25 Amazing Places to Visit in Thailand

Looking for places to visit in Thailand? It’s an amazing country full of beautiful nature, islands, culture, history, wildlife, delicious food and much more. To make your travel planning a bit easier, I’ve made this list of 25 Amazing places to visit in Thailand. 

Some of them are quite typical, but most of them will make sure that you get a diverse itinerary, and make sure that you get to experience the best of what this wonderful country has to offer. 

I love Thailand, and I can’t recommend it enough, especially if it’s your first trip abroad. Thai people are some of the friendliest, and most of the times it’s very convenient to get around by public transportation. 

Lopburi

Lopburi is an ancient city that dates back at least 3500 years ago. Today, it’s perhaps most famous among tourists for its rather large population of monkeys that are living in Prang Sam Yod, which is also known as the Monkey temple.  

It’s like a real-life scene from the Mowgli movie, but instead of Orangutans and King Louie, the temple is inhabited by macaques. There’s even an annual festival where long tables are filled with food for the monkeys. 

Sukhothai

Sukhothai UNESCO World Heritage site that was the first capital of Siam. Experts say that this is the cradle of Thai civilization and that it’s the birthplace of Thai art, language, and even architecture. 

Unfortunately, a lot of foreign tourists seems to miss this ancient city, but it should definitely be included in your itinerary if you appreciate history and want to learn more about Thailand’s past. 

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

A fascinating temple that was built by the famous Chalermchai Kositpipat. It’s also known as Wat Rong Khun, and while it could’ve been an ancient temple, it’s actually quite new and only a few years old. 

Despite that, it’s still worth visiting as the architecture is truly a masterpiece and something unique. The White Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Rai. 

Elephant Nature Park

If you happen to visit Chiang Mai, make sure to plan a day trip or overnighter at the Elephant Nature Park. It’s one of the most ethical sanctuaries in the world, and they have rescued Thai elephants from tree logging, circuses, and other harmful conditions. 

It’s truly magical to come close to these majestic animals, and you can tell how happy they are to roam freely in the Elephant Nature Park. 

Koh Lipe

Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket typically get a lot more attention than this hidden gem. 

Koh Lipe is a true paradise island, and thanks to fewer visitors it has kept its traditional charm and rustic feeling. You can still enjoy serene white beaches and turquoise water without the massive crowds.  

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Best time to visit Thi Lo Su is during the wet season when the water flow is at its peak.

However, it should be noted that the waterfall is quite far away from civilization, and it’s a long ride to get there, so unless you have sufficient time traveling around the country, I may suggest visiting other places in Thailand. 

Ayutthaya

Another historical city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ayutthaya is one of the best day trips from Bangkok, and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Thailand. The temples are all stunning, and it’s like traveling back in time. 

This is also where you can see the famous Buddha head carved into a tree. Ayutthaya also served as the second capital of Siam.

Doi Suthep

One of Thailand’s largest temple complexes, situated in Chiang Mai province, about 1 hours drive from the city. The full name is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, even though it’s mostly referred to as Doi Suthep. 

Railway Market

Thanks to Instagram and Social Media, the railway market has really gone viral. But, I can assure you, it’s more than just a photo spot for your next Instagram picture.

There are actually several railway markets, but the most famous one is the Maeklong Railway Market. As you can see in the photo below, people are living and selling fruits, veggies and various other things along the railroad tracks. 

I suggest that you spend some time with the locals rather than coming here just to get a photo in front of the train that goes through the market. It’s very fascinating to experience this place and learn more about the local’s everyday life. 

Maya Bay

Few places in Thailand are as famous as Maya Bay. It was the number one place that backpackers traveled to after the travel movie “The Beach” with Leonardo di Caprio in the early 2000 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. 

Kanchanaburi

One of the most scenic train rides in Thailand, perhaps even in Southeast Asia. 

Doi Inthanon National Park

Another fantastic place to visit in the Chiang Mai province is the Doi Inthanon National Park, which is also where the country’s tallest mountain can be found. It’s very beautiful with stunning views and lush nature teeming with flora and fauna. 

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok is another national park that shouldn’t be missed, especially if you’re traveling around the southern parts of Thailand. 

Here awaits untouched nature at its finest and diverse wildlife. Imagine massive limestone karsts, old bamboo forests and a wonderful lake that will take your breath away. 

