10 x Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a country in the Indochinese peninsula surrounded by Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Thailand is a popular holiday destination for European and Asian visitors, with attractions ranging from historical and sacred sites to seaside resorts known for their nightlife. In addition to its rich and colorful culture, Thailand offers attractive places that draw millions of tourists each year. Here's a quick rundown of some of Thailand's top spots to visit. Many people associate Thailand with white sand beaches and palm trees, but the country also has tropical rainforest, mist-covered mountains, and fascinating ancient sites.

Those interested in spending a few weeks exploring tropical islands should visit the picture-perfect Thai Islands. If the exhilarating vitality of a major city appeals to you, Bangkok will give you a fantastic experience. Chiang Mai is an excellent starting place to see the northern mountainous vistas and learn more about Thailand's diverse ethnicities. With our list of the most incredible locations to visit in Thailand, you can plan your vacation to Southeast Asia's most popular tourism destination.

1. Bangkok

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Bangkok, located in Central Thailand, is a massive city with something for everyone. Khao San Road, the popular tourist route, is a beautiful spot to start because of its intriguing landmarks, cheap shopping, and nightlife. The Thai capital, bright blue and temple-tranquil, is simply unmissable, with many things to see and do however you want to spend your time. BKK boasts a modern side with muscular skyscrapers and numerous outbreaks of contemporary architecture, fantastic art galleries, fascinating museums, and cultural and historical sights reams. 

When it comes to spending, the city is eager to sell: in frantic mega malls, and the dining scene is a whirlwind of gourmet restaurants and street food. After dark, there are throbbing nightclubs, live music, cocktail bars, spectacular rooftop bars, and adrenaline-laced Muay Thai fights. The BTS sky train, MRT metro, countless buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks make getting around simple. Perhaps most importantly, you'll discover lodging to meet your needs — whatever your suitcase or budget.

2. Ayutthaya

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The ancient city of Ayutthaya is located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. It was once Thailand's capital–back in the 14th century when the kingdom of Siam was at its strongest. The kingdom's ruins can now be visited while walking through the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park, encompassing 289 hectares and is home to many prang (reliquary towers), wat, and stucco statues, is bordered by three rivers and deep moats.

The most notable temple in town is Wat Phra Mahathat, which features a figure of a Buddha's head entangled in tree roots. Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the park's largest temple, has three gigantic silver-looking Chedis. At the same time, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is well known for its giant reclining Buddha and hundreds of sitting Buddha sculptures draped in golden cloth that encircles the temple.

3. Phuket

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Phuket, located off Thailand's west coast in the Andaman Sea, is home to some of the country's most visited beaches, superb diving, and the availability of expensive spas. Travelers can visit Kata Noi Beach for peaceful scenery, Nai Harn Beach for crystal-clear seas shaded by palm trees, and Surin Beach for luxury resorts and high-end restaurants overlooking the sea. Patong Beach is the most popular beach, consisting of resorts, hotels, shops, restaurants, and a busy nightlife. With its stunning caves, aquatic grottoes, and limestone islands, Phang Nga Bay is a great site.

Phuket's spiritual side may be seen at the summit of Nakkerd Hill, where the 45-meter-tall Big Buddha statues over the island. Wat Chalong is Phuket's largest temple and home to a stupa purported to contain a bone part of Buddha.

Phuket Town is worth walking around to see the Sino-Portuguese structures that line Thailand Road and the historic shophouses that have been turned into flourishing enterprises and markets.

4. Khao Sok National Park

The immense expanse of Khao Sok National Park, in ragged limestone mountains surrounding massive emerald-green lakes, is undoubtedly one of Thailand's most magnificent natural destinations. This national park is located between Krabi and Phuket.

Visitors can experience the rainforest by visiting elephant camps and participating in adventure activities such as kayaking. There are a variety of jungle lodges to stay in, as well as native guides that offer wildlife tours, canoe trips, and treks.

5. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a historical city in northern Thailand's mountains built in 1296 as the capital of the 700-year-old Lanna Kingdom north of Thailand. You can still see the moats and walls from this era in the Old City neighborhood, along with numerous Buddhist temples. 

You can spend hours exploring the ancient city with a beautiful blend of the laid-back north, stunning mountains, and various historically rich structures and activities awaiting your exploration. 

6. Similan Islands, Phang Nga

The Similan Islands, located off the shore of Phang Nga Province in the glittering Andaman Sea, are among the best destinations in Thailand for scuba diving and snorkeling. The ocean bottom is filled with beautiful marine life and underwater structures. Outings are feasible, but if you're a diving lover, you'll want to spend at least a few days on a live-aboard vessel to explore the depths truly. Fishing is also quite popular on the islands, known for their lush woods, strange rock formations, and stunning white, sandy beaches.

7. Pattaya

Pattaya is a famous vacation city on Thailand's Eastern Gulf Coast, just a short distance from Bangkok. Pattaya is well-known for its colorful nightlife and never-before-seen parties, which draw international travelers and weekend visitors from Bangkok and ex-pats. Following a wave of expansion in the 1970s, this beachfront resort town became a famous destination for Adult tourism in Thailand. At the same time, the government has recently made attempts to make Pattaya a more family-friendly destination.

 8. Koh Samui

Koh Samui, often known as Ko Samui, appeals to everyone from families and honeymooners to backpackers and solo travelers. It is an island in the Gulf of Thailand's Chumphon Archipelago. 

Koh Samui is one of Thailand's most famous traveler destinations due to its beautiful nature, white beaches, clean seas, waterfalls, and incredible views. There are several shopping opportunities and places to eat, drink, and sleep.

9. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is another must-see region in Northern Thailand that provides good climbing and trekking opportunities and more authentic experiences with indigenous hill tribe ethnic groups. It shares a border with Myanmar and Laos. You can visit the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of the three countries. 

For one thing, Chiang Rai is home to one of the country's most recognizable and beautifully crafted temples, the White Temple, which is entirely covered with extremely complex sculptures and carvings made of glass and painted white. Other natural attractions to admire include waterfalls and hot springs. Before marveling at the lovely gardens, brave the long suspension bridge at Mae Fah Luang Garden. 

10. Krabi

Krabi is home to numerous stunning beaches and adventurous sports, allowing you to mix the tranquillity of sandy beaches with the adrenaline-pumping activities of breathtaking limestone cliffs and green mangroves in one trip.

Ao Nang Beach and Railey Beach are two gorgeous beaches in Thailand, and both provide a variety of activities varying from relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea to more adventurous sports such as trekking, kayaking, and rock climbing.