The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Thailand. So if you are in Thailand, I recommend visiting the following:
- Ayutthaya, Central Thailand, Thailand
- Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, Sukhothai, Thailand
- Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok, Thailand
- Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
- Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand
- Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand
- Ancient City, Thai Ban Mai, Thailand
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya, Thailand
- Lopburi Sunflower Fields, Phatthana Nikhom, Thailand
- Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew, Khaem Son, Thailand
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya, Thailand
- Underwater World Pattaya, Pattaya, Thailand
- Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, Bangkok, Thailand
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand
- Dream World, Bueng Yitho, Thailand
- Koh Samet, Rayong, Thailand
- Khao Sok National Park, Phanom District, Thailand
- Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
- Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram, Thailand
- Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- Ao Phang-Nga, Phang-Nga, Thailand
- Koh Lipe, Satun Province, Thailand
- Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand
- Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand
- Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang, Thailand
- Wat Tham Suea, Krabi, Thailand
- Hill Country, Western Thailand, Thailand
- Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
The Best Places in Central Thailand
1. Ayutthaya, Central Thailand
At a distance of 70 kilometres from Bangkok lies the historic town of Ayutthaya. There are many Buddhist temple complexes, the largest of which are the monasteries of Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Na Phra Meru. In the centre of the city is Vang Luang, the Grand Palace, where the royal family lived in the 13th century.
2. Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, Sukhothai
This sanctuary is run as a budget hotel establishment, so all you need to do is bring your suitcase. It is located just outside Baan Tuel, 6 hours north of Bangkok. It includes food and soft drinks, plus accommodation in a hut, internet access, laundry facilities and unlimited time with the elephants. Please note that you are not allowed to ride on the elephants here, but you can enjoy and experience the lives of the people who care for the elephants.
3. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
One of the most popular destinations in Thailand is Bangkok’s huge Chatuchak market. Here you can buy national clothes, paintings, dishes, glassware, ceramics, leather and metal, as well as antiques, silk and even animals. It is best to plan a visit to Chatuchak in the morning, but it would be good to leave valuables and large sums of money for security purposes in the hotel safe.
4. Grand Palace, Bangkok
It is the biggest tourist attraction in the city and the most important place of worship in Thailand. The Royal Palace was not only built as a residence for the kings of Siam, but it is also a large complex that, among other buildings, houses the Buddhist temple Wat Phra Kaew. The Grand Palace has more than 30 buildings, but only a few of them are open to visitors, although there are others that open and close seasonally: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Chakri Maha Prasat and the Dusit Maha Prasat. Keep in mind that long trousers and covered shoulders are compulsory.
5. Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
The temple is located in the historic centre of Bangkok. Inside Wat Phraeu, as the place is called in Thai, there is a 66-centimetre Buddha statue carved in the 15th century out of the mineral “jadeite”. The interior of the temple is decorated with wall paintings, the windows and doors of the building are decorated with patterns, and the entrance is protected by bronze lions. It is one of the most visited sites by tourists and worshippers in Thailand, and a must-see if you are in Bangkok.
6. Wat Pho, Bangkok
The Buddhist temple, located next to the Grand Palace in central Bangkok, is of particular importance to the Thais. It was here, in the temple of the reclining Buddha, that General Chakri proclaimed himself King Rama I in 1782. Wat Pho, as the place is called in Thai, was erected in the 12th century, making it the oldest temple in Thailand. The 46-metre high Nirvana Buddha awaits is the main attraction of Wat Pho.
7. Ancient City, Thai Ban Mai
The ancient city is ranked as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Tourists can see many important sites in Thailand, such as castles, palaces, temples and sculptures. Some are models and others are originals taken from specific places. The exhibits in the old town are divided into areas so that visitors can appreciate and appreciate the multicultural core. This experience gives people the feeling of travelling the whole country in one day. It has now become one of the must-see tourist destinations in Thailand. Visitors can have a great experience in Talad Bok with examples of typical Thai houses from the past and a simple floating market. You can also buy food and souvenirs here.
8. Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya
Chaiwatthanaram is a Buddhist temple, whose name means temple of the long and glorious reign and was built in the year 1630 by King Prasat Thong, this being the first temple of his reign. The reason that prompted him to order its construction was to honour and commemorate the memory of his mother. Similarly, this temple, which is part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, has a beautiful Cambodian Khmer style. It has a 35-metre high central tower or pagoda, i.e. a multi-level building. The whole thing is erected on a rectangular-shaped platform.
9. Lopburi Sunflower Fields, Phatthana Nikhom
Lopburi province is home to Thailand’s largest sunflower fields. Thousands of hectares are filled with this beautiful bright yellow flower, which blooms between November and January. The largest field is located in the Phatthana Nikom district, just over 40 kilometres east of the provincial capital. Although only a beautiful sight it has become a tourist attraction, the sunflowers are cultivated to produce sunflower oil for cooking and for their seeds. Interesting activities on offer here include a procession with floral decorations, the sale of sunflower-related products, and various competitions.
10. Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew, Khaem Son
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, translates as “the temple on the glass cliff”, not without reason, as it is located on top of a hill, 800 metres above sea level. From the main esplanade there are magnificent views of all the surrounding mountains. This area of Thailand is famous for having a very pleasant climate. Many days in the morning there is thick fog, known in Thai as “talee mok” or “sea of mist”. Many Thais come here to see the sea of mist, which is quite unusual in the rest of the country due to its tropical climate. Apart from the main temple, the Buddha temple, there are several other buildings in the complex, which are also very attractive.
11. Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya
This place whose name means Temple of the Sacred, Splendid Omniscient is located in the beautiful city of Ayutthaya. Its design is extremely beautiful, it was built with bricks and rocks and its main feature is the 3 chedis. The Phra Sri Sanphet Temple was on the perimeter of the royal palace, the most important temple in Ayutthaya and the royal monastery. No monks lived in it, it was built to perform the ceremonies of the kings and to take oaths of allegiance, i.e. it was the private chapel for the royal family. The Phra Sri Sanphet temple also housed a 16-metre high Buddha, covered entirely in gold and worshipped in the main prayer hall called viharn, as well as other gold objects and relics.
12. Underwater World Pattaya, Pattaya
Thailand’s first modern aquarium houses an extensive display of tropical fish. Visitors can swim with the sharks and rays here, feed the fish from bottles and watch their shows; seeing the colourful fish and corals in the aquarium and walking through the aquarium through the more than 100-metre long glass tunnel is a fun experience for adults and children alike, with the opportunity to get up close to marine animals such as sharks, rays and many types. of animals. colourful tropical fish. Most activities are scheduled in advance, so check with the office before planning your trip.
13. Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, Bangkok
One of the most beautiful temples in the capital is the Temple of Dawn. The Thais call it Wat Arun, and this place gained fame thanks to its colourful 79-metre pagoda, decorated with colourful porcelain and ceramic tiles. The date of construction of this impressive building is not exactly known and dates back to the mid-19th century. The best time to visit Wat Arun is at night. You can arrive at the site and enter the place by staying there for an hour or more before going to the other side of the river. After sunset, you can enjoy Wat Arun under the golden halogen lights. Wat Arun is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
14. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Bangkok
Located in the Taling Chan district, it is considered one of the newest markets in the capital. It is overlooked because many tourists are still unaware of its existence, which is part of its charm. Unlike its neighbour Taling Chan, it features a wide range of locally grown organic and organic produce. Much of the market is built on a solid foundation, with one section dedicated to fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits, while another section sells a variety of colourful snacks and sweets. You’ll find tropical fruits that sound familiar to you and others, such as giant papayas, ripe mangoes, chompoos, sapotes and wild grapefruit.
15. Dream World, Bueng Yitho
Dreamworld Park, located near Thailand’s capital, is a classic European-style amusement park, somewhat similar to Disneyland. As the name suggests, it is a dreamlike experience that develops the imagination. The resort is full of fairytale characters, castles, magic, shows and fun theme parks for the whole family. The park is divided into 4 zones with more than 40 objects, each with its own theme. In the park’s facilities, you can also enjoy the performances there. Every day at 12.00 and 00.00 there is a juggling show with cute animals. Immediately afterwards, there is a Hollywood show that takes you to the set of a thrilling action movie.
