Tourist Places To Visit In Thailand

Thailand, the 50th largest country in the world, spread over an area of 198,000 sq miles, is a constitutional monarchy. The country, earlier known as Siam, was created in the year 1238. The Thai people migrated to Thailand and the surrounding geographic area from southwestern China over a span of many centuries.

With coasts on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand has numerous beautiful beaches, a fascinating culture, and tropical climate. It is also considered a shopper’s paradise. The Buddhist country is home to numerous monasteries with architectural significance. Read on for some of the best tourist places to visit in Thailand, be it the capital city of Bangkok or the beach paradise of Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. There's a whole new world to explore out here!

The Grand Palace is a former royal place of residence, located in Bangkok. Tour the palace grounds along with the four palace buildings. The Grand Palace Hall, known as Chakri Mahaprasat, is the largest of the palace buildings. Established in 1882 by British architects, visitors can witness a mix of Italian Renaissance and traditional Thai architecture here.

Borombhiman Hall, located at the eastern end is a French inspired structure. It uses to be the residence of King Vajiravudh, from 1910 to 1925. The palace can be viewed through its iron gates.

Amarindra Hall, a palace building to the west used to be the hall of justice. It is now used for coronation ceremonies. Dusit Hall, another palace building to the west was used for royal audiences but later became the royal funerary hall.

The Elephant is the national animal of Thailand. Located in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park is the place for all animal lovers. It is a rescue and rehabilitation center for abused, elderly, and injured Asian Elephants. All proceeds from the entry fee go towards feeding the elephants and general upkeep of the park. Do your bit for nature on this vacation and head to the Elephant Nature Park.

Have you ever had the desire to look into the eyes of a tiger and pat its furry skin? You need to visit Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai for that experience. As these tigers are hand raised, they do not pose a threat to the visitors. One of the best tourist spots to visit in Thailand for sure.

The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun is a Buddhist temple designed and built by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat. The temple is located 20 minutes away from south of Chiang Rai. The design of the temple is different from traditional Buddhist temples in Thailand. The entry fee to this temple is around 30 baht.

Phang Nga Bay, made famous by the Leonardo Di Caprio starrer 'The Beach', is famous for the emerald waters, the limestone rock formations, and the ideal year-round swimming conditions. It is located between Phuket and the Malay peninsula of southern Thailand. Taking a boat ride here is a must.

Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, the Safari Park is around 8 km long. Drive through the park takes 45 minutes. And here's reason for that. With enough theme venues that will take you at least a couple of days to explore, the destination is ideal for both children and adults. Also, catch the sea lion show, elephant show, dolphin show and the Star Wars show while you are here. There's also Marine Park nearby offering a similar experience and some more options.

The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is everything you’d expect and a lot of what you’d never have imagined. It has a buzzing energy and an urban cosmo feel, at the same time retaining its charm in the floating markets and temples by the river. Shopping is the most coveted activity here for tourists, as they get very good quality for a meagre price. Other things to do in Bangkok include cruises on Chao Phraya River, visits to Emerald Buddha of Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Lumpini Park, as well as roaming though Chatuchak and night markets.

A beach destination in Thailand, Pattaya is a small fishing village. It used to be quiet and quaint back in the day, but ever since tourism has discovered it, you can find almost every luxury and amenity known to mankind here. It is now a getaway for natives of Bangkok to chill on the beach. Visit beaches like Koh Samet beach and Hat Sai Kaew, explore Koh Larn and Chanthaburi Sapphire Mine, and enjoy the happening nightlife.

Another beach destination in Thailand, Phuket occupied the position of pride on its west coast. It faces the Andaman Sea, and is like a beautiful paradise of sea in between mountains and cliffs. The main town is away from the sea coast where most of the cute resorts and hotels are located, where you get to enjoy pubs, sea facing bars, beaches and massage parlours. Visit Nai Harn Beach, Surin Beach, Kata Noi beach, Big Buddha and Wat Chalong. The best way to move around Phuket is by hiring bikes.

Koh in Thai means island. Hence Koh Phi Phi happens to mean Phi Phi Islands. This is a beautiful and popular place in Thailand, popular for its resorts, glittering sands, divine restaurants and amazing beaches. Visit the Monkey Beach, a place where monkeys share the space with humans, along with their food. Other attractions include Long Beach, Koh Chang and Maya Bay.

