Thailand is one of the most diverse travel destinations in Southeast Asia. From golden temples and lush mountains in the north to palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters in the south, this country has something for every kind of traveler. But if you only have limited time, you might be wondering: should you explore northern Thailand or southern Thailand?
If this is not your first time visiting our blog you will know we travel with our children so you’ll get to see this from a perspective with children too, however if you aren’t travelling with kids you’ll still find this insightful!
Here’s a breakdown of what each region offers so you can decide which suits your travel style.
Northern Thailand: Culture, Temples & Mountains
Best for: culture lovers, budget travelers, trekking, authentic experiences
- City life with culture: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are famous for their historic old towns, stunning temples, and laid-back lifestyle. Chiang Mai in particular has become a hub for digital nomads, yoga, and cooking classes. It’s also a great place for worldschoolers and if you venture further North on the Mae Hon Song Loop you’ll find an extensive community in Pai. You can read more about the Mae Hon Song Loop here: Ultimate Guide to the Mae Hong Son Loop: Tips, Itinerary, and Must-See Stops
- Adventure and nature: The north is surrounded by lush mountains, rice fields, and national parks. Think jungle trekking, waterfalls, ziplining, elephant sanctuaries (ethical ones only!), and visiting hill tribes. Again, you’ll find a lot of this in deep detail in our Mae Hon Song Loop guide. We visited canyons, hill tribes, and was struck by amazing scenery.
- Cooler climate: Because of its elevation, northern Thailand is noticeably cooler than the south especially in the evenings and during “winter” (Nov–Feb). Be aware of burning season February – April, the air quality is poorer due to Agricultural farming.
- Food: Northern Thai dishes like khao soi (a creamy curry noodle soup) are unique to the region and a must-try. Food in the North feels a lot more authentic as in general it doesn’t have the same touristy vibe, especially as you venture on to the loop and in to the quieter villages.
- Costs: Generally cheaper than the south when it comes to food, accommodation, and activities. Again, a lot more authentically Thai. You can find great savings here: How we travel so often (and YOU can too!) I am an ambassador for a travel company which allows savings of up to 70% off.
Drawbacks: The north doesn’t have beaches. If your dream Thailand trip involves turquoise seas, you’ll need to head south. For us personally, this is a must. So every time we visit Thailand we don’t stay in the North alone as we crave the sea. If it wasn’t for the lack of beaches we could hands down, move to Northern Thailand.
Southern Thailand: Beaches, Islands & Tropical Vibes
Best for: beach lovers, scuba divers, honeymooners, island-hoppers
- World-famous beaches: The south is home to iconic destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao. Expect white sand beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, and postcard-perfect sunsets.
- Water adventures: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and boat tours are the highlights here. The Andaman Sea (west coast) and the Gulf of Thailand (east coast) both offer incredible marine life.
- Party or peace: Looking for nightlife? Head to Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party. Prefer relaxation? Try Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Yoi for a slower pace.
Whilst we don’t particularly love Phuket as it is really touristy you do have to head there to venture to some of the quieter islands like Koh Yao Yoi.
- Climate: Hot and humid year-round, though the rainy season varies depending on which coast you’re on.
- Costs: The islands can be more expensive, especially during high season, but you can still find budget guesthouses if you look outside the tourist hotspots. Remember your option for savings too: How we travel so often (and YOU can too!)
Drawbacks: With popularity comes crowds. Some islands feel very commercialised, and transport costs between islands can add up.
The South Most Don’t See
Although the typical islands you hear about are touristy and commercialised with higher prices there are some lesser known places that we have found and loved. As mentioned above Koh Yao Yoi is one of those spots.
In the South you can do jungle hikes, visit a sea turtle sanctuary and find quieter beaches. If this sounds more like the side of Thailand you would want to see then head on over to this page: How to spend your time in Surat Thani – Thailand
Which Is Better for You?
- Short trip (1–2 weeks): If you only have a short time and want beaches, head south. If you want culture and trekking, go north.
- Longer trip (3+ weeks): You can experience both! Many travelers start in Bangkok, then take an overnight train or flight north to Chiang Mai before flying south to the islands. We have also started in Bangkok, flown to Chiang Mai and made our way back down to Bangkok before settling in on a night train down South.
- Families: Both regions are family-friendly. We personally found the more touristy regions of Phuket and Koh Samui a bit more overwhelming for us as we like quieter beaches. As a mother I like to be able to keep my eyes on my children easily! The North opened our children’s eyes up so much to culture and history so if you are worldschoolers then you would definitely love this area. In general the Thai love families and will be as accommodating as they possibly can no matter where you are, especially if you respect their culture. You can read more about that here: How to make the most of Thailand
- Backpackers & digital nomads: Northern Thailand wins for affordability, community, and coworking vibes. When we travelled the Mae Hon Song loop we met backpackers all day every day. Accommodation was super cheap too. If you don’t stay on the loop and just drive straight from Chiang Mai to Pai you’ll find a huge digital nomad community (and worldschoolers.)
Final Thoughts
Both North and South Thailand are incredible in their own ways. If you’re dreaming of temples, mountains, and authentic Thai culture, the north will capture your heart. If you’re chasing turquoise waters, palm trees, and tropical island life, the south will deliver.
Ideally? Do both. But whichever you choose, you’ll leave Thailand with memories to last a lifetime.
Hopefully this post and the others linked throughout will help you make a decision and if you need any help forming an itinerary that suits or would like to ask any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourunlimitedchoices/
Before you set off, make sure you have everything you need with our FREE travel guide which you can grab here.
For now,
Francesca xoxo