Best attractions in Thailand: Top 15

Attractions of Thailand will tell you about the interesting history of this exotic country. Tourists will remember the impressive architectural complexes, an unforgettable experience of fishing, exciting shopping, interesting excursions. Friendly local guides will offer recreation for all tastes and varying degrees of income. From the first hours of the visit this hospitable country resolutely dismisses superstitious fears of an unfamiliar Asia, which is welcoming and will remain in the memory forever. Do not know what to see in Thailand? Especially for you we have compiled a list of the most popular attractions of this country.

What to see in Thailand first

Faced with the problem of organizing an entertainment program, use the information we have collected to select excursions in Thailand that will meet your preferences. We will tell you about the interesting places both for adults and young people, as well as for couples with children.

1. The historic city of Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya)

The majestic ancient city of Ayutthaya

Like a two-faced Janus, this capital of the province of the same name appears to tourists in different guises. Half of Ayutthaya, filled with ruins after its destruction, is a UNESCO heritage site and is a historic park city. Modern urban life quietly takes place in its second part with limited infrastructure.

Staying in Ayutthaya gives a glimpse not only of modern Thai life, but also of its glorious historical past. Once it was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam, today it is only a modest city included in the excursions. There are no many bars, bustling nightlife, trendy spa salons. But wishing to look at the ruins that remained of ancient Siam is enough.

On the vast territory of the historic city are the ruins of many temple complexes, palaces, Buddhist statues, other buildings. Of interest are the summer royal residence “Ban Pa Yin”, impressive ancient temples, which give an idea of the culture and history of the country.



2. Royal Palace in Bangkok (Bangkok)

The Royal Palace in Bangkok is a sacred place in Thailand

When pondering what to see in Thailand, it’s definitely worth scheduling a tour of the Royal Palace in the capital. The 218-square-meter palace complex was designed based on the Ayutthaya prototype. The royal family comes here only for ceremonies. Some of the buildings inside the complex are still occupied by government offices today.

What structures are on offer for visitors? Interesting is the Dusit Palace with its snow-white facade, decorated with a portico in the form of an arch and a peaked Thai roof. Here you can see the mother of pearl inlaid wooden throne of Rama I.

Chakri Throne Palace, built in the 12th century, is of interest, with its ceremonial rooms, private chambers of the queen and urns with ashes of the kings of the Chakri dynasty.

The wooden pavilion Apkhonhimok is a masterpiece of Thai architecture. Its design is simple, but combined with magnificent decorations it seems simply magnificent.

To the east of the palace buildings are the Sivalai Gardens with King Rama IV’s personal temple, decorated with light mosaics and lined with gray marble.



3. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs (Chiang Mai)

San Kamphaeng is the home of hot springs

For those interested in Thailand’s health-enhancing attractions, the direct route is to the hot springs in the San Kamphaeng area. Located on 40 acres of verdant farmland, they are known for their restorative effects.

Year-round, sulfur-rich water rises from the ground at a temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius. There are separate rooms or pools for baths, and here you can have a session of real Thai massage.

In addition to taking therapeutic and recreational baths, there are many restaurants on the territory of this park, and in the vast areas planted with grass, tourists often have picnics. If you wish, you can join a bicycle tour, go rafting down the river, or ride elephants.

In addition to the springs, the area is famous for silk factories and an abundance of handicrafts made in the artisan village of Bo Sang nearby.

4. Koh Samui (Gulf of Thailand)

The azure sea and sandy beach of Samui Island

For beach lovers there is something to see in Thailand, or rather, on its islands. The island of pristine beauty of Samui in the Gulf of Thailand is a favorite tourist destination. Isolation of the island until the XX century and the lack of heavy contact with the mainland allowed it to preserve the nature in its pristine state.

Samui is called the Coconut Island. The reasons for its popularity lie in the azure sea, picturesque waterfalls and white beaches. The most popular are located in the eastern part of the island with a bustling nightlife and developed infrastructure.

For a family vacation is more suitable for the northern coast with moderate prices for hotels. Lovers of pristine nature should book accommodation in the southern part of the island, solid green, with wild beaches. Here is the famous pagoda temple Laem Sor in Thailand.

The west coast is famous for colorful sunsets. Here is the administrative part of the island, the bus station, the main pier, a large local food market.

5. White Temple (Chiang Rai)

The magnificent White Temple is a symbol of nirvana

During your tour, try to get to the White Temple, the most unusual Buddhist structure in the north of the country. The famous Thai artist Chalermchayu Kositpipat began its construction in 1997 and continues to this day. Rejecting funds from sponsors, he uses only his own savings, thus eliminating any outside influence on the design of the structure.

The temple itself and the sculptures in its surroundings are decorated with pieces of mirror and are a pleasing color of marble. The path leading to the entrance is called “the road from hell to heaven” because of the characteristic sculptural design: the hands of the narakas stretching out of the ground, the fangs of the demon Rahu, the guards, the bridge over the pond separating the worlds.

In the temple, besides the two statues of Buddha, you can see murals on the theme of the struggle between good and evil and atypical for the temple heroes: Neo from “The Matrix”, Batman, the Jedi.

There is a pond with fish, many sculptures, and an art gallery of the founder-artist himself. The roof of the temple is decorated with 4 animals symbolizing the different elements.

See the beautiful places of Thailand in this great video!

6. Historic City of Sukhothai (Sukhothai)

Historic City of Sukhothai

A few hours drive from the capital and you’re in Sukhothai, the historic center of the country. It was once its first capital.

Modern Sukhothai is a small town. But Sukhothai, known as a tourist attraction in Thailand, is located 10 km from the first. The pearl of this place is Sukhothai Historical Park. Its territory is divided into 5 sections. The central part concentrates modern metropolitan life. It is here that the greatest temple of Wat Mahathat, topped with a spire, surrounded by lotus lakes and consisting of 200 stupas and dozens of buildings.

In the north of the city is the oldest of the temples of Wat Phra Phai Luang, containing elements of Hinduism and Buddhism and consisting of 3 high stupas. Here, in the northern part you can see a tall (15 m) statue of Buddha 11 m wide.

The main temple in the east of the city is Wat Chang Lom. At its base are statues of elephants. At the top of the hill there is a temple of Wat Saphan Hin, a road paved with stones leads to it.

7. Doi Inthanon National Park (100 km from Chiang Mai)

Park at the King's Pagoda and Queen's Pagoda

What to visit in Thailand at its very top? Doi Inthanon is the country’s highest mountain at 2,565 meters. This iconic place is called the “roof of Thailand.”

The 400 square meters of Doi Inthanon National Park abounds with waterfalls and rainforests. Anyone tired of the heat should come to this cool place imbued with extraordinary scents and clear mountain air. Huge trees, dense thickets of rhododendrons, and large bushes of unknown flowers grow in the thick of the jungle.

The beauty of this attraction in Thailand - in the ability to contemplate the nature surrounded by well-developed infrastructure. It offers tourists - landscaped bungalows, restaurants, stores.

At the top of the mountain are two stupas: Brown - the King and Gray - the Queen. Located opposite each other, they look into each other’s eyes, and there is something mystical about it. Needless to say, how colorful are the pictures taken in this place, from this height!

8. Big Buddha (Pattaya)

Big Buddha in Pattaya

The question of what to see in Thailand cannot be answered unequivocally. But there is a place that must be included in the tour program. This is the Big Buddha, the main attraction in Phuket.

The statue, carved in white marble, was erected in honor of Pumpion Adulyadett - the King of Thailand. Construction began in 2002 and continues today. The monument is set at an altitude of 400 m above sea level and has a height of 45 m. A concrete road leads to the foot through the jungle.

On 8 hectares, which occupies the territory of the complex, there are 2 observation decks. One is located at the entrance, the other - at the foot.

This attraction in Thailand has a special charm that attracts tourists. The temple, which is part of the complex, sells, in addition to souvenirs, marble tiles. You can write your wish on it, and it is then used to cover the statue. Rarely do people refuse the desire to immortalize their “self” in such a grand monument in a far away mysterious country.

9. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Bangkok)

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

There is a popular name firmly attached to this landmark in Thailand, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is actually called Wat Pho and is the largest and oldest temple in the city.

It is believed that this is where the traditional Thai massage originated. The area of the temple is about 80 thousand square meters, and he is known for a huge sculpture of the reclining Buddha. Its length is 46 m, height - 15 m. But it’s not just him that makes this place famous.

Rarely in any temple in the country do not see a statue of a Thai deity. Here there are more than a thousand. On the territory of the temple are various buildings and chedis (bell towers), a small park and a pond of artificial origin with a waterfall.

Tourist interest is only the northern part of the temple, which contains all the interesting exhibits. Here you can order a Thai massage. Walking around the reclining Buddha and throwing coins into all the vessels located there, tourists make a wish, hoping for its fulfillment. The southern part serves as the home of the monks, there is a massage school and outbuildings.

Official site: http://www.watpho.com

Thai sights: what else to visit while in Thailand

Exotic Asia beckons many travelers, but it is important to take seriously the preparatory stage, because otherwise you risk booking excursions in Thailand that you will not like. Descriptions and photos of popular attractions on the mainland and different islands will help you make the right choice.

10. James Bond Island (Phuket)

James Bond Island in Phuket

The appearance of this landmark in Thailand is due to the movie about the famous spy. Officially, the island is called Ko Tapu. In 1974, in the bay of Phang Nga filming the next part of the Bond film, in which you could see this small island of unusual shape.

What is remarkable about this island? Its relatively narrow base and the fact that you can not swim to it, as well as get off on it. This island rock, protruding in a wedge out of the water, can be seen from the neighboring island.

James Bond Island is also sometimes referred to as the neighboring island, Khao Ping Can, where the finale of the movie was filmed. Consisting of two wooded cliffs, it is connected by a sandy isthmus in the center. In addition to a couple of beaches, there are several caves.

But the true island named after Agent 007, is considered to be exactly Ko Tapu. Since 1998, in order to preserve the limestone base rock, boats and long-tailed boats are prohibited from approaching the island. James Bond Island is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful natural places in the world!

11. Temple of Truth (Pattaya)

East entrance to the mysterious Temple of Truth

What to see in Thailand that is different from the main attractions? Visit the Temple of Truth in Pattaya. Its peculiarity is that no nails are used in its creation. And although this fact is only half true (the nails are hammered in, but only half), the construction looks very impressive. The creators of the project assure that all the nails will be removed once the construction is complete.

The construction of the temple has already lasted 32 years. Some skeptics do not believe at all that this construction, which began in 1981, will be finished in the projected time frame of 2025. Over time, some elements deteriorate and are being restored along with the construction.

The beauty of this attraction in Thailand is undeniable. The temple is decorated with carved ornaments and figures reproducing subjects of Indian and Thai mythology. Each spire, wall, and other elements of this 105-meter-tall structure are endowed with a specific symbolic meaning.

The exquisite decor and the abundance of non-standard architectural details make this object very interesting for tourists.

Official site: http://www.sanctuaryoftruth.com

12. Woking Street (Pattaya)

Night World of Fun on Woking Street

Want to know what to visit in Thailand for a vivid experience? Take a walk down Woking Street, the legendary street of Pattaya, and experience the authentic Thai way of life and national flavor.

This place is the center of the nightlife of the city. The local sex industry operates here, so this street is a big hit with the male population.

At every step of the customer waiting for entertainment. From traditional restaurants and cafes to gay clubs, sex shows, and strip bars. There’s street music in the early evening and a thousand neon signs that illuminate the street after dark.

Woking Street is bounded by entrance arches and closes off at 6pm, becoming a promenade. Even though the street is known for its main trade, it’s worth seeing.

13. Wat Lan Kuad Temple (Khunhan)

Bottle temple complex Wat Lan Kuad

This landmark in Thailand also has quite a colorful history. Translated into Russian, the name means “Temple of a Million Bottles.” Given that Buddhism forbids the consumption of alcohol by Thais, it seems strange that they were able to erect such a structure using only beer bottles.

It took several decades to collect the bottles. Empty bottles were brought here by everyone - tourists, parishioners, locals. Not only the temple itself is made of glass bottles, but also the buildings on its territory (about 20 in total), including the toilet. Here are located: the main temple, hall for ceremonies, crematorium, dwellings for monks, rooms for tourists.

As always, the temple must have an image of Buddha. The mosaic depicting him is made of bottle caps, emphasizing the developed ecological consciousness of the monks.

The number of constructions on the territory of the glass temple increases due to the fact that even after its completion glass containers continue to be brought here.

14. Wat Prath Doi Suthep Monastery (Chiang Mai Province)

Golden Buddha Figures at Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Monastery

The location of this Thai landmark is already impressive. Mount Doi Suthep, on which the monastery rises, is 1600 meters high. The road to it was not paved until 1935, a little later a cable car appeared.

The magnificent structure of the XIV century is popular with pilgrims: according to the Buddhist religion, climbing to the top of the mountain, you can get rid of sins. The only thing to do is to ignore the car and the cable car and climb the 309 steps on foot.

Here you can see the statue of a white elephant, which, according to legend, chose the place for the construction of the monastery. It was he who, with ancient Buddhist relics placed on his back, climbed to the top of Doi Suthep and signaled his choice.

In the monastery you can see the golden figures of the Buddha, the golden chedi, the statue of the hermit and admire the panorama of the city from above. Visitors are allowed to light incense, make offerings to the monks, and ring the bell, considered sacred.

15. Phi Phi Islands (48 kilometers from Phuket)

A boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands

There is something to visit in Thailand for tourists who want to enjoy sea excursions. Forty-eight kilometers from Phuket Island. Phuket, in the Adaman Sea, is a group of 6 small resort islands.

The only inhabited of all is Phi Phi Don - an island with an organized infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, stores, various tourist facilities. It is conventionally divided into sections, each of which has its own characteristics.

Young people tend to the popular Loch Dalum beach here. They are attracted by nightclubs, massage parlors, beach discos and affordable prices. Long Beach, on the contrary, connoisseurs come relaxing vacation - couples with children, older tourists. On the deserted beaches of the eastern part of the island is less crowded because of the exorbitant prices.

Phi Phi Lei island is famous for the fact that in 1999 there was filmed the movie “The Beach. There are no tourist areas, but it has a pristine nature, untouched by civilization. Lovers of wild recreation come here and to other uninhabited islands, getting the opportunity to dive and snorkel. While in Thailand, how about visiting and Cambodia? After all, it’s just around the corner! Read about Cambodia attractions and get inspired for your next Asian trip!