Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling metropolis filled with excitement and entertainment. Bangkok has something for everyone, from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to the lively night markets and rooftop bars.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the popular attractions and activities in Bangkok that you can enjoy. So, let’s delve into the wonders of Thailand’s capital city:
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and is now one of Bangkok’s most iconic attractions. The palace was the former residence of King Rama I and his successors. Within its walls lies several attractions, including Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Royal Reception Hall.
Sprawled across 218,400 square meters, this spectacular palace is filled with statues and pavilions with intricate designs and paintings that immediately captivate visitors. Although its magnificence should not be missed, note that modest clothing must always be worn while visiting any part of the Grand Palace grounds.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks and is renowned as the most stunning riverside temple in the entire city. Located on the west (Thonburi) side of the Chao Phraya River, it has become iconic to locals and visitors.
The temple was built in 1767 during the Ayutthaya period by King Taksin The Great when it was known as ‘Wat Makok.’ One of its main attractions is its central prang, a spire-like structure modeled after the prangs of ancient Khmer temples. This colorful structure stands more than 80 meters tall and is decorated with brightly colored pieces from broken Chinese ceramics, contributing to its unique beauty. Other features include four small corner prangs and four large Shiva shrines near its base.
Wat Arun’s significance goes beyond that of a sightseeing destination; it also has spiritual significance for Buddhists who view it as a representation of Mount Meru, which marks its center point – a symbol ubiquitous to all Buddhist temples throughout Thailand. Symbolically, this location represents where Heaven meets Earth – making Wat Arun truly unforgettable and giving an entirely new meaning to one’s visit to this stunning riverside temple.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is an ancient Buddhist temple in the historic Rattanakosin district of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in the city, and it serves as a major center for traditional medicine and massage.
The temple is home to a 15-meter-tall statue of Buddha, known as Phra Buddhasaiyas – considered the longest reclining Buddha in Thailand. The statue represents the historical Buddha and his teachings, reaching 1,500 years. Behind it, there is also a 160-meter-long mural depicting Buddha’s story. Visitors can also explore other religious relics inside the temple compound, including chedis (stupas), viharas (prayer halls), and statues of Hindu gods such as Ganesh and Indra.
Besides boasting impressive examples of architecture and religious artifacts, Wat Pho is also renowned for its traditional massage school. For generations, people have trained here, learning Thai massage techniques from accomplished therapeutic specialists to help improve physical health—and sometimes even for spiritual healing purposes.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for most visitors to Thailand. It’s an ancient city with temples, vibrant markets, and interesting culture. Home to some of the finest national parks, elephant camps, and stunning temples, it’s a great place to explore and experience Thai culture.
Let’s take a deeper look into the incredible attractions Chiang Mai has to offer:
Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep is a mountain located just outside Chiang Mai in Thailand and is notable for its cultural and historical significance. It is home to a magnificent gold-plated Buddhist temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This temple is one of the most well-known attractions in the region and attracts thousands of Thai and foreign visitors each year.
The beautiful temple grounds are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including macaques, barking deer, monitor lizards, wild boars, and more than 400 species of birds. One can also find various traditional shrines around the temple grounds that demonstrate the strong influence of Buddhism in this part of Thailand.
In addition to its spiritual importance, Doi Suthep offers spectacular views from its summit. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas across surrounding mountains and valleys covered by lush jungle foliage. There are two ways to reach the summit: by cable car or by taking a winding 5-kilometer road making occasional stops at viewpoints along the way.
No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without a trek up Doi Suthep – an awe-inspiring journey for all who visit this majestic site!
Wat Phra Singh
A classic example of Lanna Thai architecture and religious tradition, Wat Phra Singh is an important Buddhist temple in downtown Chiang Mai’s old city. It was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu. This temple houses the revered statue of the Buddha, known as the “Lion Buddha.” Richly adorned with works of art and illuminated by glittering glass mosaics, it has become a popular tourist spot for foreign visitors who come to be enchanted by its charming atmosphere.
