Discover the top places to visit in Thailand, including beautiful islands, temples, and vibrant cities. Plan your perfect Thai getaway with must-see destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Every year, a huge number of tourists visit Thailand. Thailand boasts of an array of fantastic beaches, islands, and mountains – along with a throbbing nightlife. The country is a perfect fusion of tradition & modernity.
Top Best Places to Visit in Thailand
Thailand enjoys excellent connectivity with every corner of the world. But upon your arrival there, you might feel confused regarding planning your itinerary – because there’s so much to see & do! If you’re planning to visit this stunning destination, Efficient Tourism offers exciting Thailand holiday packages from Dubai to make your trip unforgettable. Here in this post, we will take care of it by detailing the top 20 places that you should visit in Thailand.
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital city is truly a hotspot that never sleeps. In fact, it seems to come more alive after dark. Bangkok is a cultural melting pot, celebrating diversity of beliefs & lifestyles. On one hand, you have cloud-kissing skyscrapers jostling with each other for space – while almost adjacent to them, lie monasteries & other houses of worship.
Traditional floating & also flea markets coexist with swanky shopping malls, thus providing you with a lot of variety & options to choose from. In fact, shopping considered to be a “must-do” activity in Thailand by most tourists! Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Phao, and Art in Paradise to get a feel of the city’s rich cultural heritage. And do take walks through the various thriving evening hotspots of the city which are lined with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and more.
Pattaya
Serene locations and bustling nightlife are what make Pattaya such a popular tourist destination. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving here. You can relax on the beach with a book or take a refreshing swim in the calm waters. And you would be spoilt for choice here as far as gastronomic delights are concerned.
Bright lights illuminate the streets of Pattaya after dark, especially the renowned Walking Street – famous for the open bars and cabaret shows like The Alcazar Show that are frequented by those tourists who enjoy partying. But even families can have a gala time here in its pristine beaches, zoos, markets, temples, and theme parks.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island welcomes you with its bevy of beauties – glistening beaches by the azure sea, clear skies, thrill-inducing water sports, high-octane nightlife, and bustling markets. Spectacular beaches like Patong, Kata, and Surin cater to tourists of every hue – singles or families. The Phuket Weekend Market is the perfect place to lay your hands on a range of goodies – although, you would need to bargain hard! Recharge yourself at Bangla Road after dark at the numerous watering holes, eating joints, and cabarets. You can also visit the numerous islands around Phuket in the daytime & indulge in some thrilling water sports.
Krabi
Another popular costal province, Krabi is home to a host of beaches that welcome you with their silvery white sandy beaches where the turquoise waters gently break into. Over 150 islands dot the waters around Krabi, and quite a few of them are home to national parks. Krabi is renowned for some of the most exotic coral diving spots globally that makes it a favorite for diving & photography enthusiasts alike. The stunning limestone karsts off the beaches make for perfect rock climbing spots. The various hot springs here are very inviting for an invigorating bath while enjoying the beauty of the lush jungle landscape.
Koh Samui
Thailand’s 2nd largest island is the perfect gateway for beach enthusiasts. Beautiful beaches offering breathtaking views of the sea, lush forests in the mountains, and a bustling Friday Night Walking Street Market are the key attractions of Koh Samui. Do check out the various gift & boutique shops at The Fisherman’s Village at Bophut Beach.
Adventure lovers can go for snorkeling, diving, and off-roading into jungles. Don’t forget to check out the Angthong Marine Park with its beautiful waterfalls and rock formations. The Wat Phra Yai & Wat Plai Laem Buddhist temples would give you an insight into the rich spiritual heritage of the island.
Ayutthaya
A visit to Ayutthaya would be a welcome break from beach-hopping & the bustle of nightlife. The name of this site is derived from Ayodhya, India. The Ramayana connection makes Ayutthaya an even more attractive site for Indians. Labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya played an important role in Thailand’s culture, trade, and commerce throughout the ages. A visit to the various temples & other houses of worship here act as an eye-opener to the cultural heritage of the land.
Phi Phi Islands
The site for the Leonardo di Caprio movive, “The Beach,” Phi Phi Islands is located a short distance away from Phuket. Spectacular beaches and a hi-octane nightlife are what you would enjoy here. And do take out time to visit the strikingly beautiful lagoons & cliffs in the island’s interiors.
Chiang Mai
Visit Chiang Mai for its beautiful countryside, throbbing local markets, and sites of historical importance. Budget travelers flock to Chiang Mai because it’s easier on the pocket, compared to Thailand’s other tourist spots. You may not get the high-octane party zones of Bangkok & Pattaya here, but the numerous hip cafes here would ensure that you would be having a gastronomically rewarding time. Explore the local markets here, visit the Doi Inthanon National Park for some hiking & trekking, and check out the ancient Lanna Kingdom temples in the walled city.
