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20 of the Most Beautiful Places in Thailand

02/20/2018 by Kristin 21 Comments

Check out the 20 most beautiful places in Thailand, some of which are totally off the beaten path. From pagodas floating in the sky, a cenote, to the most stunning Thai islands, these places should be on your Thailand bucket list | Be My Travel Muse | Thailand travel tips | backpacking Thailand | Southeast Asia travel
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What are the most beautiful places in Thailand? It’s hard to narrow it down, to be honest. With thousands of temples, tons of gorgeous scenery from north to south, and glistening beaches with towering karst islets, the unique landscape is what has made Thailand so famous worldwide.

I’ve spent a cumulative 5 months on the move in Thailand now, and after much research, have found some seriously beautiful spots. Most of my suggestions are places that are out of the ordinary and will have fewer tourists. I tend to like places that are farther off the beaten path and provide a bit more breathing room.

With that in mind here are 20 of Thailand’s most beautiful places in order from north to south. I bet there are a few, or maybe a bunch, on this list that you haven’t seen before!

Table of Contents

  • 1. Mae Hong Son
  • 2. White Temple Chiang Rai
  • 3. Pai Canyon
  • 4. Silver Temple Chiang Mai
  • 5. Doi inthanon
  • 6. Doi Chiang Dao
  • 7. Wat Chaloem
  • 8. Emerald Lake
  • 9. Sukhothai
  • 10. Red Lotus Sea
  • 11.Wat Sirindhorn Wararam
  • 12. Erawan National Park
  • 13. Koh Chang
  • 14. Surin Islands
  • 15. Tonsai
  • 16. Koh Yao Noi
  • 17. Koh Yao Yai
  • 18. Koh Pha-ngan
  • 19. Koh Tao
  • 20. Koh Lipe

1. Mae Hong Son

most beautiful places in thailand
Gorgeous views on the drive

The cascading mountains of the province of Mae Hong Son, bordering Myanmar, are like a storybook with their misty mountains. It’s a gorgeous journey here from Pai for those who are comfortable driving a car or motorbike. Once there, visit one of the many caves, hot springs, and nature parks. Even if it’s just for a day, driving through there from Pai is a fantastic way to pass the time.

Book your stay in Mae Hong Son here, or check this adorable art farm studio out!

2. White Temple Chiang Rai

most beautiful places in thailand
The famed White Temple

Thailand is full of ornate temples, but when it comes to originality, the White Temple wins out. This contemporary style Buddhist temple is unique with its shape, structures, the dazzling white and silver adorning the outside, and the trippy mural on the inside. The style is unlike anything else you’ll see in Thailand, that’s for sure! More on it here.

Book your stay in Chiang Rai here or on Airbnb!

3. Pai Canyon

most beautiful places in thailand
Such a cool-looking canyon! I just love Pai

Pai is a hippie paradise where you can find yoga, a circus school, a land split serving up all things hibiscus, a couple of lovely waterfalls, one of which you can even slide down, and some lovely countryside. But the most unique aspect of Pai is its canyon, with sharp slopes of orange rock winding like a labyrinth. It’s free to enter and easy to get to on a motorbike, like most of Pai’s best attractions.

Book your stay in Pai here!

4. Silver Temple Chiang Mai

 

Meanwhile in Thailand… got so many awesome adventures planned. Found some hidden gems. Stay tuned!

A post shared by Kristin Addis (@bemytravelmuse) on Jan 17, 2018 at 7:27am PST

The Silver Temple is a unique temple to visit in Chiang Mai in contrast to the gold featured on most temples in the vicinity. The outside is intricate, with allegories of the Tipitaka and the world capitals displayed on the walls.

I wasn’t a fan of the ‘no women allowed’ policy inside the temple. Women still have to pay full price for admission to the temple grounds but aren’t allowed to go inside the main hall. I also just don’t get it, based on my understanding of Buddhism it doesn’t seem necessary, but it’s not my culture and I had to respect it. Still, it’s so unique I put it on this list. It’s an easy and quick pit stop near the South Gate in Chiang Mai and only cost 50 baht.

Book your stay in Chiang Mai here! There are also a lot of great options on Airbnb.

5. Doi inthanon

most beautiful places in thailand
The King and Queen Pagoda at the top

Doi Inthanon National Park has it all – multiple waterfalls, a nature trail, Thailand’s tallest peak, Sakura blossoms in January, and the famous King and Queen pagoda near the top. It’s a 3-ish hour drive from Chiang Mai to the east and a lovely day or overnight trip. More on that and a few of the other day trips listed below here.

6. Doi Chiang Dao

most beautiful places in thailand
The top – wow!

Hiking this mountain was a highlight of Thailand’s north for me. It’s the third tallest peak though it’s easily more beautiful than Doi Inthanon’s peak with its starlike shape. The hike can be done as an overnight or day trip, departing from Chiang Mai in the early morning. Find more on how to climb it here.

7. Wat Chaloem

most beautiful places in thailand
Wow!

