The 28 Best Attractions in Thailand

Located adjacent the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok is both the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. It was built next to the river strategically in order to help defend the palace from possible invasions. Construction of the palace began in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I, and was not finished until the late 1800s. No member of the royal family has lived here since 1925 – today it mainly acts as one of the biggest tourist hot spots in the city. This is also where visitors will find the stunning temple of Wat Phra Kaew, otherwise known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace is one of the most frequented attractions in the world, and it is estimated that some eight million tourists visit each year.

Located just outside the main gates of Chiang Mai is the temple of Doi Suthep, or Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Doi Suthep is actually the name of the mountain where the temple is found. The temple provides visitors with some of the most impressive views of the city. When not taking in the spectacular view, visitors can meander through shrines, pagodas, and more. Be sure to strap on some athletic shoes as the staircase to the temple is equipped with over 300 steps.

Many of the ruins found at Ayutthaya Historical Park took some 150 years to complete. The city, which was the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai, flourished for around 400 years before it was eventually destroyed by the Burmese. Many of the structures found in the city were made of wood, which did not endure the fires that eventually destroyed the city. Only the stone structures remain, but regardless of wear and tear, these are themselves some of the most spectacular remains in all of Southeast Asia. The temples’ construction reflects both Siamese and Khmer architecture, and the ruins were so noteworthy they were designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1991.

Wat Pho is a force to be reckoned with. This Buddhist temple is one of the oldest and the largest in the capital – which it needs to be, to house the 46-meter long and 15-meter high giant reclining Buddha that sits at its core. Many visitors do not make it past this stunning religious relic as they are planted in awe. However, the complex is home to glittering stupas, a traditional Thai massage school, and more worth checking out.

Backpackers and partiers flock to the Full Moon Party in Thailand each month to see for themselves what all the hype is about. The festivity goes down on the island of Koh Phangan on Haad Rin Beach. The infamous party is known for the large crowds of neon painted and bikini-ridden tourists who frequent them, with vibrant buckets of booze in tow to get the party started. Fire shows and live DJs are guaranteed to make an appearance, with parties raging until early morning.

Many tourists climb aboard a colorful longtail boat to make the journey from Krabi to Railay Bay. There are four main beaches on the peninsula, but the most noteworthy is Phra Nang Beach. This particular strip of sand has something for everyone, equipped with rock climbing and even a phallus shrine. In addition, there are some stunning viewpoints worth trekking too, plus a strikingly blue lagoon to explore.

As the national sport of Thailand, visitors simply have to witness at least one Muay Thai fight before departing the Kingdom. Arguably the best place to do this is at New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. The stadium is an updated version of the Lumpini Boxing Stadium, which was originally built in 1956. Fights are held three times a week, so hopefully visitors to the capital can squeeze in a match or two.

Before the capital was furnished with roadways, the many weaving waterways acted as the main form of transportation. Many of these waterways have since been filled in to make way for the capital’s urban decor, but venture outside the city center and visitors will find many of these floating markets still exist. Floating markets provide visitors to Thailand with a unique shopping experience. Colorful boats are filled with even more vibrant goods, equipped with everything from souvenirs to tasty traditional Thai food.

Wat Arun is like no other religious structure in the Kingdom. The Buddhist temple sits right along the main artery of the capital: the Chao Phraya River. Its positioning on the banks may have been for strategic reasons when it was originally built in the early 19th century, however, now it simply adds to the temple aesthetically. The best time to visit the religious relic is either at sunset or sunrise, which is ironic enough as the temple is also known as the Temple of the Dawn.

The jury is out as to which is more beautiful: Leonardo DiCaprio or Maya Bay, the secluded beach in Thailand the actor made famous. In the book-to-movie drama The Beach, DiCaprio escapes to Thailand hoping to find adventure. He certainly has an adventure, one bigger than he bargained for, on the island of Koh Phi Phi where this bay is found. When the movie was released in 2000, tourists’ curiosities were peaked: what is this bay that looks almost too pristine to be real? Since then, visitors flock to this stretch of white sand via boat to explore as DiCaprio did.

Even the most avid of shopaholics may find themselves overwhelmed at the seemingly never-ending Chatuchak Weekend Market. This market in Bangkok is one of the biggest in Asia, with aisle upon aisle of vendors selling everything and anything visitors could possibly desire. Keep your bags close and your baht at the ready, as no visitor could possibly leave this market without buying at least a souvenir or two.

