10 BEST places to visit in Thailand in April

Planning a trip to Thailand in April? It’s the perfect time to dive into exciting festivals, explore beautiful islands, and enjoy buzzing cities.

April is when Songkran, Thailand’s famous water festival, fills the streets with fun, and the whole country feels full of life. From peaceful beaches and ancient temples to lively markets and jungle adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you want to relax, explore, or join the celebrations, Thailand has it all. In this guide, you’ll discover the 10 best places to visit in Thailand in April, each offering a mix of fun, beauty, and unforgettable moments.

1) Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta, a peaceful island on Thailand’s Andaman coast, is the perfect place to escape busy tourist spots and enjoy a slower pace by the sea.

The beaches here are long, quiet, and uncrowded—great for watching sunsets, swimming, or just relaxing in a hammock under the trees. You can ride a scooter around the island to explore hidden beaches, small fishing villages, and local markets.

There's also a national park at the southern tip with a lighthouse and nature trails, plus chances to see monkeys and birds. Koh Lanta is also known for its friendly locals, laid-back beach bars, and calm sea, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers.

Whether you're diving in coral reefs, kayaking through mangroves, or enjoying Thai food with your feet in the sand, Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s best hidden gems for a chill island getaway.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Koh Lanta

1. What makes Koh Lanta special?

Koh Lanta is loved for its quiet beaches, relaxed vibe, and natural beauty without big crowds.

2. What can you do on Koh Lanta?

You can explore beaches, snorkel or dive, visit the national park, and enjoy local food in beachside cafés.

3. Is Koh Lanta good for a peaceful holiday?

Yes! It’s one of the best places in Thailand for a slow, stress-free break with beautiful views and a friendly feel.

2) Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, is a calm and creative city known for its amazing temples, art, and mountain scenery.

One of the most famous sights is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a bright white building that looks like something from a fantasy story, with sparkling glass and detailed sculptures everywhere. Just outside the city, you can also visit the Blue Temple and the Black House Museum, both full of unique art and design.

Chiang Rai is quieter than nearby Chiang Mai, which makes it great for relaxing walks, riverside cafés, and peaceful local markets. You can also explore nearby nature, like waterfalls and tea farms, or take a trip to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar.

Whether you're into art, culture, or nature, Chiang Rai is a special place that offers something a bit different from the usual tourist trail.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Chiang Rai

1. What is Chiang Rai best known for?

Chiang Rai is famous for its White Temple, art-focused landmarks, and quiet, scenic surroundings.

2. What can you do in Chiang Rai?

You can visit creative temples, explore museums, take trips to the countryside, and enjoy local food in a calm setting.

3. Is Chiang Rai worth visiting in April?

Yes! April is a great time to explore Chiang Rai’s cool art, fresh air, and relaxing atmosphere without big crowds.

3) Lopburi

Lopburi, in central Thailand, is a fascinating town that mixes ancient ruins, temples, and something a little wild, monkeys! One of the most interesting things about Lopburi is how monkeys roam freely around the old town, especially near the famous Phra Prang Sam Yot, a centuries-old temple with towers made of stone.

These cheeky monkeys are fun to watch but known for stealing food and playing with anything they can grab, so it’s best to keep your things close. Besides the monkeys, Lopburi is full of history, with temples and palaces that go back to the Khmer and Ayutthaya periods.

You can wander around old stone buildings, visit museums, and see how Thai history blends with daily life. With its mix of culture, adventure, and playful monkeys, Lopburi is a fun and surprising place that’s perfect for a short trip from Bangkok.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Lopburi

1. What is Lopburi famous for?

Lopburi is best known for its historic temples and large population of monkeys that live freely in the old town.

2. What can you do in Lopburi?

You can explore ancient ruins, visit temples, watch monkeys, and learn about Thai history in local museums.

3. Is Lopburi good for a day trip?

Yes! It’s a great place for a fun and different experience, especially if you’re coming from Bangkok and want to see something unique.

4) Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi, in western Thailand, is a peaceful town filled with natural beauty and powerful history. It's most famous for the Bridge over the River Kwai, which is part of the Death Railway built during World War II.

