Thailand is well-known known for its friendly people, stunning beaches, Buddhist temples, delicious foods, and amazing shopping opportunities.
If you’re planning to come to this country in Southeastern Asia for a vacation, or if you’re doing business in Thailand, the following are just a few of the places that we think are well worth a visit.
#1: Bangkok
Bangkok attracts millions of visitors every year so this is certainly one of the busiest cities you’ll experience in Thailand. This isn’t to say you won’t find a place to find your inner zen. Some of the hotels in the city offer wellness retreats, such as the linked 5-star Riverside hotel in Bangkok, and there are a number of parks that are worth visiting if you need a place of quiet.
There are plenty of places to shop, including high-end plazas and floating markets. The Khao San Road is the place to be for some amazing street food and a great night out at one of the streetside bars. And if you’re willing to put up with all the tourists, there are lots of sightseeing attractions, including The Grand Palace, which was built in 1782 as a royal residence and still plays host to important ceremonies today.
Check out our beginner’s guide to Bangkok to learn more.
#2: Khao Yai National Park
Just a few short miles from Bangkok is this wildlife haven that hides gibbons, elephants, wild Thai tigers, bats, bears, and many more animals besides within its expansive landscape.
There are over 2,000 square kilometers of grasslands, evergreen forests, and mountains to explore, with thundering waterfalls that are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Established in 1962, this is the third-largest National Park in Thailand and definitely one of the most impressive. It’s a paradise for nature lovers who want to escape the busier areas of Thailand that highlights some of the best scenery the country has to offer.
#3: Chiang Mai
If you’re looking for a city that is far less hectic than Bangkok, then Chiang Mai, which is 700km away from that city, could be the place to go.
Set in a valley on the banks of Ping River, the tranquil city of Chiang Mai has a range of places to explore, from ancient ruins to opulent Buddhist temples.
There are plenty of places to shop, including night markets and ultra-modern shopping centers. And there’s a vibrant nightlife throughout the city, with special mention to Riverside which contains high-end bars and restaurants that offer a fabulous view of the Ping River.
#4: Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is a great place to visit for anybody looking for a tropical vacation. The island’s beaches have some of the best stretches of white sand in the country, some of which are surrounded by gold-glittering Buddhist temples that can be visited for morning prayers.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the various sanctuaries on the island, including the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary which is a retirement home for the beloved pachyderms. But if you’re looking to get a glimpse of life underwater, you can embark on a snorkeling or diving trip at one of the many bays across the island.
There are many more places to visit in Thailand so we have barely scratched the surface here. But we hope we have managed to give you a small taste of what is to offer if you ever visit this fabulous country.