Though the city of Kanchanaburi is known for its many museums and historic relics found throughout, one of the most noteworthy finds in this western town are the Erawan Falls. Found in Erawan National Park, which spans over 1.5km, the seven-tiered fall is one of the main reasons why visitors frequent this park. Both tourists and locals take to the cool, emerald pools found at each level, finding refuge from Thailand’s heat.

The Chao Phraya River, otherwise known as the River of Kings, is one of the most important waterways in Thailand. Some of the top attractions in the capital are found along its banks, and it is one of the major transportation hubs in the city. Whether visitors take to the river to enjoy a dinner cruise or hop on the Chao Phraya River Express Boat to explore Bangkok, there are many ways to explore this particular waterway.

The ancient city of Sukhothai was the country’s first Siamese Kingdom. It flourished in the 13th and into the 14th century, and it is known as the golden age. Visitors frequent the city to explore Sukhothai Historical Park, home to a number of ancient ruins, including the temple of Wat Mahathat.

The bucket list of every traveler to Thailand usually includes some sort of animal sanctuary. Elephant sanctuaries are found across the country, but visitors should be wary of which ones they choose to visit. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a picturesque animal sanctuary nestled in an emerald green valley surrounded by mountainous terrain. The sanctuary has rescued dozen of elephants since it opened in the 1990s. Another sanctuary visitors should check out is Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, or BLES. Located in Sukhothai, visitors get to spend time with the rehabilitated elephants in a responsible and safe way.

The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is a unique Buddhist religious structure found in the northern city of Chiang Rai. The privately owned temple was built by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and completed in 1997. The temple is renowned for being almost entirely white, with the grounds housing a meditation hall, art gallery, ubosot, religious relics, and more.

No backpacking trip is complete without a night out on the infamous Khao San Road. It is about 410 meters in length and takes only about five minutes – depending on the crowd – to walk it in its entirety. The street is lined with bars, clubs, cheap street eats and loads of affordable accommodation, which is why budget-friendly backpackers tend to flock to this particular stretch of road. Whether visitors are hankering for a scorpion or want to experience a unique night out, this is the place to visit.

Whether visitors make their way to Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza or Patpong, they must feast their eyes upon at least one red light district before departing the Land of Smiles. These streets are some of the most vibrant, seedy, yet interesting stretches of roads and areas in all of Thailand. Be warned, however, that prostitution has been illegal in Thailand since 1960.

Though there are many markets and night bazaars located in the city of Chiang Mai, none are as noteworthy as the Sunday Walking Street Market. It is centrally located, and the one-kilometer road where it is found is closed to traffic, so visitors can meander and browse the plethora of goods in peace. The market is filled with handmade handicrafts this region is well-known for. Be sure to barter with vendors to get the best prices.

Craggy limestone mountains dropping to vast, emerald-green lakes. Rushing rivers and waterfalls cascading down through forest glades into cool pools. Wild tigers, elephants and gibbons – no doubt about it, Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s loveliest national parks. There are a whole range of jungle lodges to overnight in, as well as local guides offering wildlife-watching, canoe trip and long or short hikes into the wilderness. When you’re ready for a little rest and relaxation, you’ve got some of the best beaches in the country – around Khao Lak and Phuket – an easy hour’s drive away.

Close enough to the World Heritage Site at Sukhothai for a pit stop, but overlooked by all but a few, this sleepy provincial town preserves one the country’s holiest and most beautiful Buddhas. In the ancient interior of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, and at the end of a colonnade of pillars elaborately decorated with gold filigree, sits the Phra Buddha Chinnara, vast and shimmering, crowned with a lotus-shaped halo and radiating nirvanic calm.

It’s three hours by car from Bangkok, then 45 minutes by ferry from Ban Phe Pier – but once you’ve arrived, you’ll discover it was worth it, and you really won’t want to leave. Out in Thailand’s Eastern Gulf, little Samet island ticks all the boxes winter-escaping travellers require: crumbly white beaches, transparent warm waters and a laid-back vibe that sets it apart from bigger spots such as Phuket. Sure, busy resorts do exist – Hat Sai Kaew (Crystal Sand Beach) is a buzz of banana boats and lively resorts. But head for the likes of Ao Nuan, Ao Wai and Ao Pakarang (Coral Bay in Thai) and you’ll find life has all the urgency of a swaying hammock. Crack open a chilled bottle of Singha beer and do nothing until the scattered seafood restaurants beckon for sizzling prawn lunches that can last hours.

