28 Best Places to visit Thailand with only one visit to Thailand, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best destinations to go backpacking! Not only will you discover why Thailand is known as “The Land of Smiles,” but you’ll also learn about some of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Thailand is a must-see destination for every digital nomad, enthusiastic backpacker, casual traveler, or spiritual seeker. Thailand has a lot of strange and amazing places to visit!
You could have a fish massage, which involves having a tank full of fish bite the dead skin off your feet… There are hotels where you may be advised to get permission from spirits before entering…
Finally, Thailand will feed you odd delicacies, introduce you to great people, and make you believe in the moniker “Land of Smiles.”
Here is my top ten list of places to visit in Thailand.
You should also eat pad thai.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Thailand
Thailand is simply bursting at the seams with hidden treasures and breathtaking scenery.
Choosing where to stay in Thailand might be one of the most difficult choices you make on your trip. Because not all of Thailand’s must-see attractions are in the same location, you need to do some homework before embarking on your journey.
If you’re visiting Thailand for the first time, Chiang Mai is the ideal place to stay.
The city is brimming with stunning temples and ancient structures, and it strikes the perfect mix between city life and the environment.
It’s in hilly Northern Thailand, so you’ll be near to the famed town of Pai as well as the distinctive city of Chiang Rai.
Bangkok is a must-see destination for budget travelers. Cheap street food, low-cost lodging, and an unbelievable quantity of things to see and do — sounds great, doesn’t it?We won’t lie: Bangkok may be chaotic at times, but it’s a unique experience and a fantastic spot to stay in Thailand.
A trip to Thailand isn’t complete until you tour some of the islands, right? You should go to Koh Lanta to get away from the mainland’s commotion. The island is noted for its peace, as well as its beautiful beaches and natural scenery. This is the spot to go for all the romantics!
And if you’re looking for the iconic full-moon parties, Koh Phangan is the place to be. With gatherings, all night, even the most tenacious night owl will be pushed to their limits!
Consider staying at an Eco-resort in Thailand for a genuinely unique and unforgettable experience, where your donations help to save the environment and benefit local people.
Best hotels in Chiang Mai – Sylvis Hostel
Sylvis Hostel Chiangmai is a comfortable place with friendly people, a relaxed bar to share life experiences, entertainment events, and free internet throughout the hostel. Our pleasant team is eager to provide you with travel updates and the best method to move about Chiangmai.
Best Hostel in Bangkok – Diff Hostel – Bangkok
In 2021, Diff Hostel is the finest hostel in Thailand altogether. This hidden gem of a hostel serves as the ideal introduction to the country of smiles for travelers. Diff Hostel sets the bar high and delivers every time, with everything from complimentary breakfast to a gaming area and all in between.
Each dorm bed has its reading light, USB charging connector, and universal power outlet. The dormitories are tiny, yet there is enough room for everyone to feel at ease. The hostel has air conditioning throughout, which is crucial for first-time visitors to the east.
Best Hotel in Bangkok – Capella Bangkok
Winning first place is a significant accomplishment for a newbie, but Capella Bangkok, which will open in October 2020, achieved the task. One reviewer exclaimed, “Fantastic service and amenities, fantastic views of the Chao Phraya River, spacious accommodations, and outstanding cuisine and drinks!”
Côte by Mauro Colagreco, who was formerly the chef at Michelin’s three-starred Mirazur in Menton, France, is one of four restaurants on the property. Côte seems to float above the river, as does the meal (trout confit, lobster with smoked broccoli mousseline). Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the lake in guest rooms decorated in soothing white and taupe with natural woods.
28 Best Places to Visit in Thailand For The First Time
In no particular sequence other than the order in which my brain conceived of them. These are my particular must-visit destinations in Thailand for the classic Thailand backpacking and mid-range travel experience (and my must-have experiences).
If you have any further suggestions (Thailand is a huge place), please leave them in the comments section. Alternatively, make your list. Alternatively, write a letter to your local representative. It doesn’t matter; let’s get this party started!
Please attempt to accomplish at least one of them and don’t spend your whole vacation getting wasted in Thailand’s hostels (tempting though it is to do that).
