The sights of Thailand will tell you about the interesting history of this exotic country. Tourists will remember impressive architectural complexes, unforgettable fishing experiences, exciting shopping, and interesting excursions. Friendly local guides will offer holidays for every taste and degree of prosperity. From the first hours of the visit, this hospitable country resolutely dismisses superstitious fears about unfamiliar Asia, which will be hospitably welcomed and will remain in memory forever. Don’t 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 of all
Faced with the problem of organizing an entertainment program, use the information we have collected to choose excursions in Thailand that will meet your preferences. We will tell you about interesting places for adults and young people, as well as for couples with children.
1. The historical city of Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya)
The majestic ancient city of Ayutthaya
Like the two-faced Janus, this capital of the province of the same name appears to tourists in various guises. Half of Ayutthaya, filled with ruins after its destruction, is included in the UNESCO Heritage List and is a historic city park. Modern urban life takes place quietly in its second part with limited infrastructure.
Staying in Ayutthaya gives an idea not only about modern Thai life, but also about its glorious historical past. Once it was the ancient capital of the Siamese Kingdom, today it is only a modest city included in the excursion programs. There are no numerous bars, bustling nightlife, trendy spas. But there are plenty of people who want to look at the ruins left over from ancient Siam.
On the vast territory of the historical city there are ruins of many temple complexes, palaces, Buddhist statues, and other buildings. Of interest are the summer royal residence “Ban pa Yin”, impressive ancient temples that give an idea of the culture and history of the country.
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2. Royal Palace in Bangkok (Bangkok)
The Royal Palace in Bangkok is a sacred place in Thailand
When thinking about what to see in Thailand, you should definitely plan an excursion to the Royal Palace in the capital. The project of the palace complex with an area of 218 sq. m. m was created based on the prototype of Ayutthaya. The royal family only comes here for the ceremony. Some buildings inside the complex are still occupied by government agencies.
What facilities are offered to visitors? The Dusit Palace is interesting with a snow-white facade decorated with an arched portico and a pointed Thai roof. Here you can see the wooden throne of Rama I inlaid with mother of pearl.
The 12th-century Chakri Throne Palace with ceremonial rooms, the queen’s private chambers and urns with the ashes of the kings of the Chakri dynasty is interesting.
The wooden pavilion of Uphonkhimok is a masterpiece of Thai architecture. His design is simple, but combined with the magnificent decorations, he seems simply magnificent.
To the east of the palace buildings are the Siwalai Gardens with the personal temple of King Rama IV, decorated with light mosaics and lined with gray marble.
3. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs (Chiang Mai)
San Kamphaeng is the birthplace of hot springs
For those who are interested in the sights of Thailand that can improve their health, there is a direct road to the hot springs in the San Kamfaeng area. Located on 40 acres of green-planted land, they are known for their restorative effect.
All year round, water with a temperature of about 100 ° C, enriched with sulfur, rises from the ground. There are separate rooms or pools for bathing, and you can also get a real Thai massage session here.
In addition to taking therapeutic and wellness baths, there are many restaurants on the territory of this park, and tourists often arrange picnics on vast areas planted with grass. If desired, you can join a bike tour, raft down the river or ride elephants.
In addition to the springs, the area is famous for silk factories and an abundance of handicrafts, which are made in the Bo Sang artisan village nearby.
4. Koh Samui (Gulf of Thailand)
The azure sea and the sandy beach of Koh Samui
For beach lovers, there is something to see in Thailand, or rather, on its islands. Koh Samui’s pristine beauty island in the Gulf of Thailand is a favorite tourist destination. The isolation of the island until the 20th century and the lack of close contacts with the mainland allowed it to preserve nature in its pristine form.
Koh Samui is called the Island of coconut palms. The reasons for its popularity lie in the azure sea, picturesque waterfalls, and white beaches. The most popular of them are located in the eastern part of the island with a bustling nightlife and developed infrastructure.
The northern coast with reasonable hotel prices is more suitable for family holidays. Lovers of unspoilt nature should book accommodation in the southern part of the island, completely covered with greenery, with wild beaches. The famous Laem Sor Temple pagoda in Thailand is located here.
The West coast is famous for its colorful sunsets. Here is the administrative part of the island, the bus station, the main pier, and a large local food market.
5. White Temple (Chiang Rai)
The magnificent White Temple is a symbol of Nirvana
During the tour, try to get to the White Temple, the most unusual Buddhist building in the north of the country. The famous Thai artist Chalermchayu Kositpipat began its construction in 1997 and continues to this day. Rejecting the funds of sponsors, he uses only his own savings, thus excluding outside influence on the design of the structure.
