Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Thailand – Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand is a bucket-list vacation destination for many people, with the chaotic charm of Bangkok, epic tropical jungles, some of the best street food in the world, and palm-lined beaches that seem to go on forever. Thailand will not disappoint you, whatever your reason for visiting the Land of Smiles.

Thailand has well-connected trains and low-cost airlines that can quickly and efficiently transport you from one point of interest to the next. If you're looking for places to visit and things to do on your next tropical vacation, look ahead to our list of the top 10 best places to visit in Thailand.

Number 10 - Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park  

The largest freshwater marsh in Thailand, as well as mangrove swamps, picturesque beaches, limestone caverns, and several tropical jungle paths, may all be found in the Khao Sam Roi Yot (which translates to "mountain of 300 peaks") national park.

For a day trip, there is too much to see and do, so if you want to check off as many attractions as possible, consider staying for at least a weekend. Start your exploration of the park at the Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh in the northwest corner if an overnight stay is planned. A stunning backdrop of blue-toned mountains can be seen in the distance, along with a variety of waterbird species. If you require somewhere to spend the night, a small campground and a few bungalows are close by.

Pine-lined Sam Laem Sala Beach is well known for being the entrance of Phraya Nakhon, a huge cave with a royal pavilion built inside of it. Phraya Beach also contains a small campground and a restaurant. It takes 30 minutes of arduous uphill walking to get to Phraya Nakhon, but it's well worth it for what's within. In addition to requiring a strenuous climb, Sai Cave provides a view and a cool retreat from the heat in a stalactite and bat-filled cavern.

Another excellent method to discover the mangrove forests and acquire a better understanding of the creatures that live there is by traveling along the Khao Daeng Canal. You can find a ride nearby the park or rent a boat in the hamlet of Khao Daeng.

Number 9 - Chiang Rai

The highland city of Chiang Rai, which is situated close to the border with Myanmar and Laos, is well-known for its trekking in Lam Nam Kok National Park, with paths leading to beautiful waterfalls like the 70-meter-tall Khun Kon waterfall, lush forest, and hilltop tribe communities.

Wat Rong Khun (or White Temple), at the top of the list, is one of the most popular temples in Chiang Rai, as it is in most Thai cities. One of Thailand's most well-known contemporary visual artists, Chalermchai Kositpipat, remodeled and reconstructed Wat Rong Khun, which is now a privately owned compound rather than a temple. You may access Wat Tham Pla, another well-known temple, by ascending a staircase flanked by the protective Naga serpents. Wat Tham Pla is also home to a cave and thousands of wild macaques.

Visits to Doi Tang mountain, which is home to a botanical garden, a former royal mansion, and a temple with stunning views, are also worthwhile. Tiny Wat Phra Kaew is famed for formerly housing the Emerald Buddha before it was transported to the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Number 8 - Sukhothai

The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO site that holds the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom from the 13th century, is located in the small town of Sukhothai Thani, which is best known for being the location of the ruins. The park, which is encircled by ancient city walls, is home to a total of 193 remains, including 26 temples, a royal palace, several stupas, and stucco statues.

The Wat Mahathat temple, which has two nine-meter-tall standing Buddha statues and nine enormous stupas (the main one housing Buddha relics), is the most spectacular structure on the grounds. Noen Prasat, a former royal residence, and Wat Si Sawai, the park's oldest temple, are two more important ruins. One of the most photographed temples is Wat Sa Si, which is situated amid a lake and is only reachable by a wooden bridge.

Number 7 - Kanchanaburi

Especially the building of the bridge across the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi is best recognized for its sinister ties to World War II. The bridge, which became notorious for being a part of the "Death Railway," was constructed utilizing the forced labor of Allied POWs on the railway that connected Thailand with Burma (Myanmar).

Many British soldiers were among the over 16,000 POWs who lost their lives while the railway was being built. During the war, the bridge was heavily bombed and damaged, but it was rapidly rebuilt and is still standing today. However, the majority of the railway line was ultimately abandoned or never completed.

The bridge can now be crossed on a short rail ride or by walking across the confined side platforms. The neighboring Kanchanaburi War Cemetery serves as the final resting place for the many prisoners of war who perished there, and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre uses interactive exhibits and video exhibits to tell the tale of the building of the railway and the men who gave their lives in the process.

With collections that encompass everything from paintings to documents to WWII weapons, two themed museums—the World War II Museum & Art Gallery and the JEATH War Museum—offer deeper insight into the era.

Kanchanaburi also has a more laid-back side in the form of gorgeous scenery for those with more time to explore. A seven-tiered waterfall and emerald green ponds can be found about 90 minutes north of the bridge at the Erawan Falls, which is tucked away in a dense rainforest.

Number 6 - Krabi

 

Krabi province is made up of more than 200 islands, and a sizable portion of it has just been classified as a national park. The area is home to some of Asia's top beaches. Along with having vertical, sheer limestone cliffs that are particularly popular with climbers, Krabi's coast is also rough. Though it's also renowned for its caverns, the stunning Railay Beach in particular draws climbers from all over the world.

With coral-fringed waters and some of Thailand's best snorkeling, the Phi Phi Islands are encircled by limestone rocks. Here, people enjoy kayaking, sailing, and bird viewing. Visitors seeking some land-based recreation can travel inland to Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, a largely undeveloped rainforest with warm-water natural lakes and lush vegetation teeming with unusual wildlife.

Number 5 - Phuket

Phuket is the most popular tourist destination in Thailand and is renowned for its stunning beaches, fantastic diving, and a plethora of opulent spas. Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is situated in the south of the country and is connected to the mainland by two bridges.

