Is Thailand Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

I’ve been to Thailand three times now over the past eight years, and since I just got back from a massive trip there, I feel like I finally have a really clear picture of how the country has changed and, more importantly, if it’s still worth your time and money.

Thailand is most definitely one of my favorite countries in Southeast Asia. Honestly, the food isn’t even a competition (it’s the best, not even close), and the islands, nature, and culture are just incredible.

I just spent five weeks traveling all over the country, from Chiang Mai in the north down to Phuket in the south.

So many of you have been asking me: Is Thailand worth visiting? Or has it changed too much over the years? I figured I’d put together this quick guide based on my own first-hand experience to tell you what I still love, what I’m not a fan of, and how the vibe has shifted since I first started coming here.

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Is Thailand Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

Is Thailand Worth Visiting – My Experience

As I mentioned in my intro, I’ve been to Thailand three times now over the past eight years, so I’ve really seen firsthand how the country has changed. Some of it is for the better, but some of it is definitely for the worse.

To keep it short and on point: yes, I think Thailand is still 100% worth visiting. However, where eight years ago I would’ve told you to just show up and you’ll have a great time no matter where you go, today my advice is a bit different.

Yes, Thailand is worth it, but I’ve definitely had to adjust my expectations and plan a lot more carefully. Overtourism is a real thing here now, with masses of people flocking to the main spots.

I know I can’t really complain because I’m one of those tourists myself, but going forward, I’m going to be much more selective about where I spend my time. For instance, islands like Koh Chang and Koh Kood are still beautifully calm and lesser-known, whereas Koh Samui and Phuket feel more overrun now than ever before.

The other thing to keep in mind is that Thailand isn’t always as cheap as it used to be. I just spent over a month traveling the country and the price difference between regions is huge.

The North, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, is still insanely cheap and so much fun. But in the South, especially if you’re looking for nice resorts, it’s getting really expensive, especially during the high season.

All in all, I still had a great experience this time because I knew how to navigate it. I knew where to go, where to skip, and I knew what to expect. If you do your research and pick the right spots, it’s absolutely still worth the trip, and I’m sure I’ll be back again.

Has Thailand Changed Over the Years?

As I mentioned from my own experience, I would say the answer is both yes and no. Having visited Thailand eight years ago, five years ago, and again just recently, I can definitely see how it’s evolved.

Of course, it’s changed, it would be a bit weird if it hadn’t! But change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Thailand still has its super friendly locals, beautiful culture, and amazing food, and I don’t see those things going away anytime soon.

I started my most recent trip in the North, visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The nature there was as beautiful as ever, the food was incredible, and everything was still crazy cheap, honestly, so much cheaper than in the South.

What I did notice, though, was that there were just more tourists in general. To be fair, I was there in December, which is a super busy time of year, so that definitely played a role.

Afterwards, I headed to Bangkok. I feel like Bangkok as a city has changed a lot, but in a really cool way. It’s getting more international, more modern, and even more fun. It’s actually such an amazing city now that I could totally see myself living there, so I really think Bangkok is changing for the better!

Lastly, I went to the South and the islands, and this is where I felt the change the most, and honestly, the worst. It’s getting harder and harder to find that “castaway” island experience.

Every island, from Koh Tao and Koh Samui to Krabi and Koh Lanta, is getting more and more developed. Some are obviously more built-up than others, but on my next trip, I’m definitely going to do more research and be even more selective about which islands I visit.

I’ve heard amazing things about Koh Chang and Koh Kood, which are more towards the Trat province (near Cambodia). They are supposedly much quieter, so I’ll most likely be checking those out the next time I’m in Thailand to find that chill vibe I love!

What I Loved About Thailand

The Thai Food

I’ve been traveling through Asia for over a year now, and I can confidently say that Thai food is the best in Southeast Asia and honestly, some of the best in the world. That is a hill I am willing to die on! I just can’t get enough of a good Pad Kra Pao, Pad Thai, or cashew chicken. For me, sitting on the beach with a delicious $2 meal and a cold beer… it honestly doesn’t get any better than that.

The Culture and History

I absolutely love Thai culture and history. I could easily spend days just wandering through temples and palaces. On my last trip to Bangkok, I spent so much time temple-hopping, and it never gets old. The culture is just so rich and beautiful, and I always have the best time exploring the local traditions and architecture.

The Locals

Out of all the trips I’ve taken across Asia, I have to say that Thai people are some of the funniest and friendliest I’ve ever met. In my experience, the only people who might be even more smiley and funny are Filipinos, but the Thai are a very close second! I just love the energy they bring; it makes traveling here so much more enjoyable.

