Over the past month, tourist Thailand has been marked in several world ratings. The kingdom was recognized as the best in various categories – from cultural attractions to culinary delights. A number of interesting places in the country were included in the list of locations that are definitely worth visiting in 2025. We are making bright plans for the next year.
Thailand gets into prestigious rankings every year. This year, the Asian kingdom has already become the best place for a honeymoon and took the sixth place in the list of the twenty best countries in the world. Koh Samui has gained the leadership in the list of the best islands, and Bangkok hotels have become the most-the most in the whole world. And these are just a few examples.
Let’s focus on the latest victories received by Thailand in the ratings of Lonely Planet and National Geographic. The first one included Thailand in the list of countries that you definitely need to visit in 2025. The second noted Bangkok among the best cities in the world.
BANGKOK: THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN 2025
Lonely Planet, calling Thailand a desirable destination in 2025, highlights Bangkok, or rather its vibrant nightlife.
National Geographic draws attention to the ancient temples of the capital, world-famous street food, Michelin restaurants, multi-voiced bazaars and cultural life (exhibitions, concerts, the Bangkok Biennale, the Bangkok International Film Festival).
Recommended metropolitan locations to visit in 2025 (a link to geolocation is sewn into the name):
- Siam Center Shopping Center
- INNSiDE by Melia Bangkok Sukhumvit
- Bang Rak district (a mix of modernity and antiquity. Skyscrapers and hotels, old mansions, Buddhist temples and Catholic cathedrals)
- Wat Chaiwattanaram (17th century Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya, near Bangkok)
Wat Chaiwattanaram Temple, Thailand. Photo เกรรนนนรร, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons license
- Jim Thompson House Museum
- Queen Sirikit Gallery (The Queen’s Gallery)
- SAC Gallery
- BACC Art Center
- Chaloemla Park (a real paradise for graffiti lovers)
- Lhong 1919 Art Cluster
- Chong Nonsi Skywalk Observation Deck
- National Museum of Royal Barges
Speaking of barges. Being in Bangkok, you should definitely take a boat ride along the canals (klongs). Such walks are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local flavor. There are many routes, tickets are cheap, there are berths all over the city.
A walk through the klongs of Bangkok. Photo by Alix Lee, flickr.com , Creative Commons license
For those who will be in Bangkok in November – December, we recommend visiting the festivals. There will be light shows in November. In December – Amazing Thailand Marathon (December 1), and from December 11 to December 15 – culinary festival “Hidden Treasures”, etc.
There will be no shortage of festivals in November and December in Thailand as a whole. Various events are planned throughout the kingdom . One of the main events, of course, will be the festivalLoy Krathong.
Recommendation for souvenirs. There is a novelty – the Bangkok version of the Monopoly game has gone on sale. You can buy a new game “Monopoly: Bangkok”, for example, in the shopping center Central World, in Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Earlier, the games “Monopoly: Phuket Edition” and “Monopoly: Chiang Mai Edition” were released.
THA KHA FLOATING MARKET IN SAMUTSONGKHRAM
Floating Tha Kha market in the province Samutsongkhram was recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the “Best Markets” and recommended to visit in 2025.
This is one of the most colorful and authentic markets in central Thailand.A visit to Tha Kha should be combined with a trip to the world-famous Ampkhava Bazaar, located 10 km away. Amphawa is Thailand’s largest floating market.
Tha Kha Floating Market, Thailand. Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
On the market Tha Kha you will be able to buy delicious noodles, which are fried by grandmothers right on the boats. Then you can arrange a boat trip. They will also be managed by local grandmothers. The routes are different. You can ride through the wild jungle, go to the sugar plantation, see the rice fields.
By the way, there is another unique market in Samutsongkhram province. This is the most famous bazaar in numerous photos and videos, which is located on the railway tracks. Tourists specially come to see how the train passes centimeters from the grocery stores.
Getting to Samutsongkhram province is not difficult at all. It is located about 70 km from Bangkok.
SUNSET BEACH IN TRANG PROVINCE
Sunset Beach on a small island Kradan, which Lonely Planet recommends tourists to visit in 2025, has already received the title of the best beach in the world in 2023. Absolutely deserved. This is a truly heavenly place, without any pun intended.
Travelers appreciate Sunset Beach for the transparency of the water, the snow-white sand on which crabs scurry, for the juicy shades of the surrounding tropical vegetation and the opportunity to be alone with all this indescribable beauty.
Sunset Beach, Koh Kradan, Thailand. Photo: thailand.go.th
There are no bars or restaurants on the beach. Only nature. Food can (should) be taken with you. You will need to walk to the beach along a narrow path through the jungle from Paradise Beach.
You can get to Koh Kradan, for example, by ship from Koh Lanta.
CHIANG MAI: ANOTHER THAILAND
A trip to Chiang Mai, once the capital of the medieval state of Lanna, completely changes the way tourists think about Thailand. The province, filled with culture, history and charming people, shows its guests a completely different image of the kingdom than the beach resorts or bustling Bangkok.
Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo: Nawit Science, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons license
Chiang Mai is a kind of detox from the outside world. There are ancient temples, impeccable street food and Michelin-starred restaurants, villages of mountain tribes, craft workshops, clean air, because there are mountains and national parks with jungles around.
Chiang Mai, as a city full of life and culture, hosts many different festivals.
Bright musical, sports and culinary events are planned in November and December. For example, a colorful lantern festival Yi Peng will be held in mid-November. From November 29 to December 1– the festival of regional cuisine and culinary excellence Northern Coffee Gathering 2024. The annual ChiangMai Street Jazz Festival is held from December 1st to 8th.
UNPUBLISHED PROVINCES OF THAILAND AND THEIR FESTIVALS
The list of locations in Thailand that are more likely to appeal to tourists who appreciate a new experience includes at least 55 provinces.
Let’s identify the provinces where interesting festivals will be held in November and December (in Phuket and Pattaya, of course, there will also be):
- Ubon Ratchathani. Sai Thai Cultural Festival. From November 7 to November 10
- Chonburi. Wonderfruit Music Festival. From December 12 to December 16
- Surin. The Elephant Round-Up Festival, where the talents of tamed elephants are demonstrated. From November 14th to 25th
- Khon Kaen (Isan). Isan To The World Gastronomic Festival. From December 26 to December 29
- Sakonnakhon. Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade Cultural Festival. From December 20 to December 25.
Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade Festival, Thailand. Photo: thailand.go.th
Recall that tour operators follow the wishes of curious tourists – fans of Thailand, replenishing their assortment with original tours. You can find programs in Chiang Mai, Koh Kradan, Koh Lipe, etc.
Alexandra Polyanskaya
