8 Most Beautiful Regions to visit in Thailand, it is a country located in Southeast Asia, is surrounded by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia to the south. Positioned at the heart of this cultural region, Thailand boasts a diverse landscape that includes floodplains, mountainous regions in the north, river valleys, rainforests, and some of the most stunning tropical islands globally.
Thailand boasts a diverse geography, with a combination of tropical and savanna climates. Its extensive coastline spans over 3,000 kilometers and is renowned for its stunning islands. The Andaman Sea is home to limestone islands that protrude from the crystal-clear waters, while the Gulf of Thailand is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, with Koh Tao being a particular draw. To the east, the Mekong River flows, and to the north, there are lush highlands. The country’s seas are dotted with tropical paradises, making it a unique and varied destination in Southeast Asia.
Bangkok & Around[SEE MAP]
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is home to a significant 12.6% of the country’s population. While it may seem like a concrete jungle with towering skyscrapers, there is more to this city than meets the eye. Even within the city limits, there are pockets of serenity. For instance, Phu Khao Thong, a city park, is a lush green jungle that offers a respite from the city’s noise and provides stunning views of the city.
If you’re looking for a taste of rural life, head to Bangkok Khlongs, where you can take a longtail boat ride and explore the floating markets and rural communities. Amphawa Floating Market is a bustling and colorful place to spend an afternoon.
Another nearby attraction is Bang Khrao, also known as the “Green Lung of Bangkok.” This tropical paradise boasts boardwalks that wind through lush greenery, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Eastern Thailand is one of the 8 Most Beautiful Regions to visit in Thailand
Eastern Thailand shares borders with Cambodia to the east, Isaan to the north, and Bangkok to the west. It is also blessed with a stunning coastline that faces the Gulf of Thailand, where you can find an abundance of beautiful islands.
One such island is Ko Samet, renowned for its pristine white sand beaches. It is a popular choice for residents of Bangkok seeking a relaxing weekend getaway. On the coast, you will find Pattaya, a vibrant destination that combines beachside relaxation with a lively nightlife scene. Here, high-rises, resorts, clubs, and bars create a unique atmosphere.
For nature enthusiasts, Mu Ko Chang National Park is a must-visit. This park offers picturesque beaches and sparkling seas. The wildlife in this area is diverse, ranging from soft-shelled turtles and Oceanic whitetip sharks to king cobras and barking deer. Another island within the national park is Ko Kut, which boasts scenic hiking trails that lead to jagged rock formations and ancient tree groves that are over 500 years old.
Ko Chang, after which the national park is named, is a true gem with its array of stunning beaches. One of the highlights is Hat Khlong Phrao Beach, a breathtaking stretch of coastline.
Gulf Coast
The southern region of Thailand, known as the Gulf Coast, is renowned for its stunning tropical islands. One of the most famous island groups in this area is the Samui Archipelago, which includes Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Koh Tao, in particular, is known for its rugged beauty and is highly regarded for its exceptional scuba diving opportunities. Samui, on the other hand, boasts numerous picturesque beaches that encircle the island. While Phangan also has its fair share of beaches, it is characterized by its steep hills in the interior.
Located nearby is the remarkable Ang Thong National Marine Park, consisting of 42 islands, with only two of them being inhabited. Among these islands, Ko Mae Ko stands out for its breathtaking emerald saltwater lake, surrounded by limestone walls and connected to the sea through a tunnel.
In the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, you will find Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. This park is nestled amidst limestone hills that protrude from the land, and it features freshwater marshes and the captivating Phraya Nakhon Cave, which resembles a majestic cathedral.
Andaman Coast
The Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand, located on the opposite side of the peninsular region, is renowned for its picturesque beauty. Phuket, the largest island in the country, is a prominent highlight of this coastal area. It is situated at the end of the Phuket Range, a sub-range of the Tenasserim Hills, and its limestone formations were shaped into stunning peaks during the last ice age. Phuket is adorned with captivating beaches and charming coves along its coastline. Moving further south, you will come across Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands, where you can indulge in the breathtaking sight of turquoise seas, pristine white beaches, and dramatic rock formations emerging from the water.
