Top 10 places to visit in Thailand

You may not have much time left to discover or rediscover Thailand without mass tourism, so make the most of it!

With the country fully reopened to tourists, here is a reminder of the top 10 places to visit.

Travellers are returning to the land of smiles in large numbers, but it is still a long way from the pre-pandemic visitors and by the time China allows its people to travel without restriction again, it will be too late.

See : Thailand may see a real tourism boom when the Chinese return

The country has long been a mecca for tourism, with thousands of visitors each year seeking to embrace the country's diverse culture, hospitality and breathtaking scenery.

Thailand comprises diverse ecosystems, such as the mountainous and forested areas of the northern border, the rich rice fields of the central plains, the vast plateau of the northeast and the hilly coastline of the narrow southern peninsula.

See : Where to travel in Thailand, what to see, what to visit?

Therefore, Thailand is a country that has something to offer every type of traveller, and the best part is that it is also affordable.

See : Why is Thailand so cheap?

1. Bangkok

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn in Bangkok. Photo: CarinaHofi

If you like big cities and a lively cosmopolitan life, BangkokThailand's capital is the place to be.

The city offers modern sights, such as Jim Thompson's houseand ancient attractions, such as the Wat Arunon Wat Pho and the Grand Palais.

You can take a cruise on the many canals that criss-cross the districts or on the majestic Chao Phraya River.

While you can quickly lose track of time as you gaze at the majestic skyscrapers, the heart of the city is on the water.

For those looking for the best places to shop, Bangkok is home to many shopping malls, the largest of which is theIconSiamand many traditional floating markets.

For a unique experience, you should visit the Chatuchak marketIt is one of the largest open-air markets in the world, a labyrinth of over 8,000 stalls.

Another place of interest is Lumpini Park, located in the heart of the city.

2. Phuket

Tourists in the old town of Phuket. Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and the most popular with travellers.

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The island attracts visitors with its many beaches, crystal clear waters, luxurious resorts and high quality cuisine.

If you want to connect with your spiritual side, you can visit Nakkerd Hill, where the Big Buddha overlooks the island.

To experience the local culture and find cheaper accommodation options, head to Phuket's old town.

The island is also the best place for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

3. Chiang Mai

Tourists take pictures in front of the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai.Photo: Dusida Worrachaddejchai

À Chiang MaiIn the northern part of Thailand, you will discover a different side of the country.

Surrounded by misty, green mountains, it is a city of ancient buildings, breathtaking rainforests and hiking trails.

A great way to experience the wild side of Chiang Mai is to visit Doi Inthanon National Park.

Leave the city and go to the Doi Suthep temple for a breathtaking view of the city.

Outside the city, you will also find many hill tribes, including the Akhas, the Lisu and the Padaung (giraffe women).

While in Chiang Mai, don't miss the night markets.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of Thailand's oldest and best known night bazaars.

And no matter what, make time to visit the Elephant Nature Park to relax with Thailand's friendly giants.

4. Trang

Beach on Koh Libong island in Trang province. Photo: Максим Улитин

If you like deserted beaches and islands that are not overrun by tourists, then you will love Trang.

The beautiful surrounding landscape contrasts beautifully with the white sand of the beaches and the crystal clear waters.

Some of the best experiences include snorkelling around Koh Kradan Island, swimming in a hidden cave on Koh Muk Beach and walking along the Thung Khai Botanical Gardens.

5. Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Historical Park. Photo: Bond Supanat

For history buffs, the ancient city ofAyutthaya is the ideal place.

Once the prosperous capital of Siam (Thailand's historic name), it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the ruins of the old city can be explored by walking through the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

You can visit many monasteries, temples, statues and archaeological sites.

After immersing yourself in the history of Ayutthaya, you can buy souvenirs or grab a bite to eat at the Ayutthaya Floating Market.

6. Koh Samui

Koh Samui Beach

If you want to experience a 'paradise on earth' feeling, then you should not miss a trip to the island of Koh Samui.

Home to some of Thailand's best palm-fringed beaches and many luxurious resorts, Koh Samui has much more to offer than a sunbathing paradise.

One of Thailand's most famous holiday destinations encompasses idyllic rainforests, postcard-perfect beaches and breathtaking sunsets.

You can relax and unwind in the many spas available, and discover the many temples, including the famous Wat Phra Yai.

If you want to experience the region's wilderness, visit Ang Thong National Marine Park, a protected area with many exotic animal species and a perfect destination for a trek through the Thai jungle wilderness.

7. Phang Nga Bay

Ao Phang Nga National Park. Photo: Walkerssk

This Thai paradise is located between the mainland of the Malay Peninsula and Phuket.

Spectacular views surround the area, inviting visitors to explore further.

You will discover native wildlife, pristine rivers and some of the most intriguing caves.

Phang Nga is an iconic location for film buffs around the world.

The limestone cliffs, numerous caves and archaeological sites have been used as backdrops for famous films such as James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun and Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith.

There are endless activities to keep visitors busy during their stay in Phang Nga Bay.

In addition to the many water activities ranging from simple fishing to snorkelling and rock climbing, there are many restaurants offering local cuisine, unique shopping experiences and Phang Nga resorts ready to spoil their guests.

8. Mu Ko Similan National Park

Mu Koh Similan. Photo: Kosin Sukhum

Mu Koh Similan National Park was established in 1982 and is located along the west coast of the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean, about 100 km northwest of Phuket.

Water lovers can spend hours admiring the park's coral reefs and marine life.

You can see various species of sharks and sea turtles.

You can also enjoy the sunshine on the pristine white sands of the Similan Islands.

The only drawback is that the park is closed every year during the monsoon season (May to mid-October) and the number of visitors is limited.

9. Sukhothai

Buddha statue in Sukhothai. Photo: Qimono

Sukhothai was the capital of the first kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Today, the city is well known for its Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO site that houses the ruins of the 13th century Sukhothai Kingdom.

Surrounded by ancient city walls, the park contains a total of 193 ruins.

You can visit the most impressive temple on the grounds, Wat Mahathat, which has nine large stupas, a domed building erected as a Buddhist shrine.

Two other ruins to visit are Noen Prasat, a former royal palace, and Wat Si Sawai, the oldest temple in the park.

10. Chiang Rai

White temple in Chiang Mai. Photo: InnoDBn Zwegers

Known as the hidden gem of Thailand, Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of the country.

The city of Chiang Rai lies among the great hills of the province, a few kilometres south of the so-called Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet.

Due to its relatively isolated location, Chiang Rai has become a truly unique region over time, with distinct forms of culture, cuisine and architecture.

While in Chiang Rai, be sure to visit the Wat Rong Khun or White Temple.

The temple's refined white stone contains thousands of small fragments of reflective glass, which make the building glow in the sunlight.

Source: Chiang Rai Times

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