Thailand’s floating pagodas are about as dreamy as it gets. Though remote and only easily accessible with a car from Chiang Mai, Wat Chaloem is one that most foreign tourists still don’t know about. Take a truck ride to the top and climb the 500 meters of stairs for a stunning view of the entire surroundings including the white pagodas – all of which were carried up by hand! Find more info on how to get there here.

8. Emerald Lake

most beautiful places in thailand
So blue!

Very few non-Thai tourists know about this jungle sinkhole that filled in with crystal clear, deep blue water and huge catfish. It’s considered sacred by the locals and to my knowledge, is the only one in Thailand. It’s somewhat difficult to get to and only makes sense in a car or on a motorbike with tires that can handle mud and dirt. For those who do make it, you’ll be visiting something that’s still a hidden gem in Thailand. Go before the word gets out! Find more info, and a map, here.

9. Sukhothai

most beautiful places in thailand
A monk in orange in Sukhothai (Later I caught him taking a picture of me then we took one together. Seemed fair.)

Thailand’s ancient capital, Sukhothai, is often called Thailand’s Angkor Wat. Though nothing can compare to the real thing, the crowds at Sukhothai are much smaller and the ruins are a sight all their own. Book a bike tour and cycle around the old ruins for a perfect day activity to break up the journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Book your stay in Sukhothai here!

10. Red Lotus Sea

most beautiful places in thailand
Dazzling.

Another remote but good one, the Red Lotus Sea is famous for sunrise during the lotus bloom from November to February. The open lotus flowers are made even more brilliant by the dazzling colors in the sky – a photographer’s dream. You can find it here in Udon Thani province. The best way to get there is to drive.

11.Wat Sirindhorn Wararam

most beautiful places in thailand
I want to go!!!

Full disclosure, I’ve never been to this glowing wat but it made the list because look at it! The glowing Bodhi tree featured in the image above is only part of the glowing goodness – the ground sometimes lights up as well in swirls of blue. It looks like something out of a movie, especially during the Yi Peng lantern release. It’s located in Ubon Ratchathani Province near the border with Laos.

12. Erawan National Park

most beautiful places in thailand
So pretty

This national park is known for its light-colored baby blue waterfalls which cascade down seven tiers. It’s also famous for its caves, featuring streams and rock paintings. It’s also home to deer and elephants! You can book a private trip from Bangkok to Erawan National Park here.

13. Koh Chang

most beautiful places in thailand
Tranquility at its best

Koh Chang is affectionately called the ‘last cheap island’ by those who frequent Thailand. It’s true, the further you head south the more you’ll have to break your wallet open. For an island that’s closer to Bangkok, not as touristy as many of its southern neighbors, and equally gorgeous, take a look at Koh Chang. Lonely Beach, though not so lonely anymore, is a favorite amongst the backpacker crowd though there are white sand beaches just a songthaew ride away, too! Read more about Koh Chang here. 

Book your stay in Koh Chang here, or try glamping!

14. Surin Islands

most beautiful places in thailand
Not like the rest of Thailand – perhaps even more amazing than the islands down south?

The Surin islands are a stunning collection of rocky islets with some jungle here and there and spectacularly blue water. The more famous Thai islands are known for their sharp karst rock formations but the Surin islands feature flatter rocks, and better diving, too. Though remote, they’re worth a visit and typically included in most Similan Islands liveaboard itineraries.

15. Tonsai

most beautiful places in thailand
Perfect mountains for climbing.

Located on the mainland a short long tail boat ride over from Krabi, Tonsai is popular with rock climbers and slack-liners and those who want a more laid back experience than Tonsai’s neighbor, Railay. For those who don’t want to choose between the two, it’s a short jungle walk between Tonsai and Railay, which is worth it for the adventure to the Railay Lagoon as well.

Book your stay on Tonsai Beach here!

16. Koh Yao Noi

most beautiful places in thailand
Love!

Koh Yao Noi is my favorite Thai Island to date. It’s not a backpacker haven with thumping music or buckets in bars, but rather an island full of eco resorts and some nice peace and quiet. It’s also popular with climbers and yogis. I love that you can still get a beach more or less to yourself here, and it doesn’t take that long to get to from Krabi or Phuket, two major hubs for flights. 

Check this amazing eco resort out!

17. Koh Yao Yai

most beautiful places in thailand
Lam Haed beach

For an island with lots to explore and few other tourists, Koh Yao Yai fits the bill. Unlike its neighbors, Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Yai receives far fewer visitors and isn’t set up specifically for tourism, which lends itself well to getting beaches all to yourself, like the one pictured above, Laam Haed beach. Read more here.




18. Koh Pha-ngan

most beautiful places in thailand
So much beyond the full moon party

Though known for full moon party madness, Koh Pha-ngan is so much more than that. Some parts of the island, like Bottle beach, are so remote that they’re usually accessed by boat, or very bumpy dirt road. The island has so many gorgeous beaches and quiet places to relax. If the full moon party isn’t for you, or if it is, you have a reason to go either way!

Book your stay on Koh Phangan here, or get a bamboo bungalow all to yourself!