Yes, there are still unspoilt beaches and islands in Thailand. Especially in the southern province of Trang. Here the ramshackle wooden capital stands next to a long stretch of forest-backed bays and creamy white strands, protected by Hat Chao Mai National Park. Offshore islands include Koh Muk, Koh Libon, Koh Phetra and Koh Kradan, ringed with reefs, trimmed with white-pepper-sand and – for now at least – devoid of the big resorts that clutter the coast of neighbouring Krabi province.

Thailand’s largest island and one of the best-loved and most-visited in the country, Phuket has many faces. First-timers often head to the thronging sands of Patong, on the west coast, known for its no-holds-barred nightlife and watersports. Beyond, though, there are beaches to suit everyone. Catch a boat to the scenic Freedom Beach, switch off on Karon Beach, drink in the views from Kathu Beach, and prepare for plenty more. Promthep Cape is the place to head for liquid-lovely sunsets. After dark, the entertainment cranks into life: there a world-class shows and exhilarating Muay Thai fights; food is, without exception, delicious, from the smart restaurants of Phuket Town to the simple, sizzling seafood turned out at street and night markets. Hiking, go karting, ethical elephant encounters, fishing, snorkelling, and jet skiing are just a few activities to try, and Wat Chalong, along with the Big Buddha, are two of the most popular cultural sites. Don’t bypass Phuket Town – the ornate old neoclassical buildings and luridly painted shophouses are beautiful. For fun and giggles, Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House) and Phuket Trickeye Museum are the biz.

There are many people from the Shan group, Burma’s biggest ethnic minority, living in this mountainous and remote province in northern Thailand. Understandably so, as Mae Hong Son shares a border with Myanmar. The provincial town sees few international visitors, but that makes it all the more reason to go: for the photogenic nature and architecture, as you travel around the area. One of the main draws is the former hippie-populated town of Pai, a good place to base yourself if you love nature and a laid-back life. There’s plenty to stick on your to-do list, including Pai canyon, hot springs and waterfalls, and hiking and tubing along the river.

The main attractions in this large province in Northeast Thailand are argued over, but nobody disputes the wow factor of Unesco-listed Khao Yai National Park. From glorious waterfalls and all manner of wildlife, to hiking trails for all levels, silencing views and tranquil campsites, it’s one of Thailand’s most admired natural areas. All that, and it’s pretty easy to reach from Bangkok. Elsewhere in the province, Wang Nam Khiao is celebrated for its spectacular scenery and great air quality. The province is also home to one of Thailand’s most striking temples: the fabulous Wat Ban Rai in Khun Thot District. Filled with, and surrounded by, colourful and imaginative artwork, the structure is built like an elephant and sits on its own small artificial island.

Off the coast of Phang Nga Province, out in the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands rank among the best places in Thailand for scuba diving and snorkeling. The deep is teeming with intriguing marine life and underwater features. Outings are possible, but if you’re a dive nut, you’ll want to spend a fair few days on a live-aboard vessel to really get down deep. Fishing is also madly popular on the islands, themselves much loved for their dense forests, curious rock formations and picturesque white, sandy beaches. Note that the Similans are generally closed to visitors between mid-May and mid-October.

What do you want from your island idyll? We’re guessing sandy beaches, lush jungle, cascading waterfalls, lots of wildlife, soaring mountains and activities that get you up close with nature. Yes to all these? Make for Koh Chang, off the coast of Trat. Make a note of these beaches as they’re among the best: Hat Khlong Phrao, Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Boat trips to neighboring Koh Kut and Koh Mak always go down well and a traditional Thai massage is perhaps the best way to loosen up after an energetic day. Koh Chang being an island, seafood is fresh and delicious, among the wide selection of other dishes for diverse palates. And everyone beds down happily here, since accommodation runs from high-class luxury resorts through to beach bungalows and backpacker dorms.

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world – and for good reason. Its picture-perfect beaches, bustling cities and peaceful temples make it a haven of discovery for anyone looking for something new and unique from their travels, while its own amazing and diverse cuisine is equally as enticing. Here are some of the best ways to get to know this magnificent and special country.