Thailand · Cities
Which Thailand city fits your trip?
From Bangkok's river temples to Andaman cliffs — pick a base and build around it.
Compare them
Filter by how many days you have and what you like — then open the guides that exist today.
| Best for | Best months | Fly in? | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayutthaya Former capital ruins — overnight beats day trip. | 1–2 days | €42 | UNESCO ruins, Bangkok add-on | Nov–Feb | Via Bangkok |
| Chiang Rai White Temple and slow north — pair with Chiang Mai. | 2–3 days | €44 | White Temple, Golden Triangle | Nov–Feb | Via Bangkok |
| Pai 762 curves from Chiang Mai — scooter valley town. | 2–3 days | €44 | Canyon sunsets, mountain loop | Nov–Feb | Via Bangkok |
| Bangkok Main hub — Grand Palace, river ferries, Chinatown nights. | 3–4 days | €52 | First trips, food, temples | Nov–Feb | Yes |
| Chiang Mai Moated old town and Doi Suthep — gateway to north. | 3–4 days | €48 | Temples, markets, gentle north | Nov–Feb | Yes |
| Phuket Largest island hub — Phi Phi boats and Patong or Kata bases. | 4–5 days | €55 | Andaman beaches, Old Town, boat days | Dec–Mar | Yes |
| Krabi Limestone coast — Railay overnight and Four Islands. | 3–4 days | €50 | Railay cliffs, island hops | Dec–Mar | Yes |
| Koh Samui Gulf palm island — Fisherman's Village and boat days. | 4 nights | €55 | Gulf resorts, Ang Thong park | Jan–Apr | Yes |
| Koh Tao Dive-school island — ferry from Samui or Chumphon. | 3–4 days | €48 | Diving certifications, snorkel | Mar–Sep | Via Bangkok |
| Koh Phangan Party or retreat island — ferry from Samui. | 3–4 days | €46 | Full Moon week, north bays | Feb–Mar | Via Bangkok |
Showing 10 of 10. Daily figures are per person at mid tier, excluding flights.
Pairings that work — and ones that don't
Choosing cities is really choosing combinations, because the flight map between them is not what the road map suggests.
- 4 days
Bangkok
A first taste, a long weekend, or a stopover you want to use properly.
- 7 days
Bangkok + Chiang Mai
Temple cities without islands — good first trip.
- 10 days
Bangkok + Chiang Mai + Phuket
The standard first-timer triangle.
- varies
Phuket + Koh Samuiawkward
Andaman vs Gulf — no direct link; fly via Bangkok eating a full day
- varies
Chiang Mai + Koh Taoawkward
north to dive rock — fly via Bangkok or long bus+ferry chain
- varies
Pai + Phuketawkward
mountain minivan vs island — route through Chiang Mai and Bangkok minimum
- varies
Koh Phangan + Krabiawkward
Gulf party island vs Andaman cliffs — fly via Surat Thani or Bangkok
- varies
Ayutthaya + Koh Samuiawkward
history stop vs Gulf island — connect through Bangkok with two legs
Guides still being written
Honest about coverage: each city below still gets the two or three facts that help you decide whether to wait for the full guide.
Common questions
How many days do you need in Thailand?+
Ten to fourteen days covers Bangkok, north, and one island coast without rushing. Seven days works for two stops — Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or Bangkok and Phuket.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?+
Many nationalities enter visa-free or apply online — rules change by passport. Check thaievisa.go.th; we do not give visa advice.
Is Thailand expensive?+
On the ground it is moderate by western European standards — roughly €40 to €65 per person per day at mid-range, excluding flights. Islands and peak holidays cost more.
What is the best month to visit?+
November to February suits Bangkok and the north. Andaman islands (Phuket, Krabi) are driest November to April. Gulf islands have a different wet season — check Samui separately.
Phuket or Koh Samui?+
Phuket for Andaman boat days and Old Town; Samui for Gulf hops to Tao and Phangan. They are not interchangeable in monsoon season.
Costs are research-based estimates, not live prices — verify before booking.