30 Places to Visit in Thailand with Friends

One of the best places to visit in Thailand with friends is the Grand Palace. It is the most photographed and visited landmark attraction, with thousands of tourists flocking to this palace built in the 17th century. The beauty of the buildings and manicured gardens from King Rama I's reign is now an architectural symbol in Thailand. Until 1925, it was used as the residence for the royal family, but now it is used for ceremonies. There are three areas in the palace, namely the outer court, middle court, and inner court. The outer court is known for the Emerald Buddha Temple; the inner court is specifically for the reigning king and his family. The middle court is home to Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall.

• Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Timings: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm 

One of the greatest beach destinations in Thailand with friends is Patong Beach. A bustling and vibrant seaside destination, it is known for the extensive activities one can do here. Relax, enjoy the nightlife, or indulge in some watersports. The 3-km strip of golden sand is a popular beach with activities like boating, jet skiing, parasailing, and more. Here you will see many tropical almond, palm, and coconut trees, and it is home to many stalls with food and beverages. Fishing is a must here, and the ideal time to head here is between November and April. 

• Location: Phuket Island, Thailand
• Timings: 24 hours

A great destination for enjoying Thailand nightlife with friends, Koh Phi Phi is on the bucket of every traveler. The beaches, spots ideal for snorkeling and diving, sunset viewpoints, and Muay Thai fights are what make this place an ideal location for visiting here. It is also home to many bars and restaurants where you will find authentic Thai dishes or indulge in some cocktails. The beaches here, like Monkey Beach or Long Beach, are ideal for watersports, or head to other bars for enjoying the party scene with your friends.  

• Location: Koh Phi Phi, 38 km from Krabi. 
• Timings: Bar timings are from 5 pm to 3 am.

Chiang Mai is the biggest city in Northern Thailand and is known for its traditional values. You will find over 250+ temples here, and it is an ideal place to visit in Thailand with friends. Dense forest and mountains keep it hidden from the mainland. With a lower living cost, a group of friends find this place happening. The best things to do here include heading to the night bazaar to shop and enjoy the nightlife. Head to Elephant Nature Park to interact with the elephants. At this ethical refuge, you can feed, bathe, or even play with the elephants. Apart from this, you can do a temple-hopping tour with your friends and seek blessings at the best temples here, like Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chiang Man, and Wat Chedi Luang.

• Location: 700 km, north of Bangkok
• Timings: 24 hours

Krabi is one of the best places to see in Thailand, and once in Krabi, visiting Railay Beach is a given. The beach has stunning white-sand beaches, cool restaurants and bars, lagoons, caves, and rainforest hikes. A cool place to head to, after coming to Railay, you can do beach hopping between all four beaches here. From Railay, heading to Phra Nang Beach is also an ideal option, and here you can explore Phra Nang caves. These limestone cliffs are something impressive. 

Koh Samui is the second-largest Thailand island and a must-visit place with your group of friends. From temples to pristine beaches to secret Buddha gardens, beautiful villages, water rides, and markets. The best attractions here are Chinese-style Buddhist temples and the Big Buddha temple. If you want to enjoy a beach destination here with your friends, you can head to Chaweng Beach to have an all-day party. Here you will also come across multiple rock types, including grandpa/grandma and elephant rocks, ideal. The best thing about Koh Samui is that there is an international airport here, so heading to nearby islands or towns is easy for a travel group in Thailand.

One of the best places in Thailand for friends is the Pattaya walking street. It is a 1 km-long road dazzling people with live music, psychedelic colors, and food. For a group of friends in Thailand for a party, this is certainly the highlight. At this street, you can head to the best bars like Hot-Tuna Bar, Ice-Bar V20, Abbe’s Bar, and more for enjoying cocktails. There are many clubs playing live music like Club Insomnia, Lucifer Disco, Go-Go bars, and more whose entertainment will keep you on your toes. Lastly, you should definitely enjoy the Alaxazar and Tiffany’s Cabaret shows here. 

• Location: Pattaya Walking Street, Beach Road to Bali Hai Plaza, Pattaya, Thailand.
• Timings: 6:00 pm to 3:00 am

Koh Muk, an unexploited island with dirt roads leading to incredible water caves and isolated beaches with impressive views of the sunset. It is an untapped island where you can enjoy the local lifestyle of the villagers. The best attraction in Koh Muk is the emerald cave, a hidden sea cave, which you can reach by a kayak or boat. To get inside, you will have to swim through an 80-meter-long tunnel and open a secluded lagoon with high cliffs. The spot is magical, especially during sunset or sunrise. Also, there are many beaches here with soft sand and crystal-clear water, like Tapan and Sabai beaches. It is ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and relaxing.  

• Location: Island, Ko Libong, Thailand.

