Thailand is a country like no other. With beaches in the south, city life further north, and hill tribes and wild animals in the mountains, you’d be wise to devote at least a month to exploring. The best way to travel is to choose one of the many Thailand multi centre itineraries, so you can really get to know the Thai people.

Here are the top ten places to visit in Thailand:

Bangkok

Bangkok can only be described as cosmopolitan, which a raging nightlife, and plenty of culture to see through the day. Highlights are the Grand Palace, the Floating Market, and the Giant Buddha.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is located in the north of Thailand, and is famous for its jungles and mountains. Must visits include Elephant Nature Park, and Wat Chedi Luang. Talk to some monks during monk chat, and make sure you check out the incredible night markets.

Chiang Rai

You could be forgiven for thinking Chiang Rai is a one-horse town, but there is still plenty to see here. The main attraction is the glistening white temple, which looks amazing during sunset. You’ll find less tourists here, and you should definitely try the street food.

Pai

Pai is the new favourite for the backpacker crowd. Located north of Chiang Mai, travelers come here to “get away”, and “get off the beaten track”, and none of them say this ironically. While the city itself will be full of 20-somethings, head outside the main town where you’ll be treated to excellent scenery and wildlife.

Phuket

Phuket is the place to go for sun, sea, and sand, without having to spend too much time traveling. This is the most famous beach town in Thailand, and is notorious for its crazy night life, which can be seedy in certain areas.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is the diving capital of Thailand, and has some of the best (and cheapest) diving in the world. People come here to get fully certified and often end up staying on to teach.

Hua Hin

If you want a beach experience without the tourists, Hua Hin’s beaches are clean, quiet, and surrounded by national parks. It’s also close to an 11-tier waterfall.

Railey

Railey is a rock-climbers paradise, and is a small peninsula only accessible by boat. People come from around the world to climb the limestone cliffs, and you won’t find any high-rises here.

Ayuthaya

Ayuthaya was founded in 1350, and is surrounded by three rivers which connect it to the Gulf of Siam. This was once declared the most magnificent city on earth, and boasts spectacular ruins.

Ko Phi Phi

Perhaps the most famous spot in Thailand, Ko Phi Phi became notorious after the release of the film The Beach starring Leonardo Di Caprio. This is usually a highlight for anyone who has seen the movie, and is a beautiful island surrounded by incredible scenery.

Tourists can easily travel throughout the islands.