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The Top Five Best Cities in Thailand

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The tropical SE Asian country of Thailand is without doubt a country with many contrasting features. It is also a destination with a rich and diverse cultural heritage which encompasses highly populated cities, historical places, and amazing beaches.

Yet while most people mainly associate the country with its pristine white beaches common to the Thai South, this tropical region is also home to a few interesting cities, some of which are home to ancient historic palaces and ancient temples, and in terms of the capital at least, maybe some of the best shopping available in South-east Asia.

However, even if the mainstay of a trip to Thailand is related to shopping and the first stop is likely to be Bangkok, it’s still worth considering looking into visiting other cities, with Bangkok as a base from which to explore various regions of the country.

Take the more outdoor-oriented Chiang Mai in the North, for instance, or the historical, sometimes partly ruined former capitals of eons ago — there are indeed many diverse destinations waiting to be discovered.

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To be fair, the topic of cities can be somewhat confusing in Thailand, also seemingly so for many locals unable to determine the differences between what actually constitutes a city, a town, and a province.

It can be tricky. For instance, Bangkok is obviously a city, but is also considered a province by most people. Pattaya, on the other hand, is in the province of Chonburi and is hence more obviously a city within a province.

Thailand doesn’t share the same distinctive criteria for differences between cities and towns as Western countries either, with many people (and tourist guides) listing seaside towns such as Hua Hin as cities.

So with that in mind, here is a list of what we consider to be the top five (actual) cities in Thailand, to help you plan your trip accordingly.

1. Bangkok

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Bangkok is, of course, considered the ultimate city to visit in Thailand. That is, of course if you are interested in the more modern variety of city in contrast to perhaps the more historical type.

The Thai capital, with its diverse range of widely-contrasting features, certainly has much to offer in terms of attractions, food, people-watching and shopping, although it can definitely be a little chaotic and even overwhelming at times.

There is sometimes no obvious way to escape the background din and ‘in-your-face’ chaos, although this is actually part of this top city’s charm for some people.
There are many diverse things to do in the Thai capital, which is a bustling, contrasting metropolis where super-modern, glass skyscrapers overlook centuries-old temples.

Trips to the impressive array of Buddhist temples are high on many a tourist itinerary, but bear in mind the necessity for appropriate attire (namely covered legs, shoulders, and chest) particularly for women.

Another key feature and asset of this top Thai city is the amazing array of food. Chinatown is often a culinary favourite, where street food restaurants are teeming with customers waiting in line for the best dishes.

As previously stated, many of the shopping malls in the capital are unrivalled, and there is certainly no shortage of them, nor markets, whether they be daytime or evening affairs. For those in the mood for a spot of retail therapy, Bangkok is home to a huge number of complexes built solely for that, as well being home to the world’s largest outdoor weekend market.

Chatuchak Weekend Market houses 8,000 market stalls containing everything from strange, exotic (and sometimes illegal) pets and their accessories, to clothes, handicrafts, antiques and furniture, the Market is considered the best in the city.

Last but not least, the infamous nightlife is also pretty diverse, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from – just make sure you know which area you are in and which you would rather be in!

2. Ayutthaya

The ancient city and former Thai capital of Ayutthaya is certainly worth a visit. It is now classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site in certain areas where a huge network of old city ruins is located.

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Ayutthaya was the Thai capital from its beginnings in 1351 until it was famously plundered, burned, and virtually demolished by the Burmese in 1767.
Many of the original buildings were razed beyond recognition, and prized objects stolen throughout the wars and the years thereafter, although some of the temples and remaining stucco towers are still impressive.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most prominent and famous temples. It has a 35-meter-high spire (known as prangs) and eight chapels in the chedi style. Another smaller temple, Wat Mahathat, has a famous ‘Buddha Head’ entrenched, some believe magically, in the above-ground roots of a tree.

Ayutthaya is considered by many as one of the most impressive sets of ancient ruins in Asia, and hence a must-see for potential Thai or SE Asian history buffs. Ayutthaya Historical Park is an island surrounded by 3 different rivers where most of the temple ruins are located.

There is a distinct feeling of stepping back in time when strolling through the park.
Aside from the historical aspect of this top Thai city, there are other activities involving elephants, or maybe a cycling tour which may take you through the old French, Portuguese, British, and Dutch quarters that were once established here.
A completely different vibe altogether than somewhere like Bangkok, but this ancient city certainly provides another aspect of Thai culture and history entirely to its modern-day counterpart.

3. Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai can be a welcome repose to the chaos and humidity of Bangkok, which is why many people choose to visit the Northern city as part of their Thai excursion.

This is definitely one of the best cities in Thailand and again, completely different to the capital, with its more laid-back and outdoor vibe. It is more open and scenic for sure, and is in fact surrounded by national parks, waterfalls, and mountains.

Not without its share of Lanna-style historic temples, including the one situated on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, Chiang Mai is also good for trekking in the local hills and mountains where many tribe villages still remain.