Khao Yai National Park is one of the best national parks in Thailand, ideal to see exotic animals of this region. It was established in 1962 and is the third-largest national park in the country. The park spans over an area of 2,168 km2, including the beautiful evergreen/rain-grasslands and forest. The highest mountain within this park is Khao Rom, 1,351 meters tall. The park is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 5 protected areas from the Cambodian border to Khao Yai. There are a few other protected areas here, including Ta Phraya National Park, Dong Yai Wildlife, Thap Lan National Park, and Pand Sida National Park. The wildlife here includes mammals like elephants, jackals, dhols, gaurs, Asian black bears, and more. The bird species here include oriental-pied hornbills and great hornbills. 

• Location: Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
• Entry Fees: 400 baht (adult), 200 baht (children)

Phang Nga Bay, the perfect Thailand trip destination with friends. Here you can enjoy the party destination, away from crowds, with delicious food, great music, and decadent drinks. Phang Nga features striking limestone formations with mystical caves in the Phang Nga National Park. The two most famous spots here include James Bond Island and Koh Paynee. These are just two islands; you can explore over 40 plus small islands here. Ensure your friend group also heads to the caves of Wat Suwan Khuha and Reclining Buddha.  

• Location: The Bay, Phang Nga District.
• Timings: Club timings are from 7 pm to 2 am.

Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand, used to be the center of everything here. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lots of exceptional places inside the area. This includes Wat Maha That temple, a center here with a grand pagoda surrounding 8 different pagodas resembling a lotus. The front gate has a Buddha statue known as Phra Atha Tos. Another place is the ‘King Ramkhamhaeng monument’ situated at the end of Jarod Vitee Tong Road. A great site is the ‘Sukhothai wall’, a 2-layer wall defending the city with the inner layer built on the upper ground. The outer layer of the wall is a canal switch, a slit wall. Wat Tra Phand Ngearm is a temple located west of Wat Maha That with one lotus-style pagoda.  

• Location: หมู่ที่ 3 498/12 Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
• Timings: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Entry Fees: 100 baht (for foreign nationals); 30 baht (locals).

The floating markets in Bangkok are synonymous with ‘Venice of the East.’ The markets have tightly packed waterways known for slender boats with colorful vegetables, fruits, delectable Thai street food, and more. There are around 12 floating markets in Bangkok; here are the best ones to head to. 

The Amphawa Floating Market: Ideal for fresh seafood, desserts, Thai drinks, clothing, and other souvenir items. The oldest floating market here is known for its relaxed shopping environment. 

• Timings: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday-Sunday) 

Don Wai Floating Market: Started in the 20th century for jackfruit and pomelo traders. It is a local market and is not a complete tourist attraction. It is known for its fresh fruits. 

• Timings: 8 am to 5 pm (Monday-Friday); 8 am to 6:30 pm (Sat-Sun) 

Kwan Riam Floating Market: It is divided into two sections: Banpheng Tai Temples and Wat Bamphen Nuea. It is a food market in central Bangkok with traditional colorful boats selling rice, noodles, Isan cuisine, and Thai desserts. 

• Timings: 7 am to 9 am (Sat-Sun and Public Holidays).

Elephants, the local mammals, are part of the country’s culture and history. Elephants are traditionally known for logging and transportation in the jungles. They were also part of many religious festivals and ceremonies to show off the status symbol. The elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai are a refuge for these elephants. Here are the best ones to visit in Thailand with friends. 

• Elephant Nature Park: The original elephant rehabilitation center with elephant care projects. There is no human riding here; just observe the elephants roaming fee, and you can stay as long as you volunteer here at the park.
• Lanna Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary: Rescue elephants living in harmony and peace here. Connect with the elephants, feed them, or make medicine balls. Also, you can hug and bathe the elephants here. 
• Elephant retirement park: A perfect home for retired-working elephants, a sustainable habitat providing them with a natural and safe space. 
• Mae Sa Elephant Camp: You can learn about herbs used in medicinal preparation for elephants while preparing special foods. Walking with them in the forest is also an option here. 

One of the best places to visit in Thailand with friends is Koh Lanta, especially if you want to avoid crowded and cheaper places. The calm ambiance here makes it ideal for couples too. With your friends, you can do diving, boating, and kayaking along the coast and mangroves. The beaches of Koh Lanta are ideal for enjoying a relaxing time. The best places to visit in Koh Lanta include Kaew Caves, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, and island hopping and exploration. Koh Lanta is reachable only via direct ferries between Krabi and Phuket via the Phi-Phi Islands.  

• Location: Koh Lanta Yai, Andaman Sea, Krabi, West Coast, Thailand.