You can walk across the bridge, visit nearby war museums, and learn about the past in a way that’s easy to understand and remember.

Kanchanaburi is also known for its stunning nature, like Erawan National Park, where you can hike through the forest and swim in clear blue waterfalls. You can take a ride on the old train tracks, explore caves, temples, and even stay in a floating house on the river.

It’s a great place for families and curious travellers who want to see a quiet side of Thailand while learning about its past and enjoying the outdoors. Kanchanaburi is calm, beautiful, and full of stories to discover.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Kanchanaburi

1. What is Kanchanaburi best known for?

It’s best known for the Bridge over the River Kwai, war history, and its beautiful waterfalls and national parks.

2. What can you do in Kanchanaburi?

You can learn about World War II, swim in waterfalls, ride a historic train, and enjoy peaceful nature walks.

3. Is Kanchanaburi a good mix of nature and history?

Yes! It’s perfect if you want to explore Thailand’s past and enjoy outdoor adventures in a quiet, scenic setting.

5) Koh Chang

Koh Chang, one of Thailand’s biggest islands, is a tropical paradise with a mix of rainforests, waterfalls, and long sandy beaches.

Unlike some of the busier islands, Koh Chang still feels natural and peaceful, making it great for travellers who want both adventure and relaxation. You can go snorkelling, kayaking, or take boat trips to nearby islands, and there are plenty of quiet beaches like Lonely Beach and White Sand Beach where you can swim or watch the sunset.

The island is also home to lush jungles and scenic hiking trails, where you might spot monkeys or hear tropical birds. You’ll find small villages with friendly locals, beach cafés, and even treehouse-style resorts in the hills.

With its mix of nature, sea, and calm island life, Koh Chang is perfect for a getaway that feels a bit more hidden and wild, yet still easy to explore.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Koh Chang

1. What is Koh Chang best known for?

Koh Chang is known for its natural beauty, quiet beaches, and a mix of jungle and sea adventures.

2. What can you do on Koh Chang?

You can relax at the beach, go snorkelling, hike through the forest, and take boat trips to nearby islands.

3. Is Koh Chang good for people who want fewer crowds?

Yes! Koh Chang is great if you want a peaceful island vibe without the busy tourist scene of other Thai islands.

6) Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

Nakhon Ratchasima, often called Korat, is a large and lively city in northeastern Thailand that’s filled with culture, nature, and ancient history.

One of the top places to visit nearby is Phimai Historical Park, where you can explore old stone temples that look like smaller versions of Angkor Wat. These ruins are peaceful and full of interesting carvings that show stories from long ago.

Not far from the city is Khao Yai National Park, one of the best spots in Thailand for seeing wildlife, waterfalls, and jungle trails. In the city itself, you can visit colourful markets, try local dishes like spicy grilled meats, and see shrines like the one for Thao Suranari, a famous local hero.

Nakhon Ratchasima is great for travellers who want to experience a more local side of Thailand—with fewer crowds, friendly people, and a lot to explore both in town and in the countryside.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

1. What is Nakhon Ratchasima best known for?

It’s known for Phimai’s ancient temples, its connection to Thai history, and being close to Khao Yai National Park.

2. What can you do in Nakhon Ratchasima?

You can visit historic ruins, explore nature parks, try local food, and learn about Thai culture in a relaxed setting.

3. Is Nakhon Ratchasima good for travellers who like local experiences?

Yes! It’s perfect for those who want to see a less touristy side of Thailand with real local life and hidden gems.

7) Trang

Trang, in southern Thailand, is a laid-back province that’s perfect for travellers looking for beautiful islands, local culture, and fewer crowds.

It’s home to some of Thailand’s most stunning but lesser-known beaches and islands, like Koh Mook and the magical Emerald Cave, where you swim through a tunnel to find a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs.

On the mainland, Trang has peaceful towns, colourful markets, and delicious food, especially its famous dim sum breakfasts and roast pork. You can also explore waterfalls, caves, and visit quiet fishing villages where life moves slowly and the people are friendly.

Trang offers a more natural and local travel experience, with a mix of adventure and relaxation. If you want to enjoy island hopping, authentic Thai food, and a peaceful vibe without tourist crowds, Trang is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Trang

1. What is Trang best known for?

Trang is known for its quiet islands, tasty local food, and the Emerald Cave, a hidden beach inside a cave.

