Places to Visit in Thailand: Bangkok, Hat Yai, Betong, Krabi and Phuket

Thailand is close, affordable and reachable by plane or by car. Many Malaysian families drive up to Hat Yai and Betong for a weekend, while Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket suit longer holidays. This guide groups the places to visit in Thailand by area, with tips on halal food, rules on bringing food, and what to keep in mind when crossing the border.

Places to visit in Thailand: Bangkok

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is the former royal palace of Thailand, and inside it is Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha. It is the best-known landmark in Bangkok. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, because staff check dress at the entrance.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, stands on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite the Grand Palace. Its spires are decorated with pieces of coloured porcelain that sparkle in the daytime. Take the cross-river ferry, and come at dusk for the best view.

Chatuchak Market and Pratunam

Chatuchak is one of the largest weekend markets in the world, with thousands of stalls selling clothes, homeware and souvenirs. Pratunam is a wholesale clothing hub that is popular with Malaysians. Pratunam also has Muslim stalls and restaurants, so it is easy to stop for a meal.

Places to visit in Thailand: Hat Yai

Khlong Hae Floating Market

At this floating market, traders sell food from small boats along a canal. Many of the traders are Muslim, so there is plenty of halal food. The market usually opens on weekend evenings, so check the days before you go.

Hat Yai Municipal Park

This hilltop park has a large Buddha statue, a lake and a cable car with views over Hat Yai. It is a good place for a relaxed walk in the late afternoon when it is cooler. Combine it with shopping in the town centre at night.

Places to visit in Betong, Thailand

Betong in Yala province is the southernmost town in Thailand and sits right next to the Pengkalan Hulu border in Perak. Many Malaysians drive in for the cool mountain weather and the sea of mist. See also the Betong travel information from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Aiyerweng Skywalk (sea of mist)

Aiyerweng is a viewpoint known for the sea of mist that covers the valleys and hills below. The skywalk here makes it feel as if you are walking above the clouds. Go before sunrise, because the mist is thickest early in the morning.

Piyamit Tunnel

Piyamit Tunnel is a former underground base used by communist guerrillas, just outside Betong town. Visitors can walk through the tunnel and see the history exhibits. It pairs well with a visit to Aiyerweng on the same day.

Mongkhonrit Tunnel and the giant mailbox

Mongkhonrit Tunnel is a road tunnel that cuts through a hill in the middle of Betong town. Not far from it is a giant mailbox that is a popular photo spot. Both are within walking distance of the town centre.

Betong Hot Springs

The hot springs outside Betong town are a place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Visitors usually soak their feet or boil eggs in the natural hot water. Come in the late afternoon when the weather is cooler.

Places to visit in southern Thailand: Krabi and Phuket

Ao Nang and Railay

Ao Nang is the main base in Krabi, with boats to Railay Beach, which is surrounded by limestone cliffs. You can only reach Railay by boat, so it feels calmer. Krabi has a large Muslim population, so halal food is easy to find.

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi is known for clear water, snorkelling and Maya Bay. Most travellers join a day boat trip from Krabi or Phuket. Choose an early morning trip so it is less crowded.

Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is known for its rows of colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses. It is a nice change if you want a break from the beach. Phuket town also has some halal food options.

Best season for places to visit in Thailand

November to February is the most comfortable season, as the weather is drier and cooler. March to May is very hot. On the Andaman coast, such as Krabi and Phuket, the rainy season usually runs from May to October and the sea can be rough. In Betong, the mountain weather is cool all year, especially early in the morning.

Halal food at places to visit in Thailand

Hat Yai, Krabi and Pratunam in Bangkok are among the easiest areas for halal food. Betong has a Muslim community and Muslim eateries, but many of its famous shops are not Muslim run, so choose ones that display a halal logo. Our guide to halal food in Thailand covers areas, halal logos and Thai words to know.

What food you can bring to Thailand

According to the Animal Quarantine Station at Suvarnabhumi Airport, bringing animal products, including meat and food made from animals, into Thailand without a permit is against the law, and these products must be declared. This also applies when you drive in through Bukit Kayu Hitam, Padang Besar or Pengkalan Hulu to Betong.

So do not bring chicken or beef dishes in pouches. Choose food without chicken or beef, such as retort white rice. Our Laksa Johor and Spaghetti Laksa Thai are fish and prawn based. Fish products follow different rules, so declare them at the border if you are unsure.

Travel tips for places to visit in Thailand

1. If you drive to Hat Yai or Betong, bring your passport and vehicle documents, and check the latest border requirements before you leave.
2. Avoid peak times at the border, such as the start of public holidays and long weekends.
3. At temples such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, wear modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
4. Ask “halal mai?” to check whether food is halal, and look for the green halal logo.
5. For Krabi and Phuket, plan island trips outside the rainy season.

A packing list is in our travel packing tips, and food ideas for long journeys are in travel food. If you are flying, see our guide to bringing food on a plane.

FAQ about places to visit in Thailand