I was chatting with a Thai friend of mine the other day, when I realized that not everyone understands the regions of Thailand in quite the same way. The two of us, for our part, were in agreement: Thailand has six major regions.
The issue, in most cases, seems to lie in how people subdivide these regions. Is Bangkok separate from the rest of Central Thailand? Is “Western Thailand” even a thing? Does Southern Thailand need be split between the “Gulf side” and the “Andaman side”?
If you’re into maps and geography, and don’t mind getting a little nerdy, I have a feeling you’ll enjoy my deep dive into Thailand regions. Have an upcoming trip to Thailand? Even better!
Most Travelers to Thailand Only Visit Three Regions
Individual provinces of Thailand notwithstanding, the reality is that most travelers visit three regions of the country at most. After starting in Bangkok and it vicinity, the average trip to Thailand heads north, usually to Chiang Rai but sometimes to Chiang Rai or Lampang. From there, travelers will fly southward to “The Islands”—in most cases, to somewhere “easy” like Krabi, Phuket or Koh Samui, but occasionally to Hat Yai (to visit Koh Lipe or Trang) or to Trat (to visit Koh Chang et al).
To put it another way, the average traveler (who is typically in Thailand for two weeks or less) visits Bangkok (and potentially some other destinations in Central Thailand), Northern Thailand and then Southern (or, less commonly, Eastern) Thailand. Although this is considered a comprehensive trip by the standard of the late 2020s, it leaves a large majority of the country completely unexplored, in reality.
The Six Main Regions of Thailand
Bangkok and Central Thailand
I used to think that Central Thailand was just Bangkok, but I was wrong. Among other reasons, this was because I recently took a road trip around the region: Up through Lopburi and Phetchabun; then over to Sukhothai and down through Ang Thong and Ayutthaya. Certainly, if your trip to Thailand lasts long enough, I highly recommend spending as long as you can in this region, even if it’s just taking a few day trips from Bangkok.
Northern Thailand
The most popular among Thai regions, Northern Thailand is something of a contradiction. On one hand, Chiang Mai (and, increasingly, Chiang Rai) is probably the most-visited destination in the entire country. On the other hand, vast swathes of the region are relatively unexplored. A certain number of motorcyclists, for example, drive the Mae Hong Son Loop to the west of Chiang Mai; many fewer head eastward to Lampang, Phayao or Nan.
Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand, for most travelers, is simply “The Islands.” On the Andaman Sea side, we have Phuket and Krabi (which is not an island) in the north; you can travel by boat from Koh Lanta via the Trang archipelago all the way down to Koh Lipe. On the Gulf of Thailand side, meanwhile, you (in this part of Thailand, anyway) have Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao. The interior-south actually happens to be interesting, from Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, to the city of Hat Yai, to unadulterated 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 get a lot of leeway. Some simply go to the controversial (but less so, over time) beach city of Pattaya in Chonburi province, which is also home to underrated Si Racha. Others (though very few, mercifully) stop en route in Chachoengsao; some (namely, people who live in Bangkok and have cars) continue to Rayong province, and ride a car ferry over to Samet island. If you want to go really far east, you have two main options: Chanthanburi offers authentic culture and a slow pace of life; Trat‘s corner of the aforementioned Gulf of Thailand is home to islands that range from blah (Koh Chang and Koh Kood), to wow (Koh Mak), to holy smokes (Koh Wai).
Northeastern Thailand (Isaan)
Known almost exclusively among the general public as Isaan, Northeastern Thailand is also sometimes nicknamed the “Texas of Thailand.” In some cases (namely, the dusty Sam Phan Bok on the Mekong River near Ubon Ratchathani) I can see where they’re coming from; Isaan is also famous for barbecue (grilled gai yang chicken) and spicy som tam papaya salad. On the other hand, there’s nowhere quite as lush as the Red Lotus Sea of Udon Thani near Houston or Dallas; this is to say nothing of how difficult it is to classify places like riverside Chiang Khan in Loei, or the surprisingly modern central Isaan city of Roi Et. Khao Yai National Park is also here, though it strangely tends to feel like an afterthought.
Western Thailand
Last but certainly not least is Western Thailand, a part of the country that some people argue is not even a distinct region—I am not among them. Tak, for example, differentiates itself from the North if only because of the majesty of Thi Lor Su waterfall, and the utter strangeness of its capital Mae Sot. Lush Kanchanaburi, meanwhile, has a fabulously frontier feeling; Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi are simply difficult to categorize. Prachuap Khiri Khan is perplexing; it’s home to Hua Hin, a beach resort that spiritually feels like Bangkok, but that some people associate with “The Islands” I mentioned earlier, even if they’re mostly much further south.
The Easiest Way to Go Off Thailand’s Beaten Path
Remember earlier, when I mentioned that most travelers only visit three regions of Thailand (at most) and stay for just two weeks (or even less)? Well, the simple (and correct) conclusion from this is that there are two main ways to transcend the typical Thailand trip. Visit Thailand regions beyond the “Big Three” and/or spend longer in the country than two weeks. Pretty easy, right?
Well, as it turns out, there’s an even easier way to make sure you explore Thailand off the beaten path. Specifically, you can hire me to plan your Thailand trip. When you do, we chat briefly via Zoom; I then get to work creating a custom itinerary. The document will include personalized daily recommendations for activities, meals and accommodation, plus detailed transportation advice throughout.
Other FAQ About the Regions of Thailand
How many regions of Thailand are there?
In my opinion, there are six regions of Thailand: Bangkok and Central Thailand; Northern Thailand; Southern Thailand; Eastern Thailand; Northeast Thailand (Isaan); and Western Thailand. However, some people interpret this differently, whether that involves splitting Western Thailand up between 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 as follows: Bangkok and Central Thailand; Northern Thailand; Southern Thailand; Eastern Thailand; Northeast Thailand (Isaan); and Western Thailand. For some people, Bangkok is actually separate from the rest of Central Thailand; others divide Southern Thailand between its Andaman and Gulf coasts.
What region of Thailand is best for travelers?
Three regions of Thailand tend to be the best for travelers. Obviously, Central Thailand is interesting because Bangkok (the country’s largest city by far) is there. Northern Thailand, meanwhile, is famous for lush jungles, ornate temples and elephant sanctuaries. Southern Thailand is home to Thailand’s best islands, including Phuket and Koh Samui.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the regions of Thailand will help you plan a better trip to the country. Of course, impending travel is not a prerequisite: I invite geography nerds of even the most stationary sort to dive deep into this topic with me! To be sure, only three of Thailand’s six regions—Bangkok; “The North”; and “The Islands”—end up being relevant to most travelers, which is a shame. Going off the beaten path in western, eastern and northeastern Thailand is arguably where you get the most authentic and unadulterated version of the country. Need personalized help putting your Thailand trip together? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
