1. Bangkok

Nowhere is opinion divided like in Bangkok. Spiritual, lively, chaotic and crazy, Bangkok is full of contrasts and contradictions (but you would never call it boring). Built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the first impression might be of a city of skyscrapers and furious energy. But between the cracks of this concrete jungle remains the old Bangkok; a city of serene golden temples, saffron-robed monks and quiet streets lined with traditional houses.

Among the most popular sights in Bangkok are undoubtedly its temples (wat in Thai). Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s holiest site. Equally famous, Wat Pho has a giant golden Reclining Buddha statue and its walls are beautifully decorated with traditional mosaics. If you’re looking for a different cultural insight, head to the Jim Thompson House, a beautiful wooden house once owned by an American businessman who revived Thailand’s silk industry.

But my recommendation is to visit the lesser-known island of Koh Kret. This small island is accessible by a riverboat and is home to a community of artisans and merchants. You’ll find rustic temples scattered around the island and street food stalls selling coconut juice in clay pots and fresh tod man fish cakes (crispy fried fish cakes with cucumber).

How to reach Bangkok

Aeroplane: This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Bangkok. There are many direct and connecting flights from major cities in India. Flights from Delhi to Bangkok usually take around 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Train: There are also several train lines connecting India to Bangkok. The trip takes about 3 days and you have to change seats at least once. It is a cheaper option than flying, but also slower and less comfortable.

Bus: There are also several bus routes between India and Bangkok. The trip takes about 4 days and you have to change buses at least once. This is the cheapest option, but also the slowest and most inconvenient.

 

2. Ayutthaya

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya was a medieval city founded in 1350. 14.-18. century, it was the capital of Thailand (the old name of Thailand), which developed into one of the richest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It was razed by Burmese troops in the 1760s, and today many temples, monasteries, walkways and Buddha statues stand as references to the lost kingdom.

During its long tenure as the capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya saw innovations in many recipes (with roots reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan past) that became staples of Thai cuisine, from Portuguese-inspired foi tang to Indian staple roti sai.

Its rich culinary past combined with its riverside location means that Ayutthaya is full of local delicacies. The city is particularly famous for its giant prawns, which are served deboned to make the meat tender, before being grilled and garnished with a fresh chilli sauce.

One of the best things to do here is to take a historical food tour of the city, where you will hear the stories of the former empire come to life. There are several tours to choose from, some of which take you through Ayutthaya’s floating markets or teach you how to make your version of traditional desserts.

How to reach Ayutthaya

By train: The cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya is by train. Trains depart from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok and travel to Ayutthaya in approximately 1.5 hours.

By Bus: Many bus companies offer regular services between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal and take approximately 1 hour to reach Ayutthaya.

By Minibus: Minivans are another popular way to get to Ayutthaya. Minibuses leave from Bangkok’s Victory Column and the journey to Ayutthaya takes about 45 minutes.

 

3. Lopburi

Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Lopburi is one of Thailand’s oldest cities. In the 11th century, the Angkor Empire was attacked by the Khmer, who expanded from present-day Cambodia to Thailand.

Many of the temples you see here date back to this period, including the famous Praeng Khaek, a Hindu shrine built in the 11th century. The city later merged with the kingdom of Ayutthaya in the 14th century, which explains the remarkable similarities between the two ancient cities.

Today, Lopburi is perhaps best known for its wild inhabitants, the macaques. Lopburi, known as the Monkey City of Thailand, is home to thousands of monkeys that have been enjoying the ancient ruins. Warning: these monkeys will be watching you from the moment you arrive, waiting for the right moment to grab your food.

If you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience, head to Lopburi in November for the world-famous Monkey Banquet. There is a lavish feast in the streets with fruits and desserts arranged in beautiful displays (until the monkeys go crazy). There is no other festival like it in the world and it might be the best you will see in Thailand.

How to reach Lopburi

Train: The Thai National Railway runs hourly from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to Lopburi. The trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes and tickets cost 100-200 baht.

Bus: Several bus companies operate from Bangkok to Lopburi, including Nakhonchai Air, Roong Reuang Coach and Sombat Tour. The trip takes about 2 hours and tickets cost 50-100 baht.

Taxi: Taxis are a convenient way to travel to Lopburi, but they can be expensive. The trip from Bangkok to Lopburi takes about 2 hours and the price is about 1000 baht.

 

4. Chiang Mai

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, swap Bangkok for the charming charm of Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand’s largest city. Founded in 1296 as a royal city, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until 1558 when it fell to the Burmese. Due to its long history on the Burmese border, Chiang Mai is steeped in history, making it an interesting tourist attraction.

As is common in Thai cities, you will find several temples within easy reach. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most famous of them. The style of this temple is distinctly Thai, with intricate gold patterns peeking out from under the red-arched roofs. To get there, you have to climb more than 300 steps up the slope and the walkway is guarded by a  giant Naga (mythological snake). It is one of the holiest places in Thailand, and the steep climb to the top (during which you serve in the Buddhist sense) is worth every step.

Another temple worth visiting is Wat Pha Lat, the “hidden temple” of Chiang Mai. Originally a resting place for pilgrims ascending Doi Suthep Mountain, this modest shrine along the “monk road” is covered in rainforest, creating a mysterious and ethereal atmosphere.  For an authentic dining experience, head to Talat Warorott, where you’ll encounter the vibrant energy of a typical Thai market. Stalls sell everything from fried bananas and crispy coconut pancakes to local products like sai can (Nordic sausage).