Natural Beauty

I know that overtourism and overdevelopment are real issues, we’ve all seen places like Maya Bay having to close down to recover, but even so, Thailand is naturally stunning. From the misty mountains in the North and the thick jungles in the center to the iconic limestone cliffs and pristine beaches in the South, it’s honestly one of the most gorgeous countries I’ve ever stepped foot in.

Affordability

I know I mentioned earlier that Thailand is getting more expensive, but let’s be real: everywhere is getting pricier these days. That said, Thailand can still be incredibly budget-friendly if you know where to look. I spent a lot of time in the North in Chiang Mai, where I was having full meals for literally $1 and staying in a nice hotel for $18 a night. It’s still very much a budget paradise; it just depends on where and when you go!

Things I Didn’t Like About Thailand

Overtourism

I know, I know, I’m part of the problem! You don’t have to tell me, but it’s something I have to address regardless. The level of overtourism in Thailand, specifically in places like Phuket and Koh Samui, is probably the worst I’ve seen anywhere in Southeast Asia.

It’s actually crazy to see how much the “White Lotus effect” has intensified things recently, Koh Samui sometimes feels like it has more tourists than locals! On my next trip, I’m definitely going to make it a mission to find some of those lesser-known spots to get back to that authentic Thai vibe.

Prices Can Be High (If You Time It Wrong!)

I know I said Thailand is still affordable, and it definitely can be, but you have to be careful with your timing. I went on a short resort vacation to Phuket with some friends in December, and wow, the prices were eye-watering.

Honestly, for what we were paying for hotels and meals during the Christmas peak, I might as well have gone to Spain or Greece; the cost was pretty much the same!

To be fair, that’s Phuket during the absolute busiest week of the year, but it was a good reminder that the “cheap Thailand” we all love can disappear quickly in the high-end resort areas. If you’re looking for value, December in the South is definitely not the time to find it.

Things to Do in Thailand

1. Island Hopping

One of my absolute favorite things to do in Thailand is exploring the incredible islands in the South. From the iconic James Bond Island to the famous Maya Bay and the stunning cliffs around Phi Phi and Krabi, that limestone scenery is just mind-blowing.

Whenever I’m in Thailand, I always make sure to join at least a couple of boat trips because seeing those islands from the water never gets old.

2. Elephant Sanctuaries

Visiting an elephant sanctuary is such an amazing experience, but you have to be so careful. I love elephants and want to make sure they are protected, so I only support truly ethical sanctuaries.

That means no riding, no washing or bathing, and no forced interactions. There are really only a handful of truly ethical spots, and in my opinion, the two best ones in Thailand are the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and Koh Samui Elephant Haven.

3. Temple Hopping

I could literally spend days hopping from giant Big Buddhas to royal palaces and ancient temples. In my opinion, the best place to do this is definitely Bangkok. On my last trip, my family and I booked a tuk-tuk tour to hit all the highlights, and it was such a blast. It’s a great way to see the city’s rich culture while having a bit of fun zooming through the streets!

4. Scuba Diving

I wouldn’t say I’m a hardcore diver, but I do have my PADI Advanced Open Water, and I love getting underwater whenever the chance pops up.

I had an amazing time diving in Koh Tao, I saw stingrays, pufferfish, and tons of beautiful coral. It’s easily one of the best places for it, and it’s also famous for being one of the cheapest places in the world to get certified if you’re a beginner!

FAQs About Should I Visit Thailand

What are the best islands in Thailand?

There are so many islands in Thailand and I know everyone has their own favorites! But with how busy the main spots are getting lately, I’ve heard amazing things about Koh Kood and Koh Chang. They are absolutely stunning and much less crowded than the typical tourist hubs, making them perfect if you want a more relaxed vibe.

Is Thailand expensive?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve been all over the country and while I definitely overpaid for my hotels in Phuket and the South, I spent almost no money in North Thailand! Chiang Mai was super cheap, so the cost really depends on which region you choose.

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

It depends a lot on where you want to go, but I’ve learned the hard way to avoid the Christmas and New Year period. It was super expensive and incredibly busy. Personally, I think April and May are great, you get beautiful weather and much smaller crowds to deal with.

How many days in Thailand do I need?

I just came back from a five-week trip around the whole country, and honestly, I could have stayed even longer! I know not everyone has that much time, but depending on how many places you want to hit, I’d say you need a minimum of 10 days just to see a couple of different spots without feeling too rushed.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Thailand

All in all, I say yes, Thailand is 100% worth visiting. I am personally obsessed with Thai food, and even now, as I’m writing this (I’ve already left Thailand!), I really miss the flavors there. Between the culture, the people, the nature, and that food, it’s a country that stays with you.

My best advice is just to figure out exactly where and when you want to go. Definitely check your hotel prices ahead of time and try to travel during the shoulder season so you can avoid the massive tourist crowds.

I hope this guide gives you a good idea of what to expect while you plan your next adventure!