Discover the 5 Largest Cities in Thailand

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is 198,000 square miles, about twice the size of the US state of Wyoming. As of 2023, there are over 71 million people that call this Asian country home. Over 30 million people visit Thailand each year for its tropical climate, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and fun attractions. This country has delicious cuisine, relaxing beaches, busy city centers, and cultural sites. Discover the five largest cities in Thailand and learn about all there is to do and see.

Note: This article covers the largest cities in Thailand by area. Read this if you are looking for the most populated cities in the country.

Bangkok

Land Size: 605 sq. miles

Population: 10.5 million

Location/Geography: Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the most populated and largest city by area in the country. The city is located in Central Thailand in the Chao Phraya River delta.

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Notable For: Bangkok is an international hub. People know it for its pop culture, street life, cultural landmarks, shopping, fashion, temples, museums, cruises, street vendors, festivals, Muay Thai, traditional art, and modern education.

Best Tourist Attractions: The Grand Palace, Wat Arun (riverside temple), Wat Phra Chetuphon (temple), Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Jim Thompson House Museum, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Lumphini Park, Wat Traimit (ornate temple), and National Museum Bangkok

Chaophraya Surasak

Land Size: 106 sq. miles

Population: 143,000

Location/Geography: Chaophraya Surasak is a city in the Chonburi Province in Eastern Thailand. It was originally a sanitary district that became a city municipality in 2013. The city lies in the foothills and plains of the Khao Khiao mountain range.

Notable For: This Eastern Thai city is not particularly touristy. But it is about an hour and a half drive or bus ride to Bangkok. Surasek is comprised mainly of agricultural land for farming and animal husbandry.

Best Tourist Attractions: WatArun temple, Bang of Thailand Museum, King Royal Garden Inn

Ko Samui

Land Size: 88 sq. miles

Population: 70,000

Location/Geography: Ko Samui, or simply Samui, is an island and city municipality off the east coast of Thailand. It is in the Surat Thani Province but is self-governing. Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand and is the most significant island in the Chumphon Archipelago, Thailand islands.

Notable For: Visitors know Ko Samui for its beaches, luxury villas, hotels, resorts, restaurants, bull fighting, sailing, and festivals.

Best Tourist Attractions: Big Buddha Temple, Wat Plai Laem (temple), Tarnim Magic Garden, Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, Fisherman’s Village, Na Muang 2 Waterfall, Maenam Beach, Wat Khunaram, Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Laem Chabang

Land Size: 34 sq. miles

Population: 88,000

Location/Geography: Laem Chabang is located in Eastern Thailand in the Chonburi Province. It is a port city municipality in the Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts. The city is to the east of the Gulf of Thailand along the coast.

Notable For: Many know Laem Chabang for its port, industry, Japanese retirement population, pineapple plantations, golf courses, and football.

Best Tourist Attractions: Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Pattaya Floating Market, Jomtien Beach, Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain), Koh Lan Island, Ang Sila Old Market, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and Bang Phra Reservoir

Surat Thani

Land Size: 26 sq. miles

Population: 132,000

Location/Geography: Located in Southern Thailand, Surat Thani is a city in the Ban Don District in Surat Thani Province. It is located on the Gulf of Thailand at the mouth of the Tapi River.

Notable For: Surat Thani is not a tourist area. But many tourists pass through on their way to the Samui Archipelago. The most notable attractions in the city are its occasional food fairs and cultural festivals.

Best Tourist Attractions: City Pillar Shrine, Khao Sok National Park, Ko Lamphu Public Park, Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya (elaborate Buddhist temple), Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, Pra Cha Rat Floating Market, Phra That Si Surat, and Surat Thani Rama Public Park

Check out this list of national parks in Thailand to plan your next excursion!

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