Chiang Mai is a traveller’s and back packer’s destination. Treks in the rainforest, hikes in the hills, misty jungles that look like they are never ending and villages where the best luxury you may get is a single telephone — this is Chiang Mai. But it is worth the effort if you wish to see beautiful sights like ancient Buddhist temples, Himalayan ranges, secluded tribes and local craftsmen working in the lap of nature.

Krabi is a province in Thailand that is made out of 200 islands. Most of these are now made into national parks and protected under law, while some still live in ancient tribe culture. But what’s left, that land is beauty personified, with rugged limestone cliffs and long coastlines running into caves. Krabi hosts some of the best beaches on the continent, and attracts tourists for its many beach activities like snorkelling, sailing, swimming, kayaking etc. From natural pools to springs in the middle of rainforests, Krabi is a real feast.

Ayutthaya is one of the most ancient cities of Thailand, dating back to the 14th Century at the very least. It used to be the capital of the country back then, ruled by Siam. The ruins of that city still remain here, with a UNESCO heritage park, reliquary towers, rivers and stucco statues. Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple, which is the largest around. And Wat Phra Mahathat, which is the most famous.

Koh Samui, another paradise-like island of Thailand, is filled with palm trees and plush resorts. This island makes for a lush and luxurious holiday getaway, as well as a hub for honeymooners. With its picture postcard rainforests, mountains, orange washed sunsets and amazing Thai food, you are bound to fall in love with the island. Visit Koh Tao, Wat Phra Yai and Ang Thong National Marine Park when in Koh Samui.

Hua Hin used to be a silent little town as it was the king of Thailand’s summer holiday destination. Today it is a resort town, with beach galore and Victorian neighbourhoods. There is a very unique mix of Thai and European architecture here, with the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace leading the charge. You can also visit The Venezia, which is a beautiful theme-shopping place. Gondola rides, Italian food and a very sophisticated vibe await you. For beaches, choose to explore Khao Takiab beach and Hua Hin beach.

Kanchanaburi is a town of Thailand that has a throwback with World War II. They constructed a bridge here, over Kwai River, to connect the country with Burma. And because prisoners of war built this line, it was called the Death Railway. The death of 16000 prisoners of war concluded this bridge. Today you can walk across it, even though it was regularly bombed and destroyed back in the day. You can visit the World War II Museum & Art Gallery, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and JEATH War Museum. And if you are craving some peace after all that bloodshed, then sit by the emerald pool of Erawan Falls.

Literally translated to ‘the mountain of 300 peaks,’ Kao Sam Roi Yot National Park is all mountains and mangroves, freshwater marshes and limestone caves by the beaches. You can go hiking through the jungle, visit the Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh, camp out or rent a small forest bungalow in the middle of nowhere. Other places of attraction here are Laem Sala Beach, Sam Phraya Beach (pine forests meet sea), Khao Daeng Canal and Sai Cave.

A little town in Thailand, Sukhothai is as old as 700 years. It used to be the Sukhothai Kingdom then, and today houses its ruins and a historical park. Granted the UNESCO Heritage status, Sukhothai beckons travellers that are interested in history and culture. There are more than 25 temples, 193 ruin sites, palaces, stupas and statues. You can visit the Noen Prasat, Wat Sa Si, Wat Mahathat and the many Buddhist statues and relics sprinkled around.

Backpackers, travellers and Buddhists are found in hordes in Doi Suthep. It is a mountain that is home to a temple, overlooks a culturally rich city, and has intricately carved rocks. You will get to see monks in meditation, hawkers selling Thai treats and small mountain boutiques selling souvenirs — lots of contrast sights but all beautifully amalgamated. Steps have been carved in the hill to help you climb it, and many even come here just to hike.

Pai lies on the border between Thailand and Myanmanr, making a unique cultural mix of the two. It is a significant holiday destination for the slow, quaint, almost ancient rural life. From hikers to back packers, all those who want to experience a rustic authentic Thailand visit here. Here you will find yourself in the midst of limestone cliffs and open skies, waterfalls and rolling forests, fields and plantations and trails. And what’s more is, you won’t even have to sacrifice on food or hotels, because Pai is known for its BoHo vibes, cafes and quirky European food.