Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its beautiful tropical beaches, ornate temples with Buddha figures, and ancient ruins. The capital Bangkok has an ultramodern cityscape and some of the most famous temples, including the Emerald Buddha Temple. Then there are the popular beach resorts like Hua Hin and Pattaya.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a northern Thai city that has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its tourism industry is driven by family-friendly activities and is suited to visitors of all income levels. While it may not have the backpacker scene and remote mountain towns, Chiang Mai is an urban city with a thriving local economy and good infrastructure. Here you can enjoy activities ranging from cooking classes to souvenir shopping to wildlife encounters.
In the city itself, there is a traditional, laid-back vibe. You can explore the old city and see beautiful temples that date back to the Lanna Kingdom. The Old City is also home to numerous museums and ancient structures, some of which are more than 700 years old. You can also take a bicycle ride to explore the city and the surrounding area. A great place to stay is the Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel, which is located close to the city gates and famous night bazaar. The hotel also features a swimming pool and restaurant.
Chiang Mai has a unique blend of culture and tradition, making it one of the best places to visit in Thailand. It is the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok but has a much more laid-back atmosphere. The city has a great atmosphere, friendly locals, and cheap prices. Compared to the islands and Bangkok, Chiang Mai is far more affordable and offers more bang for your buck.
Kanchanaburi
There are many things to do in Kanchanaburi. This western city is home to a number of national parks and historical sites. The town is also known for its lush green foliage and beautiful tropical forests. Unlike Bangkok, this town has a slower pace and more natural attractions. Here, you can enjoy free activities and self-guided tours. For the history buff, there are several museums and World War II monuments to explore.
Kanchanaburi is also home to the famous JEATH war museum, where you can learn about the Japanese military operations during World War II. You can see pictures and other items from the war, and take a stroll down the Kwai River. The museum is free to enter for foreigners.
Tiger Cave Temple – Located in Kanchanaburi, this temple complex contains multiple architectural wonders, including a massive Buddha image. You’ll need at least an hour to explore all of the structures.
Ayutthaya
The floating market is one of the best things to see in Ayutthaya. It is an amazing experience, with boats moving up and down the river, stalls set up on wooden walkways, and boats selling hot food. While you’re at the market, check out the different sights and sounds that make Ayutthaya unique.
Ayutthaya is home to Wat Phana Choeng, the city’s most popular temple. It was built in the year 1324, before the city was founded, and was renovated several times over the centuries. King Rama IV restored it in 1854. In the past, Chinese residents of the city worshipped here, and the temple is filled with Chinese design elements.
If you love ancient architecture, Ayutthaya is a must-see in Thailand. The ancient city has many ruins dating back to the previous period. The Chao Phrom Market is a great place to eat local Thai food, and you can find small souvenirs at the market as well.
The city’s rich history made it an important destination for Europeans and other settlers from all over the world. The city has several foreign quarters, including British, Dutch, French, and Portuguese. It also has several Catholic churches, including St. Joseph’s Church. In addition, you can visit the Suan Phlu Canal, where you can view some Japanese properties.
Sukhothai Historical Park
When planning your trip to Sukhothai, it’s important to include some time in the countryside. While there, you’ll have the opportunity to see farmlands, interact with locals, and cruise past rice fields. You can even join a private tour if you’re interested in getting away from the crowds.
There’s also an excellent museum here, which provides a fascinating history of the ancient city. It contains a vast collection of artifacts from that time period, including a replica of the oldest Thai writing. The museum is open from 9:00 to 16:00, and admission costs 150 THB.
Sukhothai was once the capital of the kingdom of Siam, and it’s one of the best places to visit Thailand if you want to explore the country’s history at a deeper level. The city is off the beaten path, but it has enough to keep you busy for two or three days.
Wat Sorasak was built toward the end of the Sukhothai Empire. Its bell-shaped chedi is guarded by 24 elephants. Elephants are considered protectors in Buddhism, and ancient kings often kept white elephants in their kingdoms. Parts of the temple have been restored in recent decades. This includes niches where statues of Buddha were once placed.
Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is located northwest of Bangkok near the border with Myanmar. This park is home to waterfalls such as Erawan Falls and several caves. Some of the caves have stalactites and stalagmites. Other attractions include limestone Wang Bah Dan Cave and rock paintings. The park is crossed by trails and is also home to deer and elephants.
If you’re a nature lover, the Erawan National Park in Thailand is a must-see. The park is 550 square kilometers and is a popular destination for backpackers and nature lovers. It is home to the seven-tiered Erawan Falls and a series of long caves. The park’s name comes from a mythical three-headed white elephant that is said to live in the region.
The waterfalls are stunning, and you can take a dip in one of the many pools. The falls are accessible by footbridges and trails. The trails have a concrete path that leads to the falls. There are also emerald green ponds teeming with fish.
Ko Yao Noi
Located midway between the popular islands of Phuket and Krabi, Ko Yao Noi is an island full of sand, mangroves, rubber plantations, and fishing villages. Its beaches, which include Loh Paret and Loh Jark, are adorned with coral and the waters are dotted with dive sites.
There are many luxurious hotels and resorts on Ko Yao Noi, but the two top-quality ones are the Six Sense Yao Noi and the Koyao Island Resort. Both hotels feature large villas that offer fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Both have excellent spas and make for the ultimate romantic getaway.
The island is nestled between Phuket and Krabi, and it is a quiet and peaceful place to vacation. The island’s unspoiled beaches and aquamarine waters offer a serene and relaxing atmosphere. The island is a perfect destination for those who want to escape the busy streets of Krabi and Phuket and just relax on a private island.
The island is accessible by ferry or by car from Phuket. The road on the island is unpaved and can be rough at times, but the electrical grid is available and there is free WiFi at most hotels. You can catch a ferry to the island from the east coast of Phuket. The ferry arrives at Manoh Pier, which is on the east coast of the island. The southern portion of the island is home to the majority of the population and the vast majority of resort development.
Grand Palace
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand is the Grand Palace. This magnificent building has been the royal residence of the royal family of Siam since 1782. It is also the most important historical site in Thailand, and it’s perfect for a family trip. While you’re in Bangkok, don’t miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It’s located in the outer court of the Grand Palace.
Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is easily accessible by river taxi. This is the easiest way to get there and provides an excellent view. You can board a river taxi from the Sathorn pier and travel to Sapan Taksin station, where you can buy tickets for as little as 15 baht (about $0.50 USD). It’s only a 20-minute ride to get to the Grand Palace, but it’s well worth the time.
The Grand Palace complex is enclosed by high whitewashed walls and occupies an area of over 200,000 square metres. Although the royal family no longer lives in the palace, the building is used for royal ceremonies and for hosting foreign dignitaries. Inside, you’ll find intricate details from Buddhist culture. In particular, you’ll find gigantic guardian figures called yaksha. Elephants also feature prominently in the grounds.