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost city, is the location to travel to discover the Golden Triangle, which includes the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Chiang Rai, a bustling town with something for everyone, is often utilized as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
During the day, when most of the town’s package visitors are off on day tours, the town is quiet, but at night, neon lights flash and souvenir booths and restaurants come alive.
There are also a few museums in the city that showcase local history, culture, and art. Saun Mai Ngam Park, with its magnificent green areas, trees, and flowers, is a good spot to rest or attend a flower festival towards the end of the year. Food, handicrafts, souvenirs, and free cultural events are available in markets and a night bazaar. Picnics and riverboat excursions are popular activities at Chiang Rai Beach.
The Gate of Siam is a famous site on the Laos border outside of Chiang Rai where tourists may enjoy beautiful views. Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park has stunning waterfalls and nature trails.
Lion Hill Cave is a fascinating cavern surrounded by beautiful landscapes, hiking routes, and picnic places. Several tour firms based in Chiang Rai take travelers to adjacent hill tribes to learn about their culture and customs.
1 – Wat Rong Khun: The White Temple, Chiang Rai
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Northern Thailand’s White Temple is without a doubt one of the most magnificent destinations to see in Thailand! It is a nine-building structure that resembles a big ice castle. Some parts of it, such as the fish-filled ponds, are rather lovely. Some portions are crazier than others, such as the genuinely unusual statuary.
Certain locations are just terrifying. You just need to look at the temple’s center, where hundreds and dozens of white hands rise out from the earth, to see what I mean!
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations. When I first saw it on the Mekong River slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang (in Laos), I knew I wanted to go back for a closer look.
2 – The Blue Temple - Wat Rong Suea Ten, Chiang Rai
Northern Thailand’s White Temple is without a doubt one of the most magnificent destinations to see in Thailand! It is a nine-building structure that resembles a big ice castle. Some parts of it, such as the fish-filled ponds, are rather lovely. Some portions are crazier than others, such as the genuinely unusual statuary.
Certain locations are just terrifying. You just need to look at the temple’s center, where hundreds and dozens of white hands rise out from the earth, to see what I mean!
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations. When I first saw it on the Mekong River slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang (in Laos), I knew I wanted to go back for a closer look.
3 – Singha Park , Chiang Rai
So, let’s continue Chiang Rai’s tour with Singha Park (called after a popular Thai beer!).
It’s 6 kilometers from the white temple.
The park’s entrance is marked by a big golden lion statue where everyone pauses for a snapshot. Nearby is a food court with cafés and stores.
Then follow the road into the park. It leads to a lovely view of a lake and tea gardens.
The park also has an educational farm and a mini-zoo with exotic animals like giraffes and zebras.
You may also hire bikes or zipline over the tea plantations at Singha Park. The park also hosts an annual hot-air balloon festival.
If you don’t have a vehicle, you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk or a cab to get there.
To go about Singha Park, you may either hire bikes or ride the little tourist train.
The entrance is free, but the zipline, bikes, and tourist trains are not.
4- Mae Fah Luang Cultural and Artistic Park, Chiang Rai
Visit Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park, 4 km west of Chiang Rai city. Not to be confused with the Mae Fah Luang gardens near Doi Tung. The park is neatly set out and has various Lanna-style wooden structures and pavilions.
You will discover:
- The Haw Kham, is a tower built from the remains of 32 wooden houses. There is a Buddha inside.
- The Haw Kham Noi and its 19th-century murals
- The Haw Kaew, a museum gathering several objects of Lanna civilization.
It’s peaceful and soothing. Come if you have time or are wary of the crowds.
There is an entrance charge of 200 Baht, which is pricey in Thailand. That’s presumably why so few come.
5 – Thailand’s Hell Temples - Wang Saen Suk
Chonburi province
Is swinging by hell on your Thailand bucket list? Would it surprise you to learn that one of the nicest spots to visit in Thailand is one that not many visitors can stomach? Hell temples are terrible museums where you may view how Naraka, a kind of purgatory, appears. However, be cautious if you come here with children or after you’ve eaten!
Gallons of red paint and, in certain instances, moving components are used in the majority of the exhibitions. It’s similar to an arcade game. You insert a coin first, and then pieces begin to move.
