Best Places To Visit in Thailand for First-Time Travellers

First-time in Thailand? You're in for an unforgettable adventure! 🏝️🐘 From its golden temples and gentle elephants to its paradise islands and legendary parties, Thailand offers everything a first-time traveller could dream of and more! And, let's not forget to mention its mouthwatering cuisine, which adds even more magic to this adored backpacker destination. Thailand’s truly got it all! 

It’s well-known that Thailand is a great destination for solo and first-time travellers but if you are nervous or you’re not sure where to start, then one of our Thailand trips is perfect for you! We’ll take care of your itinerary, accommodation, and activities while you enjoy getting to know a group of like-minded travellers. Plus, you’ll tick off some of the best places to visit in Thailand along the way!

From the lush green rainforests in the North to party paradise islands in the South, and everything in between, keep scrolling to discover the best places to visit in Thailand for first-time travellers:

The best places to visit in Thailand

📍Bangkok

First-time in Thailand? You can’t miss Bangkok! It’s your magical gateway to discovering the rest of Thailand. Think extraordinary temples, buzzing nightlife and cuisine so delicious, you’ll be ordering seconds! The vibes in Bangkok are truly unmatched - but don’t just take it from us. Pack your backpack, fly to Bangkok and explore the city with new mates on a group trip! It’s a great place to start your adventure if you’re a first-time traveller in Thailand.

Bangkok Highlights:

Golden Temples 🤲

Bangkok is home to over 400 temples, from authentic shrines to pristine masterpieces. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Wat Phra (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho (The Temple of The Reclining Buddha) are some of the most iconic temples to explore as a first-time traveller in Thailand… seriously, they’re majestic!

Thai Food 🍜
Nothing beats Thai food! Think Pad Thai, green curry and mango sticky rice. Are you drooling yet? I sure am! Bangkok truly is the best place to experience your first authentic taste of Thailand. With plenty of restaurants, street stalls, and floating marketing offering delicious dishes, there are endless top-tier foodie experiences to enjoy. Wanna learn the recipe? Learn to cook Thailand’s best dishes on day 3 of Thai Intro.

River Boat Tour 🛶
Hop on a traditional longtail boat and wind through the heart of Bangkok on its canals. As a first-time traveller, it’s by far the best way to see the city! You’ll discover the best highlights as you glide past golden temples, saffron-robed monks and its authentic floating markets - the perfect place to try more Thai cuisine!

Khao San Road 🍹

Khao San Road is a party hotspot for first-time and experienced travellers. It hosts a range of neon-lit bars, pubs, and clubs making it the perfect place for your first night out in Bangkok. Plus, it’s famous for its exotic snacks like grilled crocodiles and scorpions! 

7-Eleven 🥪
It’s one of many must-visit places in Thailand, so we couldn’t miss it off the list! This convenience store has become a backpacker's favourite in Thailand - simply for its affordable snacks! Its iconic toasties have a special place in backpackers' hearts! Cheese & ham, anyone? Or perhaps you prefer something sweeter… like a pandan custard toastie?

📍Chiang Mai

Next up is Chiang Mai, an absolute bucket list destination for first-timers in Thailand. This cultural hotspot is more than beautiful - it’s cinematic. Discover some of the world’s most breathtaking temples and sweeping views of Northern Thailand. You’ll quickly fall in love with this place!

Chiang Mai Highlights:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep 🤲

Speaking of breathtaking temples, nested in between lush forestry is this gorgeous gem. Doi Suthep temple is one of those places you have to see for yourself. So, follow the staircase lined with shiny gold nagas (mythical, half-human, half-serpent creatures) and you’ll soon discover its full beauty at the top of its 306 steps!

Bamboo rafting 🎋
Grab your friends and drift down the river on a traditional raft. Made from several lengths of bamboo lashed together, you’ll pass gorgeous scenes in full gondola style. You might even spot some elephants taking a soak in the river too! 

‘Sticky’ waterfalls 💦
You’ll get FOMO if you miss this! Bua Tong waterfalls are known for their grand limestone rocks covered in ‘sticky’ minerals. You can fully immerse yourself in nature by climbing up the waterfall. Trust us, it’s a lot of fun!  Make sure to also cool off with a relaxing swim in its clear waters - it’s completely free.

