10 Best Tourist Attractions Destination in Thailand - Thailand Travel Guide
The basis of Thailand's tourism industry is
beautiful coastal beaches and offshore islands, ancient ruins, temples, jungles
and unique cultures. It's safe to say that most visitors aren't deceived by
what they find. For most tourists, Bangkok is the main entrance point, and
travelers usually head south to the beaches or north to the jungle towns.
Bangkok is Thailand's modern face, with shopping
complexes, office buildings and restaurants on the international chain. But
it's also a transitional city, with street vendors and old-style markets,
historic temples, and traditional architecture. Visitors spending time in
Bangkok will want to see the famous Grand Palace and at least walk through some
of the most important temples; Wat Pho, Wat Traimit, more commonly known as the
Golden Buddha Temple, and the Marble Temple. The city also has numerous
markets, great to watch and find some interesting goods for both people.
Travelers will want to go south from Bangkok for the
best beaches. The most famous offshore islands on the east coast are Koh Samui,
Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao, all popular backpacker haunts, where some travelers
find that they lack the willingness to leave. All of these are easily
accessible by ferry from the mainland and are well equipped for travelers. On
the east coast, however, the most beautiful and dramatic scenery is found,
where calcareous cliffs jut out of the water and provide fabulous beaches with
the back drop. There are many islands and nearby beaches to explore from the
port town of Krabi. Phuket is a busy tourist center where, for at least a short
time, many people find themselves. Koh Phi Phi, Phi Phi Lay, Koh Lanta, and
Railay Beach are some of the tourist-oriented islands and areas. Long boats and
ferries provide easy access to the islands, and from basic accommodation
options to luxury hotels, visitors find everything.
Northern Thailand offers a totally different
experience of travel. Think about rides in the jungle and the elephant, smaller
towns and cities, temples and culture. Together with Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai is
the main destination in the north. There are many interesting temples worth
visiting in Chiang Mai, both in the town and the surrounding area. Also known
for its crafts, the city makes the Craft Villages a must for some shopping.
Chiang Rai's smaller town is another popular destination with several major
wats, including Wat Phra Kaeo Tao, the most famous. There are also jungle treks
and elephant rides in this area.
The seaside town of Pattaya is located on the Gulf
of Thailand, southeast of Bangkok. This is a popular Bangkok side trip,
especially for those who don't have time to go further south to the beaches and
islands. Pattaya has beautiful beaches where visitors can enjoy all sorts of
water sports, including diving, but its shady nightlife has long been known.
Thailand is a jewel of Southeast Asia, also known as
the Land of Smiles. Thailand is a country ripe with the opportunity for once-in
- a-lifetime travel experiences, developed enough to provide the most comforts
yet wild enough to offer off-the-beaten path adventure. Whether you're starting
from the world-class southern beaches or the northern mountain villages,
Thailand won't be disappointed.
Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are busy hives of
activity and business, but you didn't really see the country until you walked
in the mountains or enjoyed some face-time with elephants or bold monkeys (who
will steal your lunch as soon as you look at you). The attractions of Thailand
are diverse, each providing in its own way a rewarding and memorable
experience.
01. Railay Beach
The province of Krabi has some of the most famous
beach destinations in Thailand, and Railay is the crop's cream. Railay, widely
considered one of the country's best beaches, offers promises of white sand
beaches, clear blue water, and a feeling you've found a slice of paradise. To
get to the island getaway, you have to take a boat with services from Krabi
town and Ao Nang.
The beaches are the main reason to visit Railay, but
it is also a hotspot that climbs rock. The karst peaks of Railay draw
experienced and novice adventurers to try their hand to climb the towering
calcareous cliffs. You can go elephant trekking, whitewater rafting, kayaking,
and snorkeling among the many other active things to do, or take on some
lighter options such as cooking classes and massage treatments. There is also
the tourist-friendly Diamond Cave, with a convenient walkway to accommodate
curious visitors looking to explore between sunbathing stretches.