However, with a hell temple, you may come to regret your decision! It may not be one of the most popular sites to visit in Thailand for everyone, but it is certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Thailand.
6- Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, surrounded by the mountains of northern Thailand, is a thriving city that is often used as a base for travelers looking to experience the region’s rich scenery, hill tribes, and outdoor activities. Nonetheless, Chiang Mai is a vast and culturally significant city with a mix of ancient and contemporary Thai architecture and culture.
A walk around the historic center provides views of the medieval city walls as well as scores of exquisite antique temples. The most well-known of these temples, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, is located outside of Chiang Mai on a hillside overlooking the city. Chiang Mai’s modern attractions include handicraft markets, a plethora of massage and spa parlors, botanical gardens, and an elephant nature park where tourists may bathe and feed elephants.
Those looking to enjoy the beauty, wildlife, and adventure of the hilly area can find a wide range of organized tour companies based in Chiang Mai, including hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, river rafting, and visits to native hill tribes.
Bangkok
7 – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok.
Thailand’s biggest floating market and a must-see (and mostly eat).
Why is Damnoen Saduak one of Thailand’s must-eat dishes? It is the country’s most popular floating market! Floating markets are one of the best locations in Thailand to have a good meal in a unique atmosphere. They are also an excellent opportunity to learn about Thai culture and food.
Coconut pancakes, fresh fruit, noodle bowls… a wide variety of delights! However, you should aim to get to the market by 7 a.m. By 9 a.m., the small boat traffic is insane enough to keep you detained for hours! One of the must-do things in Thailand.
One of Thailand’s best places to visit sells… condoms? And what about cabbages?
The Cabbages and Condoms restaurant are more than just a place to buy cabbages and condoms. The restaurant’s tagline is “The food is guaranteed not to induce pregnancy,” and it aims to do more than simply serve wonderful meals and sell condom-themed keychains.
They’re attempting to convey the idea that buying condoms should be completely natural!
Furthermore, it should be considered usual to bring cabbages and condoms home together. How could this not be one of Thailand’s most amazing (but distinctly Thai) highlights, if not one of the most thrilling things to do in Thailand?
Perhaps this is one of the best places to visit in Thailand to get soaked.
9 – The Museum of Death, Bangkok
Bangkok will not disappoint you when it comes to sightseeing and vacation excursions. Bangkok is a wonderful city with a ton of fascinating stuff to see. The Museum of Death is a must-see on many people’s Thailand bucket lists! (Just don’t eat anything before you go!) The exhibitions’ purpose, albeit terrible, is to convey a lesson.
You get to view a genuine alcoholic’s liver to help you avoid alcoholism. After witnessing the interior of a high-cholesterol heart, you may change your diet. This is a highlight of Thailand that your camera and stomach will never forget! Definitely one of the best places to visit and spend time in Thailand.
10 – Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok
Almost everyone is aware that the Grand Palace is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. However, you may be unaware of the shrine located next door! The largest Buddha statue in Thailand may be seen within Wat Pho.
With a length of 46 meters from end to end, this monument is massive! You could always have a massage if you want a hip Thailand thing to do that isn’t a picture op. Wat Pho is a temple as well as a massage school!
Are you still a little sore after passing out during the Full Moon Party? The monks at Wat Pho can take care of it for you! One of Thailand’s best Buddhist places.
11 – Dance at a Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan Island
Don’t act as though you’re astonished. You had a feeling it’d be on here.
When asked when is the best time to visit Thailand, the response is invariably “at the full moon!” The full moon attracts up to 30,000 people to Koh Phangan (one of the most beautiful Thailand islands to stay on) for a massive celebration.
There’s music playing.
There is drinking and dancing…
Disregard the number three.
Finally, there are a plethora of DJs and even fire-dancers!
The celebration lasts so late that many backpackers choose not to stay on Koh Phangan at all. They take a ferry to Koh Phangan, party all night, and then return the following day via boat. A full moon party has a neon theme.
The skin of the revelers is neon-painted. Drinks are provided in little neon buckets with straws.
