The "land of smiles" with cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai is always bustling with diverse activities and growing commerce. The majestic natural wonder has helped Thailand to have a strong foothold in the tourism industry. Coming to Thailand, you can experience from the bright modern streets with flower lights to the unspoiled corners or participate in an adventure full of adventure. Let's come to the Top 10 top tourist attractions in Thailand.
1 Railay Beach
Railay brings promises of white sand, turquoise water (Image: internet)
Krabi province is home to some of Thailand's most popular beach destinations—and Railay tops the list as one of the best. Considered by many to be one of the best beaches in the country, Railay delivers on the promises of white sand, turquoise blue waters and a feeling like you've found a paradise even before you touch the sand.
The island can be reached by boat from the towns of Krabi and Ao Nang - and the trip on a traditional long-tail boat is just as magical as what you'll encounter once you reach shore.
While the beach may be the main reason to visit the island, Railay is also a hotspot for rock climbing, with its limestone peaks attracting adventurers both experienced and novice alike. ready to conquer the towering limestone cliffs.
Among many other active activities, Railay is famous for kayaking, snorkeling and diving – but guests can also try cooking classes or indulge in massages. .
There's also the tourist-friendly Diamond Cave, accessed via a scenic trail with stunning views and ready to host curious visitors looking to explore between sunbathing stretches.
2 Koh Phi Phi
Boat on the shore, Koh Phi Phi | Image copyright: Megan Drillinger
The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand's most popular resorts for a reason - clear blue waters, soft sands, breathtaking views that last forever.
You can get to Phi Phi Don - the largest of the islands and the only permanently inhabited island - by rented kayak or by hiring a small wooden boat to take you here.
Perhaps one of the funniest spots in Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where you'll be confronted, quite literally, with plenty of monkeys ready to steal your lunch.
Bai Dai is another beautiful place on the island; although not a secluded place where you might hope for privacy, it is great to watch the sunset. If you're lucky and the tide is out, it's a beautiful hike back to the main part of the island.
Tour operators offer packages for snorkeling and diving trips to the islands, as well as excursions to the famous Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio's The Beach was filmed. Because Koh Phi Phi attracts so many tourists, there are many tour companies that arrange tickets to other beach destinations, such as Phuket, Koh Chang, and Koh Lanta.
Phi Phi Don was one of the areas hit hard by the 2004 tsunami - but since then, guesthouses, restaurants and markets have been rebuilt and crowds still flock to the resort island. There's a small, sombre memorial park to honor those who died in the tragedy, but other resort areas have been revived and look as beautiful as ever.
3 Royal Palace, Bangkok
Royal Palace, Bangkok | Image copyright: Megan Drillinger
Even if your plans to Thailand mostly involve frolicking on the beach and eating as much Massaman curries and Thai food as you can, you'll probably spend at least a day or two in Bangkok. There's a lot to see and do in the capital, but the Royal Palace should definitely be at the top of your list. It's the number one attraction in the city, and it's astounding in both historical significance and craftsmanship.
The grounds are a labyrinth of ancient palaces, temples and monuments, the most important being Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is said to house a piece of hair or bone of the enlightened Buddha himself. .
Allow a few hours to do the Royal Palace's justice, but if you want to walk more then you can easily tour some of the other major city landmarks nearby. The famous Wat Po and Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn (a great place to watch the sunset), are just minutes away.
4 Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai
Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai (Image: internet)
Every visitor to Thailand expects good and cheap food - and that's exactly what they can find at Sunday Night Walking Street in Chiang Mai. Vendors sell all sorts of dishes here: from the popular pad Thai and chicken satay to samosas, fried plantains, sweet roti and fresh fruit shakes – often for under $2 a piece.
Once you've satiated your food cravings, you can explore hundreds of stalls selling a range of unique items such as all-natural soaps, hand-dyed textiles featuring unique Italian patterns. local hill tribes, incense and essential oils, musical instruments, paintings. , wall mount, and more.
The market is always crowded every week without fail, no matter what time of year you're visiting, so brace yourself and try to enjoy being part of the fun chaos. This is one of the must-dos in Chiang Mai, and an essential part of the Thai experience. If you don't go to Sunday market, or just want to experience other market experiences in Chiang Mai, head to Saturday Night Walking Street or Night Market on Chang Klan Road, a daily event. For the less touristy, head to Warorot Day Market , near the Mae Ping River.
5 Pai
Pai, in Mae Hong Son province, is the perfect starting point to enjoy Thailand's natural beauty (Image: internet)
Thailand is famous as a country of beautiful scenery and friendly people largely thanks to the world famous southern beaches. Because of this, most people don't realize that the great north is also home to completely different but equally spectacular places to visit.