02. Koh Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are, for a reason, one of the
most popular resort areas in Thailand, also in Krabi. Only Phi Phi Don is
inhabited and the surrounding islands have day trips available. One of Koh Phi
Phi's fun spots is Monkey Beach, where you will literally come face-to-face
with the namesake creatures. You can hire a guide to rent your own kayak or
take you out on a small wooden boat. There is also a small booth where you can
buy snacks and shakes of fruit, but hang on to your treatments. If you leave
them unguarded, in front of you, the monkeys will brazenly dig in and chow.
Another nice spot on the island is Long Beach; it's not a secluded place, but
it's great to watch the sunset. If you're lucky and the tide is out, it's a
beautiful walk back toward the main part of the island.
Tour operators offer snorkeling and diving packages
as well as excursions to the infamous Maya Bay where the Leonardo DiCaprio film
The Beach was filmed. Since Koh Phi Phi attracts so many tourists, many tour
companies arrange tickets to other beach destinations such as Phuket, Koh
Chang, and Koh Lanta. Although you would hardly know to see it now, one of the
areas hit hard by the 2004 tsunami was Phi Phi Don. Guesthouses, restaurants
and markets have been reconstructed and crowds are still entering the resort
island in droves. There is a small, dark memorial park to honor those who died
in the tragedy, yet otherwise the resort areas seem to be revived.
03. The Grand
Palace, Bangkok
Even if your plans for Thailand mainly involve
frolicking on a beach, accommodating elephants, and eating as much Massaman
curry and tom ka gai as humanly possible, you are likely to spend at least one
or two days in Bangkok. There's plenty to see and do in the capital, but the
Grand Palace may be the best way to start. This is the number one sightseeing
attraction in the city, and the historical significance and craftsmanship of
this is staggering. The grounds are a labyrinth of royal halls, temples, and
ancient relics, the most important being the Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Phra
Kaeo. A relic is said to be a piece of bone or hair from the illuminated Buddha
himself within this temple. Allow the Grand Palace to do justice for several
hours, but if you're up for more afterwards walking, you can easily take some
of the other major landmarks in the city. Also nearby are the famous Wat Po and
Wat Arun, the Dawn Temple (a great place to watch the sunset). And since
Bangkok is a major hub for international travel, it is a great starting point
for country-wide excursions.
04. Sunday Walking
Street, Chiang Mai
Every visitor from Thailand looks forward to cheap
and delicious food, and it can be found abundantly on Sunday Night Walking
Street in Chiang Mai. Sellers sell all kinds of treats: Thai pad, satay
chicken, samosas, crab cakes, fried bananas, sweet rotees, and fresh fruit
shakes-often for less than $2 a piece. Hundreds of stalls selling a variety of
unique items like all-natural soaps, hand-colored textiles bearing the unique
patterns of local hill tribes, incense and essential oils, musical instruments,
paintings, wall hangings, and more can be perused when you've satisfied your
culinary cravings.
The market is crowded without fail every week, no
matter what time of year you visit, so brace yourself and try to enjoy being
part of the crowd. In Chiang Mai, this is a must-do and an essential part of
the experience in Thailand. Check out Saturday Night Walking Street or the
Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road, a daily event, if you're not around for the
Sunday market or just want to have a taste of other market experiences in
Chiang Mai. Check out the daytime Warorot Market near Mae Ping River for
something less touristic.
05. Pai
Thanks largely to the world-renowned southern
beaches, Thailand's reputation as a country of beautiful landscapes and
friendly people. Most people do not realize that the vast north is also home to
amazing landscapes, although they are entirely of a different nature. Northern
Thailand, especially the western region close to the Burmese border, is
characterized by rough and beautiful mountainous jungle terrain. Pai, in the
province of Mae Hong Son, is a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of the
country and the famous Thai hospitality and cuisine. This small town has
developed a reputation for hippies and backpackers as a mecca, although you
will also see local people and families here. There is a small street market, a
variety of local and western food, and easy access to nearby temples,
waterfalls, and the impressive canyon of Pai. As you walk through the tiny city
center, there's an air of joy and relaxation, and it's this vibe that keeps
drawing crowds season after season.
