I was recently talking to a Thai friend and realized that not everyone understands the regions of Thailand in the same way. However, we agreed that Thailand has six main regions.

The problem, in most cases, seems to lie in how these regions are divided. Is Bangkok separate from the rest of Central Thailand? Is there even such a thing as "Western Thailand"? Should Southern Thailand be divided into the "Gulf Coast" and the "Andaman Coast"?

If you're interested in maps and geography and don't mind going into a bit of detail, then you'll certainly enjoy my detailed exploration of the Thai regions. Do you have a trip to Thailand coming up soon? Even better!

Most travelers to Thailand only visit three regions.

Despite the differences between Thailand's individual provinces, most travelers actually visit no more than three regions of the country. After a stay in Bangkok and the surrounding area, the average Thailand trip heads north, usually to Chiang Rai, but sometimes also to Lampang. From there, travelers fly further south to the islands – in most cases to easily accessible destinations like Krabi, Phuket, or Koh Samui, but occasionally also to Hat Yai (to visit Koh Lipe or Trang) or to Trat (to explore Koh Chang and other islands).

In other words, the average traveler (who typically spends two weeks or less in Thailand) visits Bangkok (and possibly a few other destinations in Central Thailand), Northern Thailand, and then Southern Thailand (or, less frequently, Eastern Thailand). While this might be considered a comprehensive trip by late 2020s standards, in reality, a large part of the country remains unexplored.

The six main regions of Thailand

Bangkok and Central Thailand

I used to think Central Thailand consisted only of Bangkok, but I was wrong. Partly because I recently took a tour of the region: from Lopburi and Phetchabun through Sukhothai to Ang Thong and Ayutthaya. If your trip to Thailand is long enough, I highly recommend spending as much time as possible in this region, even if it's just a few day trips from Bangkok.

Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand, the most popular region of Thailand, presents some contradictions. On the one hand, Chiang Mai (and increasingly Chiang Rai) is probably the most visited tourist destination in the entire country. On the other hand, large parts of the region are still relatively unexplored. For example, some motorcyclists travel the Mae Hong Son loop west of Chiang Mai; significantly fewer, however, travel east to Lampang, Phayao, or Nan.

Southern Thailand

For most travelers, southern Thailand is simply "the islands." In the north, on the Andaman Sea, lie Phuket and Krabi (which isn't actually an island); from Koh Lanta, you can take a boat across the Trang archipelago to Koh Lipe. On the Gulf of Thailand (at least in this part of the country) are Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao. The southern hinterland is quite interesting, from Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, through the town of Hat Yai, to the unspoiled Nakhon Si Thammarat. However, I recommend avoiding the three conflict-ridden provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat.

Eastern Thailand

When it comes to eastern Thailand, travelers have many options. Some simply head to the controversial (but increasingly less controversial) beach city of Pattaya in Chonburi province, which is also home to the underrated Si Racha. Others (thankfully few) stop in Chachoengsao along the way; some (especially those living in Bangkok with a car) continue on to Rayong province and take a car ferry to Samet Island. Those wanting to travel further east have two main choices: Chonburi offers authentic culture and a relaxed pace of life; the Trat coast in the Gulf of Thailand boasts islands ranging from rather unremarkable (Koh Chang and Koh Kood) to breathtaking (Koh Mak) to absolutely idyllic (Koh Wai).

Northeast Thailand (Isaan)

In common parlance, Northeast Thailand is almost exclusively known as Isaan, but it's also sometimes called the "Texas of Thailand." In some cases (especially in dusty Sam Phan Bok on the Mekong near Ubon Ratchathani), I can understand why; Isaan is also famous for barbecue (grilled Gai Yang chicken) and spicy papaya salad (Som Tam). On the other hand, nowhere else is there anything as lush as the Red Lotus Sea of ​​Udon Thani near Houston or Dallas; not to mention how difficult it is to categorize places like riverside Chiang Khan in Loei or the surprisingly modern city of Roi Et in Central Isaan. Khao Yai National Park is also located here, but strangely, it seems somewhat neglected.

Western Thailand

Finally, there's western Thailand, a part of the country that some don't even consider a separate region – I disagree. Tak, for example, differs from the north simply because of the majestic beauty of the Thi Lor Su waterfall and the unique atmosphere of its capital, Mae Sot. Lush Kanchanaburi, on the other hand, exudes a wonderful pioneering spirit; Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi simply defy categorization. Prachuap Khiri Khan is enigmatic; it's home to Hua Hin, a beach resort that feels spiritually like Bangkok, but which some associate with the aforementioned "islands," even though most of them lie much further south.

The easiest way to get off the beaten track in Thailand

Do you remember when I mentioned that most travelers visit no more than three regions of Thailand and stay for only two weeks (or even less)? It's quite simple (and correct) to conclude from this that there are two ways to enrich the typical Thailand trip: visit regions beyond the "Big Three" and/or spend more than two weeks in the country. Simple, right?

There's actually an even easier way to discover Thailand off the beaten track. You can commission me to plan your trip. We'll have a brief chat via Zoom, and then I'll create a personalized itinerary. This will include my own recommendations for activities, meals, and accommodations, as well as detailed information on transportation options.

Other frequently asked questions about the regions of Thailand

How many regions are there in Thailand?

In my opinion, there are six regions of Thailand: Bangkok and Central Thailand; Northern Thailand; Southern Thailand; Eastern Thailand; Northeastern Thailand (Isaan); and Western Thailand. However, some interpret this differently, dividing Western Thailand into Northern, Central, and Southern Thailand, or separating Bangkok from the rest of Central Thailand.

What are the six main regions of Thailand?

The six main regions of Thailand are: Bangkok and Central Thailand; Northern Thailand; Southern Thailand; Eastern Thailand; Northeastern Thailand (Isaan); and Western Thailand. Some consider Bangkok a separate region, distinct from the rest of Central Thailand; others divide Southern Thailand into the Andaman and Gulf coasts.

Which region of Thailand is best suited for travelers?

Three regions of Thailand are considered particularly recommended for travelers. Central Thailand is naturally interesting, as it is home to Bangkok (by far the country's largest city). Northern Thailand, on the other hand, is famous for its lush jungles, magnificent temples, and elephant sanctuaries. Southern Thailand is home to some of the country's most beautiful islands, including Phuket and Koh Samui.

Conclusion

Knowledge of Thailand's regions will help you plan your trip. Of course, an upcoming trip isn't a prerequisite: I invite all geography enthusiasts, even the most dedicated, to delve deeper into this topic with me! In fact, for most travelers, only three of Thailand's six regions are relevant: Bangkok, the north, and the islands – which is a real shame. Off the beaten track in western, eastern, and northeastern Thailand, you'll experience the country in its most authentic and unspoiled form. Need help planning your Thailand trip? Request your personalized itinerary today!