The Best Places in Eastern Thailand
16. Koh Samet, Rayong
The island of Koh Samet is located in the western Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Rayong, only 220 km southwest of Bangkok. The most interesting thing to do on Koh Samet is to visit the beaches on a motorbike tour. But you can also do a few other things such as boat trips or see the famous Prince and Mermaid statue. The island of Koh Samet’s coastline is lined with relatively small and narrow beaches. They are completely white sandy and bathed by azure blue waters. The most beautiful beaches are: Ao Pai Beach, Ao Nuan Beach and Ao Wai Beach. One of the must-visits on Koh Samed is to see the large golden statue of the Giantess rising out of the sea. The statues of the Prince and the mermaid can be seen on top of the rocks that separate Sai Kaew beach from the beginning of Ao Phai bay. Therefore, a photo with the Giantess and the Prince and Mermaid is a must on your visit to the island.
The Best Places in Northeastern Thailand (Isan)
17. Khao Sok National Park, Phanom District
Khao Sok National Park is located in the south of Thailand, between the coast of Surat Thani and the Andaman Sea. It covers an area of 739 km², slightly larger than the island of Menorca, and consists of two distinct parts: Khao Sok Village and Cheow Lan Lake, both separated by 60 km. The park is home to a lot of wild animals, some of which are easier to see, such as gibbons or the bicorn hornbill, a bird that will leave you open-mouthed, and others, such as wild elephants, which are not seen so often. In addition, if you go in January and February you will also have the chance to see the rafflesia, one of the largest flowers in the world. There is also the option of booking some of the many and varied activities offered at any of the lodges in Khao Sok. The most common are: night trekking with a guide, activities on the Khao Sok River or a night camping in the jungle.
18. Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima
The first national park created in the Kingdom of Thailand. It was opened in 1962 in the northeast of the country and covers an area of over 200 hectares. It is home to tigers, bears, elephants, gibbons and wild pigs. For tourists, among other entertainment, a night safari along the Khao Yai is possible.
19. Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram
Phanom Rung is a temple dedicated to Shiva, built during the 10th and 13th centuries in what was once part of the ancient Khmer Empire. Today it lies within the borders of the Thai province of Buriram. The Phanom Rung complex was designed to take full advantage of the morphology of its location, so that the temple, on the rim of an extinct volcano at an elevation of 402 metres, can be reached via an impressive staircase. This gives visitors the impression that it is neither a hill nor a volcano, but a huge man-made building. The most famous and easily recognisable part of the main temple at Phanom Rung is the lintel at its entrance, which depicts Vishnu reclining.
The Best Places in Northern Thailand
20. Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
A national park since 1954, Doi Inthanon is located about 110 km from Chiang Mai and consists of a mountain range that includes the country’s highest peak, rising to 2,565 metres above sea level. This nature reserve is part of the easternmost Himalayas. It is a cool and humid area covered with dense forests and numerous waterfalls. Because of its altitude, it is a cool place all year round, cool and humid. It is very pleasant in summer, and although it can be visited all year round, be aware that temperatures can drop below freezing in winter. Wildlife is scarce due to hunting and progressive deforestation, and therefore difficult to see. It is a visit that lends itself to at least a full day, highly recommended in those months when the heat is oppressive, March and April, you will certainly appreciate the relief provided by the altitude.
21. Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai
The unusually beautiful White Temple, also called Wat Rong Khun, is located in the northern city of Chiang Rai. This building was conceived by artist Chalermchay Kositpipat and implemented from his personal funds in 1997. The 2014 earthquake severely destroyed Wat Rong Khun, and restoration work began at the temple to rebuild the building.
The Best Places in Southern Thailand
22. Ao Phang-Nga, Phang-Nga
Phang Nga Bay is located between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi and is a series of rock formations that populate the postcards and images of Thailand on the Internet, if you’ve seen pictures of Thailand you’ve probably seen pictures of Phang Nga Bay. The main feature of this area are its limestone caves that seem to fly above the turquoise blue water, a quiet and tropical landscape where you can breathe a breath of fresh air that you will certainly enjoy a lot, it is one of the most beautiful areas of Phuket along with the James Bond Islands. You can also hire a canoe from the park and visit some of the caves around the islands yourself, and there are even multi-day trips where you can spend the night on a beach, discovering hidden lakes, swamps, caves and islands that are only accessible by canoe.