06. Khao Yai
National Park
Elephants are revered in Thailand, and they can be
seen everywhere you go in statues and paintings. Throughout the country there
are many tour groups and elephant camps that allow you to spend a day or more
with the creatures, walk through the jungle, bathe them, and even get their
morning feedings to help out. But the opportunity to see them in their natural
environment is perhaps more exciting, and Khao Yai National Park offers a great
opportunity to do just that. You will see elephants roaming in the vicinity of
waterfalls, exotic prey birds, monkeys, and many other tropical creatures
calling the park home. If a one-day stay isn't enough to take it all in, it's
possible to camp out at the park and get up early enough to watch the sunrise
over the lush landscape.
07. Sukhothai Old
City
This is a favorite stop for history buffs and
photography enthusiasts, as in this ancient capital of Thailand there are many
beautiful photo ops. Despite centuries of battle and exposure to the elements,
the ruins of this old city remain proud. Sukhothai's Old City is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and a great deal has been invested in restoring and preserving
one of the most important historic sites in Thailand. There are many wats
attractions here that speak to the long history of Buddhist devotion in the
country. Each structure tells its own story of the old society, with relics and
influences appearing in each one's design from other ancient civilizations.
08. Historic City
of Ayutthaya
This is a favorite stop for enthusiasts of history
and photography, as there are many beautiful photo ops in this ancient capital
of Thailand. The ruins of this old city remain proud despite centuries of
battle and exposure to the elements. The Old City of Sukhothai is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and much has been invested in the restoration and
preservation of one of Thailand's most important historic sites. A lot of wats
attractions here speak to the country's long history of Buddhist devotion. Each
structure tells its own old society story, with relics and influences from
other ancient civilizations appearing in each one's design. If you're on a more
leisurely schedule, plan on spending a few days in the ancient capital and rent
a push-bike to tour both the old city and the new.
09. Doi Suthep
Maybe Chiang Mai's best-known wat sits on top of Doi
Suthep, a mountain that overlooks a city's northern rose of Thailand. In a crowd
of monks, devoted Buddhist followers, and fellow travelers, you will have the
opportunity to marvel at intricate religious carvings, observe worship rituals,
and look out over Chiang Mai City's ever-growing sprawl. Just be sure to bring
your walking shoes and a bottle of water-the temple staircase is steep. Sellers
at the base of the stairs hawk everything from delicious local treats to
handmade goods from the surrounding mountains by villagers. There's also a shop
selling masks, elephant carvings, and home furnishings so you can do some
shopping while recovering from the trek up and down the stairs.
Your trip to Doi Suthep can be combined with
excursions to Doi Pui, a small mountain Hmong village. It's much more touristy
than other villages, but if you're on a tight schedule, it will give you a
taste of Hmong culture and an opportunity to learn more about the region's hill
tribe communities, not to mention buying some beautiful hand-woven textiles.
From Doi Suthep, the Bhubing Palace is also open to tourists on the way to Doi
Pui.
10. Floating
Markets
A visit to one of the floating markets is a fun way
to shop and eat while supporting local vendors and watching local trade in action.
Some seem to pay more attention to the tourist crowds than to be part of the
fabric of the daily life of local Thais, but there are others that make for a
nice authentic travel experience. You will need to get up early to visit a
floating market as vendors are out with their goods, fresh fruits, vegetables,
spices, and delicious dishes in their long wooden boats for the first time in
the morning.
Several floating markets are among the most popular
near Bangkok, Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak. You can go it by yourself or join a
guided tour that may include visits to local houses and shops.
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