viewpoint from wat phra that pha ngao chiang saen

Explore Thailand and its regions

Overview of the country's regions to plan your trip

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Exploring Thailand also means juggling its regions.

From the mountains of the north to the beaches of the south, the central plains, and the plateaus of Isaan, each region has its own character, climate, rhythm, and even gastronomy. Understanding this regional division can really help refine your itinerary, depending on the seasons... and your travel desires.

For clarity, I rely here on a division into five large regions, the most used in tourist guides and maps, even if it can sometimes differ from administrative or meteorological classifications.

Index

Centre → Around Bangkok: plains, historic park, nearby beaches. A diverse region, easily accessible from the capital.

North part → Mountainous region with a strong cultural identity and lush green landscapes. Perfect for temples, markets, and tranquility.

Northeast (Issan) → One of the most rural regions. Authentic, welcoming, and still relatively untouristy.

East → Outside of Pattaya and its surrounding areas, the east remains relatively untouristy. This is also where the islands of Ko Chang, Ko Mak, and Ko Kut are located.

South → Most touristy region: lush jungle, beautiful beaches and paradise islands.

Thailand at a glance

Not sure where to start?

This page gives you an overview of the main regions and destinations in Thailand, each with a brief description and its strong points. All of this is supplemented with useful links to dig a little deeper.

The idea here is to outline Thailand's highlights, must-sees, and favorites to help you plan your future itinerary. It can also pique your interest in discovering what each corner of the country has to offer.

Think of this as a kind of quick index of my site to get to the essentials

Centre Region

Considered the historical and political heart of Thailand, this region combines royal temples, ancient ruins, mountains, jungles and even a bit of sea. In short, it is a complete region that allows you to see many different facets of the country without straying far from Bangkok, a lively and unmissable capital.

From this arrival point, you can make excursions to several ancient royal cities such as Ayutthaya ou Lopburi, both rich in heritage. To the west, Kanchanaburi offers a backdrop of mountains, waterfalls and jungle, marked by the history of World War II.

And for those who want to see the sea without going down to the South, Hua Hin is a convenient and popular beach resort, easily accessible from Bangkok.

main thoroughfare chinatown bangkok yaowarat road

buddha statue central courtyard wat mahathat ayutthaya

at the river kwai quay resotel kanchanaburi

Northern Thailand

With its mountains, forests, local ethnic groups, and cooler atmosphere, the North offers a unique side of Thailand, far from the hustle and bustle of the southern beaches. People come here as much for the culture as for the nature, with a more relaxed pace and a true human richness.

Heir to the old Lanna KingdomThe North is home to several important ancient cities like Sukhothai and Lampang, but also more lively cities like Chiang Mai, considered the cultural capital of the country. Further north, Chiang Rai seduces with its unusual temples and border landscapes. And for curious travelers, the road to Mae Salong or the Mae Hong Son loop offers beautiful discoveries between tea plantations, small villages and mountain roads.

landscape mountain Ban Pa Pong Piang chiang mai

Sukhothai

Sukhothai Historical Park: discovering the most beautiful temples by bike

Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai's "little sister"

Lampang

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang: the unmissable temple near Lampang

Lampang: between old charm and tranquility on the road to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

In the city

Where to stay in Chiang Mai: guide to the best neighborhoods

Chiang Mai on foot: an itinerary to discover the city differently

Chiang Mai: tips for choosing the right trek

Chiang Mai: 5 temples to discover outside the old city

Around

Doi Inthanon: Complete Guide to Exploring the Roof of Thailand

Ban Pa Pong Piang, the most beautiful rice fields in Thailand

Ob Khan National Park: a little nature getaway in Chiang Mai

Father

Visit Pai: a bohemian stop on the Mae Hong Son loop

Mae Hong Son

Ban Huay Pu Keng: A Padaung Village Off the Beaten Track

Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun: the unmissable white temple of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai: villages and landscape of the Kok River “valley”

Elephant Steps: Unforgettable encounter with elephants in the jungle of Chiang Rai

Chiang Saen: an unmissable stopover in the heart of the Golden Triangle

Doi Tung and Route 1149: Panoramas and Akha coffee in Ban Pha Hi

Mae Salong

Mae Salong: a little piece of China in the heart of the Thai mountains

Northeast (Issan)

Often overlooked by traditional tours, Isaan is nevertheless the country's largest region, and arguably one of the most authentic. Bordering Laos and Cambodia, it stands out for its culture, heavily influenced by these neighbors, its spicy cuisine, and its welcome, which is often warmer than elsewhere.

There are impressive Khmer temples like those of Phimai or Buriram, countryside landscapes, plateaus or rice paddies as far as the eye can see, lively cities like Khon Kaen or Nakhon Ratchasima, and even a large national park easily accessible from Bangkok: Khao Yai. Isaan is a bit like Thailand off the radar… for those who like to get off the beaten track.

khao yai mountain rainy season - thailand

Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)

→ Important city, gateway to Isaan, close to Khao Yai National Park.

Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park: On the trail of wild elephants

Phimai / Buriram

Phimai Temple: A Jewel of Khmer Heritage

Ubon Ratchathani

A day to explore Pha Taem National Park

Ubon Ratchathani: Brief foray into Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park

Mukdahan

Mukdahan: a peaceful stopover on the banks of the Mekong

Nong Khai

→ Small town on the banks of the Mekong, just opposite Laos, relaxed atmosphere and pretty riverside.

