While the islands and beaches in Thailand often grab all the attention, there are many compelling reasons to visit the cities in the inland. These cities offer a diverse range of unique attractions, from the remarkable historical and cultural sites to bustling street markets. Surrounding the cities are some of the most beautiful natural scenery.
If you're looking beyond the islands and beaches, these destinations in the
inland are the best cities to visit in Thailand. While the country's islands and beaches are undoubtedly beautiful, the inland experience offers a diverse range of experiences that can make your trip to the country more memorable.
Whichever city you opt to explore, you'll quickly discover that each has its own unique and enchanting charm. These urban centers are not just destinations in themselves but also serve as gateways and convenient bases for exploring the surrounding regions. Without further ado, here are the cities.
Table of Contents
Bangkok
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| Bangkok | Linh Anh Moreau |
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling metropolis known for its rich culture, historic landmarks, modern amenities, and bustling street life. This mega-city is one of the most visited in the world and well-connected by 2 major airports. Bangkok has an extensive commuter train network which makes it easy to get around.
The city's history goes back to the 15th century but only became the capital of Thailand in 1782 when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) were constructed during this time and are important historical landmarks in Bangkok and are must visit sites..
Bangkok boasts numerous ancient temples. Besides Wat Phra Kaew, you've to visit the Wat Pho, home to more than one thousand Buddha images and a huge Reclining Buddha. Another is Wat Arun on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple features a distinctive central prang surrounded by 4 smaller prang.
Rising above the bustling streets are some of the most iconic skyscrapers in Thailand. The 88-floor Baiyoke Tower II is one of the tallest in Thailand and offers great views from the top. The 77-floor King Power Mahanakhon is a striking example of contemporary architecture, with its "unfinished" appearance.
Bangkok is a shopper's paradise and there's something to suit every budget and taste. There are the traditional markets and the most of them all is the Chatuchak Market, the largest in Bangkok. The city is also home to the upscale shopping malls such as Siam Paragon and MBK Center, offering of Thai and international brands.
The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and plays a vital role in the city's transportation, history, and culture. Taking one of the river cruises is an extraordinary experience, passing some of the city's most iconic and sacred landmarks. For a unique ride, book a luxury dinner cruise and dine in style while enjoying the views.
The city is famous for its captivating street life. From the bustling markets of Chatuchak and Asiatique to the vibrant street food scene, Bangkok offers an array of sights, sounds, and flavors. Khao San Road attracts backpackers with its vibrant nightlife, while Sukhumvit offers a mix of entertainment options.
Bangkok is home to several cultural festivals that take place throughout the year. They are a unique opportunity to experience first-hand Thai culture. Some of the most notable are Songkran, which marks the Thai New Year, Loy Krathong, known as the Festival of Lights, and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony.
Chiang Mai
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| Chiang Mai Moat | Stefan Fussan |
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. Located in the northern region, the city is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. Chiang Mai is easily accessible by air, connected to many of the major cities in Thailand and neighboring countries. It's also well-connected to other parts of the country by trains and buses.
Chiang Mai is a blend of traditional and modern influences. The city goes back to the 13th century when it was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and an important center for trade and culture. Today, you can still see remnants of its rich history in the ancient temples and architecture dotting the city landscape.
Notable temples to visit include Wat Phra Singh, which holds great significance to the history of the Lanna Kingdom. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a beautiful temple on top of a hill with breathtaking views. Wat Chedi Luang is another famous temple, renowned for its enormous stupa.
The night markets in Chiang Market are a must-visit for any traveler. These lively markets offer an incredible variety of mouthwatering street food, handmade crafts, clothing, and much more. On top of the list is the Night Bazaar which runs every evening. Another is Pae Walking Street on Sundays and lined with hundreds of stalls.
Chiang Mai is famous for its traditional arts and crafts and the city is committed to preserving these cherished tradition. Beyond the markets, visit one of the workshops where you can witness artisans make silverware, ceramics, textiles, and other handicrafts using techniques that have been passed down through generations.