The main temple enshrines beautiful images of Spiritual kings, Naga gods, and Indra gods, made in the form of serpents or dragons. Offerings can be made at these statues to please their spirits.
There are four other temples within Wat Phra Singh’s compound, known as Wihambhumisawanahm Rangsi Varamahaviharn, consecrated on different occasions during its seven-hundred-year-old history. This complex also contains a library of ancient and original copies of Buddhist scriptures.
At the entrance to Wat Phra Sing, visitors will find Chinese-style three-tiered pagodas made up of colorful glazed tiles, which remain one of the most beautiful sights within the complex.
Night Bazaar
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a unique cultural experience for travelers visiting the city. It is located in the old city area, and the street-long bazaar features hundreds of stalls and vendors selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to food and drinks. There are plenty of haggling opportunities for visitors looking for a bargain, with sellers offering shopping at much lower prices than any other store or market in town.
The night bazaar also provides visitors with various entertainment venues, such as live music, traditional Thai performances, and fortune-tellers. The illumination of its lights makes it a great nighttime sightseeing option. Additionally, there is an entire street of massage parlors for those wishing to relax after a long day exploring all that Chiang Mai offers.
Be sure to browse the bazaar’s many shops to find crafts, antiques, art, and furniture made in nearby villages by local people.
In conclusion, one should include the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar on any visit to this charming northern Thailand destination. It’s an incredibly lively atmosphere filled with energy which everybody must experience at least once during their stay!
Phuket
Phuket is an island in the Andaman Sea on the southwestern coast of Thailand. This area is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungle, and vibrant nightlife. It’s the perfect destination for beachgoers, adventurers, and partygoers alike.
From the top of the dramatic limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay to the iconic white statue of Big Buddha, Phuket has something for everyone. Let’s explore more of the attractions that Phuket has to offer:
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands just off the southeast coast of mainland Thailand. The two most famous are Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh, the former’s only inhabited island in the archipelago boasting stunning coastlines, exceptional diving opportunities, fascinating wildlife, and plenty more to explore.
Koh Phi Phi Leh is known for its quiet beaches and unspoiled nature. This secluded paradise is fringed by white sandy beaches lined with lush vegetation, including palm trees swaying in the salty air to create an inspiring backdrop for any traveler’s holiday. Visitors can spend time basking on one of the many stunning beaches or exploring caves teeming with life.
Scuba divers can find exciting creatures while exploring undersea shipwrecks, coral gardens, rare marine plants, and abundant fish life around the islands. On shore, activities vary as travelers can explore the rolling hills of Maya Bay, as seen in the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Beach, or seek out some fantastic local street food in markets. If you want to unwind, sunloungers on every beach are ideal for all-day lounging, or grab some snorkel gear and set off to investigate hidden coves where they can swim with tropical fish and discover amazing sea caves complete with colorful corals!
Big Buddha
The Big Buddha, or Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri as it is otherwise known, is located on the island of Phuket in Thailand. This impressive figure soars 45m high and is visible from most places on the island. Constructed from an unusual mix of Burmese and Chinese styles, the landmark depicts a sitting Buddha with his legs crossed and arms outstretched.
The site has become a go-to destination for tourists who admire its size and majestic beauty. Admission to the site is free. However, there are numerous souvenir vendors at the base of Big Buddha selling incense sticks and other goods to help generate funds for the upkeep of this popular attraction.
Visitors who would like to appreciate all its offers fully are encouraged to climb up its three tiers to catch stunning views across Chalong Bay. Donations are also accepted should visitors wish to contribute towards helping maintain this destination’s spiritual feeling with their symbolic gesture.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the most popular tourist beach in Phuket. Swimmers, sunbathers, and beachgoers of all types head to Patong Beach to enjoy the sunshine and crystal-clear waters. At the same time, experienced divers and snorkelers have plenty of opportunities for deep-sea exploration.
