Bangkok’s air quality has recently deteriorated, with frequent haze and smog impacting the city and posing health concerns. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in early January 2025 reached 115, indicating poor air quality. With high levels of particulate matter, visiting Bangkok might not be ideal now. While conditions will likely remain similar until February, improvements are anticipated soon. For tourists planning to visit Thailand and locals seeking a less polluted environment, consider these alternative cities with lower AQI.
Check out which Thailand destination suits you best with our Phuket vs Pattaya guide. Now, let’s explore these Thai destinations with low AQI as an alternative to Bangkok.
Thailand’s ‘clean air’ cities to explore when Bangkok’s low AQI is a concern
Betong (AQI: 56)
One of Thailand’s most popular low-AQI cities, Betong, is in the southernmost Yala province near the Malaysian border. Apart from having the cleanest air in Thailand, Betong also offers plenty of attractions for those looking to spend a few days in nature. Surrounded by mountains, Betong promises stunning views backed by immersive cultural experiences and pleasant weather almost annually.
Places to visit: Piyamit Tunnel, Betong City Museum, Betong Hot Spring, and the Winter Flower Garden.
Things to do: Enjoy stunning views from Gunung Silipat, revel in the thrill of walking on the Skywalk Aiyerweng, and explore Hala Bal Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to reach
By air: Betong International Airport is located within the city.
By train: Hat Yai Railway Station is approximately
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Satun (AQI: 65)
Located along the coast of the Andaman Sea, Satun is a province of approximately 100 small islands. Expansive national parks that showcase the lush forests and vibrant underwater life, the opportunity to engage in myriad watersports such as snorkelling and scuba diving, and the chance to relax on pristine beaches without being disturbed by anyone are what make a trip to Satun worth it, especially if you are looking to escape the worsening AQI in Bangkok.
Places to visit: Tarutao National Park, Tham Le Stegodon limestone hills, Satun National Museum, and the Tham Chet Khot cave system.
Things to do: Spend an evening enjoying a stunning sunset on Ko Lipe, marvel at the Wang Sai Thong Waterfall, and go beach-hopping.
How to reach
By air: Hat Yai International Airport is approximately 94 km away.
By train: Hat Yai Railway Station is approximately 101 km away.
Trang (AQI: 68)
Ideal for those looking to get away from the crowds, Trang is where you can put your feet up, take a deep breath, and marvel at the beauty of nature surrounding you. Offering a rich culture, great food options, adventurous activities, natural beauty, and several fantastic places to enjoy a quick shopping spree, Trang is quickly becoming a hot favourite for all, whether Thai nationals or tourists.
Love natural beauty? Check out our story on Thailand’s best national parks.
Places to visit: Thung Khai Botanical Garden, Kapangsurin Park, Kantang History Museum, and Koh Mook Pier.
Things to do: Pick up the perfect souvenirs from Chan Chala Night Market and Cinta Market, spend a day on the shores of Hat Chao Mai National Park, and explore Wang Phraya Phichai Songkhram Cave.
How to reach
By air: Trang Airport is located within the city.
By train: Trans Railway Station is located within the city.
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Phuket (AQI: 68)
One of the best beach destinations in Asia, Phuket is an ideal stopover for tourists and a place for Thai nationals to spend a restful holiday. The largest island in Thailand, Phuket offers a variety of enjoyable experiences and a low AQI throughout the year. From its vibrant nightlife and decadent seafood to breathtaking seascapes and plenty of cultural immersion, Phuket can be the perfect getaway for those fleeing Bangkok.
Explore this Thai gem better with our guide to things to do in Phuket.
Places to visit: The Big Buddha, Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, Chillva Market, and Naka Weekend Market.
Things to do: Explore Old Phuket Town, enjoy scenic views from Promthep Cape, and hike up to Karon Viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.
How to reach
By air: Phuket International Airport is located within the city.
By train: Surat Thani Railway Station is approximately 217 km away.
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Krabi (AQI: 70)
Picturesque limestone cliffs surrounding pristine white-sand beaches, coconut groves adorning the roads, and the chance to take in the beauty of vibrant coral reefs make Krabi a place you might never want to leave. From sea caves and hot springs to a wildlife sanctuary and much more, Krabi has something for everyone. It is also ideal for those looking for active nightlife, with beach parties and night markets stealing the scene after dark.
Are you planning a trip already? Check out our guide to the best places to visit in Krabi.
Places to visit: Hong Island, The Mud Crabs Sculpture, Wat Tham Suea, and Krabi Elephant Sanctuary.
Things to do: Explore Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, take a private guided tour along the river to check out local fishing villages, and go on an island hopping tour.
How to reach
By air: Krabi Airport is located within the city.
By train: Trang Railway Station is approximately 125 km away.
Ko Samui (AQI: 83)
Ko Samui is a popular destination in Thailand for locals and foreigners alike. It is adored for its stunning beaches, luxury hotels, delicious street food, rich culture and history, and various entertainment options, such as scuba diving, yoga classes, golf, and Muay Thai training. This coastal town is one of the prettiest low-AQI cities in Thailand. With considerably lower AQI than Bangkok, it is a must-visit for pollution-free environments.
Places to visit: Ang Thong National Marine Park, Na Muang Waterfall, Laai Beach, Chaweng Beach, and Wat Phra Yai.
Things to do: Enjoy a sundowner at the beach, visit Fisherman’s Village for its vibrant night market and food stalls, and enjoy snorkelling from Koh Nang Yuan.
How to reach
By air: Samui International Airport is located within the city.
By train: Surat Thani Railway Station is approximately 133 km away.
Best things to do indoors to mitigate the effects of poor AQI
- Regularly clean and vacuum your indoor space to reduce mould spores and dust mites.
- Change curtains, bed sheets, and pillow covers regularly.
- Regularly clean indoor air with purifiers.
- Surround yourself with indoor plants that clean the air. Peace lily, spider plants and ferns are ideal and do not require much upkeep.
- Keep your indoor air healthy by keeping your doors and windows closed as much as possible.
(Feature image credit: Ryomaandres, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | Tropical, Tranquil, Timeless: The Essential Thailand Itinerary
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
You can minimise exposure to air pollution while travelling by wearing an anti-pollution mask, not going out in the early morning, and carrying a portable air purifier to improve indoor air quality at your place of stay.
Places such as Betong, Yala, Ko Samui, and Songkhla are cities in Thailand that are known for having low AQI throughout the year.
Vehicular emissions, seasonal crop burning by farmers, industrial discharges, construction, and forest fires are known to cause poor AQI conditions in Thailand cities.
You can visit any of the AQI measuring websites to know the pollution levels of any city that you are visiting in Thailand.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