2. What can you do in Trang?

You can island hop, swim through caves, enjoy waterfalls, and explore local towns and markets.

3. Is Trang a good place for a peaceful holiday?

Yes! Trang is perfect for people who want a calm, nature-filled getaway with authentic Thai charm.

8) Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan, a tropical island in southern Thailand, is best known for its famous Full Moon Parties, but there’s so much more to it than just nightlife.

While the beach parties draw crowds once a month, the rest of the island is calm and full of hidden beaches, waterfalls, and jungle paths. You can relax on quiet shores like Haad Yuan or Bottle Beach, go kayaking along the coast, or hike up to scenic viewpoints for incredible sunset views.

There are also yoga retreats, wellness centres, and peaceful villages where travellers come to rest and recharge. The island is easy to explore by scooter, with beach cafés, colourful markets, and friendly locals along the way.

Whether you're looking for fun and music or peace and nature, Koh Phangan offers a little bit of everything in a beautiful island setting.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Koh Phangan

1. Is Koh Phangan only about the Full Moon Party?

No! While the party is popular, Koh Phangan also has quiet beaches, nature spots, and relaxing places for all types of travellers.

2. What can you do on Koh Phangan?

You can swim, hike, do yoga, explore waterfalls, or just enjoy the peaceful island vibe away from the party areas.

3. Is Koh Phangan good for a mixed-style holiday?

Yes! It’s great for those who want both excitement and relaxation, all on one island.

9) Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son, tucked away in the mountains of northern Thailand, is a quiet town known for its misty hills, peaceful temples, and beautiful nature.

It’s much less busy than other tourist spots, making it perfect for travellers who want to see a more local and untouched side of Thailand. The town is surrounded by forests, waterfalls, hot springs, and winding roads that are great for scenic drives or motorbike trips.

You can visit the golden hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which looks out over the town, or explore nearby ethnic villages to learn about local traditions and crafts.

Mae Hong Son is also close to places like Pai and Ban Rak Thai, offering even more adventure and culture. If you love nature, quiet walks, and discovering hidden gems, Mae Hong Son is a peaceful and beautiful destination to explore.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Mae Hong Son

1. What is Mae Hong Son best known for?

It’s known for its mountain views, quiet atmosphere, and unique temples surrounded by nature.

2. What can you do in Mae Hong Son?

You can visit temples, relax in hot springs, explore waterfalls, and discover local villages and traditions.

3. Is Mae Hong Son good for a peaceful trip?

Yes! It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy quiet mountain life, fresh air, and a slower pace.

10) Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat, in southern Thailand, is a city full of culture, history, and a deep connection to Thai traditions.

It’s home to Wat Phra Mahathat, one of the oldest and most important temples in the country, with a tall white chedi that you can spot from far away. The city is also known for its traditional shadow puppet theatre called Nang Talung, where stories are told using puppets and music—a fun and unique experience to see.

You’ll find peaceful streets, friendly locals, and colourful markets selling everything from tropical fruits to handmade crafts. Just outside the city, there are beautiful waterfalls, caves, and quiet beaches, making it easy to mix culture with nature.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is perfect for travellers who want to explore a more local side of Thailand, far from the busy tourist areas, while still enjoying lots of things to see and do.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat

1. What is Nakhon Si Thammarat famous for?

It’s famous for its ancient temple, shadow puppet shows, and strong connection to Thai history and traditions.

2. What can you do in Nakhon Si Thammarat?

You can visit temples, watch puppet performances, explore markets, and enjoy quiet beaches nearby.

3. Is Nakhon Si Thammarat good for cultural experiences?

Yes! It’s a great place to learn about Thai arts, beliefs, and everyday life in a peaceful setting.

There you have it! These are 10 of the best places located in Thailand, perfect for your next adventure in April! Whether you plan to do a road trip around Thailand in April or are visiting for a long weekend, you should definitely check out some of these places!

When exploring these hidden gems, always consider hiring a guide or joining a tour group, as some locations may require local expertise for the best experience.

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 13,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!