For adventure enthusiasts, Chiang Mai is a popular base for exploring the northern region. The surrounding is an area of scenic mountains and lush countryside. Trek through the forest trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and explore the peak of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain. There are also opportunities to visit one of the indigenous hill tribes.
Like Bangkok, Chiang Mai is home to various cultural festivals. The most famous is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, where thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a magical spectacle. Songkran, the Thai New Year, is celebrated with lively water fights and traditional ceremonies.
Nakhon Ratchasima
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| Nakhon Ratchasima | nationkp |
Nakhon Ratchasima is the third largest city in Thailand and the capital of Nakhon Ratchasima Province in the northeastern region (Isaan). Commonly known as Korat, the city is approximately 260 kilometers (162 miles) northeast of Bangkok and well-connected by rail and highways.
The city serves as a gateway to Thailand's northeastern region. From here, you can embark on exploring the Isaan region, including the national parks and historical sites. Korat is also known as a processing centre for production of rice, tapioca, and sugar cultivated from the region.
Korat's historical heritage is influenced from various cultures, including the Khmer Empire, which left its mark through ancient temples and ruins. The Phimai Historical Park, just outside the city, is home to well-preserved Khmer temples built from the 11th to 12th century. One of the impressive temples is Prasat Hin Phimai.
Near Korat is Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sprawling park is famed for its biodiversity featuring tropical rainforests, grasslands, meadows, and diverse wildlife. A top attraction is Haew Narok Waterfall, cascading 150 meters (492 feet) from the top. For the more adventurous, the park offers excellent trekking opportunities.
Visit Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, also known as Korat Zoo. Covering 88 ha (218 acres), the zoo is one of the most modern in Asia. The enclosures are large and features animals from the African continent. Star attractions include elephants, rhinoceros, cheetahs, lions, zebras, giraffes, penguins, and seals.
Korat is also home to several markets. The largest is the Save One Night Market, with vendors selling from clothes to trinkets. Another is Night Bazaar Korat, focussing on clothes and clothing accessories. The Mall, Terminal 21, and Central Plaza are large modern shopping malls offering a wide range of brands as well as dining.
Ayutthaya
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| Ayutthaya Historical Park | Thanate Tan |
Ayutthaya is a historical city on an island, situated at the meeting of 3 rivers that include the Chao Phraya, Lopburi, and Pa Sak. Founded in 1350 by King U Thong, the city was the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and served as a center for trade, culture, and diplomacy for more than 4 centuries.
This ancient city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ayutthaya is about 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok. With trains and buses running frequently, Ayutthaya's proximity to the Thai capital makes it easily accessible and popular for a day or overnight trip with tourists visiting Bangkok.
Visiting Ayutthaya's historical and cultural treasures, offers a glimpse into Thailand's illustrious past. The city is home to remarkable architectural ruins that include numerous temples, palaces, and statues. Many of the temples and historic sites are near the river, which also offers opportunities for river cruises.
One of the most famous temples is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Built in 1357, the temple features stupas in varous forms. Wat Mahathat, with its iconic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree, is one the most photographed sites. Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once home to 3 grand golden stupas, is another big draw.
Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Study Center, on Rojana Road, for indepth insights into the city's past. This interesting museum features a fascinating exhibit of artifacts and archaeological finds. There are also a host model reconstructions, multimedia displays, and photographs.
Beyond history and culture, Ayutthaya Night Market is a vibrant and bustling market that comes to life from Friday to Sunday between 5 PM and 10 PM. It's a charming night market offering a wide array of clothes, handicraft, and souvenirs. There's also street food, serving everything from Pad Thai to traditional desserts.
Chiang Rai
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| Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai | Jakub Hałun |
Chiang Rai is located in the northern region of Thailand and the capital of Chiang Rai Province, known for its stunning natural landscapes. The city goes back 1262, when King Mangrai established Chiang Rai as the capital of the Mangrai Dynasty. Today, it's the main commercial center serving the region.
