Asia’s best-value entry point — temples, beaches, jungle, food, nightlife, and infrastructure that mostly just works. Easy first-trip-to-Asia destination.
Grand Palace, Wat Pho reclining Buddha, Chatuchak weekend market, food alleys in Chinatown.
Northern capital. Old city temples, ethical elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes, Doi Suthep mountain.
Andaman Sea beaches. Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands day trips, Patong nightlife.
Quieter Andaman alternative to Phuket. Limestone cliffs, longtail boat hopping.
Gulf of Thailand islands. Full Moon Party (Phangan), upscale resorts (Samui).
Day trip from Bangkok — UNESCO ruins of the 14th-century Siamese capital.