It’s suggested to visit Khao Sok during the dry season from November to April. 

Similan Islands

Snorkelers and scuba divers will especially enjoy the Similan islands, which is home to a wide range of marine animals and organisms. 

Pai

In the mountains of Northern Thailand lies Pai, a small town that has become something like a backpacker haven. The nature around Pai is breathtaking, but a lot of backpackers also come here for the party scene and laid back vibes. 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Local markets are everywhere, but Thailand’s floating markets are definitely something special. One of the most famous floating markets is the one called Damnoen Saduak, which is quite easy to reach from Bangkok. 

Koh Nang Yuan

If you travel to Koh Tao or Koh Samui, you can easily visit this small island known locally as Koh Nang Yuan. The view is quite scenic the large strip of white sand connecting the small islands. 

Railay Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Thailand, and one of the best ones as well. I love Railay beach, and even though it can get a bit crowded, it’s still so beautiful to lay down in the sand while overlooking the limestone karsts. 

You can easily get here by boat from Krabi or Ao Nang. It’s also possible to stay in one of the hotels located next to Railay Beach. 

Phanom Rung

One of the most impressive Khmer temples in Thailand. It was built in Angkor style during the 10th until the 13th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.

The inner sanctuary is decorated with carvings of the Hindu Gods Vishnu and Shiva, as well as depictions from the Ramayana. 

Hong Islands

If you’re traveling to Krabi or Phuket, then Hong Islands is a must. At these islands, you can enjoy some of the best beaches in the world while enjoying the scenery of old limestone karsts and lush nature. 

You can visit the Hong Islands either by hiring a private boat, or you could join one of the group tours from several destinations in Krabi and Phuket. There are daily boat tours, and they often include stops at several of the islands. 

Mae-Jam Rice terraces

Asia is famous for its spectacular rice terraces, and Mae-Jam might be the most beautiful place to enjoy rice terraces in Thailand. 

Mae Jam is located in the Chiang Mai province, and I really recommend going there on a day trip from the city, or even better stay overnight at a local family, and do a homestay experience. 

Wat Pho

One of the most spectacular temples in Bangkok, and all of Thailand if you ask me. I really like Wat Pho, and it’s definitely a temple that everyone should have written down on their list of places to visit in Thailand. 

The most famous part of this temple complex is the massive reclining Buddha, but everything about Wat Pho is truly stunning. 

Red Lotus Sea

This place is very popular among Thai couples, but not so much for International visitors. The Red Lotus Lake is situated in Udon Thani and is known locally as Talay Bua Deang. 

The pink buds begin to bloom at the end of the rainy season, and they reach their peak in January and February. You can easily rent your own boat and explore the Red Lotus Lake on your own, so there’s no need to join a group tour unless you want to. 

Emerald Pool

About 1-hour drive from Krabi, you can enjoy this magical place known as the Emerald pool.

Nearby you can also visit natural hot springs. I suggest that you visit the Emerald pool and the hot springs either early in the morning, or later in the evening. 

Bangkok

Last but not least, Bangkok, or Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit, which is the real name of the city. 

It’s a city that never sleeps, and it truly has something for everyone. One of my favorite things about Bangkok is the many rooftops and luxury hotels with rooftop pools that are overlooking the skyline. 

But it’s so much more than that, and I also love the temples and local markets. Bangkok is truly one of the best places to visit in Thailand and one of the most enjoyable cities in the world. 

My favorite places to visit in Thailand

If you’re a first time visitor, and you’re not sure where to go, these are my favorite places to visit in Thailand:

Chiang Mai	Lopburi
Chiang Rai	Sukhothai
Railay Beach	Ayutthaya
Mae Jam rice terraces	Koh Lipe
Bangkok	Hong Islands

More Places to Visit in Thailand

• Hua Hin
• Koh Samui
• Phuket town
• Ao Nang
• Krabi Town
• Udon Thani
• Koh Chang
• Pattaya

Book Your Trip

So, now that you know about all these beautiful places to visit in Thailand, it’s time to book your trip!

• See the best deals on hotels
• Find the cheapest flights here
• Get $40 discount on Airbnb

---

Thailand is an incredible destination where you can spend weeks or even months. If you know some more beautiful places to visit in Thailand, feel free to share in the comment section!