Plus, if you stay late enough, you may be able to try out the burning jump rope. However, numerous buckets of liquor may be required beforehand.
So, if you’re still wondering where to go in Thailand, immerse your head in some liquor and forget you ever cared about culture in the first place! To be honest, the full moon celebration is noisy, packed, and pricey… Keep a watch out for far cooler and lesser-known events and nightlife on Koh Phangan!
(Read more details: Full Moon Party In Thailand)
12– Tonsai Beach, Krabi province
Thailand’s climbing and deep-water soloing destination.
Tonsai is a climber’s bubble, much as the Parvati Valley is for stoners. Backpackers come here to climb, smoke terrible cannabis on the beach, and sip some delicious mushie shakes. It’s safe to say that it’s a must-see attraction for climbers in Thailand.
Deepwater soloing is similar to bouldering, but there is one significant distinction. You’re out on the water with no ropes. You fall, and you die. Jokes! You become soaked.
Tonsai was formerly a secret treasure for expert climbers, but it’s now a huge bubble. Many travelers with no climbing experience visit this location in Thailand to be given the ropes (boom) and see whether climbing is their thing.
When I went there last, there were a few resorts and more were being constructed, so I’d recommend going soon if you want to capture it before its character is completely lost. Aside from that, the scenery is very breathtaking.
13- Railay Beach, near Krabi Province
Railay (or Rai Leh) is a tiny peninsula in southern Thailand that can only be reached by boat owing to towering limestone cliffs that shut off mainland access. These cliffs draw rock climbers from all over the globe, but the region is also a famous tourist destination in Thailand because of its stunning beaches and peaceful, calm ambiance.
Bungalow resorts have taken up almost every piece of buildable ground fronting on the peninsula’s eastern and western sides, and development is moving up into the forest beyond.
However, there are no high-rise structures, and most of the development is buried beneath trees or located within beautifully maintained gardens.
14 – Khao Yai National Park
Nakhon Ratchasima province
Khao Yai National Park, located in the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, is Thailand’s third-biggest park. Despite its great height, the park has a diversified environment of evergreen rainforests and billowy meadows.
There are various waterfalls hidden among the tree-lined woods in Khao Yai National Park.
The 260-foot-tall Haew Narok waterfall is the tallest in the park and a must-see. The lovely Haew Suwat Waterfall, while not as high, is well worth a visit; it was the site for the waterfall leap sequence in the film The Beach.
One of the primary reasons to visit Khao Yai National Park is the profusion of animals.
The park is home to a variety of animals, including pig-tailed macaques, sambar deer, river crocodiles, and Asian black bears. It’s also one of the few areas in Thailand where you may encounter larger species like elephants and tigers in the wild regularly.
15 – Wachirathan Waterfall, Chiang Mai Province
Waterfall abseiling at one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.
Water abseiling is unquestionably one of the coolest things to do in Thailand! If you didn’t know, ordinary abseiling is just rappelling down a rock face. What makes waterfall abseiling unique? Yes, you guessed it!
You begin by rappelling over the cliff’s edge. Then you descend yourself to the earth while being hit in the face by a waterfall! Eat your heart out, Tom Cruise!
The Wachiratarn Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park is 985 feet tall from top to bottom and is one of Thailand’s outstanding natural attractions. Its incredible height makes it a highlight of Thailand and an excellent spot to get your feet wet.
16– The Water War of Songkran
Northern Thailand’s White Temple is without a doubt one of the most magnificent destinations to see in Thailand! It is a nine-building structure that resembles a big ice castle. Some parts of it, such as the fish-filled ponds, are rather lovely. Some portions are crazier than others, such as the genuinely unusual statuary.
Certain locations are just terrifying. You just need to look at the temple’s center, where hundreds and dozens of white hands rise out from the earth, to see what I mean!
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations. When I first saw it on the Mekong River slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang (in Laos), I knew I wanted to go back for a closer look.
17 – Mahawangchang Elephant Camp
Kanchanaburi Province
One of the best places to bathe with elephants is Thailand.
Aren’t elephant adventures one of the things to do in Thailand? In Thailand, there is never a shortage of fun things to do! You may not only ride one of these majestic beasts at the Mahawangchang Elephant Camp. You also get to bathe with them!
