Explore Top Scenic Places To Visit In Thailand In July For A Rainy Season Getaway

Outside the Buddhist temple with its white architecture and a lake is one of the best places to visit in Thailand in July.

Places to visit in Thailand in July reveal a quieter, greener side of the country. The early monsoon touches the landscapes gently, making the hills richer and the waterfalls fuller. This is when island breezes feel cooler and towns are less crowded. Travelling in July lets you see Thailand at your own pace, without rush or long queues. Local festivals add colour, while nature stays at its most generous. Whether you choose the northern hills, the ancient towns, or the eastern shores, each place holds a little more space for you in this season.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Thailand In July

Here are the best places to visit in Thailand in July, each offering something unique, from scenic coasts and ancient towns to hidden mountain corners.

1. Chiang Rai

The white temple with detailed carvings and its architecture reflected in the lake is one of the top places to visit in Thailand in July.

Photo: Kirandeep Singh Walia / Pexels

Among the most rewarding places to visit in Thailand in July, Chiang Rai offers a rich mix of nature, culture, and calm. The famous White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, stands out with its intricate white carvings that shimmer under grey July skies. Another striking spot is the Blue Temple, with deep sapphire walls and golden patterns that reflect Northern Thai artistry. July brings a gentle freshness to Singha Park, where tea fields stretch into the hills, and visitors can walk, cycle, or try the zipline across the lake. In Doi Tung, the Mae Fah Luang Garden blooms in full colour beside royal villas and forest trails.

Location: Northern Thailand, near the border with Laos and Myanmar
Nearest Airport: Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport

2. Ko Tao

Ko Tao with huge stone structures, and a hut among the green mountains.

Photo: Valeriy Ryasnyanskiy / Unsplash

Ko Tao offers clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back beach days. The sea remains calm during this season, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving. Shark Bay and Ao Leuk are known for their colourful marine life, including reef sharks, clownfish, and anemones. The island also has short hiking paths that lead to viewpoints like John-Suwan, perfect for catching sunsets over the coastline. Beaches like Sai Nuan are not crowded during this time. July evenings are quiet, best spent enjoying grilled seafood at small local restaurants by the shore.

Location: Western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Ko Phangan
Nearest Airport: Koh Samui International Airport

3. Nakhon Phanom

A scenic view of Nakhon Phanom province with golden statues of the Phra That, is one of the best places to visit in Thailand in July.

Photo: Hdamm / Wikimedia Commons

A quiet and deeply rooted town, Nakhon Phanom is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Thailand. The Mekong River flows steadily along its edge, and the riverside walkway stays cool and active in the early hours and just before sunset. Locals come out to cycle, jog, or sit with street snacks as the lights from neighbouring Laos reflect on the water. The main draw here is Wat Phra That Phanom, a centuries-old temple with strong spiritual importance. The Indochina Market is worth browsing too, known for goods and flavours influenced by Vietnam and Laos.

Location: Northeastern Thailand, along the Mekong River opposite Laos
Nearest Airport: Nakhon Phanom Airport

4. Lampang

Lampang Luang with its unique architecture, detailed pillars, and people visiting the temple.

Photo: Charin ninsu / Wikimedia Commons

A calm and understated city, Lampang stands out as one of the most relaxed places. Horse-drawn carriages still run through the streets, passing wooden houses and buildings that reflect a blend of Lanna heritage and colonial influence. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a revered hilltop temple built from teak and stone, offers views over the nearby fields and hills. Kad Kong Ta, the weekend market is set in a historical street where you can walk under lanterns, browse handmade items, and try unique dishes of Northern Thailand.

Location: Northern Thailand, about 100 kilometres southeast of Chiang Mai
Nearest Airport: Lampang Airport

5. Chanthaburi

City park in Chanthaburi with a distant white architectural bridge and green trees, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand in July.

Photo: Ruslik0 / Wikimedia Commons

In July, Chanthaburi brings a steady greenness to the surroundings, especially in the forested hills and fruit orchards that surround the town. The Durian season is in full swing, and the local markets are filled with fresh tropical fruits, from rambutan to mangosteen. The old town quarter by the river has narrow lanes with French-influenced shophouses, colourful wooden homes, and a peaceful walking path. At the centre stands the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, one of the largest and oldest churches in Thailand, its twin spires visible from across the river.