Chiang Rai is a popular stop on the Northern Thailand tourist route and well-connected by air and road. Chiang Rai Airport is 8 km (5 miles) from the city and served by regular flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports. By car or bus, it's 11-12 hours from Bangkok and 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai.
The city is renowned for its exquisite temples and religious sites. Wat Rong Khun is one of Chiang Rai's most iconic attractions. Its intricate white architecture, adorned with mirrored glass, creates a stunning visual spectacle. Another must-visit is Wat Rong Suea Ten, known for its intricate blue interior and stunning artwork.
The Night Bazaar is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional clothing. Several tribes from the nearby mountains come here to sell their handicrafts. The Mae Sai Border Market, near the Myanmar border, is an intriguing glimpse into cross-border trade and cultural exchanges.
Chaing Rai is surrounded by lush mountains and serene countryside, which are home to many hill tribe villages. Phu Chi Fa National Park is a mountainous area and covered in lush forest. Doi Tung is a scenic mountain and at the summit is the famed Mae Fah Luang Garden, a charming floral park with a royal villa.
About 1.5 hours by road from Chiang Rai is Chiang Sen. It's a small town in the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Once associated with the opium trade, it's peaceful now. From Chian Sen, you can see Laos and Myanmar. You can also opt for a scenic boat cruise on the Mekong River to see the 3 countries.
Kanchanaburi
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| Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi | Charin Ninsu |
Kanchanaburi is located in the western region of Thailand, on the banks of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai river. This small city gained attention for the Death Railway, built during World War II under the Japanese occupation. The area is also known for its natural beauty, surrounded by rich greenery, rolling hills, and scenic rivers.
Kanchanaburi is another popular destination with tourists visiting Bangkok. It's easily accessible, with trains and buses running regularly between the 2 cities. From Bangkok, the journey takes 2-3 hours by bus or train to Kanchanaburi.
The railway bridge over the River Kwai gained fame through the novel and subsequent film, The Bridge on the River Kwai. They were built by Allied POWs and forced Asian laborers during World War II and almost half of died. Today, you can walk on the bridge and tracks to experience the history.
Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Center. The center offers insights into the hardship of the men who were forced to build the Death Railway. Nearby is the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, where the remains of 7,000 Allied POWs who lost their lives during the building of the railway are laid to rest.
Don't miss a visit to Erawan National Park, where you'll find the stunning Erawan Waterfalls cascading down 7 tiers of rock. Another is Sai Yok National Park with the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall sliding graciously down limestone hills. You can hike through the parks and swim in the emerald ponds formed by the waterfalls.
Sukhothai
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| Sukothai Historical Park | Basileroutarmercantar |
Founded in 1238, Sukhotai and was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which existed from the 13th to the 15th century. It's considered as the first Thai kingdom and played a pivotal role in shaping Thailand's history. The heart of Sukhothai's attractions is the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sukhothai is 430 km (270 miles) north of Bangkok. Sukhothai Airport connects with Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and there are buses from Bangkok's (Mo Chit) Northern Bus Terminal (7-8 hours). Old Sukhothai, where you'll find the park, is a quiet place and may want to stay in New Sukhothai (Sukhothai Thani).
Sukhothai Historical Park is a vast complex from the glorious past of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The park is home to over 190 ruins including temples, palaces, and statues. The Buddha statues are particularly celebrated for their unique designs from the era. Besides visiting the ruins, you can learn about the history of Sukhothai at Ramkhamhaeng National Museum located within the park.
The highlight is Wat Mahathat, the largest temple in the park. This stunning temple features over 160 statues and 8 stupas around a much larger central stupa. Wat Si Sawai is one of the oldest temples, built in the late-12th or early-13th century as a Hindu shrine. The shrine features 3 laterite prangs, representing the Hindu trinity.
What else is there to do in Sukhothai? You can rent a bike or go on a guided cycling tour passing through the countryside, villages, and explore the historical park. There isn't much nightlife in New Sukhothai but every Saturday evenings there's the Sukhothai Night Market, where you can sample varieties of local foods.