Patong Beach has countless bars, clubs, and live music venues if you’re looking for nightlife. The street market here offers locals and tourists the opportunity to purchase handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. There are also plenty of restaurants with delicious cuisine from around the world.
Water sports enthusiasts can choose from activities like Jet Skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. If relaxation is what you seek, multiple spas offer a variety of massage treatments. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can also take advantage of various adventure sports like zip-lining or rock climbing.
The hills surrounding Patong Beach provide beautiful views throughout the day and incredible sunsets each evening after dark. But, of course, given its popularity, Patong Beach can become crowded with tourists during peak season, so if that’s not your thing, avoid planning a visit during that period or visit another beach in Phuket, such as Karon or Kamala instead.
Krabi
Krabi is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. With its stunning coastline and archipelago of over 150 limestone islands, it’s easy to understand why. Krabi offers plenty of beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages, national parks, and vibrant nightlife for visitors.
This article will explore the attractions that Krabi has to offer:
Railay Beach
Railay Beach is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Krabi and widely hailed as one of Thailand’s best beach destinations. Railay Beach also attracts rock climbers worldwide due to its impressive limestone cliffs that are perfect for climbing. Located on a peninsula south of Ao Nang, Railay offers four beaches with stunning views and ample opportunities for relaxation. The sand on the beaches is white, and the waters are crystal clear. Directly offshore, you’ll find picturesque limestone islands that loom over the bays.
The east side of Railay has two famous beaches – Phra Nang beach and Railay East beach. Both can easily be reached from Railay West via a 30-minute hike through jungle paths lined with small local warungs selling snacks and drinks. The main draw of these two beaches is their amazing white sand, crystal clear water, unspoiled coral reefs, tall limestone cliffs turning deep blue as they subside into the turquoise Andaman Sea, numerous bird species flocking around or playing on the shoreline waves; all surrounded by lush tropical jungles abundant with wildlife including monkeys and colorful butterflies that truly bring out its remarkable beauty.
In addition to sunbathing or swimming in its tranquil waters, there are plenty of activities you can choose to do here, such as snorkeling among mind-boggling coral gardens full of schools of vibrant fishes or taking a kayaking tour around many hidden coves hidden among towering karst formations where spectacular green-green mangroves vegetation abounds! It’s an unforgettable experience!
Emerald Pool
Located near Krabi Town, Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is one of Thailand’s most beautiful natural attractions. The pool is deep within a lush jungle and surrounded by towering limestone formations, giving visitors a unique and peaceful experience.
Visitors first arrive at the entrance garden, which contains informational signage about the park and several ponds filled with local wildlife, such as fish, frogs, and turtles. Then, further into the park, visitors find an area for guided treks through the rainforest and an observation tower for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The main attraction is Emerald Pool, located at the end of a boardwalk trail. Fed by cold mountain springs from nearby Khao Nor Chuchi Mountain Range, visitors can take a dip in its secluded freshwater pool or take photos from one of two lookout points on either side of it. Also located near the entrance is Crystal Pool – an even more pristine body of water surrounded by a rocky basin and multiple cascading waterfalls.
As with all nature preserves in Thailand, visitors must remain respectful to humans and animals while visiting Emerald Pool Nature Park. Taking away anything other than photographs or memories results in hefty fines or potential jail time depending on severity so please be sure to respect your stay!
Tiger Cave Temple
Tiger Cave Temple is one of Thailand’s most stunning natural attractions near Krabi. It features a mysterious primordial cave. This temple is home to tigers revered and cared for by Buddhist monks.
The main attraction of Tiger Cave Temple is the enormous limestone stalagmite formation that towers above its surroundings. This giant stalagmite stands 12 meters high, and its tip has been carved into a representation of Guanyin Bodhisattva, a Buddhist deity believed to protect believers from evil. It is said that if you can climb up 1,237 steps around the stalagmite and kiss her feet, all your wishes will be fulfilled.
