An urban jungle: 13 Thai cities to get lost in

From the mega metropolis of Bangkok, with its staggering population of almost 11 million people, to Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North," Thailand’s cities are worth a visit. Awash with lip-smackingly good food, temples galore, and more bars and restaurants than you can even think to visit, Thailand's cities promise plenty for you to see and do. Dive into this list of the best cities to visit in Thailand and see where the adventure leads you.

Bangkok

A little bit of chaos meets a whole lot of culture in Bangkok, Thailand's dizzying, glittering capital. Sprawling Bangkok is a sprawling, neon-lit city that springs up from the serpentine banks of the Chao Phraya River. The city is one of extreme juxtapositions, where centuries-old temples like Wat Arun sit shoulder to shoulder with luxury hotels. Modern shopping malls live harmoniously with buzzy street markets, such as the 15,000-stall Chatuchak Weekend Market. Street food vendors churn out sizzling meat skewers and noodle dishes in the shadows of legendary Michelin-star establishments.

Experience it for yourself on: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's main cosmopolitan centre, though it's a different vibe from Bangkok's 21st-century pace. A haven for backpackers, Chiang Mai is known for its misty mountain temples, cozy eateries and bars, and lush fields that roll out to the countryside. A must-see in Chiang Mai is the golden-dipped, hilltop Wat Phra That Doi Kham, which has spectacular views of the city, valley, and surrounding mountains. The perfect bite-sized city, Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand for history and culture.

Experience it for yourself on: Northern Thailand Adventure

Chiang Rai

Northern Thailand is also home to Chiang Rai, a city that manages to fly relatively below the radar. Less frequented than Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Chiang Rai is peppered with ancient temples and serves as the gateway to tribal villages that have existed along the Mekong River for centuries. Laid-back travellers come for the temples, art, music, and some of northern Thailand's best dishes.

Experience it for yourself on: Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Laos & The Cardamom Mountains

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a modern city, but the reason visitors come here is for the spectacular Ayutthaya Historical Park. Ayutthaya was once the second capital of the kingdom of Siam. Today, the historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features remnants of the city, including grand monasteries and temples that date from the 15th century.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast

Phuket City

Phuket has earned a reputation for being the gateway to the Thai islands. An island itself, Phuket is often the first stop for travellers making their way to the smaller islands flecked across the Andaman Sea. But Phuket City, or Phuket Old Town, located on the east side of the island, takes the adventure off the beaches and into culture and history. Think traditional Sino-Portuguese architecture, colourful markets, cafes, and street food.

Experience it for yourself on: Thailand Family Adventure

Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, is the capital city of the province of the same name, which is located in northeastern Thailand. It's the largest province in the country, and the city is the gateway to the Isaan region, which offers visitors a chance to explore ancient Khmer ruins, bustling markets, and grand temples. The Isaan region shares a lot of similarities with neighbouring Laos, and natural attractions include the Mekong River and Khao Yai National Park. Its food sets it apart from the rest of Thailand, with its spicy pork sausages, fermented foods, and ubiquitous pla ra sauce made with fermented fish.

Pattaya City

Pattaya is Thailand's glittering seaside capital known for its busy beaches, electric nightlife, and tons of entertainment options. The lively city has a mix of high-energy attractions, from the walking street's neon-lit clubs to laid-back moments at its tropical islands just offshore. Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore cultural activities like the Sanctuary of Truth or let loose at family-friendly water parks.

Udon Thani

Udon Thani is the perfect base for travellers who want to dig deeper into Thailand's northeastern region. Visits to the city typically start at the 20th-century Wat Phothisomphon, with its golden stupa and dragon staircase. Don't miss Wat Pa Dong Rai, a serene temple shaped like a delicate white lotus blossom.

Udon Thani is steeped in culture, but travellers can also make the most of its natural wonders, from Nong Prajak Public Park to Red Lotus Lake. The nearby city of Ban Chiang is a Bronze Age UNESCO World Heritage Site that sheds light on prehistoric settlements in Southeast Asia.

Surat Thani

Surat Thani is often used as a jumping-off point for the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, but this bustling Thai city has a certain laid-back energy and lots of culture and natural beauty to warrant a visit on its own. Khao Sok National Park, famous for its dense rainforests and towering limestone cliffs, is just outside Surat Thani. A quick boat ride puts underwater enthusiasts at the doorstep of Ang Thong National Marine Park and its 42 pristine islands, carved with hidden lagoons and rimmed with colourful coral.

Within the city itself are sights like Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, a Srivijaya-period temple and one of southern Thailand's most important religious sites. When the sun goes down, hit up the Surat Thani Night Market to try local food, shop for souvenirs, and dig a little deeper into daily life.

Experience it for yourself on: Bangkok to Singapore: Jungle Hikes & Island Nights

Kanchanaburi

In Kanchanaburi, the famous rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai converge. Epic natural beauty surrounds this city, and most visitors come to Kanchanaburi for its waterfalls and national parks, particularly Erawan National Park and Sai Yok National Park. The most famous attraction in this lush, jungle-shrouded part of the country is the tragic "Death Railway," which was built in World War II. The iconic Bridge over the River Kwai is part of the rail route and stands as a reminder of the painful past.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Thailand - West Coast

Hat Yai

If your travels are taking you beyond Thailand's southern border and into Malaysia, you'll likely stop at Hat Yai. This cosmopolitan city at the southern tip of Thailand is a colourful kaleidoscope of night bazaars, floating markets, and upscale shopping malls. History is a major draw for travellers, too, who come to see the Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol temple, made entirely out of stainless steel, and the towering Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj statue, which rises majestically out of Hat Yai City Park.

Rayong City

Perched along Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, Rayong City is an idyllic beachfront city with white-sand beaches such as Laem Mae Phim, fresh seafood restaurants, and glittering high-rise towers and resorts. Travellers seeking a more tranquil vibe use Rayong City as a jumping-off point for Koh Samet, a laid-back island destination just off the coast. You can also use it as a base to venture into the jungles of Khao Laem Ya National Park.

Songkhla City

Not far from Thailand's border with Malaysia, Songkhla is an easygoing city known for its historic architecture, well-preserved old town, splashes of street murals, and bustling street stalls serving signature southern Thai cuisine. Don't miss the siren Samila Beach, with its iconic Golden Mermaid statue, or the Songkhla National Museum. While you're in town, try gaeng som, the most famous southern curry known for its fiery blend of spices and turmeric. Southern Thai cooking is much spicier than elsewhere in the country, so sensitive stomachs should proceed with caution.