The temple itself and the sculptures in its surroundings are decorated with pieces of mirrors and have a pleasant marble color. The path leading to the entrance is called the “road from hell to heaven” because of the characteristic sculptural design: the hands of naraks reaching out of the ground, the fangs of the demon Rahu, guards, a bridge over a pond separating the worlds.
In the temple, in addition to two statues of Buddha, you can see murals on the theme of the struggle between good and evil and heroes atypical for the temple: Neo from the Matrix, Batman, and the Jedi.
On the territory of the complex there is a pond with fish, many sculptures, an art gallery of the founder-artist himself. The roof of the temple is decorated with 4 animals symbolizing different elements.
See the beautiful places of Thailand in this wonderful video!
6. The historical city of Sukhothai (Sukhothai)
The historical city of Sukhothai
A few hours drive from the capital and you are in Sukhothai, the historical center of the country. It was once its first capital.
Modern Sukhothai is a small town. But Sukhothai, famous as a tourist attraction in Thailand, is 10 km from the first one. The pearl of this place is the Sukhothai Historical Park. Its territory is divided into 5 sections. Modern metropolitan life is concentrated in the central part. It is here that the greatest Wat Mahathat temple is located, crowned with a spire, surrounded by lakes with lotuses and consisting of 200 stupas and dozens of buildings.
In the north of the city there is the oldest of the temples 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) Buddha statue 11 m wide.
The main temple in the east of the city is Wat Chang Lom. There are statues of elephants at its base. There is a Wat Saphan Hin temple at the top of the hill, and a stone-paved road leads to it.
7. Doi Inthanon National Park (100 km from Chiang Mai)
The park at the Pagoda of the King and the Pagoda of the Queen
What to visit in Thailand at its very top? Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in the country, with a height of 2,565 m. This iconic place is called the “roof of Thailand”.
The 400 square meters of the Doi Inthanon National Park are full of waterfalls and tropical forests. Anyone who is tired of the heat should come to this cool place, saturated with extraordinary aromas and transparent mountain air. In the thick of the jungle there are huge trees, dense thickets of rhododendrons, large bushes of unknown flowers.
The beauty of this Thai landmark is the opportunity to contemplate nature surrounded by developed infrastructure. Tourists can enjoy comfortable bungalows, restaurants, shops.
There are two stupas on the top of the mountain: the Brown one for the king and the Gray One for the queen. Located opposite, they look into each other’s eyes, and there is something mystical about it. Needless to say, how colorful are the photos taken in this place, from this height!
8. Big Buddha (Pattaya)
The 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 excursion program. This is the Big Buddha, the main attraction of Phuket.
The statue, carved from white marble, was erected in honor of Pumpion Adulyadej, the king of Thailand. The construction started in 2002 and continues today. The monument is installed at an altitude of 400 m above sea level and has a height of 45 m. A concrete road leads through the jungle to the bottom.
There are 2 observation decks on the 8 hectares that the complex occupies. One is located at the entrance, the other at the foot.
This Thai landmark has a special charm that attracts tourists. In addition to souvenirs, marble tiles are sold in the temple, which is part of the complex. You can write your wish on it, and then the statue will be lined with it. Rarely does anyone give up the desire to perpetuate their “I” in such a grandiose monument in a distant mysterious country.
9. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Bangkok)
In the temple of the reclining Buddha
The popular name – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – is firmly attached to this Thai landmark. In fact, it is called Wat Pho and is the largest and oldest temple in the city.
It is believed that this is where traditional Thai massage appeared. The temple area covers about 80 thousand square meters, and it is known for its huge sculpture of the reclining Buddha. Its length is 46 m, height is 15 m. But he’s not the only one who makes this place famous.
It is rare that you will not see a statue of a Thai deity in any temple in the country. There are more than a thousand of them here. Various buildings and chedis (bell-shaped towers), a small park and an artificial pond with a waterfall are located on the temple territory.
Of tourist interest is only the northern part of the temple, where all the interesting exhibits are kept. Thai massage is available here. After 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 a dwelling for monks, there is a massage school and outbuildings.
Official website: https://www.watpho.com
Sights of Thailand: what else to visit while in Thailand
The exoticism of Asia attracts many travelers, but it is important to take the preparatory stage seriously, 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 Thai landmark is due to the film about the famous spy. Officially, the island is called Koh Tapu. In 1974, another part of the bond was filmed in Phang Nga Bay, in which this small island of unusual shape could be observed.
What is remarkable about this island? Due to its relatively narrow base and the fact that it is impossible to swim up to it, as well as to get off it. This island is a rock, projecting like a wedge out of the water, can be viewed from a neighboring island.