While you’re swimming in circles around the wet elephant or attempting to ride its slick back, your guide will be photographing you with your camera or mobile phone. He’ll take dozens or hundreds of pictures of you and your elephant having fun.
You might also help out at one of these camps by volunteering. Don’t you think this is the best way to visit Thailand?
18 – Lopburi Province
Lopburi is one of the best places to visit in Thailand… But watch out for your wallet!
Sneaky, attractive monkeys live at Prang Sam Yod, a temple near Lopburi. These monkeys steal handbags, jewelry, purses, and, most importantly, hats.
Furthermore, the monkeys attract a lot of visitors to the city, making it one of Thailand’s centers of interest as a result of these little devils. Thai residents are so grateful for this tourism that they send the monkeys a complete supper once a year in November. It’s a shambles, but these cuties deserve it… kind of.
19 -Ko Phi Phi Island
While they may be pronounced similarly, Ko Phi Phi and coffee are entirely distinct things!
Coming to Koh Phi Phi, one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, almost certainly implies you like the ocean. Divers and snorkelers may spot leopard sharks, turtles, and seahorses here.
With the rising popularity of free-diving (diving on a single breath), there is still the chance to witness incredibly beautiful seas and tranquil bays. One of Thailand’s trendiest places to visit.
20 - Sanctuary of Truth Temple, Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth is a magnificent 105-foot-tall temple/museum built completely of wood.
Entirely! It is built without the usage of any metal nails. It is one of the best places in Pattaya and one of Thailand’s most significant landmarks.
The Sanctuary of Truth was developed by Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphant, who was also responsible for Bangkok’s Ancient City and Erawan Shrine. Lek died in 2000 and will never see his idea for the temple come to fruition. The temple is a synthesis of religion and philosophy, combining the region’s major faiths and peoples. While the building has a unique Thai style, Hindu, Khmer, Buddhist, and Chinese influences may be seen. The meticulously made woodwork has carvings of the gods of many faiths.
Part of the reason the Sanctuary is taking so long to finish is that everything is being carved by hand without the use of any metal nails. It is a masterwork of workmanship.
The Sanctuary of Truth’s primary structure is made up of four outer halls and a center hall. Each of them has its meaning and impact.
- The 1st Hall symbolizes the Universe and Earth
- The 2nd Hall is for the Sun, Moon, Stars, and the Earth
- The 3rd Hall symbolizes Parental Love
- The 4th represents Love, Kindness, Sacrifice, and Sharing
The temple and the artwork in each place have a very profound and philosophical significance.
It is highly recommended that you hire a tour guide who can explain the deeper significance and connections to world religions.
21- Sukhothai province
Sukhothai, a tiny city in northern Thailand, is a famous tourist attraction because of the adjacent remains of an ancient city of the same name. During the 13th century, Sukhothai was the first capital of Thailand, later Siam. The Sukhothai Historical Park has several temples, palaces, and monuments from this period.
The park is separated into zones, each of which has many excavated temples, chedis, Buddha images, and other structures with outstanding stucco reliefs. With its standing Buddha relics and lotus-shaped stupa, Wat Mahathat is considered the most stunning temple. The Wat Si Chum pavilion, located in the heart of the park, includes a magnificent 50-foot-tall sitting Buddha.
There are also dazzling lakes, underground moats, and groomed gardens in the Sukhothai Historical Park. The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, which is located on-site, is a fantastic spot to learn more about the park’s history since it has many antiques and artifacts unearthed in the region. Aside from the ancient city, the surrounding Sri Satchanalai National Park and Ramkhamhaeng National Park are worth a visit for their natural landscape and outdoor leisure.
22- Ko Samui Island
Despite being Thailand’s third biggest island, Ko Samui was mostly unknown to tourists until two daring travelers boarded a coconut boat and arrived there in the 1970s. The word quickly spread about the island’s gorgeous beaches, and now Ko Samui is one of Asia’s most popular tourism destinations. Because it has an international airport, Ko Samui provides a more convenient travel experience than other Thai islands (apart from Phuket).
