!What to do in Thailand? The 15 must-see places to visit
Both accessible and totally exotic, Thailand is a destination that appeals to everyone, because of its many facets. The paradise islands of the south meet the remote and mountainous regions of the north. Everywhere, the tranquility of the temples soothes the noise of the big cities. Add to that a cuisine considered to be one of the best in the world and the legendary friendliness of the Thai people: your trip will certainly give you wonderful memories. Here are the 15 must-see places to visit during a stay in Thailand!
If you are planning a trip to the south of the country, discover our favorites here. If it's northern Thailand that tempts you the most, discover here all the must-see must-sees.
1. Bangkok, between entertainment and spirituality
Buzzing day and night, the Thai capital cultivates excess in all its forms. Sometimes futuristic, sometimes suspended in the past, in some places consumerist, sometimes imbued with spirituality, Bangkok astonishes and dazzles at the same time by its multiple facets . Its 15 million inhabitants transit between the avenues lined with skyscrapers and the alleys where there are shops, restaurants and Buddhist temples. All this without forgetting the khlongs , the canals that run through the whole city. The City of Angels , as it is nicknamed, is bathed in a tropical climate marked by two main seasons. Choose the cool season to visit it, from November to March. Wondering what to do in Bangkok? Discover the 17 essentials to visit.
Immerse yourself in Bangkok's historical and cultural heritage as you explore the Royal Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha on this tour with an experienced local guide.
2. Sukhothai, vestiges of another time
Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It then housed more than 200 temples. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, it is now one of the most fascinating archaeological parks in the country, which houses a number of remains. The most emblematic monument is its Wat Mahathat , surrounded by small ponds blooming with lotuses, but the site reveals a thousand and one other wonders. The most pleasant thing is to rent a bike to explore the site and if possible as soon as possible, to avoid the influx of tourists.
Want to experience the best of Sukhothai by bike? Click here to book your guided tour and explore the famous ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park and soak up the scenic landscapes of the area.
3. Ko Phi Phi, a little paradise in Thailand
Prized for its white sandy beaches and its cliffs plunging into translucent waters, the island of Ko Phi Phi has acquired international fame since Leonardo DiCaprio shot the film The Beach there ! Battered by a tsunami in December 2004, the island has regained its luster, that of hotel complexes and wild and secluded corners. The reefs of Koh Phi Phi are very rich, the Hin Daeng and Hin Muang spots being among the most famous for observing manta rays, and perhaps even whale sharks. With its central position, Koh Phi Phi is also a good starting point to reach the dive sites of Koh Lanta and the Similan Islands .
Discover the beauty of the Phi Phi Islands on this speedboat cruise from Phuket that takes you to Maya Bay, see the Viking Cave and snorkel on Bamboo Island.
4. Ayutthaya, the ruins of an incredible city
Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya was one of the greatest cities in the world in the 17th and 18th centuries . Destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese army, it lost its role in favor of the new capital, Bangkok. The city is today mainly known for the ruins of its temples . Its historical park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to many temples such as Wat Chai Watthanaram , built on the model of the Angkor temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet or Wat Ratchaburana, dating from the 15th century . .
Tempted by visiting the ruins of Ayutthaya? Book your guided tour to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, here and visit 4 of the most remarkable temples in the historic city.
5. The Golden Triangle, the mountain in its purest form
Located at the crossroads of northern Thailand , Laos and Myanmar, the Golden Triangle is a mountainous and wild area , inhabited by many ethnic minorities. Its name comes from the role that the region played in the trade of opium which was exchanged for gold... Today replaced by the cultures of tea, coffee and tobacco, the Golden Triangle lends itself to many hikes in the heart of fantastic landscapes of limestone mountains, lush forests and large rice fields. Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen , the two main cities in the region, are particularly interesting to visit.
We recommend this day trip to Chiang Rai which will take you to visit the magnificent White Temple, meet the Karen tribe of Long Neck and enjoy a boat ride in the iconic Golden Triangle.
6. Phuket, Thailand's dream resort
Beaches lined with palm trees, a sea riddled with islands, superb hotel complexes, numerous sports and leisure activities: Phuket is today one of the first tropical seaside resorts in the world. Its coast lined with white sand beaches and small peaceful bays is bathed in the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Backed by green hills, you lose yourself in the contemplation of rows of coconut palms and rubber plantations. A real little paradise in southern Thailand , illuminated by the sun all year round!
Do you want to discover the famous James Bond Island and enjoy a beautiful sunset while enjoying a panoramic view of the sublime sunset? Go here to book your boat cruise day!
7. Chiang Mai, between charm and tradition
Located in the northern foothills, Chiang Mai is the second largest city in the country and certainly the most stunning. There is a very pleasant atmosphere that weaves its way between its small streets, the many temples and the stalls of its night market . It is also a dynamic city that offers a large number of activities to its visitors:
- introduction to Thai massage,
- cooking lessons,
- Thai boxing lessons…
Close to traditions and crafts , Chiang Mai is the ideal destination for purchasing silver, wooden or ceramic objects.
If you want to discover the beauty of Chiang Mai, we advise you to book this day hike which will also take you to visit an elephant sanctuary and go bamboo rafting in the jungle.
8. Koh Tao, a beautiful tropical island
Koh Tao , understand Turtle Island , is a small tropical island with some of the best scuba diving areas in the country. Nearly thirty sites are accessible from its palm-fringed beaches, including the very famous site of Chumphon Pinnacle . With snorkel or bottle, the best time to come and dive is from March to October and especially from March to May, when you can swim with whale sharks.
If you want to explore the stunning natural beauty of Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan, we recommend this full-day snorkeling tour that takes you to five of the island's gems.