Location: Eastern Thailand, close to the Gulf coast and the Cambodian border
Nearest Airport: Trat Airport

6. Ko Chang

Bang Bao Pier in Ko Chang with a white architectural building of the lighthouse and green hills.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Ko Chang offers a good balance of nature, quiet beaches, and jungle interiors. While brief showers may pass through, the skies often clear up by midday, leaving the island fresh and breezy. Beaches like Klong Prao and Lonely Beach are peaceful this month, with enough open space to swim or simply rest under the coconut trees. Inland, the island’s waterfalls, such as Klong Plu, flow more heavily during July, creating cool forest escapes ideal for short hikes. The traditional fishing villages like Salak Khok, where you can paddle through calm waters by kayak.

Location: Trat Province, in the eastern Gulf of Thailand
Nearest Airport: Trat Airport

7. Trang

Trang roads with white detailed statues in the middle, is one of the places to visit in Thailand in July.

Photo: Dominic Nelson / Wikimedia Commons

Trang is one of the lesser-known places in Thailand, yet it is a rich blend of coastline, caves, and culture without the usual tourist crowd. The early rains freshen the limestone cliffs and bring out the green in the rubber plantations that surround the town. Beaches such as Pak Meng, with views stretching across the Andaman Sea and fishing boats bobbing in the distance, remain accessible. From the mainland, longtail boats take you to offshore islands like Ko Muk, where the Emerald Cave can be explored at low tide.

Location: Southern Thailand, along the Andaman Sea coast
Nearest Airport: Trang International Airport

8. Phimai Historical Park

Phimai historical park in Thailand, with old ruined architecture of a temple and greenery.

Photo: Philip Nalangan / Wikimedia Commons

Phimai Historical Park offers a striking look into ancient Khmer architecture and stands out as one of the most culturally rich places. The central sanctuary, built centuries before Angkor Wat, is set within peaceful grounds where rain-washed stone appears darker and more detailed after a shower. Carved lintels and sandstone walkways tell stories of Hindu and Buddhist influence, and information boards throughout the site help visitors follow the history with ease. Surrounding the park are quiet streets and local shops selling light snacks, herbal drinks, and handmade souvenirs.

Location: Northeastern Thailand, in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Nearest Airport: Nakhon Ratchasima Airport

9. Uthai Thani

Wat Ubosatharam in Uthai Thani with traditional architecture and a water body, one of the most stunning places to visit in Thailand in July.

Photo: Danai Chidsin / Wikimedia Commons

Uthai Thani town remains off the mainstream tourist trail, adding to its appeal during the rainy season. The highlight here is the Wat Tha Sung, or the Glass Temple, with mirrored interiors that reflect candlelight and golden pillars, creating a quiet, almost meditative space. The Sakae Krang River runs gently through town, offering close views of riverside homes, floating gardens, and monks crossing on narrow wooden bridges. The forested Khao Sakae Krang hill offers a gentle climb to a viewpoint and a small shrine.

Location: Western-central Thailand, along the Sakae Krang River
Nearest Airport: Phitsanulok Airport

10. Sukhothai

Sukhothai with an old Buddha statue, multiple pillars, and tall green trees in the back.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Sukhothai offers a slow and thoughtful way to explore the country’s earliest capital. The ancient temples are spread out across ponds and old brick paths, with Wat Mahathat standing at the centre, its seated Buddha and carved chedi surrounded by quiet space. Wat Sa Si is built on a small island reflecting gently in the water. Outside the park, small villages still shape clay pots and weave fabric using traditional patterns. Local restaurants serve warm bowls of Sukhothai noodles, rich with spices and herbs.

Location: Lower northern Thailand, west of Phitsanulok
Nearest Airport: Sukhothai Airport

Travelling through these places to visit in Thailand in July gives a chance to see the country beyond its usual image. The rains, though gentle, bring freshness to temples, forests, coastlines, and quiet towns. Each destination has its rhythm in this season, but all remain welcoming. Whether you’re stepping through ancient ruins, wading through waterfalls, or watching river lights flicker in the evening, July gives you space to breathe and explore. Plan your trip with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Gije Cho / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

No, rain usually comes in short bursts. Most days have long dry gaps, especially around early mornings and late afternoons.
Around ฿600 / ₹1600 covers most things for a day, two local meals, a drink or snack, tuk-tuk rides across town, and entry to places like a temple or museum.
Yes, especially in smaller towns and island areas where things move slower. Families can explore indoor museums, take boat rides in calm waters, visit aquariums, or join short cooking sessions.
In Chiang Rai, guesthouses near the Clock Tower make it easy to walk to night markets and temples. On Ko Tao, simple beach cottages near Sairee Beach keep you close to dive shops and places to eat.
Fly between cities like Bangkok and Chiang Rai. Trains are good for Sukhothai or Nakhon Ratchasima. Use buses or songthaews in towns. Boats to Ko Tao and Ko Chang run daily, but always check sea conditions before booking.

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