Best Places to Visit in Thailand - Top Thailand’s Tourist Spots

Being renowned as one of the leading countries in the tourism industry in Asia, Thailand has always been a fascinating and remarkable experience for travellers from over the globe. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best places to visit in Thailand.

Thailand captures the heart of its visitors right from the moment they look out of the aeroplane window. With many Buddhist temples, splendid golden pagodas and breathtaking islands, it is truly the gem of Southeast Asia.

The rich culture and stunning scenery are what keep people coming back to Thailand over and over again. Keep scrolling, and you will see what this beautiful country has to offer.

Bangkok

The stunning temple complex within the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Photo by Alejandro Cartagena 🇲🇽🏳‍🌈 on Unsplash

It is undeniable that Bangkok - the capital city of Thailand - is one of the most attractive places to visit in Thailand. The city is not only filled with several universities but also numerous popular tourist destinations that might take you several days to explore. However, no matter where you like to visit, you can’t just miss out on the Grand Palace.

Rama I originally built the Grand Palace as a remark of the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty. More architectural structures were built from a single palace through different generations of empires, contributing to the complex of the Grand Palace Monuments.

However, please do notice that it used to be the official residence of the emperors of Thailand and is still used for ceremonieional events. Thus, there are st and should check out before visiting the Grand Palace not to turn your visit into a terrible memory.

Visitors can reach the complex by many means of transport; however, we found that taking a boat trip from River City Bangkok is best. Not only is it the most affordable transportation, but it also allows you to visit the floating local market, Amulet, and a brief view of the palace.

Bangkok is famous for a lot of things, but in this article, we want to introduce you to a more cultural place - the Bangkok National Museum. The museum is divided into different sections, ranging from the significance of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Empire to the kingdoms of Lamphun or Lopburi.

Chiang Mai

The dusk on the national park Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai. Photo by Bharath Mohan on Unsplash

Chiang Mai is another top-notch Thailand tourist attraction after Bangkok. Being one of the most important cities in Thailand, the destination is famous for its breathtaking landscape, numerous temples, and delicious cuisine. 

The Doi Inthanon national park is where you can find the highest mountain in Thailand. Coming to “the roof of Thailand”,  you will be treated to spectacular views of sunrise and sunset, stunning waterfalls, and remote villages. Standing on the peak of Doi Inthanon Mountain and capturing the alluring sea of clouds is unforgettable.

Chiang Mai is also famous for its elephant sanctuaries, where you can see the beautiful elephants up close and touch and feed them. If ethical treatment is your concern, some shelters are approved by World Animal Protection.

Lest we forget Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (or Doi Suthep in short) - a Buddha temple in the western region of Chiang Mai. Its origin is holy, as it is said to be where a bone of the Buddha’s shoulder resides.

Phuket

The crystal-clear water at Ko Phi Phi Beach, Phuket. Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash

Phuket is a province in the north of Thailand. This is where you can find Phuket island - the gem near the Andaman Sea, together with multiple smaller islands. Blessed with white sand beaches, splendid landscapes and unique architecture, Phuket is one of Thailand’s tourist places that draw travellers from around the world.

So, where to visit when travelling to Phuket? There are numerous beaches to spend time on, but the most outstanding must be Ko Phi Phi beach. 

Renowned as one of the cleanest beaches all over the globe, Ko Phi Phi offers its visitors a crystal-clear sea surrounded by gigantic rock cliffs. Coming to this famed destination, you can just simply sunbathe or swim. If you are into extreme sports, try cliff climbing or scuba diving. 

Even though Phuket is known mainly for its beaches, there are other great places waiting for your exploration. A popular attraction is Phuket Old Town. This town will amaze you with ancient coffee shops, temples, and pagodas in Chinese and French architectural styles. 

Thailand is undoubtedly a nation of religion, with temples everywhere you go. Phuket, too, has a renowned temple named Wat Chong. The locals believe the temple to be not only a place of worship but also a religious place that can heal illness.

Koh Samui

Heaven-like pathway of Koh Samui from afar. Photo by Nehal Patel on Unsplash

Islands and beaches are the best destinations to escape the hustle and bustle of crowded cities. If you want to visit somewhere other than Phuket, consider Koh Samui, the largest island in the Chumphon archipelago. Despite its scenic landscape and peaceful atmosphere, it is one of the most underrated Thailand tourist spots. 

Depending on your purpose, Koh Samui offers a wide range of distinguished beaches: if you are a party person, head to Chaweng beach, where dozens of bars, clubs and resorts are located.

Lamai beach, despite similar features, gives you a more relaxed and laid-back feeling. If you are looking for an even more peaceful place where you can just sit down and quietly adore the beauty of the sea and the people, feel free to go to Mae Nam or Bophut beach on the north of Koh Samui. 

Koh Tao

An up-close look at the breathtaking Sai Nuan Beach - one of the most popular beaches in Koh Tao. Photo by Max Böttinger on Unsplash

From Koh Samui, travelling to Koh Tao Island won’t take long. Koh Tao is the go-to diving destination for Thai and international divers. 

The place is filled with numerous types of marine creatures (mainly turtles, as the name “Tao” in the Thai language literally means ”turtle”). There are also stunning corals and different beautiful beaches.

Koh Tao is potentially one of Thailand’s tourist spots that travellers would want to visit on a hot summer vacation. Visitors have a variety of beaches to choose from: Sai Nuan, Koh Nang Yuan, Laem Thian, or Mae Haad.