Another remarkable destination in this region is Khao Sok National Park. This inland area, characterized by its hot and humid climate, boasts a peak that reaches nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. The park is a lush jungle environment, providing a habitat for various wildlife species including tigers, gaur, leopard cats, and a diverse array of birds.
The Deep South
The Deep South of Thailand, which comprises the provinces of Songhkla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, is a culturally and historically Malay Muslim area. These provinces are the only ones in Thailand with a Muslim majority and are located adjacent to Malaysia in the south. Unfortunately, the region has been plagued by an on-and-off insurgency since the early 2000s, resulting in travel warnings that are still in effect as of 2019.
One of the highlights of the region is the Bang Lang National Park, which is located in Yala province and boasts the stunning Titiwangsa Mountains. The Namtok Sai Khao National Park, which spans Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla, is a vast expanse of forested mountains, with the Sai Khao waterfalls being a popular attraction.
The southern portion of Songkhla Lake, the largest natural lake in Thailand, is also located in this region. It is a brackish body of water that is home to Melaleuca swamp forests, marshy grasslands, mangroves in the northern part, and even a small population of Irrawaddy dolphins.
Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is the northernmost region of the country, bordered by Myanmar to the north and west, and Laos to the east. This area is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Shan Hills extending from Myanmar into Northern Thailand.
The city of Chiang Mai serves as the gateway to this enchanting region, boasting ancient city walls and numerous Buddhist temples. Just a short distance from Chiang Mai lies the ancient city of Sukhothai, which was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom from the 13th to the 15th century.
For those seeking adventure, the town of Pai, located north of Chiang Mai, offers thrilling motorcycle rides through its hilly landscape adorned with picturesque rice terraces and vibrant fields of flowers. To the east, you will find Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, where ethnic minorities reside and hidden villages await exploration.
Isaan
Isaan, the largest and easternmost region of Thailand, consists of 20 provinces. It is separated from Laos by the mighty Mekong River, which is the 12th longest river in the world. To the south lies Cambodia. Isaan is a unique region with its own language, cuisine, and rich historical and cultural heritage. It is a destination that is not commonly explored by tourists.
Isaan is characterized by its vast plateau landscape, covering an area approximately half the size of Germany. Within this region, you will discover the picturesque Phu Phan National Park, adorned with dense jungles, bamboo forests, Asian maple trees, and scattered ancient ruins. One of its notable attractions is the renowned Tang Pee Parn natural stone bridge.
In Chaiyaphum province, Sai Thong National Park showcases stunning Thai tulip fields. Khao Yai National Park, on the other hand, is known for its dense forests, expansive grasslands like Nong Pak Chee, and iconic landmarks such as Pha Diao Dai or “Lonely Cliff”.
The rocky Dangrek Mountains serve as a natural border between Isaan and Cambodia. Despite this, remnants of the Khmer civilization can still be observed at the nearby Hindu temple complex of Phanom Rung, which is in a state of decay.
Central Thailand
Central Thailand is characterized by less mountainous plains, located north of the sprawling capital. One of the most notable attractions in this region is the historic town of Ayutthaya, which was once the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1350 to 1767. The town was renowned for its openness towards traders from all over the world, including Japan, Korea, India, Persia, and Portugal. Today, Ayutthaya is home to numerous buildings that reflect the splendor of its glory days.
To the west of Central Thailand lies Kanchanaburi, which has a darker history. This region is known for the Death Railway, where thousands of people, including British and Dutch prisoners of war and local laborers, lost their lives while building a railway to then-Burma for the Empire of Japan. The famous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ is also located in Kanchanaburi.
Central Thailand is also home to several national parks, including the famous Erawan National Park. This park is located in the south of the Tenasserim Hills, which separate this region from Myanmar. Erawan National Park boasts a seven-tier waterfall, lush jungle, and even a population of wild elephants and tigers.