19. Koh Tao

most beautiful places in thailand
A lovely viewpoint on Koh Tao

This lovely little island is a diver’s haven and, though not exactly under the tourist radar, still a gorgeous place to hang one’s hat. Rent a quad bike and tour around the island, learn how to SCUBA dive, or just chill on the beach. It’s perfect for all three!

Book your stay on Koh Tao here!

20. Koh Lipe

most beautiful places in thailand
That white sand? That blue water? Name fairly given.

Koh Lipe’s nickname is the Maldives of Thailand, and given that baby blue water, it’s easy to see why. Located south of Koh Lanta, it’s a bit out of the way of the usual tourist trail which has helped it stay so beautiful and pristine.

Book your stay on Koh Lipe here!

Those are some of my favorite beautiful places in Thailand, though my search is ongoing (and probably endless). Thailand has so many places to discover, and the best part is that many of them aren’t even known or popular with other tourists yet.

Want more visuals? Here’s a video with 8 stunning, hidden places in Thailand:

Check out the 20 most beautiful places in Thailand, some of which are totally off the beaten path. From pagodas floating in the sky, a cenote, to the most stunning Thai islands, these places should be on your Thailand bucket list | Be My Travel Muse | Thailand travel tips | backpacking Thailand | Southeast Asia travel
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How many on this list did you know about, how many have you been to, and what would you add?



 

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I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

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Comments

  1. Renuka Walter says

    02/20/2018 at 10:48 am

    These are beautiful places indeed! Thailand has so much more than the popular cities.

    Reply
  2. mayuri patel says

    02/21/2018 at 12:42 am

    this is such Gem on thailand. So many offbeat places you have shown.Thank you for sharing.Loved it

    Reply
  3. Nikki says

    02/21/2018 at 10:17 pm

    Kristin, were you in Pai this last trip? I have yet to go there.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/22/2018 at 12:47 am

      Not this most recent trip. I was there five and four years ago.

      Reply
  4. Laquesha Bailey says

    02/23/2018 at 6:48 am

    Wow! These photos are so stunnning! Thailand has been on my bucket list of places to visit for quite some time and this post just reinforced why.

    Reply
  5. Tariq Nazeer says

    02/28/2018 at 8:00 am

    Most amazing post! All places have own beauty.In some places, have no knowledge about them.I read your post and now about more places in Thailand.Thanks for sharing this information.

    Reply
  6. Sandeep panwar says

    03/13/2018 at 6:00 am

    Wow, great post.

    Reply
  7. Veronika Primm says

    04/04/2018 at 1:20 pm

    Koh Lipe sounds wonderful, especially since I’m in love with Koh Lanta. On my next Thai trip, though, I’ll first have to spend at least a week at Koh Lanta before moving onwards 😀 How many days would you recommend for Koh Lipe? I assume it’s rather small?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/04/2018 at 11:53 pm

      I’ve heard you could spend a month, honestly.

      Reply
      • Dean says

        10/27/2019 at 10:28 pm

        Oh easily. My personal preference is the North, where you’ll experience the true culture. Changmai in particular. It’s also quite cheap.

        Reply
  8. Yashus says

    04/27/2018 at 12:29 am

    Hello Kristin,

    I’ve following you on YouTube. I would really enjoy your Thailand videos, which I have been planned in June 2018.
    In most of your videos, you have used drone which gives awesome footage of the hills, beaches etc..
    I’m planning to carry a drone to Thailand this June. The procedure seems to very complicated.
    In nutshell can you make a video or any guidelines to fly the drone in Thailand ( Chiang Mai and Karbi ) without breaking any rules and regulations.

    Many thanks
    Yashus

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/27/2018 at 9:06 am

      You’re supposed to apply for a permit ahead of time which takes a couple of months to obtain. I’d start the process now and hopefully you’ll get it in time!

      Reply
      • yashus says

        04/28/2018 at 8:30 am

        Thanks, Kristin.Could you plz send the links.where you had applied.

        Reply
        • Kristin says

          04/28/2018 at 10:30 am

          https://drone-traveller.com/drone-laws-thailand/

          Reply
  9. Karol Mendes says

    02/20/2019 at 2:04 pm

    Thanks for taking the time to write this article. It was both entertaining and very helpful.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/20/2019 at 7:14 pm

      Great glad you like it!

      Reply
  10. Tom Stevenson says

    03/29/2019 at 2:02 pm

    I love the Thai islands! You’re right though, you need to explore a bit more to find that slice of paradise!

    Reply
  11. SHARMA says

    08/18/2019 at 11:33 pm

    Wow!! Pics are amazing, Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog, am also planning to explore Thailand next month!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      08/19/2019 at 8:38 am

      Have fun!

      Reply
  12. Ghie Ann says

    09/22/2019 at 5:03 am

    These are all awesome!… i had been looking for places thag is less visited and not that popular to most but is very much worth to see. Thank u very much for this. I hope to see more and read more 0f it. I am excited to see

    Reply
  13. Givenlove santos says

    06/22/2020 at 2:05 am

    Someday I will go to Thailand, I want a tour trip in all of good places in thailand!

    Reply

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