One of the top five largest islands in Thailand is Koh Kood. It is a secluded island with a scenic setting. In the center of the island, there are hill spots and waterfalls, which one can access freely. It is one of the best beach destinations in Thailand for friends with the best beaches like Soneva Vera Beach, Klong Chao Beach, and Yai Kee Beach. With your friend group, you can take part in a few water sports activities like trekking and diving. Do head to Ao Tapao Beach to chase sunsets, and do take a motorcycle ride here. Go hiking here to the waterfalls and more.

James Bond Island, officially known as Khao Phing Kan, is a famous limestone rock formation located in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. It gained international fame after being featured in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. The island’s distinctive vertical rock pillar stands about 20 meters above the water and is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs, caves, and lush greenery, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the nearby Phang Nga Bay by boat, kayak, or enjoy guided tours to the island. Its unique beauty and cinematic history make James Bond Island a must-see spot for travelers in Thailand’s Andaman Sea region.

For Thailand group travel, Doi Inthanon National Park is ideal. You can head here to enjoy the few trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, birdwatching, and more. The main entrance to the park is about 70 km southwest, Chiang Mai city center. The park is part of a Himalayan mountain range with a height between 800 and 2,656 meters. The park experiences cold weather year-round. The wildlife here includes wild boar, serow, deer, and bat species, accounting for half of the total bat species here. Elephants and tigers have been relocated to other national parks due to poaching issues. You will also see 500 to 510 species of birds, the highest in Thailand, including dark-breasted rosefinch, collared grosbeaks, ashy-throated leaf warblers, and more. Also, you will find almost 50 species of reptiles and over 30 species of amphibians. 

• Location: Doi Inthanon, Ban Luang, Mae Chaem District, 
• Entry Fees: 300 baht (adults); 150 baht (children).
• Timings: 5:30 am to 6:30 pm

One of the best things to do in Thailand with friends is a full-moon party or festival. It is known as one of the best beach parties here. The story regarding this party goes like this: a backpackers group threw a party on Haad Rin Nok beach with the moon in full glow. The party was so happening that they decided to come back again here to have the party. A full-moon party happens on the lunar calendar. So, every full moon, the unforgettable festival happens, giving you memories of a lifetime. The peak season for this festival is between July-August and December-April. Remember these tips for having an enjoyable full-moon party:

• Keep your belongings safe.
• Wear footwear that is comfortable.
• Do take face paint and have cardinal fun. 
• Entry fee: 200 baht

Ko Chang Island, or Elephant Island, is named the same due to the elephant-shaped headland. It is the third-largest island after Samui and Phuket. It is situated around 300 km east of Bangkok, Trat Province, Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border. On the island, you will come across sweeping bays, mountain peaks, great waterfalls, and flourishing coral reefs. You will also come across luxury resorts and beach houses. The area covers approximately 212 sq km, with 70% of Koh Chang covered in mountains, beaches, and rainforests. Khao Salak Phet is the highest peak here, situated at a height of 743 meters. The waterfalls here are in abundance, with Klong Nueng waterfall being the most accessible one. 

The similar archipelago has eleven islands known as Koh Bon, Koh Bangu, and Koh Ha. Koh Huyong, Koh Payan, Koh Payu, Koh Tachai, and more. All the islands are situated in Mu Koh Similan National Park, covering 140 sq km. The islands are the ideal tourist destinations for all who love exploring remote and desolate places near wildlife. Koh Similan is the largest island here and is known for crystal-clear, shallow waters harboring spectacular coral reefs and rock formations. The ecosystem of Similan Island makes it an ideal place to head to. May to October is the ideal month to visit these islands.

• Location: Andaman Sea, West Coast, Southern Thailand, Lam Kaen, Thai Muang District, Phan-Nga.

The crazy parties, beautiful beaches, and fun water sports will appeal to all nature admirers and adventure lovers. Erawan National Park, a haven, offers spellbinding experiences for all wildlife enthusiasts. One of the best things to do is witness the Erawan waterfalls, the highlight, and the emerald pond, where you can take a dip. Take a day trip from Bangkok with your friends to Erawan National Park, as each one of them offers beautiful trails ideal for a great walk. There are many caves here too for you to explore that you can reach by trekking or walking down the best trails here. Lastly, wildlife spotting is an exceptional thing to do here. You will be able to see animals like wild elephants, boars, dark-necked tailorbirds, macaques, and more.

• Location: 94GV+5HW, Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand
• Timings: 8 am to 3:30 pm
• Entry fee: 300 baht (foreign nationals); 200 baht (children); 100 baht (locals); and 30 baht (car).

