Last updated: 30 September 2026
Most first trips to Thailand from Bangladesh look the same: Bangkok, Pattaya, maybe Phuket. That's a good trip. But if you've done it, or you want something that feels less like everyone else's photos, here are twenty places worth going out of your way for. We've grouped them by region so you can add one or two to a normal itinerary.
The Andaman coast (best November–April)
- Koh Lipe: a small island close to the Malaysian border, with water so clear it gets compared to the Maldives. It takes effort to reach, and that's part of why it's still lovely.
- Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh: the famous lagoon. Visitor numbers are now controlled, and it's better for it.
- Railay Beach: no road access, just boats and cliffs.
- Koh Lanta: long empty beaches and a slow, family-friendly pace.
- Similan Islands: some of the best snorkelling and diving in Asia. They're only open roughly mid-October to mid-May.
- Koh Yao Noi: a quiet Muslim fishing island between Phuket and Krabi, with a view of Phang Nga Bay that stops you in your tracks.
- Phang Nga Bay: sea caves and limestone towers. Go by kayak if you can.
The Gulf islands (best January–August)
- Ang Thong Marine Park: more than 40 islands off Koh Samui, and a steep climb to an emerald lagoon viewpoint.
- Koh Tao: where a huge number of people learn to dive.
- Koh Nang Yuan: three small islands joined by a strip of sand.
- Koh Kood: near Cambodia, with jungle waterfalls and hardly anyone on the beaches.
- Koh Chang: green and mountainous, and close enough to Bangkok for a long weekend.
The north (best November–February)
- Pai: a laid-back valley town with a canyon, hot springs and sunset viewpoints.
- Doi Inthanon: Thailand's highest mountain, with cloud forest and the twin royal pagodas.
- Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai: the White Temple, strange and dazzling.
- Mae Hong Son: misty mountain villages on a remote loop road.
Nature and history
- Khao Sok National Park: rainforest, and floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake.
- Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi: seven tiers of turquoise pools, near the Bridge on the River Kwai.
- Ayutthaya: the old capital's temple ruins, an easy day from Bangkok.
- Sukhothai: Thailand's first capital. Hire a bicycle and take your time.
Where each one fits
| If you're already going to… | Add |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | Ayutthaya (a day), Kanchanaburi and Erawan (1–2 nights), Koh Chang (2–3 nights) |
| Phuket | Phang Nga Bay, the Similans, Koh Yao Noi |
| Krabi | Railay, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, Khao Sok |
| Koh Samui | Ang Thong, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan |
| Chiang Mai | Doi Inthanon, Pai, Chiang Rai |
Most of these places need a ferry, a transfer or a small domestic flight, and that's where a trip can get complicated. We plan the connections so you don't lose a day. Pair any of them with our five top places for 2027.
Questions we hear a lot
Which of these is the most beautiful island?
For clear water and fewer people, Koh Lipe, Koh Kood and Koh Yao Noi are hard to beat.
Is halal food easy to find?
In the south, yes. Krabi, Koh Yao Noi and the area around Koh Lipe have large Muslim communities. Elsewhere we plan it in advance.
Want us to plan this for you?
Tell us a little about your trip. We'll save your details and open WhatsApp so our team can reply with a plan and price.