9. Koh Pha Ngan, between wild nature and party spot
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Pha Ngan is known to all for its famous Full Moon parties , the full moon parties that bring together a large number of revelers. It also conceals many treasures, such as wild and unspoilt nature, three quarters of the island being covered in dense jungle . We stop in some magnificent sites, such as the Penang waterfall , in the Than Sadet-Koh Phangan national park. The coastline is dotted with small coves and hidden beaches, each more beautiful than the next.
10. Krabi, the crystal clear waters of Thailand
Protected beaches and bays, crystal clear waters lapping golden sands and small islands make Krabi one of the most popular beach destinations. Known for its karstic cliffs which give it a mysterious air, the region is also full of exceptional fauna and flora, protected in several national parks . There are many caves to be discovered, some of which are invested with temples such as Wat Tham Sua , the temple of the tiger cave. For this, we advise you to book this guided excursion which will take you to admire the crystal clear waters of the Emerald Pool and the Blue Lagoon of Krabi and discover the impressive temple of the Tiger Cave.
11. Pai, the ideal place for a trek in Thailand
How good it is to live in this Thai city with a hippie influence ! The atmosphere is resolutely relaxed, this impression being accentuated by the tranquility of the surrounding nature. The valley which extends under Pai is quite simply sublime. To fully contemplate it, climb the long staircase that leads to Wat Phrathat Mae Yen temple and its huge white Buddha. In addition to this majestic statue which will amaze you, you can abandon yourself, like him, to the contemplation of the view imprinted with magic on the green valley and a unique view of the mountains and its nature. For that, book your private day trip to Pai from Chiang Mai here.
12. Khao Sok National Park and its karst formations
A little air of magic floats in Khao Sok , where superb karst formations seem weightless on the water. This magical landscape invites the most total change of scenery, as the mosaic of natural areas is dazzling. The jungle mixes with an enchanting tropical fauna . Everywhere, sovereign nature imposes itself in all its majesty, the pure and green water offering a sublime landscape surrounded by verdant cliffs. A true little corner of paradise to see absolutely! This guided excursion will introduce you to Khao Sok National Park: you will interact with elephants in an elephant sanctuary by helping to bathe them and you will enjoy a peacefulbamboo raft ride on the Sok River.
13. Check out the Lopburi monkeys
Only an hour's drive from Ayutthaya, you discover Lopburi , one of the oldest cities in Thailand. Here, monkeys have completely colonized the area. Be careful, they are naughty… If you don't hide your glasses or your packet of Pepito, you can say goodbye to them! Do you want to combine an unusual visit and an architectural discovery ? Direction the Prang Sam Yot temple, originally designed to be a Buddhist sanctuary.
Good to know : on the last Sunday of November , a major event takes place: a sacred ritual to pay homage to the descendants of the monkey god Hanuman.
14. The beaches of Koh Samui
A postcard landscape awaits you in Koh Samui , where coconut palms watch over calm, crystal-clear waters. It is an ideal place to enjoy paradisiacal beaches with the family . In addition to the beautiful Mae Nam or Chaweng beaches , beautiful curiosities are to be seen on the island of Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. A beautiful waterfall 30 meters high thus offers a pleasant moment of plenitude. You can also contemplate Wat Phra Yai and its superb golden Buddha.
Explore Koh Samui's top attractions on this guided tour that takes you to temples , island views, and Grandfather and Grandmother rocks.
15. Khao Yai National Park, a Thai green lung
The deep jungle welcomes you to Khao Yai , a super national park where Thai flora and fauna thrive in step with nature. Within this green paradise , listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , you will do some of your most beautiful hikes. Do not hesitate to hire a guide, as it can be difficult to find your way around in this abundant nature.
Book your Khao Yai National Park tour here to discover more than 3,000 types of flowers, 250 birds, and 67 species of mammals such as elephants, tigers, gibbons, deer and more!
?Where to go in Thailand for the first time
A discovery itinerary will allow you to discover Thailand, between culture and nature. Of course, Bangkok is a must . Then go relax on the paradise islands of Thailand, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta . Now is the time to discover Buddhist culture in Ayutthaya or Sukhothai ! The majestic mountains await you on the side of Chiang Mai for the rest of your stay. A night train takes you there especially from Bangkok, if you want to live an unusual experience.
?Where to go in Thailand with the family
First of all, do not hesitate to visit some temples with your children , such as What Pho, to name only this one. You will not necessarily do that during your vacation, but some of these places of worship with incredible architecture will amaze young and old.
You can also visit Ganesha Park , which combines discovery of elephants – an endangered species – and ecotourism. Then set off to explore the Khao Yai National Park . In addition to the bewitching waterfalls nestled in a lung of greenery, you will encounter gibbons, elephants and various animal and plant species. The Lopburi Monkey Temple can also be part of your family itinerary, but brief the children well, because although they are free, the monkeys are still wild animals! Finally, you can complete your visits with the Dusit zoo or the Sea Life Ocean World aquarium .
?When is the best time to go to Thailand
Thailand lives to the rhythm of a tropical climate, alternating the rainy season with the dry and wet seasons. We advise you to go to this superb country during the wet season , because the climate is temperate there. The ideal period thus extends in winter , from November to February/March . It may also be interesting to organize your stay in the spring , to celebrate the Buddhist New Year.
Petit Futé tip : Thailand is ideal for a motorcycle road trip !
Are you still hesitating about going to Thailand, even after reading this article? Discover the 10 good reasons to choose Thailand for your next vacation! You are ready to discover a sublime country, whose temples are matched only by the extraordinary nature that flourishes there.
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