There’s a reason why Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. Home to sun-drenched tropical islands, electrifying cityscapes, chilled-out beach towns and hidden jungle oases, this Southeast Asian paradise has something for everyone who visits.

Whether a beach bum, culture vulture, thrillseeker or luxury lover, your perfect Thai holiday spot awaits. To make planning your trip that bit easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best holiday destinations in Thailand.

Phuket

Best for: families seeking fun in the sun

First-time visitors to Thailand often head straight for Phuket, and it’s no surprise why. Thailand’s largest and most visited island is a treasure trove of dazzling white sand beaches, forested mountains and turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Plus, there’s an international airport with direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne, making it an easy destination to reach.

Home to over 30 beaches, find that there’s a stretch of sand for every kind of beachgoer in Phuket. Patong Beach is by far the most popular, famous for its water sports and nightlife. If you can tear yourself away from the ocean, check out the historic architecture of Phuket Old Town or get cultured at Wat Chalong Temple. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions, including water parks, zip-lining and the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

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Koh Samui

Best for: a luxury beachside escape

If a luxury resort getaway is what you crave, add Koh Samui to your Thailand bucket list. Located in the Gulf of Thailand – just an hour’s flight from Bangkok – this gorgeous island spoils for choice when it comes to premium beachfront accommodations. As one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations, Koh Samui is also brimming with restaurants, bars, entertainment, shopping and spas.

Spend some time exploring Koh Samui’s many natural wonders, from blissful beaches to luscious waterfalls to unique rock formations. Enjoy a taste of local life at the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut or get spiritual at the 49-foot-tall Big Buddha Temple. Save a spot in your itinerary for a day trip to nearby Ang Thong Marine National Park, a postcard-worthy archipelago of 42 islands, perfect for kayaking, snorkelling and diving.

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Bangkok

Best for: an action-packed city break

A visit to Thailand’s capital city offers a feast for all the senses. Bustling Bangkok is home to a fascinating fusion of ancient customs and modern life, where gilded temples stand beside gleaming skyscrapers. Combine that with intriguing museums, dozens of mega malls and over 300,000 street food stalls, and trust that you’ll never run out of things to do in Bangkok.

Hit up one of Bangkok’s iconic floating markets, where smiling locals row boats laden with fresh produce and handmade souvenirs. Soak up the opulent architecture, mosaics and furnishings of the Grand Palace – once home to the Royal Family – and pay a visit to one of countless Buddhist temples. After dark, take in the glittering skyline from another perspective by checking out Bangkok’s burgeoning rooftop bar scene.

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Krabi

Best for: island hopping

Nature lovers with a keen sense of adventure need to add Krabi to their holiday radar. This coastal province in southwest Thailand boasts 150 jagged karst limestone islands, each with pure white sands and aquamarine waters, while its jungle-clad interior spoils with caverns, caves and waterfalls. Krabi is accessible via a one-hour flight from Bangkok or a two-hour speedboat from Phuket.

Base yourself on the mainland to relax on the beaches of Ao Nang, explore the bustling markets of Krabi Town and ride a longtail boat to Railay, one of the world’s best rock climbing destinations. Of course, no visit to Krabi is complete without some island hopping. Most popular are the dreamy Phi Phi Islands, home to Maya Bay, a stunningly beautiful bay made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Hollywood film, The Beach.

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Khao Lak

Best for: snorkelling vibrant coral reefs

Head just an hour north of busy Phuket to Khao Lak and feel like you’ve entered a completely different world. Perfect for those seeking a low-key tropical escape, this string of small seaside towns offers luxury resorts, beautiful beaches and a much quieter atmosphere than some of Thailand’s more popular destinations. Plus, a holiday in Khao Lak offers a chance to get off the beaten path, thanks to its proximity to some of Thailand’s most pristine national parks.

For instance, Khao Lak is the perfect jumping-off point for day trips to the nearby Similan Islands. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best diving locations, Mu Koh Similan National Park is home to the greatest diversity of marine life in Thailand. Here, you can snorkel and dive amongst kaleidoscopic coral gardens and share swimming space with everything from whale sharks to turtles to manta rays.

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Koh Phangan

Best for: epic nightlife and beach parties

If you want to relax by day and party by night, add Koh Phangan to your Thailand itinerary. Boasting a prime position in the Gulf of Thailand, this underrated gem is just a 30-minute ferry from nearby Koh Samui. Find that Koh Phangan has everything you could want from a tropical getaway, including secluded beaches, lush waterfalls, spirited temples, bustling street markets and vibrant snorkelling spots.

However, Koh Phangan is most famous for being home to the Full Moon Party. As many as 30,000 partygoers flock to the island each month, when Haad Rin Nai Beach transforms into an open-air nightclub, with a festival-like atmosphere, pulsating music and plenty of cocktails. Yet, Koh Phangan is just about wild nightlife; home to a thriving spiritual community, many also head here for yoga and meditation retreats.

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Chiang Mai

Best for: an immersive cultural experience

Seeking a different kind of Thailand holiday? Head to the northern city of Chiang Mai, where rich history, ancient temples and rolling green hills take the place of the surf, sand and sea. Just a 90-minute flight from Bangkok, a visit to Thailand’s cultural capital offers an opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about local life.

Temple hopping should be on every Chiang Mai agenda, with over 300 to explore. Perhaps the most grand is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched atop a mountain just outside of the city. For those who prefer the great outdoors, Chiang Mai spoils for adventures, however, a visit to one of the many ethical elephant sanctuaries is a must. And don’t forget to check out the iconic Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to sample authentic Thai street food specialties.

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Hua Hin

Best for: getting off the beaten track

Thailand’s most laidback break awaits in Hua Hin. Wedged between mountains and the sea, this former fishing village is regarded as the original Thai beach resort, having been a summer getaway for the Thai royal family since the 1890s. Just three hours south of Bangkok, Hua Hin delights visitors with serene beaches, night markets, water parks and golf courses.

Plus, Hua Hin serves as an excellent jumping-off point for day trips to some of Thailand’s most spectacular hidden treasures. Opt to venture into the Phraya Nakhon Cave, where rays of light illuminate a royal pavilion in a majestic golden glow. Also nearby are the waterfalls, mountains and wildlife of Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest in all of Thailand.

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Explore the Land of Smiles with My Thailand

Whether you crave a beachside escape, an epic city break or a jungle getaway, your perfectly packaged holiday to the Land of Smiles is waiting for you at My Thailand. To find your dream adventure, get in touch with our Thailand Experts or start exploring our Hot Deals!