Head a bit east of the old town and you’ll find yourself in Bor Sang, a small artisan village that specializes in making umbrellas. Here you will see local artisans painting and making beautiful umbrellas from paper (made from mulberry bark) and cotton. The result is a visual feast of colour and vibrancy never seen anywhere else.

How to reach Chiang Mai

Air: Chiang Mai International Airport is the city’s main airport and is served by many domestic and international airlines. The most frequent are flights from Bangkok, but there are also flights from other cities in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries and beyond.

Train: There are daily trains from  Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Station. The journey takes about 12-15 hours and there are both first and second-class tickets.

Bus: There are many buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and the journey takes about 10-12 hours. Buses are a cheaper option than flights or trains, but they can be less comfortable.

 

5. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is one of the northernmost cities of Thailand between the borders of Laos and Myanmar. It was founded in 1262 and was the capital of the Mangrai dynasty for centuries before being invaded by Burmese troops. Like neighbouring Chiang Mai, it retains a strong Lanna identity thanks to the Indian-influenced kingdom that ruled northern Thailand from the 13th to the 18th centuries. century, while the Ayutthaya kingdom was still in power in the south.

Unlike Chiang Mai, however, Chiang Rai has a provincial charm with a relaxed atmosphere (a quality lost in its sister city due to over-tourism) and a strong contemporary art scene. Its temples can be visited on your own and offer modern Theravada Buddhism. Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, is the most famous of these, a Lanna-style wat with an ethereal ice effect. It has been compared to the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona for its extraordinary, unusual beauty. You’ll also find some artwork and sculptures to explore here.

Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, is equally striking. Its interior is painted an electric cobalt blue with a white marble Buddha at its heart. This results in a mix of styles that are both ancient and modern, sacred yet bold.

And if you want to explore modern art in Chiang Rai in more detail, go to the Baan Dam Museum – The Black House. Here you will find nearly 40 black wooden houses built in a traditional northern style, along with an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and rare historical artefacts from all over Thailand.

How to reach Chiang Rai

By plane: Chiang Rai International Airport is approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre. There are direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket and other major cities in Thailand.

By Bus: Several bus companies offer direct bus services from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The trip takes about 3 hours.

By train: There is a train connection from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. The trip takes about 12 hours.

 

6. Krabi province

For a sunny escape, head south to Krabi Province. The coast to the Andaman Sea is blessed with pristine beaches, tropical waters and limestone cliffs.

Due to its proximity to the Malaysian border,  the Muslim communities in the south are dense around that area. The Andaman coast is also home to the indigenous Chao Leh community, a sea people with their own culture, language and animistic belief system.

Whether you’ve travelled to Thailand (or seen The Beach) or not, you’ve probably heard of the famous Phi Phi Islands. A small group of islands with stunning turquoise waters and mysterious lagoons, you can see why many movies have been filmed here. From sunbathing on white sandy beaches to snorkelling with tropical fish, it’s the perfect place for a tropical beach getaway.

But the real attraction here is the rock climbing. With rugged cliffs and stunning scenery, the islands of Krabi and  Phi Phi are a mecca for climbers from around the world. Phi Phi Don’s Ton Sai Beach is one of the most popular climbing destinations with courses and tours for all skill levels.

How to reach Krabi province

By air: Krabi International Airport is the main airport in Krabi province. It is located in  Krabi Town, approximately 15 kilometres from the city centre. There are direct flights to Krabi from many major cities in Thailand, as well as from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

By bus: Several bus companies offer direct buses to Krabi from Bangkok, Phuket and other major cities in Thailand. The bus journey from Bangkok to Krabi takes about 12 hours and the bus journey from Phuket to Krabi takes about 3 hours.

By train: There is no direct train connection to Krabi. However, you can take a train to Surat Thani, which is about 150 kilometres from Krabi. From Surat Thani, you can then take a bus or taxi to Krabi.

 

7.Surat Thani  & Koh Samui

Surat Thani is a city overlooking the Gulf of Thailand,  a nine-hour drive (and one-hour flight) south of Bangkok. For centuries it was the seat of power of the Srivijaya kingdom, which spread across the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago between the 3rd and 13th centuries.

Today, the city has a modest reputation as a typical Thai working-class town, which means you can see the local life around you authentically. Between a bustling Chinese temple and a night market selling street food,  this lesser-explored city has a lot to fascinate.

Surat Thani, on the other hand, is better known as a transit city through which many tourists pass on their way to the surrounding islands. Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island,  a two-hour ferry ride from the city. White sandy beaches, tropical sea, swaying palm trees and lush rainforest; Koh Samui is the epitome of southern Thailand and it does not disappoint. Apart from temples, night markets, cafes and bars, here you will find a lot to explore besides beautiful beaches. Thanks to the strong tourist infrastructure, there are several luxury hotels to choose from here, making it an ideal place for a  beach vacation.

How to reach Surat Thani  & Koh Samui

Air: Several airlines offer direct flights to Surat Thani Airport from major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. The flight time is usually around 1 hour.

Train: There are also several trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The trip takes about 10 hours.

Bus: There are many buses from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The trip takes about 12 hours.