Is Thailand Worth Visiting In 2025?
My answer to “Is Thailand worth visiting?” is 100% yes. I have spent months in Thailand in different parts of the year, and it’s one of my favourite countries in the world.
It’s important to know whether it’s worth visiting a country because you don’t want to turn up and be disappointed, especially for a country like Thailand which takes such a long flight to get to.
The good news is that the long journey is definitely worth taking. There are so many reasons to visit Thailand such as the nature, the food, the people and the prices.
But I’ll get into all of that in more detail throughout the post. Let’s jump right in!
Is Thailand Worth Visiting? YES!
Thailand is definitely worth visiting without any doubt in the world.
For just one country, it has so much to offer, it has a little bit of everything from beaches to mountains, jungles to huge cities and everything in between.
You can genuinely spend a lifetime in Thailand and you will still find new things to do, there’s a reason that the country is so popular for expats.
The variety in Thailand is one of the main reasons to visit. In the north, you have mountainous jungles which are perfect for trekking and camping, and in the south, you have islands which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
And it’s all so cheap too – which is why even though flights are expensive to Thailand, it’s so cheap to travel in Thailand that you often end up spending less than you would on a trip to the US or Europe.
I’ve travelled extensively in Thailand and I’ve never found anywhere that I didn’t like – the closest would be Phuket but I didn’t not like it, it just wasn’t my favourite place.
You’re treated like royalty everywhere you go in Thailand as the people are so friendly and welcoming, you can tell their “thank yous” are genuine and their smiles aren’t fake. It’s called the Land of Smiles for a reason!
I always recommend Thailand to people, and now you’re one of them. Is Thailand worth visiting? Absolutely.
Reasons To Visit Thailand
While it’s one thing me telling you that Thailand is worth visiting, it’s another thing me telling you why. So I’ve put together the top reasons that Thailand should be your next trip destination. If you ask me, there are endless reasons, but I’ve managed to condense them down into 6.
There is so much to do
The biggest reason to visit Thailand is because there is so much to do, which is the variety I mentioned earlier. In Thailand I have spent a night in the jungle in Chiang Mai, island-hopped in the south, got my scuba diving license, spent a night looking after elephants, kayaked through national parks, rock climbed up limestone cliffs and zip-lined along the longest zipline in the world. If that doesn’t show you that there’s something for everyone in Thailand, I don’t know what will.
It’s affordable
Thailand is so cheap to visit it’s unbelievable. I was having meals in Thailand for 45 baht which is equivalent to $1.24. That’s nuts! You can also find accommodation for only a few dollars a night, it’s so cheap. I also had a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences for such small prices such as when I got my scuba diving certificate for less than $300. That’s about 3x cheaper than in the US!
Good weather
As someone from the UK where the weather is pretty grey almost all year round, Thailand is such a blessing to visit because the weather is pretty much warm all year round. Even in the cool season or the wet season, Thailand is still hot to visit. Naturally, the south is warmer than the north, which is good news as that is where all of the islands and beaches are.
Rich culture
Having never visited Asia before visiting Thailand, the culture shock when I arrived in Bangkok was pretty hard-hitting, but I quickly fell in love with the way of life in Thailand. The Thai culture is fascinating to learn about and experience first-hand. Whether it’s by visiting the temples which are open to tourists or walking down a night market to buy street food, there are so many opportunities to experience the culture in Thailand.
Tasty cuisine
Speaking of buying street food in night markets, the food is another reason to visit. Thai food is absolutely delicious and there are so many meals to choose from. Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice, and Tom Yum, just to name a few. I recommend eating street food as it’s cheaper and more authentic – and no, it doesn’t give you food poisoning. My favourite place is Chiang Mai’s Gate Market where I ate every night for a whole week.
It’s easy to travel
When you’re visiting Thailand, you don’t want to stay in one place for your whole trip, you want to explore as much of the country as possible, and the good news is all of Thailand is really well-connected and you can easily get from anywhere to anywhere. People in Thailand speak good English which is another reason it’s “easy” to travel. Another is the number of 7-Eleven stores which makes it so easy to find anything you need while travelling.
Things To Do In Thailand
Even though I’ve told you Thailand is worth visiting and give you reasons why, I know that it’s better if I tell you what there is to do in Thailand. This helps you decide if the country is worth visiting for you – does it have things you like to do? I’ve kept the things generic rather than making them destination-specific so that you can do these things anywhere.
1) Relax on a tropical beach: When you imagine life in Thailand, you probably picture tropical beaches with palm trees, coconuts, longtail boats and golden sand. The good news is that your imagination is spot on, and there are lots of opportunities to relax and soak in the sun sunbathing on beaches in Thailand.