Elephant Sanctuaries 🐘

It’s on every first-timer’s bucket list and we don’t blame you! On our unforgettable 18 or 25-day Thai Adventure you’ll visit an ethical elephant sanctuary focused on protecting rescued elephants. Plus, spend the day with the elephants themselves, watch them munching on bamboo (and bananas!) and learn about their value to Thai culture and Chiang Mai’s rural community.

Jungle Hilltreks 🥾
Put your hiking boots on and immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s lush nature! Hear the sounds of the jungle as you wander through the stunning mountain landscapes and visit authentic hill tribes. The villages will be happy to welcome you - even if you are a bit sweaty! Tick it off on our 14-Day North Thailand Experience. You’ll also experience a wholesome homestay, beautiful waterfalls and Chiang Mai’s amazing jungle zipline! 

Yi Peng Festival (Lantern Festival) 🏮
Not only is November the best time to visit Thailand but the Yi Peng Festival also falls every November in Chiang Mai, making a special experience. Travellers and locals alike release lanterns as a token of good fortune for the future. Just imagine thousands of them floating into the night sky - yep, exactly like that scene straight out of Tangled - it’s awe-inspiring! 

📍Phuket

Now we’re heading south to Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand! From wild nights out and soft sand beaches to sizzling street food and a colourful Old Town, Phuket has a little bit of everything to offer first-timers to Thailand. It’s a great place to add to your Thailand itinerary.

Phuket Highlights:

Nightlife 🍻
Patong Beach is the place to be for an unforgettable night out! Head to Bangla Road for lively bars, buzzing nightclubs, and incredible street performances that will make your jaw drop! And the fun doesn’t stop there! Experience all this with new best mates and an expert tour guide on a group tour! Are you ready for it?

Beaches 🏝️

After a wild night out, it’s time to hit the beach. Grab your towel & flip flops and head to the sands! Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Patong Beach are our top picks. Oh, and you might want to pack your snorkelling gear too for some unbelievable snorkelling spots!

Old Town 🛍️
Explore the more authentic side of Phuket by taking a trip to the Old Town. Visit local markets, like Daw Aung, for delicious street food and hand-crafted souvenirs. You won’t want to leave this magical place without taking a piece of Phuket with you.

The Big Buddha 🌅
This 45-meter tall marble-covered statue is famously the biggest Buddha in Phuket! Visit during any time of the day and you’ll be amazed, but sunset makes an extra special experience for first-timers in Thailand. Take it from us, the sunsets here are out-of-this-world.

📍Koh Phi Phi

You haven’t truly been to Thailand if you’ve not been to Koh Phi Phi, aka the Phi Phi Islands. It’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers. This popular hotspot is pure paradise!

Koh Phi Phi Highlights:

Traditional long boats 🌺 

Feel the splash of seawater as you cruise the crystal clear waters on a traditional long boat. It’s by far the best way to discover Koh Phi Phi’s endless beauty. Plus, these stunning views make the perfect backdrop for Insta shots! 

Snorkelling 🤿
Boasting some of the best snorkelling spots in all of Thailand, it’s simply a must-do activity on your first trip to Koh Phi Phi! Home to coral reefs and an array of marine wildlife, including schools of angelfish, butterflyfish and clownfish (we all know as Nemo!).

Maya Bay 🏝️

Yep, it’s that famous bay you see all over Insta and TikTok, and it’s just as beautiful IRL! With waters this blue, and sands this soft, why wouldn’t you want to go? Even Leonard Dicaprio has stepped foot here while filming The Beach.

Phi Phi Viewpoint 😍
Ready for a hike? Climb the trail up to the iconic Phi Phi Viewpoint. The 180º view is totally worth it! Enjoy this spectacular view with your new travel besties and don’t forget to snap a photo with the ‘I love Phi Phi’ sign!

📍Khao Sok National Park

Next, we’re heading to the one and only Khao Sok National Park. On par with the Amazon Rainforest in age, beauty, and biodiversity, it is easily one of Thailand’s most stunning gems and an absolute dream spot for first-timers in Thailand. Unleash your sense of adventure by jumping in the lake with your mates, or relax and soak up the jaw-dropping views from your floating bungalow.

