest-rated tourist destinations.

The city of Bangkok is an interesting cross-section of Thailand’s past and present. You’ll find historic temples alongside modern government buildings, new mega-malls on the same block as traditional street markets, and everything else in between. Where else in the world can you shop at Gucci while munching on a skewer of barbecque beef that you bought from a street vendor?

Whether you pass your day shopping at Siam Square, touring the Royal Palace, or seeing the city by boat from the Chao Praya, Bangkok is sure to fascinate you with its many charms. The city’s wild nightlife is also famous the world over, and consists of some of Asia’s most-energized pubs, dance clubs, and other entertainment venues. Whatever it is that you enjoy doing, you’ll probably find it fairly easily in Bangkok.

Chiang Mai

The second-largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai is also one of its most important from a cultural standpoint. Located high in the mountains of near Thailand’s borders with Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the 13th Century’s Lanna Kingdom, and still boasts numerous structures (including the old city walls and surrounding moat) from that era. Over 300 temples are located within the city as well, as are several of the nation’s most-prominent universities, and one of Thailand’s most-vibrant art communities.

Apart from its cultural attractions, Chiang Mai is also significant for its proximity to an abundance of wildlife and action sports venues. The surrounding jungles and highlands offer some of Asia’s best backpacking and hiking trails, several gorgeous nature preserves, elephant farms that allow visitors to feed, pet and even ride Thailand’s most-famous animals for the day, and enough rock climbing, rafting, and biking options to keep any adrenaline junkie happy for days on end.

Phuket

The island of Phuket is famous around the globe for its unmatched natural beauty. Just hours away from the Malaysian border, Phuket is in the deep south of Thailand, and presents travelers with a landscape unlike anything else you’ll find in the country. Not surprisingly, its pristine beaches and breathtaking vistas have conspired to make Phuket one of the nation’s most-pricey tourist destinations, but most visitors agree that it is worth every dollar, pound, or euro.

A typical day on holiday in Phuket will likely include time spent soaking up the rays on the island’s world-famous beaches, or playing a round or two of golf on one of its fantastic courses. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sport excursions are offered throughout the island, as are land-bound activities that take you into the lush forests of its interior.

As beautiful as Phuket is, it is just a short boat ride away from somewhere even more remarkable – the Phi Phi Islands. If spending a night or two in a beach bungalow on a nearly-deserted tropical island appeals to you, then Koh Phi Phi is the place to make it happen. Be sure to bring along your camera though, as these islands are some of the most-photogenic anywhere in the world.

Summary

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are the three leading tourist destinations in Thailand for good reason. Each of them offers something unique, that can only be experienced in Thailand. While I sincerely hope that you’re able to visit all three locations during your holiday to Thailand, it is also my wish that this article was helpful as you narrowed your choices down to the cities you are able to visit. Wherever your holidays to Thailand take you, they’re sure to be unforgettable.

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