Ko Samui is more developed than its neighboring island Phangan, which is noted for its raucous ” Full Moon Parties” on the beach, but it still offers a handful of tranquil and isolated beaches.
Even popular beaches, like the four-mile-long Hat Chaweng, offer areas where guests may rest away from the bustle. Little Chaweng, or Chaweng Noi, is located at the southern end of the beach, around a tiny point. Two tiny islands are located offshore, one of which may be accessed by wading.
Visitors looking for a more sociable vacation experience will not be disappointed. The transportation center of Ko Samui, Na Thon, is teeming with bustling restaurants and bars.
The island is well-known for its hand-carved coconuts and hand-printed batik clothes.
Samui also features some notable Buddhist temples that are worth seeing. Mummified bones of respected monks may be found at Wat Khunaram.
The Wat Phra Yai temple, built-in 1972, contains a 3 meter (9 foot) tall sitting Buddha image known as the “Big Buddha.”
The heart of Ko Samui is a hilly forest area with numerous breathtaking waterfalls, including a 20-meter (65-foot) waterfall that cascades into a swimming pool.
A well-maintained road encircles the island, making it simple to see all this famous tourist attraction has to offer.
23- Pai
Pai, formerly a sleepy hamlet in northern Thailand, is now a thriving town on the Mae Hong Son Loop, which connects Chiang Mai with Mae Hong Son. Pai is a popular location for backpackers and travelers looking to explore the area, thanks to its gorgeous valley and casual environment.
Pai’s tourism facilities have grown in response to the city’s growing flood of visitors, with various guesthouses, restaurants, souvenir stores, and pubs. Pai’s Wednesday Market is a significant magnet for visitors from various communities in the Pail Valley.
Because of Pai’s position in the mountains’ foothills, many travelers utilize the city as a base for exploring natural sites, hiking excursions, and visits to the hill tribes of Lisu, Karen, Lahu, and Hmong. Spas, elephant camps, hot springs, and stunning waterfalls are all located close to the city. The Pai River also provides tubing and whitewater excursions. Other must-see attractions in the vicinity are Pai Canyon and the WWII Memorial B.
24- Phanom Rung, Yai Yaem Watthana province
Phanom Rung, located atop an extinct volcano in northeastern Thailand, is a Hindu temple complex known for its exceptional construction. This temple sanctuary, located near the town of Nang Rong, was created by the Khmer civilization between the 10th and 13th centuries as a tribute to the Hindu deity, Shiva. Phanom Rung was made of sandstone and laterite to resemble Mount Kailash, Shiva’s holy sanctuary.
The structure faces east, and the light shines through all 15 sanctuary portals four times a year.
The park’s hours are extended during these occurrences, and residents celebrate the Phanom Rung Festival, which takes place around the April alignment, with old Brahmin traditions and contemporary sound-and-light performances.
25- Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush tropical forests, has some of Thailand’s most magnificent scenery. Khao Sok National Park is 160 million years old, making it far older than the Amazon rainforest.
Cheow Lan, a stunning blue lake filled with floating raft dwellings and colorful long-tail boats, lies at the center of the park. Notably, the national park also has the biggest virgin rainforest in Southern Thailand. Visitors will come encounter flowing waterfalls, underground caverns, and groves of wild fruit trees while exploring the forest. Other activities accessible on the Sok River include ziplining, kayaking, and tubing.
Aside from the beautiful environment, many people come to Khao Sok to see the various fauna.
It is estimated that the park is home to more than 5% of the world’s species. Small species such as Malaysian tapirs, wild boars, and pig-tailed macaques are plentiful, while bigger animals like Asian elephants and tigers are scarce.
26- Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s most popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, superb diving, and availability of expensive spas. Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island, is located in southern Thailand and is linked to the mainland by two bridges.
The beaches, with their white sands, azure lagoons, and water sports, are the major lure among Phuket’s various attractions. Patong Beach is the most popular beach, with resorts, hotels, shops, restaurants, and busy nightlife. With its stunning caverns, underwater grottoes, and limestone islands, Phang Nga Bay is a great site to visit.