It is a known beach on Koh Phangan Island known for its bustling party scene. It attracts travelers from around the world, especially its full-moon party. Haad Rin is known for its full-moon party, a rave with fire shows, neon body paints, beach bars and more. The crescent-shaped golden-shaped beach is known for its turquoise waters. The activities here include snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. One of the best things to do in Thailand with friends is to experience the best nightlife here featuring fire shows, dance floors, neon-painted crowds and more. To access this beach, you can take a songthaew or a taxi or even a motorbike from Koh Phangan’s main pier. 

• Location: Beach in Ban Tai, Thailand

The Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok is one of the most famous and largest markets in the entire world. It spans over 35-acres featuring 8,000 stalls with a vast array of goods including accessories, clothes, art, furniture, local street food and more. The market is segmented into various sections for easy navigation as the tourists explore everything from exotic pets to trendy fashion. The lively atmosphere, affordable prices and vibrant colors makes this place a perfect travel group place for a group of friends.

• Location: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
• Timings: 7 am to 6 pm (Wed-Thursday); 6 pm to 12 pm (Friday); 9 am to 12 pm (Saturday-Sunday)

Khao Sok National Park, located in southern Thailand, is a pristine natural wonder known for its dense rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, and stunning Cheow Lan Lake. This 739-square-kilometer park offers a wealth of biodiversity, home to rare wildlife like tigers, elephants, and exotic birds. Visitors can explore the park through activities such as jungle trekking, canoeing on the serene lake, or staying in floating bungalows. Khao Sok is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, providing an immersive experience in Thailand’s natural beauty. Whether hiking through the jungle, visiting waterfalls, or simply enjoying the view of the towering karsts, Khao Sok offers a unique and tranquil escape for nature lovers.

• Location: Phanom District, Surat Thani, Thailand
• Timings: 7 am to 7 pm

Coral Island, or Koh Larn, is a beautiful island just off the coast of Pattaya, famous for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. A short boat ride from Pattaya, the island is a popular day-trip destination for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy some relaxation. Visitors can indulge in water activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and glass-bottom boat tours. The island’s tranquil beaches, including Tien Beach and Samae Beach, offer a peaceful retreat, while local seafood restaurants provide delicious dining options. With its stunning underwater world and scenic views, Coral Island is a must-see destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent diving spots. The island is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, attracting divers from around the world with its diverse marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish. The island’s relaxed atmosphere, coupled with its beautiful beaches like Ao Leuk and Sai Nuan Beach, makes it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. In addition to underwater activities, Koh Tao offers opportunities for hiking, beach bars, and exploring the island’s natural beauty, making it a top choice for tropical island vacations.

The Night Safari in Chiang Mai is a unique wildlife experience that allows visitors to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. Located just outside the city, the park is divided into three zones: the Savanna Safari, the Predator Prowl, and the Jaguar Trail. Visitors can embark on guided tram rides to see a variety of animals, including tigers, giraffes, and lions, as they roam freely in the park’s well-designed habitats. The experience is enhanced by the cool evening air and the chance to see animals in their natural, nighttime behaviors. With its educational and interactive features, the Night Safari is an exciting and family-friendly adventure in Chiang Mai.

• Location: 33, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand

The sanctuary of truth, Pattaya is an all-wooden temple combining elements of Hindu, Buddhist, and Thai architecture. It is a testament to the artistic and craftsmanship traditions of Thailand. The intricate structure is adorned with carvings depicting mythological stories and other religious icons. The temple remaining unfinished symbolizes the interaction between the cosmos, the divine, and human. Take guided toys to learn the temple’s philosophies while enjoying the cultural performances here. You can also enjoy the panoramic ocean views.

• Location: 206, 2 Pattaya-Naklua Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm; 6:20-8:30 pm
• Entry fees: 500 baht (adult); 250 baht (children)

Kanchanaburi has waterfalls, limestone caves, and ancient rainforests located near the confluence of the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi Rivers in Western Thailand. It is 2-hours away from Bangkok attracting backpackers and anyone looking to learn about the history of World War II. It is also home to Erawan National Park with beautiful flora and fauna. There are many animals here like cobras, elephants, gibbons, and more. It has seven-tiered waterfalls, ideal for swimming. The hotels and resorts here have increased tourism creating an immersive travel experience for all. 

• Location: Mueang Kanchanaburi District
• Best time to Visit: November to February

A laid-back town in eastern Thailand on the river by the same name, the town is known for its impressive countryside culture, rich history, relaxed vibe, rolling hills, and scenic waterfalls. The culture of this town is a mix of Mon, Burmese, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, and even Thai. The local architecture resembles the mix of architecture here. Moreover, the availability of cheap seafood and Durian fruit makes this city one of the best places to visit in Thailand with friends. The city is known for its precious gem and stone trade, along with the lush forests and cascading waterfalls.  

• Location: East of Thailand, near Chanthaburi river bank.
• Best time to visit: November to February