2) Go temple-hopping: As a Buddhist country, Thailand is home to 34,000 temples throughout the country. I always stumbled across them by accident when walking through streets in the cities. There was always one hiding around the next corner! That being said, there are some which are worth going out of your way for, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
3) Visit a floating market: One of the most unique things you can do in Thailand is to visit a floating market. There are a good few in Bangkok especially. It’s a fun experience buying things on a boat while floating downstream rather than standing in front of a stall handing money over. It would be impossible to visit Thailand without checking out a floating market.
4) Spend a day with elephants: Elephants are the national animal of Thailand and it’s very clear to see when you’re there. I noticed elephants everywhere from fine details in the architecture to the likes of elephant pants. While you’re in Thailand, it’s nice to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and get up close to the friendly giants. Washing and feeding them is fine, but never ride them – it’s completely unethical.
5) Take a cooking class: There is a lot of delicious food to try in Thailand, but it’s even better to learn how to make these delicious dishes so you can bring the meals home with you to make for yourself. Taking a cooking class in Thailand is one of my favourite things to do every time I go back as you learn a lot in a short period of time, and the best bit is you get to eat what you make afterwards!
6) Watch a Muay Thai fight: A big part of Thai culture is Muay Thai, a martial art similar to kickboxing but so different too. I love going to watch a Muay Thai fight night – it’s a really electrifying experience as you can hear the impact of every strike. I also really love taking Muay Thai classes – after just a few classes, I could feel the technique of my kicks getting better, it’s a really rewarding feeling and I would recommend trying it at least once.
7) Go jungle trekking: As someone who loves the outdoors, jungle trekking in northern Thailand is one of my favourite things I have done in the country. I did an overnight trek which included a stay in a local hilltribe village which felt really authentic and off-the-beaten track. Plus, it’s pretty cool trekking through the jungle. There are lots of waterfalls to see too.
8) Get your PADI: Like I mentioned earlier in the post, you can get your scuba diving qualification for a fraction of the price it would cost to do it at home. I also think it’s much better to dive amongst coral reefs where you can see turtles, whale sharks, etc than diving in grey-coloured water where you can’t see anything. I did my course with Roctopus on Koh Tao and I loved every second of it.
9) Go island-hopping: Thailand has over 1400 islands to explore in the southern part of the country, but since everywhere is so well-connected, it’s really easy to go island-hopping amongst the most popular destinations. Personally, I prefer the islands in the Gulf of Thailand to the ones on the west coast, but it’s still worth checking out both sides of the peninsula.
10) Take a tuk-tuk ride: To be honest, they are a bit of a rip-off, but taking a tuk-tuk ride in Thailand is another must-do. Feeling the wind on your face while weaving through the traffic (which is always hectic in Thailand) is a unique feeling that you can’t get in many other places. Definitely swap a taxi for a tuk-tuk at least once during your trip.
11) Get a Thai massage: You can get a Thai massage anywhere in the world but there’s nowhere better than in Thailand itself. It’s the most authentic massages possible, and they’re really cheap too. You can find massage places all throughout the country offering lots of different types of massages. Just be careful it’s a legit massage place, you can usually tell if it is or not based off what they are wearing.
12) Take a boat trip: In the south of Thailand, there are so many boat trip options for day tours. My favourite was from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands, but there are lots to choose from and I recommend taking as many as possible because they’re so cheap and every island offers something different. Thailand has some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
13) Visit a tea plantation: Thailand is known for its iced Thai tea, and you can visit plantations where the tea plants are grown in the northern parts of the country. Visiting a plantation is educational, it’s interesting to learn about the process of making tea, and of course, having some of the freshest tea you will ever try at the end of the tour.
14) Watch gorgeous sunsets: Pretty much every night you spend in Thailand will have the opportunity to watch a breathtaking sunset. The skies are usually pretty clear in Thailand and since the sun sets at more or less the same time all year round, there is always a good sunset in Thailand.
15) Snorkel in crystal-clear waters: I’ve snorkelled in lots of different countries but few come close to Thailand. The colour of the water is so pretty and underwater is even more beautiful than above. Snorkelling through coral reefs and spotting colourful fish and marine life is always really enjoyable.
Of course, there are lots of specific things you can do throughout Thailand such as rock climbing at Railay Beach or zip-lining in Chiang Mai, but I wanted to keep the things to do generic so that you can do them wherever you want to during your trip.
What Is Thailand Known For?
Thailand is famous for a lot of things. When you think of Thailand, you probably think of Thai massages, beautiful beaches, Thai food, temples and maybe even ladyboys. The truth is, Thailand lives up to its reputation.
All of these are things Thailand is known for: nature, culture, food and natural beauty.
It’s also known to be the perfect place for backpacking, as it’s a key part of the Banana Pancake Route throughout Southeast Asia which is popular amongst backpackers.
Best Time To Visit Thailand
In my opinion, you can visit Thailand all year round and have an amazing time. As I said earlier, it’s always warm there, even in the cool seasons.