The temple also features many caves with mysterious formations, such as the two caves called “Heaven & Hell.” The beauty of these natural formations has attracted many visitors to this peaceful place over centuries – providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
On your visit here, you can explore the many caves that make up this temple complex or appreciate its serenity amidst nature’s finest offerings. Unfortunately, due to damage made by human activities in recent years, such as graffiti and waste dumping, an exhibition of tiger cubs no longer takes place in this temple, so do keep that in mind when visiting!
Other Attractions
Thailand is incredibly diverse and vibrant, offering something to every kind of traveler. While many visitors come to Thailand expecting only to find beaches and resorts, the country offers much more. Thailand has many attractions, from unique food and culture to vibrant urban scenes and stunning national parks.
Let’s take a closer look at the country’s other attractions:
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is an ancient city in central Thailand, located approximately 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. Once the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya has a rich history and culture that date back to the 14th century. The remnants of its splendid architecture are among some of Thailand’s most important monuments and attractions today.
The city’s famous landmarks include the Ayutthaya Historical Park, whose large-scale ruins from numerous temples and shrines housing Buddhist artifacts that remain primarily unscathed over time. Sanphet Prasat Palace is one of the more historically significant buildings in Ayutthaya, which served as a royal residence for Kings Narai and Boromakot before being demolished during battles with neighboring Burma forces. The site also offers several museums, including Phra Mongkonbophit Temple Museum, Ban Samrong Wooden Monastery Museum, and Wat Worachettharam Museum, which can be explored to gain a greater insight into Thailand’s past.
Aside from its rich history and culture, there are plenty of other attractions to visit while in Ayutthaya, such as Wat Kamphaeng Yai temple, known for its towering Buddha statues; Wat Ratchaburana temple situated on an island that is accessible only by boat; Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, previously used as a royal residence by Rama V; and Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple regarded as one of the largest temples in all of Southeast Asia.
Shopping opportunities abound at Ayutthaya Floating Market, where visitors can explore more than 180 shops selling traditional souvenirs such as woodcarvings or clothing made from Thai silk. Moreover, no trip to Ayutthaya would be complete without sampling any delicious local dishes like khao soi or maam muu dadd deaw (a northern specialty composed of roasted pork).
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is located in central Thailand and stretches into four provinces. It was founded in 1962; the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 and is an essential refuge for various plants, mammals, and birds. As the oldest and third largest national park in Thailand, Khao Yai is known for spectacular mountains, trails, and viewpoints that offer incredible views over valleys with dense rainforests.
The undisturbed rainforest contains stunning waterfalls, cliffs, and grasslands interspersed with teak and tropical foliage like flowering rattlebox trees. Much of the park has been untouched by human activity, allowing nature to be at its finest. The national park is also home to numerous species of animals, including gibbons, wild pigs, macaques, elephants, and tigers – although sighting one of these animals within the wild is rare due to their diminishing numbers.
For visitors looking to have an up-close experience with nature, Khao Yai National Park offers numerous activities such as jungle trekking through pine forests, bird watching along mountain streams, or simply observing wildlife while driving around the stunning terrain on a scooter or motorcycle. The magnificent scenic views make the entire experience worth it!
Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park, located in the former capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, is home to numerous ruins and temples, many of which are decorated with intricate stone carvings. The grounds are surrounded by a large moat, which gives the site its name – “Dawn of Happiness.”
The main attractions are Wat Si Chum and Wat Mahathat, built between 1238 and 1257 AD. As one of Thailand’s most important historical sights, visitors come from all over to explore this stunning park and appreciate its unique atmosphere.
The park’s other sites of particular interest include King Ramkhamhaeng’s palace, Sri Satchanalai Historical Park (20 km south), and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (50km west). All three had preserved archaeological remains from the period when they served as former capital cities of their empires. Visitors can wander through ancient ruins such as chedis or stupas (monumental Buddhist shrines), grand temples full of sculptures expressing Buddhist teachings, royal palaces, and walled cities containing various art forms.
The park is open throughout the year but varies in hours depending on the season – April to October from 6 am-6 pm and from November to March from 8 am-6 pm daily.