James Bond Island is sometimes called the neighboring island, Khao Ping Kang, where the finale of the film was filmed. Consisting of two rocks overgrown with forest, it is connected in the center by a sandy isthmus. In addition to a couple of beaches, there are several caves here.
But Ko Tapu is considered to be the true island named after Agent 007. Since 1998, in order to preserve the calcareous rock of the base, boats and long-tailed boats have been 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)
The eastern entrance to the mysterious Temple of Truth
What to see in Thailand that differs from the main attractions? Visit the Temple of Truth in Pattaya. Its peculiarity is that nails are not used in its creation. And although this fact is only half true (nails are driven in, but only half), the structure looks very impressive. The creators of the project assure that after the completion of construction, all nails will be removed.
The construction of the temple has been going on for 32 years. Some skeptics do not believe at all that this construction, which began in 1981, will be completed on time, projected by 2025. Over time, some elements become unusable, along with the construction, their restoration is carried out.
The beauty of this Thai landmark is undeniable. The temple is decorated with carved ornaments and figures reproducing the subjects of Indian and Thai mythology. Each spire, wall, and other elements of this 105-meter-high structure are endowed with a certain iconic meaning.
The exquisite decor and abundance of non-standard architectural details make this object very interesting for tourists.
Official website: https://www.sanctuaryoftruth.com
12. Walking Street (Pattaya)
The nocturnal world of entertainment on Walking Street
Do you want to know what to visit in Thailand to get vivid impressions? A walk along Walking Street, the legendary street of Pattaya, will help you immerse yourself in the peculiar way of life of Thailand, feel the atmosphere of national color.
The nightlife of the city is concentrated in this place. The workers of the local sex industry trade here, so the street is popular with men.
Entertainment venues await customers at every turn. From traditional restaurants and cafes to gay clubs, sex shows and strip bars. Street music sounds here in the early evening, and after sunset the street is illuminated by the light from thousands of neon signs.
Walking Street is bounded by entrance arches, at 18.00 it closes, becoming a promenade. Despite the fact that the street is known for its main craft, it is worth seeing.
13. Wat Lan Kuad Temple (Khun Khan)
Wat Lan Kuad Bottle Temple Complex
This Thai landmark also has a pretty vivid history. Translated into Russian, the name means “Temple of a million bottles”. Considering that Buddhism prohibits Thais from drinking alcohol, it seems strange that they managed to erect such a structure using only beer bottles.
It took several decades to collect the containers. Empty bottles were carried here by everyone – tourists, parishioners, local residents. Not only the temple itself is built of glass, but also the buildings on its territory (there are about 20 of them in total), including a toilet. There are: the main temple, a hall for ceremonies, a crematorium, dwellings for monks, rooms for tourists.
As always, there should be an image of the Buddha in the temple. The mosaic depicting him is lined with bottle caps, emphasizing the monks’ developed ecological consciousness.
The number of buildings on the territory of the glass temple is increasing due to the fact that even after the completion of its construction, glass containers continue to be brought here.
14. Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Monastery (Chiang Mai Province)
Golden Buddha Figurines at Van Prathat Doi Suthep Monastery
The location of this Thai landmark is already impressive. Doi Suthep Mountain, on which the monastery stands, has a height of 1600 m. The road to it was laid only in 1935, and a funicular appeared a little later.
The magnificent building 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. Just to do this, you need to neglect the car and the cable car and walk 309 steps.
Here you can see a statue of a white elephant, which, according to legend, chose the site 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 a height. Visitors are allowed to light incense, make offerings to monks, and ring a bell considered sacred.
15. Phi Phi Islands (48km from Phuket)
Boat trip to Phi Phi Islands
There is something to visit in Thailand for tourists who want to enjoy sea excursions. 48 km from Phuket Island, in the Adaman Sea, there is a group of 6 small resort islands.
The only inhabited one of all is Phi Phi Don, an island with an organized infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and various tourist sites. It is conditionally divided into sections, each of them has its own characteristics.
Young people tend to the popular Loch Dalum beach here. They are attracted to nightclubs, massage parlors, beach discos and affordable prices. On the contrary, connoisseurs of a relaxing holiday come to Long Beach – couples with children, elderly tourists. The deserted beaches of the eastern part of the island are less crowded due to exorbitantly high prices.
Phi Phi Lei Island is famous for the fact that the film “The Beach” was shot here in 1999. There are no tourist areas on it, but there is a virgin nature untouched by civilization. Lovers of wild recreation come here and to other uninhabited islands, getting the opportunity to go diving and snorkeling. While staying in Thailand, how about visiting Cambodia as well? After all, it is very close! Read about the sights of Cambodia and be inspired to travel further in Asia!
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