The beaches of Phuket, with their white sands, azure lagoons, and water sports, are the main lure. Patong Beach is the most well-liked beach because it has resorts, hotels, stores, restaurants, and a lively nightlife. With its stunning caves, underwater caverns, and limestone islands, Phang Nga Bay is a special site to visit.

With its wide variety of alternatives, which range from massage tents on the beach to top-notch spas in stunning surroundings, Phuket is also a destination for the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. From aquariums and seashell museums to national parks offering whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, scuba diving, jungle trekking, and more, fun and adventure can be found everywhere.

Number 4 - Koh Samui

Even though Ko Samui is the third-largest island in Thailand, few tourists had ever heard of it before two daring backpackers landed there in the 1970s on a coconut boat. Soon, word of the stunning beaches on the island spread, and today, Ko Samui is one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in all of Asia. With the exception of Phuket, Ko Samui provides a more convenient travel experience than other islands in Thailand.

Ko Samui is more developed than its neighboring island Phangan, which is known for hosting wild "Full Moon Parties" on the sand. Nonetheless, Ko Samui still boasts a lot of hidden and tranquil beaches. There are places for travelers to unwind away from the crowds on even developed beaches, like the four-mile-long Hat Chaweng. Little Chaweng, also known as Chaweng Noi, is located at the beach's southernmost point, close to a small headland. There are two little islets off the coast, one of which can be reached by wading.

Additionally, travelers who desire a more social travel experience won't be let down. The main transit center on Ko Samui, Na Thon, is teeming with bustling eateries and bars. The island is well-known for its hand-printed batik clothes and coconut carvings. The island of Samui is also home to a number of significant Buddhist temples. Sacred monks' mummified remains can be seen in Wat Khunaram. The "Big Buddha," a seated Buddha statue standing 3 meters (9 feet) tall, is a landmark of the Wat Phra Yai temple, which was built in 1972.

Ko Samui's central part is a hilly forest area with several magnificent waterfalls, including a 20-meter (65-foot) cascade that plunges into a swimming pool. The island is encircled by a well-maintained road, making it simple to discover everything this well-liked vacation spot has to offer.

 

Number 3 - Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a city in Central Thailand that was founded around 1350 and is situated in the valley of the Chao Phraya River. It is situated on an island that has three rivers surrounding it that lead to the Gulf of Siam. It was designated as the kingdom's capital by King U Thong. The ruins of Ayutthaya once hailed as the most magnificent city on earth, are now a top destination for tourists traveling to Thailand.

Ayutthaya, which served as the Thai Kingdom's capital, was a magnificent location with three palaces and more than 400 temples. The city prospered between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries. Nearly 1,000,000 people lived there by the year 1700. Ayutthaya developed to become a hub for trade and a link between the West and the East.

Ayutthaya was attacked and taken over by the Burmese in 1767. During this invasion, the vast bulk of the previously spectacular reliquary towers, monasteries, temples, and palaces were destroyed. Tourists are welcome to see the remaining structures nonetheless, as they are still standing.

While some of the old ruins in Ayutthaya are more dispersed, most are located in the western part of the island. Wat Phra Mahathat is a renowned tourist destination. A sandstone Buddha head is intertwined with a Bodhi tree's roots in this location. When Phra Mongkhon Bophit is home to one of the most significant statues of the seated Buddha, which attracts both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Wat Phanan Choeng is home to Phra Buddha Triratana Nayok, the largest gilded Buddha in Thailand. One of the most revered Buddhas in Thailand, it is approximately 20 feet (6 meters) tall.

Number 2 - Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, a thriving city in northern Thailand surrounded by mountains, is a popular starting point for those looking to explore the area's beautiful scenery, hill tribes, and outdoor activities. However, Chiang Mai itself is a sizable and significant cultural center where traditional and modern Thai architecture mix.

Walking around the old city offers views of numerous stunning antique temples and old city walls. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the most well-known of these temples, is located outside of Chiang Mai on a mountainside that looks out over the city. Chiang Mai today provides a variety of lodgings, handicraft shops, botanical gardens, and an elephant nature park where visitors can feed and wash elephants.

There are numerous organized tour operators based in Chiang Mai that offer trekking, mountain biking, ziplining, river rafting, and excursions to nearby hill tribes for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty, wildlife, and adventure of the mountainous region.

Number 1 - Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital and largest city in Thailand, is a bustling cosmopolitan of skyscrapers, majestic palaces, historic temples, sparkling nightclubs, busy marketplaces, and streets lined with merchants peddling trinkets and mouthwatering meals. Bangkok is not without its natural beauty, which can be observed in its remnant canals, green areas, and flowering tropical plants, despite the city sometimes being referred to as a concrete jungle jam-packed with noisy traffic and air pollution.

Bangkok, a huge city in the center of Thailand, has something to offer everyone. With its interesting landmarks, affordable shopping, and lively nightlife, the well-known tourist route Khao San Road is a fantastic location to start. The city has a large number of revered temples, including the Emerald Buddha-containing Wat Phra Kaew, which is highly renowned. Zoos, water parks, and theme parks all offer family-friendly entertainment. Bangkok offers fantastic shopping because to its abundance of markets and malls, including the must-see floating markets. Thai boxing fights take place in sporting arenas.

Bangkok provides a superb dining experience with a huge selection of street vendors, market stalls, and restaurants for every taste and price range. The city is renowned for having exciting nightlife.

The Skytrain, the metro, and tuk-tuks are your best bets for getting around Bangkok due to the city's heavy traffic. A canal boat ride is a fantastic way to discover Bangkok.