Kanchanaburi
A host of beautiful attractions like waterfalls, limestone caves, and forests filled with local flora & fauna are what you should visit Kanchanaburi for. There are also options of white water rafting & trekking here. The pagodas here are worth paying a visit to. And do definitely visit the World War II-era Burma Railway. Built by the then prisoners of war (featured in the film “The Bridge on the River Kwai”), the railway and the other related sites & museums here stand testimony to the brutalities of war that this town had to go through.
Koh Phangan
Lovely white beaches & turquoise calm waters would be greeting you at Koh Phangan. You can chill out at the beach after a swim or go for some scuba diving & snorkeling. If you visit the island on a full moon night, then you can participate in the rocking nightlong parties here. Shake a leg here & the stuff yourself with the goodies from the shacks & restaurants.
The Than Sadet National Park here is a key attraction for nature enthusiasts, with its mountains, waterfalls, & hiking trails. Enjoy spectacular views of the adjoining landscapes from high up at the The Khao Ra viewpoint.
Koh Tao
Some of the world’s best diving spots are available here at Koh Tao island. Scuba diving & snorkeling activities are activities that are frequently indulged here in by the tourists. Take a walk along the beautiful coastline & observe the sea turtles resting there. You can enjoy a relaxing time in this island, exploring the local quaint restaurants, settlements, and the exciting but relaxed nightlife.
Chiang Rai
Head for Chiang Rai to explore imposing mountains and also to get a taste of the nation’s history & religious culture. Many tribal settlements dot this locality, thus enabling you to learn more about the ethnicity of the land. Chiang Rai has a wonderful collection of local music, traditional art, and temples. Hop on a boat & take a trip along the serene and historic Mekong River. Go for a trek in the jungles & get to interact with the friendly tribal people. And yes, Chiang Rai is known as a hub of local food that is also easy on the pockets. Don’t miss out on it!
Railay
Brilliant limestone cliffs & picturesque beaches are what have made Railay a famous tourist spot. Rock climbers love this secluded gem, and the relative isolation adds to the charm of Railay. You may also indulge in kayaking & diving here. The pristine beaches by the azure waters would offer ample scopes for relaxing swims & sunbathing, while the restaurants and bars here would keep you well-stuffed and hydrated! And do explore the fascinating Phra Nag Cave here.
Hua Hin
Among the oldest beach resorts of Thailand, Hua Hin still exudes a lot of charm for tourists. The ambience here is cosy & relatively quiter compared to the more visited beach resorts of the country. The trendy cafes, upscale markets, fashionable accommodations, and golf courses here perfectly complement an old-world charm that still exists here.
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a part of the Tarutao Marine National Park. Magnificent coral reefs & stunning white beaches define Koh Lipe. During sunrise & sunset, the views of the sea from the beaches are truly splendid. You can go for some thrilling marine sports here. Food options are many and also easy on the pocket. The nightlife here is pretty active as well.
Khao Yai National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage site is Thailand’s oldest national park. The park is full of lush greenery, imposing cliffs, and a vibrant animal life, consisting of tigers, leopards, elephants, bears, gibbons, and many more. More than 300 varieties of birds are also to be seen here. The park also offers several hiking trails.
Sukhotai
Considered to be the cradle of the Thai civilization, Sukhotai is another UNESCO World Heritage site. The Sukhothai Historical Park is home to almost 200 temple ruins & ancient sites that speak volumes about the rich cultural history of Thailand. Also, during the full moon in November, the popular Loy Krathong Festival is organized here which is a representation of the exotic folk culture of the region.
Khao Sok National Park
The Khao Sok National Park is a verdant rainforest and among the oldest of its kind. The park houses a rich ensemble of exotic flora & fauna like the Rafflesia flower and animals like tigers, gibbons, and hornbills. Explore the limestone cliffs & mountains in the park, along with the 180+ avian species.
Similan Islands
Similan Islands boast of some of the prettiest beaches in Thailand. The crystal clear waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. The spectacular white beaches are no less beautiful. You can also go for diving & have a look at 5000+ years-old coral reefs, accompanied by tropical marine life.
Sangkhlaburi
Adorned with the stunning Vajiralongkorn Lake (Khao Laem), Sangkhlaburi is a perfect getaway for a day or two. Go for boating in the lake, explore the dense forests & beautiful limestone ranges, and don’t miss out on taking a walk over the 400m long Mon bridge – the world’s 2nd longest handmade bridge!
So, this was all about places to visit in Thailand. If you are planning for international tours from Dubai then do explore:
