Thailand Famous Places to Visit

Thailand is a country on Southeast Asia’s Indochina peninsula known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha, a revered symbol. From buzzing Bangkok to mist-shrouded Mae Hong Son, and from the paradisaical beaches of Phuket to the rambling ruins of Ayutthaya, this is a rundown of the best that Thailand has to offer.

Bangkok
Bangkok is a modern Asian city with an array of hip dining and nightlife options, but thankfully, its more traditional charms – like golden-spired Buddhist temples, serpentine canals and a colourful street life – are still quite evident.

Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand is a treasure trove of Khmer-era temple ruins and the pristine Khao Yai National Park.

Mae Hong Son
Hemmed in by high mountains and bordering Myanmar (Burma), Mae Hong Son in the far north is a good starting point for treks to see colourful hill tribes in the surrounding region.

Phuket
With its spectacular white-sand beaches, luxury resort hotels, plentiful seafood and dramatic limestone karsts, Phuket is a natural choice for anyone seeking a relaxing holiday.

Sukhothai
The ancient city of Sukhothai, to the north of Bangkok, is associated with the golden era of Thai history. This magnificent collection of buildings has been awarded Unesco World Heritage status.

Ayutthaya
Another Unesco World Heritage site with a prominent role in Thai history, Ayutthaya is easily accessed from the capital by coach or by boat along the Chao Phraya River.

Krabi
Krabi and its surrounding islands in south Thailand have stunning beaches, lush national parks, excellent diving and snorkelling, and a fiery southern cuisine to sample.

Ko Samui
Principal rival to Phuket and the west-coast beaches, the white-sand beaches on the resort island of Ko Samui are lapped by the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Nearby Ko Phangan and Ko Tao offer yet more perfect beaches, wild nightlife and fabulous diving.

Chiang Mai
Capital of the ancient kingdom of Lanna, charming Chiang Mai has a beautiful Old City and a relaxed feel that is worlds away from hectic Bangkok. Take an elephant trek to explore the mountainous surrounding countryside.

Bridge on the River Kwai
Find Thailand’s haunting memorial to the POWs who died during World War II at Kanchanaburi.