Thailand is a vibrant blend of ancient tradition and everyday warmth. Find your favourite corner, where locals know which temples glow quietly at dawn, which street-food stalls to visit, and which island villages still move to an unhurried rhythm. Updated 2026. Skip the crowded nightlife strips and the touristy temple stops. This local expert Thailand travel guide reveals the must-see highlights and the hidden gems - like a family-run noodle shop down a Bangkok soi, forest monasteries where chanting drifts through the trees, and fishing villages where the morning catch is cooked beside the water. Discover hill towns wrapped in mist, jungle paths leading to hidden waterfalls, and neighbourhood markets where vendors greet regulars like family. Navigate Thailand's buzzing cities and lush landscapes with Marco Polo's signature pull-out maps, designed for seamless exploration. From Bangkok's river ferries and skytrains to rural roads and island crossings, move confidently between golden temples, rainforest-clad mountains, rice fields, coral-fringed beaches, and slow-flowing rivers. Experience Thailand at its most authentic - welcoming, colourful, and deeply rooted in everyday life. What You'll Discover: Secret Thailand experiences - peaceful temples, backstreet eateries, quiet islands, and villages beyond the tourist trail Thailand navigation mastery - Marco Polo's pull-out maps covering cities, transport routes, islands, and scenic journeys Authentic Thai food culture - street-food classics, regional specialties, night markets, and seasonal flavours Thailand cultural confidence - customs, etiquette, and essential phrases for respectful, meaningful interactions Smart travel in Thailand - transport tips, budget advice, free viewpoints, and practical money-saving guidance Perfect for couples, families, and culture lovers seeking the real Thailand - this guide reveals why locals treasure everyday rituals, from morning alms rounds to evening meals shared roadside. From temple bells at sunrise to sizzling woks after sunset, discover a country where joy, spirituality, and community shape daily life. Thailand is more than beaches and street food - it's the rhythm of markets waking at dawn, the calm of lotus-filled ponds, the kindness of small gestures, and the beauty found in simple moments. Find your way with Marco Polo.
Marco Polo One of the leading and most trusted travel publishing brands in Europe, Marco Polo has been guiding travellers around the world since 1991. All titles are researched on location and written by locals or authors who have spent the majority of their time living and travelling in the destination. With nearly 35 years of travel guide publishing under our belts and approaching 100million copies sold, you can rely on our experience to ensure you have a wonderful trip. What do we do? We create well-researched, high-quality guides to guarantee you have a wealth of detailed, reliable information about places to visit and how to get there. We print on high-quality, environmentally-friendly paper which ensures all the lovely colour photographs, maps and attractions are presented in the best way possible to bring your destination to life. What makes our guides and maps different? Marco Polo's renowned 'Insider Tips' ensure you enjoy an authentic local experience, creating travel memories that will last a lifetime. Our guides and maps are regularly updated by local experts who live, work and travel in the destination, ensuring current, first-hand information is included. We focus on the best selection of attractions and experiences saving you precious time so that you can search less and discover more.
36 Regional Overview 38 Central Thailand 42 Bangkok & around 49 Ayutthaya 50 Kanchanaburi & around 54 Sukhothai 56 The North 60 Chiang Mai & around 64 Chiang Rai & around 66 Pai & around 68 Mae Hong Son & around 70 The Northeast 74 Nakhon Ratchasima & around 78 Khon Kaen & around 80 Nong Khai & around 82 East Coast 86 Pattaya & around 91 Ko Chang & around 96 The South 100 Phuket & around 106 Khao Lak & around 108 Krabi 110 Ko Lanta & around 112 Ko Samui & around