Chiang Mai is quite a bit cheaper than Bangkok, and provides ethical options to get closer to nature. Chiang Mai is home to a number of elephant sanctuaries, some of which are set on mountains, so visitors are able to get close to the animals in their natural habitats.

Chiang Mai is often classified as the second major city of Thailand, and it was once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. This Northern city is a favourite with outdoor types and backpackers, and many who have been here usually return, which is not always true for Bangkok.

There is definitely an energising feel to the city that appeals to most visitors, as it provides a variety of things to do in the way of cooking classes, with many cooking schools specialising in the Northern style. There are cultural temple visits, outdoor pursuits, street food, amazing animals, and community lifestyles set deep in the mountains.

Definitely worth a visit and to many people who are familiar with the different aspects of Thailand, Chiang Mai is considered as one of the best options.

4. Pattaya

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Pattaya might have something of a bad rap in terms of reputation. This is not entirely unfounded, and is largely related to its raucous nightlife.

The Thai city has attracted tourists from far and wide ever since it was discovered, so to speak, by US soldiers during the Vietnam War. Pattaya’s profile and reputation has steadily increased, and not always in the most favourable ways. But it has long been one of the most popular beach destinations in the Southeast Asian region for decades now.

The city does, however, have a little more to offer than aggressive go-go and bargirls and noisy nightlife. As long as you know where that particular kind of scene tends to be more prominent, which is mainly in the area known as Walking Street (the main ‘adult’ entertainment hub in town) and hence wish to avoid it, it is not that difficult to find plenty of other activities in this city.

For starters, the one thing that this particular city does have going for it is a four-kilometre-long beach, with enough water sports and other activities to keep anyone busy for a good few days.

There are also plenty of hiking opportunities. One of these includes a fairly steep trek up a huge, golden staircase, at the top of which is situated an 18-metre-tall golden Buddha at a temple known as Wat Phra Yai. There is also a reasonable hike up to Pratumnak Hill which provides sweeping, wide-open scenery across the bay.

Pattaya is one of the closest beaches to Bangkok, and hence tends to be a popular weekend destination. The central beach can become a little crowded, although Jomtien beach is much nicer and less populated.

Just to the North of a beach called Wongamat, there is the opportunity to see something a little different in the ‘Sanctuary of Truth’. This is a hall made from teak which was designed with the intention of serving as a centre point of art and faith, and is actually a stunning and impressive sight.

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There are also a few surprising attractions in Pattaya, for instance the Nong Nuch tropical gardens which represent a 17th-century, French style layout. There is also a floating market, along with a water park which is apparently the largest in Thailand, and if you fancy a short boat trip then there is the scenic, tiny island of Koh Larn with more water activities and such like on offer.

The government and local authorities are often periodically making efforts to improve the city’s somewhat colourful reputation, and so it is possible find a host of family-friendly attractions like the water parks, and there is also an aquarium. Jomtien Beach or Naklua beaches are probably the best options for families, and although they can still be quite touristy, these areas are much quieter and a little more subdued than the bustling city centre.

5. Sukhothai

Like the city of Ayutthaya, Sukhothai was also once the even more ancient capital in the days of old Siam. This focal point of Thai cultural heritage actually dates back to the 13th century.

The Sukhothai period (which actually ‘Dawn of Happiness’ in Thai) is, in many ways, considered as one of the ‘golden ages’ in Thai history. The Thai alphabet, among many other things, was developed during this time at the behest of King Ramkhamhaeng, which helped set the tone and style for Thai artistic and intellectual progression.

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The difference is though that the historical city of Sukhothai is seemingly much more well-preserved than its counterpart, and in many ways is just as magnificent as it was 700 years back.

It may be true that the modern-day Thai city of Sukhothai doesn’t actually have too much to offer in the way of attractions, there are literally thousands of visitors every month to the Historical Park that forms a large part of it.

Sukhothai’s ancient kingdom is in fact is comprised of area of 7,000 hectares in size, although most of the historical ruins are housed within a 70-square-meter area which includes 193 temples and other structures. .

The largest and most significant temple in the grounds, Wat Mahathat, was designed according to a mandala and with the intention of holding relics of the Buddha. A total of 168 stucco statues have been retained in the temple, along with a visually stunning corridor comprised of a hall with pillars.

There is actually another older temple, known as Wat Si Sawai, which harks back to the late-12th century. This structure is famous for its three richly carved spires (prangs) that signify the Hindu trinity so relevant to Thai Buddhist culture.
The whole environment of this place is a throwback to another era and in many ways typifies the Thai style which still bears much influence from this period.

There are lakes with lotus flowers, terraces, and many other cultural artefacts that all make for for a perfect day out if historical SE Asian culture in the tropics is a point of interest. Many of the statues from the Sukhothai temples have actually been relocated to Bangkok’s National Museum, although there are still many on show at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum within the park.