Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia, thanks to its beaches and temples. I can confirm this as it is one of my favorite places.
It is also called the „land of smiles” because Thais avoid conflict and smile a lot. Buddhism is the dominant religion, which greatly shapes the culture as well. It is bordered by Laos and Cambodia to the east, Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand (Gulf of Siam) to the south, and the Andaman Sea and Myanmar to the west.
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The most beautiful places in Thailand
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital mixes traditional Eastern culture with modern urban life and is famous for its wonderful temples, palaces, and markets.
The city, stretching along the Chao Phraya River, has historical roots dating back to the 18th century, when it became an important commercial center after the fall of Ayutthaya.
Its most beautiful sight is the Grand Palace. The complex was the official residence of the Thai royal family and houses the famous Emerald Buddha Temple.
Among the temples, I would highlight two. Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most well-known and spectacular temples, famous for its decorations made of glittering porcelain and unique Khmer-style tower. Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is another significant religious site that houses the world’s largest reclining Buddha statue.
Bangkok attractions, temples, markets
Chiang Mai
Located in the northern part of Thailand, close to the Burmese border. Therefore, it’s much more rugged than other parts of Thailand.
Similar to Bangkok, it also has many beautiful temples. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located on a mountaintop and offers wonderful views, while Wat Chedi Luang preserves the memory of the Lanna kingdom.
The area has numerous elephant sanctuaries providing shelter for rescued elephants. These sanctuaries allow visitors to get up close and personal with the elephants, participating in their feeding and bathing.
Phuket
Located in the Andaman Sea, it’s the country’s largest island and also the name of its center.
It’s one of Thailand’s most visited places, a true tourist paradise with excellent beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island’s most popular beaches include Patong Beach, as well as the nearby Karon and Kata Beach. However, I recommend looking for a more secluded beach, which can be much more enjoyable than the ones mentioned.
A must-visit is the Big Buddha! The 45-meter-tall statue made of white marble, located at the top of Nakkerd Hill, offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and the sea.
And of course, Phuket’s old town should also be visited. In addition to the temples, the Chinese–Portuguese style houses are striking, remnants of the past. And exploring the markets here is also a great activity.
Maya Beach
Mentioned as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to its stunning location and white sandy beach.
The beach is located in a bay, surrounded by huge rocks. Turning into it by boat is an unforgettable experience! I was there in 2018 and indeed it was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever experienced.
Its popularity was cemented by the 2000 film „The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. However, excessive tourism caused environmental damage, leading Thai authorities to ban its visitation for an indefinite period in 2019 to allow nature to recover.
Ayutthaya
Located not far north of Bangkok, it was Thailand’s former capital.
From the 14th century onwards, it was the center of the Siamese Kingdom for over 400 years until it was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. Today, it’s part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Among its attractions, Wat Phra Si Sanphet must be mentioned. The temple on the former royal palace grounds is known for its row of large stupas. Another important site is Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, symbolizing the intertwining of Buddhism and nature.
Maeklong Railway Market
Surely you’ve seen that market where a train passes through. Located in Samut Songkhram city, southwest of Bangkok.
Trains pass through the market several times a day in each direction, during which local vendors with practiced movements quickly lower their awnings, move their goods away from the tracks, and moments after the train has passed, everything is put back in place. Over time, they have learned the size of the train, so often goods and people are just millimeters away.
Lampang
Located in the northern part, this city uniquely preserves traditional Thai culture and architecture, thanks to the well-preserved wooden buildings and ancient temples.
Interestingly, horse-drawn carriages still play an important role in local transportation, giving Lampang a unique atmosphere. Additionally, its ceramics industry is significant, especially the beautifully hand-painted porcelains.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a beautiful Lanna-style Buddhist temple, one of the city’s main attractions, famous for its carved wooden details and decorated stucco work.
Koh Samui
Previously dominated by agriculture and fishing, tourism has now become the mainstay of the island’s economy. Its main attraction is due to its coconut palm-fringed sandy beaches.
The three longest and most developed beaches are Choeng Mon, Chaweng, and Lamai. Here, you can rent surfboards and boats. The smaller beaches are typically like a postcard: clear blue sea, white sandy shores, lush coconut palm plantations.
Chiang Rai
This city near the Burmese-Laotian-Thai tri-border area is becoming increasingly popular due to the region and a famous temple.
The city’s most well-known attraction is Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. Designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, often referred to as the Thai Gaudí, the entirely white building is decorated with small glass pieces and rich decorative elements. Reflective mirrors are embedded in the main temple’s plaster.
I would recommend two cultural programs. The Baan Dam Museum, or the Black House, is a unique art collection created by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. Around the city, you can also get acquainted with the culture and lifestyle of the hill tribe.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Besides the railway market, this is another extraordinary market.
Located west of Bangkok, on the Damnoen Saduak river and canals, where traders sell fresh produce, local foods, handicrafts, and souvenirs on small boats.
Tourists can roam the market on the shore or by boat, which truly provides a unique experience.
Krabi
Next to Phuket, Krabi is another most-visited location in Southern Thailand. Its two famous beaches are Ao Nang and Railay Beach.
The city is surrounded by high limestone cliffs, which are symbols of Krabi province. The most famous is the twin-peaked Kanab Nam on the riverfront. A 15-minute boat ride from the city takes you to the foot of the cliffs, where stairs lead up to the peak.
Besides the beaches, Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) is a must-visit! It is one of Southern Thailand’s most revered forest temples. Its main hall, where meditation is practiced, is set up inside a cave. A 300 m long staircase leads up to a large Buddha statue on the rock top, offering a great view of the surrounding landscape.
Koh Lanta
The archipelago south of Krabi is an ideal destination for those who like to actively relax.
The main island, Koh Lanta Yai, is famous for its long, golden sandy beaches, such as Long Beach and Kantiang Bay. It is a favorite spot for divers due to the rich marine life around its coral-fringed shores.
The island houses the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which has extensive rainforests and mangrove forests, and is home to many wildlife species.
Phang Nga Bay
A large bay between Phuket and Krabi, popular for boat trips.
The shallow bay consists of 42 limestone islands, with mangrove forests covering several parts of its shore. Caves have formed in the limestone rocks of several islands, some of which are navigable by boat.
The world took notice of the bay after the release of the James Bond film „The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1974. In the film, Bond flies over the islands, then lands on the island since named after James Bond, where he fights his adversary. The island’s striking mushroom-shaped rock is referred to as James Bond Rock.
Another attraction is Koh Panyi, a village of the sea gypsy nationality, Muslim religion. About 200 years ago, the ancestors of today’s residents settled and built their stilt houses.
Kanchanaburi
This city in Western Thailand is significant both historically and naturally.
Here, the Japanese army forced prisoners and local workers to build a railway line to connect Thailand with Burma. This was called the Death Railway, as many died during its construction. One element of the line is the bridge over the Kwai River. This was filmed in 1957, making this part even more well-known.
Among its natural attractions, Erawan National Park is the most beautiful. It features Thailand’s most beautiful tiered waterfall, the seven-level Erawan Falls. It’s also worth visiting the karst cave, where interestingly shaped stalactites can be found.
Koh Lipe
Located in the southern part of Tarutao National Park, near the southern border of Thailand, close to Malaysia.
The small island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and rich coral life. Its three main beaches (Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach) are perfect for relaxing and bathing.
