The Most Beautiful Places in Thailand

Bangkok

The capital is huge and lively, and is one of the most visited cities in the world. Most tourists choose to start their Thailand trip here.

The most famous scenic spot is Wat Arun, dubbed 'The Temple of Dawn'. It is on the bank of the Chao Praya River. Its architecture is unique, different from all the other temples in the country.

If you want a close look at a different part of the city, head to the floating market. Many guided tours will get you there by boat, an experience we strongly recommend. There are hundreds of boats in the market, filled with food and souvenirs.

Location: Bangkok is in on the Gulf of Thailand. Its central position is ideal for starting to explore the country.

Travel Information: The city is easily accessible by air from all the other major cities in Southeast Asia. If you are also visiting Cambodia, there are direct buses from Battambang.

Khao Yai National Park

If you love wildlife, visit this park and you won't regret it. This first national park of Thailand includes rainforests and grasslands, and is home to many elephants, bears, gaurs, otters, and more than 300 species of bird (dry months are best for bird-watching).

Location: The park is about 4 hours by bus from Bangkok.

Travel Information: Tickets cost 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children under 14. There is a small extra fee for bikes. From Monday to Friday, it closes at 6 pm; on Saturday, it closes at 1 pm.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was the capital of the eponymous kingdom that ruled over Thailand from the 14th to the 18th century. During its glorious past, Ayutthaya was the most prosperous city in Southeast Asia, and travelers used to compare it to Paris.

Today, outside the modern city, you can visit the ruins of the old city in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, with many wats (Buddhist temples); for example, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, reflecting the mandala, the Buddhist's world view.

Wat Ratchaburana presents one of the best-preserved prangs of the site, with fine figured stucco depicting snake-deities (nagas) supporting Garuda, a humanoid bird from Hindu mythology.

Location: Ayutthaya is 76 km north of Bangkok. Getting there by train takes 1 hour 40 minutes, and it costs around 300 baht. Buses from Bangkok are frequent, and the most expensive costs 56 baht. If you want to take a boat, you need to book in advance, since there is no scheduled service.

Travel Information: The park opens at 7:30 am, and tickets cost around 50 baht. You can visit it on a bicycle or on one of the many local tuk tuks.

Sukhothai

Another testimony to the glorious past of the country is Sukhothai, with its own Historical Park (also a UNESCO site). The Sukhothai kingdom lasted until the 15th century, when it was conquered by the kingdom of Ayutthaya.

The central zone of the park can easily be explored by bicycle. The biggest structures are there, mostly clumped together. The main temple is Wat Mahathat, the center of the entire kingdom and the largest ruin. Behind this temple, you will find Wat Tra Phang, a picturesque smaller structure surrounded by palm trees.

Location: North of Bangkok, Sukhothai is easy to reach by air (1 hour 15 minutes for about 2,500 baht), by train (1 hour), or by bus (3 hours for 130 baht).

Travel Information: The historical park is divided into zones, and the ticket for each zone costs 100 baht. Opening hours: 6 am to 8 pm.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi encompasses two of the special features of Thailand: historical sites and natural spots. The city hosts many sites dating back to World War II, such as the JEATH War Museum, the replica of a prison camp.

The city's most popular attraction is the bridge on the river Kwai, part of the Thai-Burmese railway built during WWII. You can ride across the bridge and gain a view of the river Kwai.

On the Thai-Burmese railway (dubbed 'Death Railway') there is another site worth a visit: the Hellfire Pass, where 700 prisoners died during construction.

Location: Kanchanaburi is west of Bangkok and Ayutthaya. From Bangkok, you can reach the site by bus (3 hours, first class bus for 120 baht) or train (2 hours 30 minutes, around 100 baht). If you are in Ayutthaya, you can take a direct bus for 80 baht, and it will take around 1.5 hours.

Travel Information: All the attractions are close to the town. The Bridge is just 3 km away, and it is possible to take a train that crosses it.

Erawan National Park

A different feature of the area is its stunning national parks. The most famous is National Park, with its seven-tiered waterfalls surrounded by luxurious vegetation and mountains.

While you climb the waterfalls and bathe in their pools, you might spot some animals, such as elephants or gibbons.

Location: Erawan Park is near Kanchanaburi. It is easily accessible by public bus. You can rent a bike and explore the area, and rent a tent to spend a night in the park.