I remember a tour guide saying to me once that they don’t actually have a cool season in Thailand, they have a warm season, and a warmer season. And I agree!
That being said, the most popular time to visit Thailand is in the cool and dry season between November and April. I first visited Thailand in January and I had a great time – the weather was no issue.
On the other hand, this is the most popular time to visit the country. One of my top travel tips is to visit outside peak season as it can help you save money. If you visit between April and June or September and November, prices can be lower than at other times of the year.
The rainy season is between July and October, so if you want to stay dry, maybe avoid this time. Although it usually only rains for a few hours each day, and since it’s tropical rain, it’s warm too! It’s not miserable like the rain in the UK.
Best Places To Visit In Thailand
When you visit Thailand for the first time, it can be easy to try to cram too many places into a short trip. I suggest visiting fewer places but spending more time in each destination. I’ve spent 2 months in Thailand in one go and I still left feeling like I missed some things. I’ll say it again: you could spend a lifetime in Thailand and still find new things to do.
But to help you begin planning your trip, I’ve put together a list of the most popular places in Thailand to visit. Again, these might help you decide whether Thailand is worth visiting for you, because some places might take your fancy, and some might not. And that’s okay – everyone is different.
- Bangkok – You can’t visit Thailand without visiting the capital city. Bangkok is known for its vibrant street life and of course, the most famous palace in Thailand, the Grand Palace.
- Chiang Mai – There are so many reasons to visit Chiang Mai such as its picturesque old city, ancient temples, and the night markets that are full of tasty street food.
- Phuket – Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. To be honest, I didn’t love it there, but if you like Benidorm in Europe, you’ll like Phuket.
- Ayutthaya – A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a peek into the history of Thailand with its magnificent ruins and temples.
- Koh Samui – A tropical paradise with palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and dense, mountainous rainforest.
- Pai – A tranquil town in the mountains of Northern Thailand, loved for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic natural beauty.
- Krabi Province – Famous for its craggy, sheer limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests, and more than a hundred offshore islands. The most popular spots are Railay Beach and Ao Nang.
- Chiang Rai – Home to the unique White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), offering a mix of contemporary art within a traditional Buddhist temple framework.
- Koh Phi Phi – A picturesque island group known for its vivid turquoise waters, stunning beaches, and excellent diving spots. They’re my favourite islands in Thailand.
- Hua Hin – A fashionable seaside resort with a royal palace, offering a relaxing escape with long beaches and calm waters.
- Kanchanaburi – Known for the Death Railway, built during World War II, and its serene waterfalls and national parks. It’s a pretty unique place to say the least.
- Pattaya – Popular for its lively nightlife, bustling beaches, and attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, a gigantic wooden structure. It’s very popular amongst those who move to Thailand to retire.
- Khao Sok National Park – A nature reserve in southern Thailand, boasting thick native rainforest, waterfalls, and majestic limestone mountain ranges. It’s one of the most peaceful places in Thailand, kayaking here is so relaxing.
- Koh Samui – If you like to party, this is the place to be. It’s one of the most popular party islands and it’s full of natural beauty too to take in during the day before partying during the night.
How To Get Around Thailand
Getting around Thailand is actually really really easy. For short distances, it’s best to use Grab, which is the equivalent of Uber in Thailand.
It’s quick and convenient as there are so many drivers that one is never too far away. And it’s also really cheap too. It’s a must-have Thailand travel app.
For longer distances, such as between Bangkok and Pattaya, it’s best to take buses and trains. You can easily book them through 12Go.
If you are not backpacking Thailand on a budget like I was, you might also be willing to pay for flights for longer distances.
FAQs
Below are some common questions related to whether Thailand is worth visiting or not along with my answers to each question.
Yes, it is a very good idea to go to Thailand. It’s one of the best countries to visit in the world because it has so much to offer from mountains to beaches and everything in between. If you’re a nature person, you will love Thailand. If you’re a beach person, you will love Thailand. It has something for everybody.
Parts of Thailand are really touristy, especially in the south in places like Phuket and Pattaya. The most popular places to visit are filled with a lot of tourists, but there are still parts of Thailand untouched by tourism, which make for much more authentic travel experiences.
2 weeks is the minimum time you should spend in Thailand if you want to visit more than one place within the country. If you have any less time than this, it’s best to just stay in one location and experience it properly rather than spending too much time on transport within Thailand.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, a complete guide and answer to the question of “Is Thailand worth visiting?”
Remember, my answer is 100% yes.
I love Thailand and I would encourage anyone and everyone to visit. I could spend a lifetime there, and I’m sure after you visit, you will agree with me too.
You’ll probably begin your Thailand adventure in Bangkok, so make sure to check out my Bangkok travel guide to help you plan your first few days in Thailand.
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