Thailand

Bangkok: royal temples, Chinatown nights and a river full of boats

The Chao Phraya Express Boats are an easy way to reach Bangkok's riverside sights, including the Grand Palace pier at Tha Chang.

Inside the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha houses the Emerald Buddha. Nearby, Wat Pho is home to a giant reclining Buddha covered in gold.

Across the river, Wat Arun is decorated with seashells and bits of Chinese porcelain. After dark, Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, is the place for street food. For more, see our guide to city breaks in Thailand.

Best for: temples, food, nightlife · Spinny tip: Dress for the Grand Palace: no sleeveless tops, shorts or short skirts.

Photo by jimmy teoh on Pexels

Chiang Mai and the north: temple stairs, old walls and cooler nights

Chiang Mai was founded as a town in 1296 and became the capital of the Lanna kingdom. Parts of its old city walls still stand.

On the mountain above the city, a staircase lined with naga serpents climbs to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, whose golden chedi is said to hold relics of the Buddha.

Further out, Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak, and the small town of Pai sits among the mountains of Mae Hong Son. See our guide to Thailand's mountains.

Best for: culture, hiking, slow travel · Spinny tip: Come between November and February, when the north is cooler.

Photo by Maxence Vansteenkiste on Pexels

Krabi and Phuket: limestone cliffs, Old Town color and island hopping

In Krabi, limestone cliffs cut Railay off from the road, so you arrive by boat.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island. In Phuket Old Town, Sino-Portuguese shophouses line the streets.

From Phuket, boats head out to the Phi Phi islands for a day of swimming and snorkeling.

Best for: beaches, climbing, island hopping · Spinny tip: Plan the Andaman coast for January to April, its best season for trips out to sea.

Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Lanta: pick your island mood

In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui has a Big Buddha on a small island, joined to Samui by a causeway.

From Samui, speedboats run to Ang Thong Marine National Park, a protected group of dozens of islands. Nearby Koh Tao is a favorite place to learn to dive.

Back on the Andaman side, Koh Lanta ends in Mu Ko Lanta National Park at its southern tip.

Best for: beaches, diving, slow travel · Spinny tip: When it rains on the Andaman coast, the Gulf side around Samui is often sunny. Pick your coast by season.