Thailand is known for its smiles and golden temple spires. In a country where the beaches are so brilliantly white you have to wear shades, and in a country where the curries are so hot they make your toes shiver. Travelers are faced with a tricky question, with so many amazing things to see and do, where do you start?
You can narrow it down by looking at the top sights and experiences, but there is a geographical decision to be made: do you go north or south? The south has beaches and coral reefs while the north has national parks and historic ruins.
During monsoon rains, the beaches and jungle roads turn into rivers. You will see another side to Southeast Asia's top tourist destination if it doesn't rain all the time.
Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has to offer with our email newsletter delivered weekly into your inbox.
It is a must-see stop before you head off to explore Wat Pho and other temples on Ko Ratanakosin. Load up on street food sé sticks and watch hundreds of young people get the Asia bug for the first time.
Elephants, monkeys, gibbons, bears, hornbills, bats and some of the last wild Thai tigers can be found in Thailand's most impressive wildlife haven, which is just a short drive from Bangkok. Hikes in the rainforest go through vines and orchids on their way to jungle pools.
The best place to sample Thailand's best home-grown vino is by the winery on the approach road.
The gateway to the southern beaches and a favorite starting point for families visiting Thailand for the first time is Phuket. The food is fragrant and spicy, the resorts air-conditioned and comfortable, the beaches sand-sprinkled and lovely, and there's tons for children to do.
Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is Thailand's last real island escape. Most of the isles in Ko Lipe are part of the national park, meaning cheap beach-side campgrounds, abundant wildlife and the chance to be a modern-day Robinson Crusoe.
The bridge over the River Kwai is not the only thing to see in Kanchanaburi. You can stay in floating guesthouses on the river and explore the history of the Thailand-Burma railroad. Sai Yok National Park and Erawan National Park are both filled with waterfalls.
Every block of the city is adorned with monasteries. Some are delicate jewel boxes covered in mirrored mosaics, while others are towering constructions of hand-hewn teak or centuries-old relics of exposed brickwork.
This is a great place to visit if you like street food, cooking courses, and easy day trips to jungle-covered mountains.
Outside of town, the breath-taking karst cliffs are located around the beaches of Railay East, Railay West and Ton Sai. One of the world's top climbing destinations is Railay's sea cliffs. This is one of the best Thailand experiences because of the blinding white beaches, jungle trails and cheap beach-hut accommodations.
The tourist flood in Northeastern Thailand slows to a trickle. You can find prehistoric rock paintings in Ubon Ratchathani and watch dragon boat races on the mighty Mekong in rural towns along the river.
The Similan Islands are 70 miles off the coast of Phang-Nga province. There are beautiful island beaches to relax on between dives despite some bleaching of corals. There are many animals to see beneath the waves.
It's best to plan for underwater visibility from February to April.
The beautiful Rafflesia kerrii, one of the largest and pongiest flowers in the world, is just one of the natural wonders waiting in this unique and stunning national park. On foot, you can hike up towering limestone formations that soar above emerald rainforest views, as well as raft, kayak, and sleep in floating huts atop Chiaw Lan Lake.
Despite being the second capital of Siam from the 14th to the 18th century, it has been overtaken by other Thai cities. The ruined temples and shrines are on the world heritage list.
It's a good idea to visit the summer home of the kings of Thailand while you are there.
The full-moon party capital of Thailand is KoPha-Ngan. Quiet corners with shady palms and swaying hammocks preserve the tropical island vibe, and you can easily spend your days on the beach to recover.
The planning tip is to use yoga, meditation, trekking, scuba diving, dawn swims and more.
Pai is like a southern island escape and dropped into the northern Thai hills after being transported across the country. The township at the bottom of the valley contains guesthouses, restaurants and backpacker bars, as well as hot springs and forest waterfalls.
Thailand's far north is a land of jungle wonders that used to be a haunt of drug lords. Hiking through tribal homelands that spill over the borders into Myanmar and Laotians is the main draw of the area.
One of the most charming corners of the country can be found in the tea and coffee growing villages.
The site of an older Cambodian capital is where the other great historic capital of Thailand is located. The ruins of these ancient kingdoms can be found in the form of brick stupas and crumbling Buddha statues.
If you want to explore the ruins at your own pace, rent a bike.
In about one hour, this article was updated.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