Travel Information: The park is open from 8 am to 4.30 pm, and tickets cost 300 baht.

Elephant World

Last but not least is Elephant World. This reserve hosts many elephants rescued from years of labor. You will have a chance to interact with the animals in an ethical way, feeding them and bathing them.

The animals roam freely inside the reserve, and it is your chance to take care of them, even just for one unforgettable day.

Location: The park is 35 km from Kanchanaburi and 180 km from Bangkok.

Travel Information: To visit the park you need to book on its website and it is recommended to book well in advance. You can be picked up in the city at 9 am, and the day-program ends at 4 pm. If you're going by yourself, you should be at the park around 10 am. The adult fee is 2,500 baht (children aged 4 to 11 pay 1,500 baht).

Chiang Mai

In the heart of the Old City you will find Wat Prasingh, the largest of the temples, built in 1345. Its decaying structure hosts the figure known as Phra Singh Buddha, a revered statue.

Another temple you cannot miss is Wat Prathat Doi Sutep, on top of a mountain and with a stunning view of the city. It's the perfect spot for taking beautiful pictures. Statues of demons guard the entrance, and the main gallery is adorned with statues of Buddha.

Another experience you can't miss is to volunteer at an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center, to help heal elephants and learn about their lives past and present.

Location: Chiang Mai is 580 km from Bangkok, and its international airport handles both domestic and international flights.

Travel Information: Flying from Bangkok is the most popular option. It takes just 1 hour 15 minutes, and it costs around 1,200 baht. Since most attractions are in the city, you can easily see it by bike.

Doi Inthanon

We also recommend heading to Doi Inthanon, a high peak in a national park full of natural wonders.

You can visit many waterfalls and hill tribe villages, and two pagodas which honor two past rulers. The park is about two hours from the city, and it is advisable to rent a car or a motorbike to visit it (it is too big to visit on foot).

Location: The peak is in Chiang Mai province, just a few kilometers from the city. To get there, just take the rural road 1009, accessible from highway 108.

Travel Information: Opening times are 5.30 am to 6.30 pm, and the entrance fee is 300 baht for adults, 150 baht for children.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai was also part of the Lan Na kingdom, and the many ruins and temples are a witness to that period.

A peculiar attraction of the city is Wat Rong Khun, the 'White Temple'. The temple is the work of a famous Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, and it was only built in 1998.

It is built with white stone with thousands of little embedded mirrors, so that the temple can sparkle in the sunlight. It is not yet completed, however, and it is said it will take 90 years to finish.

Location: Chiang Rai is 820 km from Bangkok and 150 km from Chiang Mai, home to the nearest train station. The airport is well served by different airlines, and you can even find direct flights from other countries.

Travel Information: All the major attractions are inside the city, and it can easily be explored by private car or tuk-tuk.

Phuket

Phuket is rightfully world-famous. Its scenery is truly amazing. One of the most unusual places is Phang Nga Bay, with dozens of caves you can visit by canoe. A typical boat tour will drive you around. The crew will introduce what you are going to see and some good food will be provided.

Old Phuket is full of Sino-Portuguese streets, with plenty of shops and fascinating mansions built in colonial style. The town is full of restaurants and cafes, and it's easy to find a good place for dinner.

Location: The west coast of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea. Bangkok is 630 km away, while Chiang Mai lies 1214 km away. The nearest province is Krabi.

Travel Information: The airport on the island is the second largest in Thailand. There are plenty of flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. There are no direct trains, and the city has two bus terminals. A bus from Bangkok takes 13 hours.

Ko Samui

This island is perfect for nature lovers. The Angthong National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands, with thick jungles, limestone mountains, white-sandy beaches, and a rich variety of wild animals roaming freely.

Koh Tao, an island of the archipelago, is a popular destination for scuba divers. It is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and the coral reef is home to many wonderful sea creatures, especially turtles.

The island, 55 km north of Koh Samui, has plenty of hotels and beach bungalows. It is a peaceful tropical island you will love.

Location: Ko Samui is in the Chumphon Archipelago 700 km south of Bangkok and 80 km from the eastern coast of the country.

Travel Information: Bangkok Airways owns the airport on the island and is the main operator. From Bangkok, there is a combined bus/high speed catamaran ferry service that takes about 11 hours. From Surat Thani, the same service costs around 250 baht and it takes around 2 hours.