Best Places to Visit in Thailand

There are lot of destinations that can be considered as best places to visit in Thailand. Thailand  known as Land of the Free, also nicknamed “Land of Smiles.” Land of Smiles host you with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, lush rice fields, ancient temples and awesome architecture. There are more than 35,000 shrines and temples since Buddhism is practiced by more than 95% of Thailand’s population. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonised by a European power. Home to the world’s smallest mammal and one of the largest flowers in the world grows in the forests of Khao Sok.

To experience magnificent and exciting escapade, here are few list of best of places to visit in Thailand:

• Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the largest city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents. So, you can visit Riverside Bar & Restaurant, Talat Ton Lam Yai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, Bua Tong Sticky Waterfal, Chang Puak Gate Night Market, Sunday Walking Market, Kat Rin Kham Night Bazaar, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and so on.

• Bangkok

Officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep. It is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. Bangkok is actually a shortened version of the capital city’s full name Coming in at a whopping 168 letters. Bangkok’s full name is actually Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. Home to opulent Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew Temple, Wat Arun Temple, Chinatown(Yaowarat), Sky Bar, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Damnoen Saduak floating market, Jim Thompson’s House and Museum, Lumpini Park, Bangkok museums, among others.

• Phuket

This is also one of the best places to visit in Thailand. This rain forested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches. The island is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas, old shophouses, restaurants and busy markets. You might love to visit Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan), Maya Bay (Maya Beach), Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga), Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket Simon Cabaret Show, Karon Beach, Soi Dog Foundation, Phuket Elephant Care and Cave Temple (Wat Suwan Kuha).

• Lampang

Another place to visit in Thailand is Lampang, often  referred to as the “Little Lanna” due to its preserved Lanna architecture and laid-back charm. It is worthwhile destination where you can explore various place like Wat PhutthabatSutthawat, Wat Phrathat Doi Phra Chan, Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, Chae Son National Park, Wat Si Rong Mueang, Wat Pong SanukNuea, Baan Sao Nak, Kad Kong Ta Walking Street and Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum.

• Ko Chang

It is known as Elephant Island and also Thailand’s third-largest island. Some of the top places to visit in Ko Chang include White Sand Beach, Lonely Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach, Mu Ko Chang National Park, Bang Bao Pier, Salakkok Village, Than Mayom Waterfall, also HTMS Chang Wreck which is the largest shipwreck in Thailand.

• Koh Tao

This is the smallest of the three most popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a world-renowned diving destination, and there are many dive schools on the island that offer courses for all levels. Likewise, this island is well known for scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering.  Ko Tao is known for its tropical coral reefs, with species including whale sharks and rays, Hawksbill and green turtles. You can visit Koh Nangyuan, Sairee Beach, Haad Tien, Mango Viewpoint , Tanote Bay, Two Views, ohn-Suwan Viewpoint and Jor Por Ror.

• Ayutthaya

The Lost City of Ayutthaya, located in Thailand, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom (now Thailand) from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It was a flourishing and powerful city, known for its grand temples, palaces, and a complex network of canals. However, in 1767, the city was razed by the Burmese army, leading to its abandonment and earning it the designation of a “lost city.” Ayutthaya Historical Park preserves the ruins of this once-great city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Lokayasutharam, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Bang Pa-in Palace and Wat Phra Mahathat.

• Chiang Rai

Situated in northern Thailand, there are countless reasons to visit Chiang Rai, one of the beautiful places to behold. Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple) and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are two of the city’s most popular cultural landmarks. Furthermore, travelers can also see Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai’s iconic all-white temple. Enjoy a boat tour of the Mae Kok River, go shopping at the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and explore the Baan Dam Museum, a collection of buildings created by artist Thawan Duchanee.

• Kanchanaburi Province

This is Thailand’s third-largest province with captivating natural beauty. Featuring waterfalls, rivers, mountains to Neolithic caves and national parks. Visitors can can visit World War II sites, including the notorious Bridge over the River Kwai, Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, JEATH War Museum to see a replica of a prisoners-of-war camp.

• Udon Thani

Similarly, northeast Thai city is ideal for travelers who love traditional culture, museums, temples and exquisite nature. You can learn about Udon Thani’s Chinese heritage at the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center and visit the temple Wat Phothisomphon, Nong Prachak Public Park, Red Lotus Lake, and Ban Chiang, a Bronze Age UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Sukhothai

Sukhothai, meaning “dawn of happiness” in Thai, This was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a number of fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture and civilisation. Also, Sukhothai is home to approximately 190 ancient sites and temple ruins. Most of the monuments and ruins are restored at the Sukhothai Historical Park, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Trapang Ram, Wat Chang Lom, National Museum, Sukhothai and Wat Sri Chum.

Other places you can visit include:

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Yai National Park

Koh Samui

The Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon

Pai

Mae Hong Son Loop

Phang Nga

The above mentioned places are just few of many destinations to explore. The “Land of Smiles” will leave an indelible experience in your memory. So, start planning your trip and discover the thrilling adventure that awaits you.