Khon Kaen

→ Central city of Isaan, lively, modern, with a large lake in town.

Eastern Thailand

Less frequented than the South as a whole, the East coast nevertheless offers a beautiful seaside alternative, between unspoiled islands, tropical jungle and a more relaxed local atmosphere.
From Trat, a pleasant little transit town, with easy access to the islands such as Ko chang, the most developed, Ko Mak, more peaceful, or Ko Kood, renowned for its still wild beaches.

At the opposite, Pattaya, much more urbanized and festive, remains one of the most visited cities in the country - proof that the region also attracts a completely different public. And for those who prefer to stay on the mainland or a more intimate coast, Chanthaburi is a pleasant town to explore, known for its beautiful cathedral, its old street with old-fashioned dwellings and its gem market.

Eastern Thailand is therefore a surprising mix of very touristy areas and corners that are still largely off the radar.

view of wat bot muang river chanthaburi - thailand

Pattaya

Why I Never Talk About Pattaya

Ko samet

The charm of Ko Samet: an island less than 3 hours from Bangkok

Chanthaburi

What to do in Chanthaburi?

Namtok Phlio National Park: Nature and Discoveries in Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi: coastal walk between Kung Wiman and Chao Lao beaches

Trat

Trat: why explore this little-known region of Thailand?

Ko chang

Ko Chang: Guide to Choosing the Perfect Beach to Stay at

Ko Chang: 7 waterfalls to discover the whole island

Ko Mak

Ko Mak: a quiet and authentic island.

Ko Kood (Ko Kut)

Ko Kood (Ko Kut): an island still preserved

Ao Noi, a little corner of paradise in Ko Kood

Southern Thailand

This is clearly what makes Thailand a postcard image: white sand beaches, islands with turquoise waters, karst cliffs and coconut trees as far as the eye can see. But the South also has spectacular national parks, fishing villages, and a culture influenced by nearby Malaysia.

On the Andaman Sea side, we find the main destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi or, Koh Lanta, each with its own style. Further inside, the Khao Sok Park impresses with its dense jungle and its lake bordered by limestone peaks.

view of karon beach from on the rock phuket

long tail boat andaman sea ao nang krabi

viewpoint on ko tapu james bond island phang nga bay

Phuket

Phuket: Guide to choosing the ideal beach to stay at

Phuket Town: a stroll through the colorful old town

Phuket: 5 viewpoints to explore the island differently

Krabi (Ao Nang/ Railey)

Krabi: Complete guide to must-see and must-do things

Ko Phi Phi

FUTURE

Koh Lanta

FUTURE

Khao sok

FUTURE

On the other side, on the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao attract travelers in search of relaxation, nature, or diving spots. A concentration of spectacular landscapes and varied atmospheres.

Ko Samui

FUTURE

Ko Phangan

FUTURE

Koh Tao

FUTURE

Surat Thani

FUTURE

Well, if you see "Coming Soon" everywhere, it's not (always) because I've never been there. Some articles exist, but they're a bit dated (and lack recent information or photos), so I prefer to wait until I can properly update them before sharing them here.

Not sure when to travel? Here's a rundown of the seasons by region so you can better plan your trip according to your preferences.

When to go depending on the region?

In Thailand, the weather varies slightly from north to south. The dry season (Nov. to Feb.) is often highlighted, but it's not the only pleasant time to travel. Some regions are superb in summer, others quieter in the off-season. In short, there's no universally "perfect" time, but rather **periods that are more or less suitable depending on the area**.

Good to know: Although Thailand can generally be visited all year round, certain periods are less favorable depending on the region. In summary:

The North is stormier in September-October
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, etc.) often experiences heavy rains in September.
In the Gulf of Thailand (Ko Samui, Ko Tao, etc.), the weather becomes more unstable between September and December.

Want to learn more about the weather?

I wrote a full article that details month by month the advantages/disadvantages to help you plan your itinerary according to your priorities: beaches, hikes, festivities, etc.
➜ [Thailand: When to go? Weather and advice month by month]

In the meantime, here is a quick overview to better understand when to leave according to geographical areas:


the Region	Ideal period(s)	To know
Centre	Nov. to Feb.	Dry climate, pleasant for visiting Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi or Bangkok.
	March to August	Very hot from March to May, then rainy season but quite passable.
North part	Nov. to Feb.	The first half of November is at its best. The cool season is ideal for hiking and cultural visits.
	June to August	Often brief rains. Lush green landscapes, abundant waterfalls, superb mountain panoramas.
Northeast (Isaan)	Nov. to Feb.	Dry and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring Khmer sites or natural parks.
	May to August	End of the hot season, then planting of rice fields in July.
East	November to May	Great time to enjoy the islands (Ko Chang, Ko Mak, etc.). Little rain, calm sea.

South (Andaman)	November to April	Dry season: ideal for Phuket, Krabi, Ko Lanta. Calm sea, easy excursions.

South (Gulf)	Jan. to Aug.	Very favorable for Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan. Less exposed to the monsoon.