Phuket is also a destination for ultimate relaxation and pampering, with choices ranging from massage tents on the beach to world-class spas in stunning locations. From aquariums and seashell museums to national parks with whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, scuba diving, jungle hiking, and other activities, there is something for everyone.
27- Ayutthaya
The city of Ayuthaya (sometimes called Ayutthaya) was founded in 1350 and is situated in the Chao Phraya River valley in Central Thailand. It is located on an island surrounded by three rivers that converge to the Gulf of Siam. King U Thong designated it as his kingdom’s capital.
The ruins of Ayuthaya once deemed the most gorgeous city on the planet, are now a prominent attraction for visitors to Thailand.
Ayuthaya was a magnificent location as the Thai Kingdom’s capital, with three palaces and over 400 temples. The city thrived from the 14th through the 18th century. By the year 1700, the population had almost doubled to about one million people. Ayuthaya became a commercial hub as well as a link between the West and the East.
The Burmese invaded and captured Ayuthaya in 1767. During this invasion, the bulk of the formerly spectacular reliquary towers, monasteries, temples, and palaces were destroyed. Some buildings, however, remain standing and are open to visitors.
Many of the ancient ruins in Ayuthaya are concentrated in the western part of the island, while others are dispersed elsewhere. Wat Phra Mahathat is a renowned tourist destination. A sandstone Buddha head is entangled with the roots of a Bodhi tree here. One of the most significant pictures of the sitting Buddha may be seen at Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit, and it is a highlight for both Buddhists and other visitors.
Wat Phanan Choeng is home to Thailand’s biggest gilded Buddha, known as Phra Buddha Triratana Nayok. It is a roughly 20-foot (6-meter) tall sitting Buddha and one of Thailand’s most revered.
The contemporary city is just 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok and is readily accessible by rail, bus, and vehicle. Although many people pick a day excursion from Bangkok, it is possible to extend that time to two or three days to experience the many ruins as well as the local charm and good cuisine in Ayuthaya.
28- Koh Tao Island
The small 21 square kilometers (13 square miles) island of Tao, located off the southeastern coast of Thailand, was mainly deserted until the late 1900s and has only lately been developed as a tourism destination. With its white sandy beaches, lush green woods, and towering granite rock formations, it’s no surprise that the island’s bare-amenity bungalows are being replaced by luxury resorts as more people become aware of the island’s natural features.
Koh Tao is primarily recognized for being a prime scuba diving and snorkeling destination.
Numerous travelers come to Koh Tao to learn how to scuba dive or to update their scuba diving certification because of the many shallow bays, easy currents, and beautiful coral reefs.
There are several diving schools in Mae Hat, the island’s major town, as well as around the island. The coral reefs of Koh Tao are home to a diverse range of marine life, including butterflyfish, batfish, whale sharks, and bull sharks.
The Thai word for turtle is “tao,” and some think the island was called from its turtle-like shape.
Koh Tao also offers multiple breeding sites for hawksbill and green turtles, however, their environment has been endangered by the island’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
Divers from Koh Tao’s diving schools have come together in recent years to help protect the turtle nesting habitats.
Rock climbing, sailing, mountain biking, and game fishing are among popular sports on the island. Mae Hat also boasts several schools that teach Thai cookery and yoga. Sairee Village is the island’s hotspot, with a plethora of restaurants, pubs, and clubs.
Get Insured for Thailand
It’s strange, it’s amazing, and it may be brutal at times. Thailand is lovely, but when you’re going to hell temples, climbing without ropes, and abseiling down waterfalls, it’s a good idea to acquire insurance. At the very least, you’ll be enjoying safe sex thanks to Cabbage and Condoms!
It’s okay to be lost now and again, but it’s also important not to get too lost. Others want you to return home safely.
Final Thoughts on Thailand's Best Places to Visit
That’s all there is to it! Finding the best places to visit in Thailand will be easy.
Choosing where NOT to go is the difficult part! The fact is that the best way to make your list of the best places to visit in Thailand is to go out and discover them for yourself.
Don’t be concerned about your vacation budget! Thailand’s travel expenses are incredibly low, making it the ideal destination for any traveler.
Please let us know if we missed any amazing places to visit in Thailand in the comments section below!
On that note, the Land of Smiles awaits you!
