The Six Regions of Thailand
Every region has its own character, its own food and its own season. Pick one to start exploring.
Thailand is a great deal larger than most first-time visitors expect — around 1,650km from the Myanmar border in the north to the Malaysian border in the south, and different enough at each end that the language, the food and the weather all change.
Thai people divide the country into six regions, and it is a genuinely useful way to plan. Central Thailand holds Bangkok and the ancient capitals. The north is cool, mountainous and culturally distinct. Isan in the northeast is the least visited and arguably the most rewarding. The south is the islands and beaches — on two coasts with opposite seasons. The east and the west are the day-trip regions, both within three hours of Bangkok.
A realistic first trip covers two regions, not five. Travel days between them cost more of your holiday than the map suggests. See our 10-day first-timer route →
Central Thailand
The heart of the country — Bangkok, ancient Ayutthaya, and quiet provinces like Suphanburi full of temples, rice fields and local markets.
3 destinations → 🌊Eastern Thailand
Beach resorts and island escapes from Pattaya to Koh Chang, plus Chanthaburi with its gem markets, fruit orchards and jungle waterfalls.
3 destinations → ⛰️Northern Thailand
Cool mountains, hill tribes and old-city culture around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the laid-back town of Pai.
3 destinations → 🌾Isan (Northeast)
Thailand off the tourist trail — Khmer ruins, silk villages, fiery food and some of the friendliest people in the country.
3 destinations → 🏝️Southern Thailand
World-famous beaches and islands — Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and the turquoise waters of the Andaman and the Gulf.
3 destinations → 🏞️Western Thailand
Rivers, national parks and history — Kanchanaburi with the Erawan waterfalls and the seaside town of Hua Hin.
2 destinations →