Khao Sok National Park Highlights:

Floating Bungalows 🛏️

Fully immerse yourself in Khao Sok National Park by checking in at one of its iconic floating bungalows on one of our Thailand tours! There’s no better way to experience the sights and sounds of this special place. Its chill vibes make it an epic spot to hang out with your new mates on a group tour! Plus, wake up early to catch an unbelievable sunrise - it’s seriously dreamy.

Cheow Lan Lake 🌴

One day here will leave you truly amazed. Float through its emerald waters either by kayak or traditional long boat. Along the way, admire stunning views of the surrounding evergreen rainforests and limestone rocks. Remember to pack a waterproof phone case - your inner content creator will want to capture the beauty for TikTok!

Wildlife 🐒
From monkeys to elephants, Khao Sok National Park has all the wildlife a first-time traveller in Thailand dreams of seeing. On our Thai Intro Plus, you’ll stay 1-night in a dreamy jungle treehouse - it’s the perfect lookout for spotting wildlife so, keep your eyes peeled!

📍Koh Phangan

Ready for another slice of paradise? This time we’re talking about the iconic Koh Phangan island! Yep, famous for it's legendary parties! But it’s also a dreamy place in Thailand to enjoy amazing beaches.

Koh Phangan Highlights:

Beach Paradise 🏝️

You already know the beaches in Thailand are unreal, but Koh Phangan’s? They’re another level! Picture soft sands, crystal clear waters, swaying palm trees and endless hours of snorkelling.

Beach Bars (& Harmony Beach Club) 🍹
The choice of beach bars is endless, so grab your group and head out for some drinks! If you’re looking for the vibes, Harmony Beach Club is the place to go. Think relaxing sunset views, chill techno beats and a night yapping with new friends. This place knows how to throw a good time.

Unreal sunsets 😍
Koh Phangan is beautiful all day long, but especially during golden hour! There are plenty of bars and viewpoints where you can enjoy sweeping coastal views while sipping on a fresh coconut.

📍Koh Tao

Let’s hop to the next island - Koh Tao. It’s a popular spot for first-timers to visit in Thailand because its snorkelling and scuba diving experiences are next level! We’re talking about unbeatable marine wildlife, thrilling shipwreck dives and world-class diving instructors who know the waters like the back of their hand!

Koh Tao Highlights:

Muay Thai 🥊
Aka Thai boxing. Channel your inner ninja and learn some classic martial arts moves from the masters. Watch the pros demonstrate it first, then tackle your new skill with your mates in a Muay Thai boxing class.

Island Boat Trip 🏝️
Once you loop around the entire island on a boat trip, you can really say you’ve seen Koh Tao’s beauty! Stop at incredible snorkelling spots to discover its magical underwater world. Plus, catch a glimpse of its neighbouring Koh Nang Yuan island - another stunning gem!

Nightlife 🍻
It’s true, that Thailand’s nightlife is world-class, and Koh Tao is another best place in Thailand for first-timers to experience it! Visit Lotus Bar for nightly fire shows, and Maya Beach Club for an unforgettable beach party.

Top tips for first-timers in Thailand

Pack suncream: Well-known suncream brands are hard to find in Thailand, so make sure to pack plenty of your own. Take a look at our what to take travelling guidebook for more essential packing tips.

Don’t overpack: Thailand’s markets are filled with incredible souvenirs, clothes and authentic foods! Make sure you leave enough space in your luggage to take something special home with you.

7-Eleven is your friend: There are 7-Eleven’s everywhere in Thailand. It’s a great store to get pretty much everything, from tiger balm to e-sims! Plus, you can always rely on a 7-Eleven for a tasty snack!

Learn a few Thai phrases: A simple ‘Sawasdee’ (sah-wah-dee/hello) and ‘Khob Khun’ (Kob-Koon/thank you) will go a long way. Your tuk-tuk driver will be impressed!

Check for the latest travel updates: It’s always a good shout to take a look at the FCDO for further travel advice.

Enjoy: You’re about to have the adventure of your dreams, so enjoy every second of making lifelong friends and unforgettable memories in Thailand.

Feeling Inspired?

Take it from us, Thailand is truly awe-inspiring! So if you were wondering ‘Is Thailand good for first-timer travellers?’, the answer is yes! Take a look at our Thailand group trips 👈🤩