Thailand is divided into six geographic regions, each with its own distinct culture, landscape, and climate. These regions are:

  • 1

    Northern Thailand
    Known for its mountains, cooler climate, and Lanna culture. Major cities: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai.

  • 2

    Northeastern Thailand (Isan)
    Characterized by a more arid climate and unique culture influenced by Laos. Major cities: Khon Kaen, Udon Thani.

  • 3

    Central Thailand
    The heart of the country, home to the capital, Bangkok, and the fertile Chao Phraya River basin. Major cities: Bangkok, Ayutthaya.

  • 4

    Eastern Thailand
    Known for its beaches and islands, such as Pattaya and Koh Samet. Major cities: Chonburi, Rayong.

  • 5

    Western Thailand
    Featuring mountainous terrain and national parks. Major cities: Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi.

  • 6

    Southern Thailand
    Famous for its tropical islands and coastlines along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Major cities: Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani.

Northern Thailand

The north of the country borders Myanmar and Laos. The northernmost point is Amphoe Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province, with tourist attractions like Mae Sai Market, Golden Triangle, Wat Phra That Doi Wao, and Wat Thampla (locally known as Money Temple).

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit.

Northeastern Thailand (Isan)

The Northeast features some of the beautiful northern highlands and also gorgeous plateaus. Hom Mali Rice (Thai Jasmine Rice) is grown here and exported all over the world. The Mekong River is a very prominent river that runs through the area. Popular places along the Mekong River include Amphoe Chiang Khan of Loei Province, Tha Sadet Market in Nong Khai Province, Indochina Market in Mukdahan Province, and Sam Pan Bok Grand Canyon in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Central Thailand

Central Thailand is mainly plains and is a huge area of rice farming and agriculture. The Chao Phraya River is very important to Thailand’s history. Interesting places to visit are ancient historical temples, Bang Pa-in Royal Palace and Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center in Ayutthaya Province, and Ko Kret in Nonthaburi Province. And if you like shopping, there are plenty of local markets in Bangkok for you to explore such as Wang Lang Market, Tha Phra Chan Market, Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge) Night Market, and Asiatique Night Market. There are also Chao Phraya boat tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya every day.

Eastern Thailand

Eastern Thailand is half mountain, half ocean. Although there aren’t many provinces here, it still has a lot of amazing sights and stunning locations to visit just like the rest of Thailand such as Ko Samed, Ko Chang, Ko Mak, Ko Lan, Ko Si Chang, Bang Saen Beach, Pattaya, Jomtien Beach, Laem Mae Phim Beach, and Mae Ram Phueng Beach.

Western Thailand

Western Thailand is a region of Thailand bordering Myanmar to the west, Southern Thailand to the south and central Thailand to the east.

Southern Thailand

The South contains many beautiful beaches and islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Well-known tourist destinations are Phuket Province, Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe, and Ko Tao.