Thailand is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Southeast Asia. To visit this country is to step into an entirely different world. You can find almost everything here – delicious food, welcome locals, hot climate, blue beaches, fascinating traditional culture, ancient ruins and hundreds of fabulous islands, all make Thailand an attractive country to visit for travelers from all over the world. In this list are the 10 best places in Thailand you should not miss off of your Thai adventure list!
1. The Grand Palace, Bangkok
The official residence of the kings of Siam (and later, Thailand) since 1782, Bangkok's Grand Palace may be the most famous tourist attractions for travelers to visit in Thailand. The Grand Palace was built for the new capital. It is very large with an area of 218,000 square meters which comprises royal residences, throne halls, government offices, Buddhist temples, and wonderful works of art. Visitors will need to spend at least three hours to explore the site. Of all the sights here, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew is perhaps the most memorable one. As with all Buddhist places of worship, and also, the Grand Palace is the most strictly enforced site in the country, you're required to have proper dress when you come to visit the site. Ladies should cover their shoulders; men must also wear shirts with sleeves, and no vests, short skirts, shorts, or tight pants are permitted. The admission is about 500 THB per person.
2. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park is a fascinating resort for visitors. Ayutthaya was once the second capital of Siam (later Thailand) from the year of 1350 to 1767. By 1700, Ayutthaya had become one of the largest cities in the world. While in 1767, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army. During their attack the Burmese army burned the city to the ground and destroyed the sacred structures, the Buddhist temples and the Buddha statues and, as a result, the city was in a collapse. Fortunately, renovations began in the late 1960s restored the city to much of its former glory. From then on, visitors can walk around the ruins to see magnificent temples, palaces, and Buddha statues. The park is also home to several striking buildings - Wat Phra Ram Temple, Wat Chaiwatthanaram Temple, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This unique place has become a major tourist attraction and the iconicimage of Ayutthaya.
3. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The floating market is a significant part of Thailand’s local culture. The most popular floating market for tourists is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which takes about half an hour's drive from Bangkok. It is memorable to experience taking a long-tail boat traveling through the floating markets with so many goods displayed- scrumptious food, unique souvenirs, traditional clothes and fresh produce. If you plan to come in the future, then it's important to arrive early to avoid the boat traffic because the market will fill up quickly with tourists by about 10:00 in the morning. It's a recommended to have breakfast in the market. The vendors sell all kinds of lovely food there- noodles, pancakes, spring rolls, stir-fried dishes, which you can both eat on the boat and see the views. The price for a one-hour long boat trip will cost about 60USD.
4. Elephant Nature Park
When you travel to Chiang Mai, a day at the Elephant Nature Park is an exciting and unforgettable trip for animal lovers to take. Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand where you can volunteer and visit to help if you wish. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under our care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present. Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; you can see the herds free wandering in the park, bathe and feed at their leisure, as well as interact with the visitors. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. So it would be an amazing day trip to take with your families or friends.
5. Chiang Rai White Temple
Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is perhaps the most unique temple for travelers to visit in Thailand. It was born from the devotion of National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Wat Rong Khun however is not a traditional temple. Its design does not match the traditional styles of other Buddhist temples throughout Thailand, and that was the artist’s intention. He chose white instead of the typical gold to symbolize the Buddha’s pure nature. His use of mirror fragments in the mosaics represents wisdom. As you move through the temple grounds, you find yourself in the artist’s surreal vision of Buddhist teachings. Around the temple you will also find coffee shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants for you to take a rest. The admission to the temple is about 50THB per person.
6. Northern Hill Tribes
Northern Thailand is home to several interesting ethnic minorities, known as the hill tribes. The hill tribes that live in the outskirts of Chiang Rai including the Akha, Lahu, Palong, Lu Mien Yao, and the Karen 'Long Neck' people.They are known for their colorful dresses, handmade crafts, and unique customs. You can visit them all with one admission ticket, then you can walk through the villages, meet the people of the tribes and take pictures of them. The admission is 300THB per person. Of these villages, the most striking tribe for visitors to come visit is the Long Neck Hill Tribe Villages. The women of the Karen Long Neck Tribe have the most striking appearance. Every woman needs to wear brass coils wrapped around their necks from the age of 5 years old. In their opinion, the longer the neck, the more beautiful they are. Some of the coils can even weigh up to 30 pounds! The people of the tribe are nice and friendly, and the ladies are very willing to pose for photographs.
7. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the city’s main night-time attractions. The famous Night Bazaar sprawls along several city blocks along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds. Every evening, the city hosts its night bazaar. It has food, handicrafts, clothing and and imported products of all descriptions, and a number of large, well-appointed modern shopping centers. This place would be a paradise for bargain shoppers. At first, the market was owned by Chinese merchants, but since it has grown in size as more commercial buildings were built, it was no longer owned by a single group of people. Instead, there are many local owners selling things here. The best night of shopping in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Night Market, or 'Walking Street'. If you come here in the future, don't forget to have a look at here.
8. Full Moon Party at Haad Rin
Haad Rin is a peninsular beach area and town on the southern tip of Ko Pha Ngan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. Its two main beaches are Sunset Beach (Haad Rin Nai) to the south and the larger Sunrise Beach (Haad Rin Nok) to the north. The famous Full Moon Party takes place on Sunrise Beach each month. Some time ago, a group of tourists found that the most beautiful moon was in Ko Pha Ngan, so they arrange a party along the beach of Haad Rin to celebrate the Full Moon night. From then on, people from all over the world come to join the celebration. And now there are 10,000-30,000 people at the party each month. The party begins at dusk when the yellow moon makes its appearance over the white sand beach. If you’re not on Ko Pha Ngan during the full moon then don’t worry, as there are other parties to be held, including the Half Moon, Black Moon and Shiva Moon parties.
9. Bo Sang Umbrella Village
If you go to Chiang Mai please be sure to go and visit the Bo Sang Handicraft Centre or Umbrella Village (8km south east from Chiang Mai). This place shows how the umbrellas are constructed and painted, and the art work is truly amazing. The artists can paint on your T shirts, handbags, hats, phone covers or many other items. You can watch the whole process as the workers hand make the paper lamps, fans, umbrellas and parasols from the beginning to the end. From making the bamboo struts, covering them with paper, putting them out to dry and then hand painting them. You don't need to wait for a long time when you are waiting for the artist to paint, because even very complicated designs of your objects can be painted right in front of you in a few minutes. Moreover, the prices are very reasonable and you can even negotiate with the some of the artists. So if you plan a future visit to Chiang Mai, this beautiful place is worth a short visit.
10. Sukhothai Historical Park
Located in northern Thailand, the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the ruins of Sukhothai, which was the capital of the kingdom of Sukhothai(same name as the city) from 1238 to 1438. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive place to explore for a full day by bicycle, car, or walking tour. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 5km radius. The ruins are divided into five zones, the central, northern and eastern, and each has a separate admission fee of 100THB. Please be sure to bring enough water, sunglasses, and maybe some insect repellent because it's very hot during the summer time. And it would be a good idea to go early to see the sunrise, then you will have better light and less people to take pictures.
So, now you have our list of 10 best places you must visit in Thailand. We sincerely hope that you will come and visit the wonderful places one day and experience all these amazing scenic spots.