Thailand: 10 best places to see - route map
Explore Thailand's most iconic destinations across 7,079 km, from the ancient temples of Ayutthaya and Bangkok's Grand Palace to island paradises like Ko Phi Phi, Ko Tao, and Ko Chang. The route connects northern bases in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with southern attractions including Railay peninsula, Khao Sok National Park, and historical sites around Kanchanaburi.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Ko Chang island
- End
- Kanchanaburi
- Stops
- 17
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ko Chang island
- White Sand Beach — Popular beach on Ko Chang's northwestern corner
- Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle
- Ko Tao island — Scuba diving paradise in the Gulf of Thailand with vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and numerous diving schools for all certification levels.
- Railay peninsula
- Khao Sok National Park — Jungle forests, limestone karsts, rivers and lakes in Surat Thani province
- Ayutthaya ancient capital — Former royal capital featuring temple ruins, ancient palaces, and archaeological sites spanning three centuries of Siamese civilization north of Bangkok.
- Bangkok capital city
- Kanchanaburi & Bridge over River Kwai — Historical town featuring the iconic Japanese-built railway bridge, war museums, and riverside scenery commemorating World War II events and engineering.
- Erawan National Park — National park near Kanchanaburi offering waterfalls, caves and scenic landscapes
- Chiang Mai northern base
- Grand Palace & Temple of Emerald Buddha — Bangkok's most sacred complex housing the revered jade Buddha statue, ornate architecture, and royal residence representing Thai spiritual and political importance.
- Ko Phi Phi archipelago
- Maya Bay — Stunning natural bay on Ko Phi Phi, filmed in the movie The Beach
- Monkey Beach — Islet near Phi Phi islands inhabited by tree-swinging monkeys
- Chiang Rai — Northernmost city in Thailand and main commercial hub of the Golden Triangle
- Kanchanaburi — Western Thailand location known for the Bridge over the River Kwai and historic Death Railway
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Ko Tao is accessible by high-speed ferry from the mainland city of Chumphon.
- Tip
- Railay is only accessible by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access.
- Where to stay
- Railay offers accommodation ranging from inexpensive bungalows popular with backpackers and climbers to renowned jet-set resorts.
- Tip
- Ko Chang is the third largest island in Thailand and still far quieter than islands like Phuket or Ko Samui, despite becoming a major tourist destination.
- Tip
- Ko Tao is one of the world's most popular destinations to learn to dive, with around 7000 new divers certified there each year.
- Transport
- Ayutthaya is 50 miles north of Bangkok and is easily reached by train or boat.
- Timing
- Chiang Rai is quiet during the day when most package tourists are out on day trips, but neon lights and souvenir stalls spring into action at night.
- Tip
- White Sand Beach is the longest beach on Ko Chang, located on the island's northwestern corner.
- Food
- Khao San Road in Bangkok is a good place to start for cheap shopping, dining and nightlife.
- Tip
- Maya Bay in Ko Phi Phi was filmed in the movie The Beach, but the six islands offer many reasons to visit beyond this renowned bay.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Travel Video