Thailand attracts millions of tourists from the world over every year. With beautiful beaches, lush green national parks, mountain ranges, stunning architecture and much more, each island making the land of smiles is beautifully sight worthy.
From the endless list of things to do in Thailand, we present to you an exciting line-up of the most loved and sought-after tourist spots in Thailand.
1. The Grand Palace in Bangkok
The Grand palace in Bangkok is one of the best tourist places to visit in Thailand. The palace easily made it to the top of this list for its grandeur, stunning architecture and its regal history. Though the palace is almost two centuries old, it still continues to impress and awe visitors. The palace grounds also house many other magnificent buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Though the temple is built in authentic Thai style, the palace is a fusion of European and Thai architecture. The Grand Palace is a treat to the artful eyes.
2. Phang Nga Bay
The Phang Nga Bay is popular for its ‘James Bond’ Island (the island was part of a Bond movie). The island offers a spectacular view of the surrounding green hills straddling the bay’s jade green waters. But, visitors are quick to notice the island’s most distinct feature – the limestone karsts sticking vertically out of the ocean floor. Phang Nga has many unexplored caves on the sides of its many limestone rocks.
Tourists visiting Phang Nga are taken to the Koh Panyee – a little village with houses, huts and cafes built on stilts resting on the shallow sea floor. The restaurants in the village serve fresh local food. Do not miss out on the floating football court in the village. Phang Nga is best experienced on paddle boats so you get the freedom to explore the tiny islands littering the bay at leisure.
3. Similan Islands
The Similan Island is an archipelago consisting of nine smaller islands. The coral white sand beaches are sometimes completely deserted and make for a perfectly idle vacation spot. One side of the island is dominated by huge boulders while the other side is covered by thickets of bamboo and jackfruit trees. The islands have breathtaking diving sites. Beautiful tropical fish and massive coral gardens can be found at just 6 or 7 m into the water. With an impressive marine biodiversity comprising several unique fish species, sea fans, barrel fans, underwater caves and shallow reefs, Similan Islands are a haven for divers and snorkelers.
4. Floating Markets
The floating markets of Bangkok are an experience like none other to tourists visiting Thailand. The markets which date back to the 13th century are now an out and out tourist affair. Sellers bring fresh tropical fruits, coconut water, home cooked food, flowers and local handcraft on their boats for tourists. There are about ten floating markets in Bangkok. Floating markets are crowded, noisy, but guarantee a lot of fun! If you take up one of the many easily available Thailand Holiday packages, you could get a hassle-free guided tour through the Damnoen Saouk floating market.
5. Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi islands are the tropical dream of every beach lover. The group of islands is adorned with pristine white beaches, blue-green waters, beautiful limestone formations and rolling hills. While the island is a sanctuary of calm during the day, it turns into a raging party town during the night. The transformation is almost unbelievable. The entire town comes alive in the night and parties go on into the wee hours of the night. Fire dancing, reggae themed bars and many surprises await tourists at Phi Phi. The islands also have some great shopping areas.
6. Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
The Doi Suthep is one of the most spiritually important sites in Thailand. Located in the city of Chiang Mai, the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple is surrounded by 100 square miles of untouched Natural Park filled with a diverse population of flora and fauna. It is perched at 5,528 miles above sea level majestically looking over the city. Built in the twelfth century, the temple is crowned by a 79 ft tall golden monument that can be seen shining in the sun light from the foot of the hill.
Doi Suthep also has picturesque water falls flowing along the height of mountains, forming clear pools and foaming streams. These make for lovely picnic spots for tourists going up to the temple.
7. Railay
Railay is a tiny peninsula located south of the Ao Nang Beach. Railay can be accessed only via boats and on foot. It has no roads, buses or cars – just mysterious foot paths snaking their way around the island. The island is dominated by serene white beaches, limestone hills, caves and a lagoon that is continuously fed by the shifting tidal waves. The little island exudes a feeling of being stuck back in time. Completely void of technology, the island is the ideal escape for those who wish to escape their ever ringing cell phones!
8. Ayutthaya
The city of Ayutthaya has a dramatic past – from being a flourishing trade centre to a war torn region – Ayutthaya has survived to tell the world its tale. The ruins of temples and the royal palace still stand as a majestic reminder of the architectural genius of ancient Thailand. Located about 74 km from Bangkok, Ayutthaya can be reached by road or train. You can also take a scenic river cruise which lets you get a peek into the lives of the people living on the river banks.
9. Wat Arun
Wat Arun – the temple of the dawn - is considered one of the best temples in Thailand. The temple is located alongside the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The Emerald Buddha once resided in this very temple. Though Wat Arun is the temple of the rising sun, the temple still makes for a breathtaking sight after sun set.
10. Khao Yai National Park
The Khao Yai Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khao Yai is just a three hours’ drive away from Bangkok and is a perennial tourist destination. With roaring waterfalls and lush green forests, the park attracts steady tourist traffic. Check out the many camping sites and luxury resorts located around Khao Yai.
At about 20 km from the entrance of Khao Yai, lies nestled in the greenery, an Italian surprise. The Tuscany themed Palio Village – an eclectic shopping site filled with paved pathways, fountains, colourful stalls and shops. Grab a bite or two and get clicking!
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