23. Koh Lipe, Satun Province
The small island of Koh Lipe is located in the south of Thailand, so far south that it is the island that borders Malaysia. You can actually take a boat across from Koh Lipe to Langkawi (Malaysia), with border checkpoints at the ports and all. It’s part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, which is made up of 50 other unspoilt islands, many of which can be visited from Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe is the only island in the archipelago that has some tourist development, but it’s not the only one to stay on. You can also stay overnight on Koh Tarutao or Koh Adang in tents or bungalows managed by the national park.
24. Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Koh Tao is the little sister of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Its name is synonymous with diving, as it is known worldwide for being one of the cheapest places in the world to take a diving course. And although its seabed is spectacular, there are also many plans out of the water. Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is the smallest of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It has an area of just 21 square kilometres. But despite its small size, Koh Tao has an engaging atmosphere and we can assure you that before you’ve even left, you’ll want to come back.
25. Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi
The famous Phi Phi islands, or Fi Fi islands depending on how you want to pronounce them, are located in the province of Krabi. The two largest are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley. Then there are Koh Pai(Bamboo Island), Kho Khai Nok, Koh Yung(Mosquito Island), Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai. All of them belong to the Had Nopparat Thara-Koh phi Phi Phi National Park. Tourism on Koh Phi Phi Phi is concentrated on Phi Phi Don Island, the only island with hotels. It has beautiful beaches and is also where TonSai harbour is located and where the ferries arrive. If you like climbing or if you are a person who is physically fit and used to the mountains, the Phi Phi islands have some fascinating cliffs where you can practise climbing.
26. Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang
Declared a national park in 1982, Hat Chao Mai encompasses 20 kilometres of coastline, 5 kilometres of fine sandy beaches on limestone hills and numerous caves where prehistoric human remains have been found. Its land-based tourist attractions include PakMeng, Chang Lang, San, Yao, YongLing or Chao Mai beaches and Chao Mai Grottoes, all of which can be reached by car. Within the park, visitors can observe various animals, such as the endangered dugong, the exotic black-necked stork, the wild boar or the anteater.
27. Wat Tham Suea, Krabi
Wat tham suea or Tiger Cave Temple is an open-air, free entry temple. It is known for its 18m high Buddha and for the more than 200 stairs and I don’t know how many more to climb up to the pagoda. As you go up, the first thing that catches your eye is the huge golden Buddha, but to your left is a beautiful multi-level pagoda that you can access and even climb, every window has a Buddha sculpture, but it’s still worth the climb, there is a small shrine on the top level. Be prepared to climb stairs for a while, though. You should also take advantage of the view behind the giant Buddha, you will have a beautiful panoramic view over the valley and its rice fields.
The Best Places in Western Thailand
28. Hill Country, Western Thailand
The term emerged in the 1960s and refers collectively to the ethnic minority groups living in northern Thailand. Dozens of trekking and hiking companies and travel agencies offer hill tribe tours where foreigners walk or are driven into the surrounding mountains to visit these people in outlying villages. During the visits, tourists are charged an entrance fee and asked to buy handicrafts made by these minorities. Because of their colourful traditional dress and dramatically elongated necks adorned with brass rings, the Paduang subgroup of the Karen people has been considered a tourist attraction in Thailand. Although some festivals are shared between different hill tribes, each has its own language, customs and culture.
29. Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
Erawan Park is located 75 kilometres from the capital city of Kanchanaburi and its main attraction is the Erawan Waterfalls. Its name refers to a three-headed white elephant, which can sometimes have 33 heads, has several tusks and belongs to Hindu mythology. It is said that one of the waterfalls, the largest, resembles the head of this special animal. For the more adventurous, you can also rent tents and sleeping bags if you don’t have them. As for food, there are places to buy it in the park, both at the entrance and on the second level. It is worth mentioning that the park has four caves, which can be explored: Mee Cave, which is said to have been occupied by bears; Ta Duang Cave, which contains cave paintings; Rua Cave, where coffins were found; and finally, Pharthat Cave, which is 200 metres long and can be accessed more easily.
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