10 Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First Timers

Traveloka Team
10 Mar 2024 - 6 min read

Thailand, also known as the "Land of Smiles," is a mesmerising Southeast Asian destination with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and a lively atmosphere. This essay will walk first-time visitors through the various experiences that await them in this lovely country. Thailand has a wide variety of activities to suit everyone's taste, from bustling markets and majestic temples to pristine beaches and delectable street food.

Thailand's attractiveness comes from its capacity to provide a combination of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and thrilling adventures. This guide serves as a starting point for first-time visitors, introducing them to the many wonders that make Thailand an outstanding destination. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the Land of Smiles welcomes you with open arms.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First Timers

Planning a vacation may be both thrilling and hard for first timers, but Thailand provides the ideal balance of adventure, leisure, and cultural experiences for families. Thailand has something for everyone, from bustling metropolises to exotic beaches. Here are some of the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.

1. Visiting Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Water Park

Prepare to get soaked and completely fresh in the sun, since Columbia Pictures Aquaverse is Thailand's first blockbuster-themed water park. Grab your neon-coloured floating tubes, your favourite swimwear, and a bottle of sunscreen, because the fun is limitless here.

Join the Hollywood fun unlike anyplace else, with all of your favourite movies and iconic characters waiting for you from Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Zombieland.

Address: 888 moo 8 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20250, Thailand

Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Waterpark Tickets

9.5/10

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2. Going to Dolphins Bay, Phuket

If you're seeking a family-friendly activity, don't pass up this opportunity. Dolphins Bay Phuket, Phuket's first dolphinarium, allows all guests to witness the wonderful creatures up close as they demonstrate their skills during the spectacular live performance.

Address: 50 33 Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, 83130

Dolphins Bay Phuket Tickets

9.5/10

AU$21

AU$16

3. Experience Balloon Adventure

Take your balloon experience to new heights in Chiang Mai, which is recognized for its scenic landscapes and seaside beauty. Soar above the Gulf of Thailand, catching glimpses of lush flora and admiring the colourful metropolis below. Some operators in Pattaya provide sunrise and sunset balloon rides in Phuket, which provide breathtaking scenery for your trip and best places to visit in Thailand for first timers.

Address: 120 Tambon Choeng Doi, Amphoe Doi Saket, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50220, Thailand

Chiang Mai: Balloon Adventure Thailand Tickets

8/10

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4. Join Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit

Presenting the biggest go-kart track in the north Thailand, providing a singular experience with varied and distinctive course designs, and being accredited by international RTA standards. Each competitor receives a free pair of sterilised safety goggles, guaranteeing a worry-free and safe experience.

The knowledgeable employees are positioned all over the track to help and make sure everyone is safe. Before taking to the real track, practise your abilities and enjoy the rush of excitement by participating in a realistic go-kart simulation.

Address: 188/12 Tambon San Klang, Amphoe San Kamphaeng, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50130

Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart

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5. Visit Phi Phi & Bamboo Island

Take your tropical vacation to the next level with this 1-day tour, which will take you by speedboat to some of the most famous tropical seaside destinations. Set off to Phi Phi island, which is famous for its unsurpassed beauty, and then proceed to Bamboo island, where you may relax on the white sandy beach and soak up the tropical sun.

Then, visit Maya Bay, a renowned location from the film "The Beach," before travelling to Lo Sama Bay and Pi Lae Bay, where you will snorkel in the blue lagoon and wonder at the aquatic life beneath.

Address: Leamnganusorn Road, Tambon Ratsada, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

Phi Phi & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour - 1-Day Tour (by TripGuru)

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6. Experience Jet Ski in Phuket

Relax on the pristine sandy beaches of Rang Yai Island or Naka Island on this half-day trip through the tropical island paradise of 6 Islands. You will experience a day that you will never forget, the beauty of Thailand with a jet ski in Phuket.

Address: Aa Marina, Phuket, Thailand

Jet Ski Half Day Experience in Phuket

AU$334

7. Visit Floryday Khaoyai

Floryday Khaoyai is an enchanting retreat for flower lovers and coffee connoisseurs. Indulge in the appeal of rare coffee blends while surrounded by the lovely aroma of a well maintained garden. Delight your palate with a variety of delectable desserts and dishes. Capture amazing moments in stunning flower fields, where every viewpoint is a photo opportunity waiting to be taken.

Address: 82, Pongalong, Tambon Pong Ta Long, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30450, Thailand

Floryday Khaoyai (Cafe & Flower)

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8. Take a Meridian Dinner Cruise

When you take the Meridian Dinner Cruise, you'll be in a unique position to take in the beauty as the sun sets and, later on, a stunning view of Bangkok lit up against the night sky. Enjoy lively live music and an elegant Thai dance performance while spending this special evening with your family. It will be a memorable evening.

Address: Meridian Cruise, Floor G Sooksiam Zone, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd., Khwaeng Khlong Ton Sai, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Meridian Dinner Cruise

9.5/10

AU$75

AU$28

9. Experience Thailand Bangkok Chao Phraya Water Bus

The Chao Phraya water bus is a convenient and scenic way to explore Bangkok, passing by major landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. Usually the water bus departs every 30 minutes from 11 piers, including Sathorn (BTS Saphan Taksin-S6), ICONSIAM, Ratchawongse, Pakklong Taladd (Yodpiman), Wat Arun, Tha Tien, Tha Chang, and Tha Maharaj.

Address: Chao Phraya River

Thailand Bangkok Chao Phraya Water Bus Ticket

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10. Join Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Tour

Savour a personalised day trip in Bangkok that encapsulates the spirit of Thai culture. Take a leisurely ride first through the floating market in Damnoen, Saduak. Pass the boats of the numerous bustling sellers, filled with brightly coloured delicacies and trinkets. While visiting the bustling floating market, try some local Thai foods.

Gaze in amazement at the vendors as they skillfully shift their stands to create space for the approaching trains. Taste a range of products, such as Thai snacks, dried fish, and fresh veggies.

Address: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bangkok Private Tour: Amphawa & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market | Thailand

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Thailand provides a variety of destinations suitable for families, including vibrant cities like Bangkok, cultural hubs like Chiang Mai, and relaxing beach resorts like Phuket. Each destination offers different best places to visit in Thailand for first timers. Experience Thailand for your next vacation, and book your ticket flight from Australia to Bangkok now from Traveloka.

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