Northern Thailand, especially the western region near the Burmese border, is marked by mountainous terrain that is both rugged and beautiful. Pai, in Mae Hong Son province, is the perfect starting point to enjoy the country's natural beauty, as well as Thailand's renowned hospitality and cooking.
This small town has gained a reputation as a mecca for hippies and backpackers, although you'll also find plenty of families traveling in the area. There's a small market on the pedestrian street that comes alive every night, a variety of local and western foods, and easy access to nearby Buddhist temples, waterfalls, and the impressive Pai Gorge.
There's a fun and relaxing atmosphere as you walk through the small town center, an atmosphere that continues to draw crowds season after season despite the somewhat remote location.
6 Sukhothai Ancient City
Buddha statue in the ruins of Wat Chana Songkram temple, Sukhothai Ancient City (Image: internet)
A favorite stop for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike, Sukhothai offers plenty of lovely photography activities on a smaller scale than Ayutthaya. The ruins of this ancient city stand proud despite centuries of fighting and exposure to the elements. The old city of Sukhothai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and great investment has been made to restore and preserve one of Thailand's most important historical sites.
Of the many temples in Sukhothai, Wat Mahathat is the most impressive. Founded around the 13th century, the temple was built to house Buddha's relics and is surrounded by massive standing Buddha statues, stucco sculptures, stupas, and more.
7 Historical city of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical City | Image copyright: Megan Drillinger
Ayutthaya offers visitors a magnificent glimpse into the glory of ancient Thailand, where visitors can wander the haunting yet romantic ruins of the ancient capital.
Ayutthaya was once the most important city in Thailand, and the ancient palaces and temples are testament to this. Over a hundred wats, chedis (Thai-style stupas), prangs, and thousands of Buddha statues are scattered around the park. Some of the attractions - like the temple with a 12-meter-long reclining Buddha and tree roots embracing the Buddha's head - are especially amazing and not to be missed.
Ayutthaya is only a short bus or train ride from Bangkok, making it very convenient for a day trip if you're short on time. If you're on a more leisurely schedule, plan to spend a few days exploring the ancient capital and rent a push bike to tour both the old city and the new city.
8 Koh Samui Beach
Bang Po Beach in Koh Samui | Image copyright: Megan Drillinger
Koh Samui is the country's second largest island and home to some of the most beautiful golden coastline you'll find in Southeast Asia. Each beach on Koh Samui offers something different: some are ideal for peaceful isolation; Others are filled with activities, water sports and large crowds.
The island's largest and busiest beach is Chaweng, where you'll also find the best shopping, plenty of attractions, and some of the best restaurants. Turquoise waters and dancing palm trees in the ocean breeze may explain why some of the island's best resorts are located here.
Heading south of Chaweng Beach brings you to Lamai Beach , which is a bit smaller and a bit more affordable but still gets busy in the middle of the day, when day tourists arrive.
9 Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep | Image copyright: Megan Drillinger
Perhaps the most famous temple in Chiang Mai is located atop Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking Thailand's second largest city. A favorite destination for devout Buddhists and visitors from all over the world, Doi Suthep is a wonder of intricate religious carvings – a visit here means seeing the Buddhist monks. monks pray, witness worship services and the opportunity to see the ever-evolving panorama of Chiang Mai City.
Just make sure to bring a bottle of water and your walking shoes - you'll have to climb a steep flight of stairs to reach the top of the hill where the temple is located. At the foot of the stairs, street vendors sell everything from delicious local food to items handcrafted by the surrounding mountain villagers. There's also a shop selling masks, elephant carvings and home furniture, so you can shop while recuperating from your hike up and down the stairs.
You can combine a trip to Doi Suthep with an excursion to Doi Pui, a small Hmong village in the mountains. Although much more touristy than other villages, this will still give you a taste of Hmong culture and the chance to learn more about the hill tribe communities in the area, not to mention buy some gorgeous handmade textiles. Bhubing Palace, open to tourists, is also located on the way to Doi Pui from Doi Suthep.
10 Floated market
Thailand's floating markets offer a unique style of shopping and dining (Image: internet)
Thailand's floating markets offer a unique way to shop and eat while supporting local vendors and getting a closer look at the traditional way of life.
While some markets seem to cater more to the tourist crowds, others offer a great authentic tourist experience that includes boarding a boat and letting your guide take you through the canals , where you'll see traditional stilt houses and run into sellers offering pottery from their boats. You will need to get up early to visit the floating market, as the vendors will show up on their long wooden boats in the morning with their wares, fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and delicious treats .
There are several floating markets near Bangkok, with Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak being the most popular. You can visit the markets on your own or take a guided tour, which often includes visits to other local attractions and shops.
