Thailand is the most popular holiday destination in Southeast Asia.
With blockbuster natural scenery, vibrant villages, a cosmopolitan capital and buckets of culture, it's easy to see how the Land of Smiles has turned many first-timers into repeat visitors. Here are the top things to do in Thailand.
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The Skytrain in Thailand makes it easy to zip between attractions.
The ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam are an easy day trip from the capital city of Thailand. The 13th-century ruins of Sukhothai, Thailand's most impressive and significant Khmer historical site, is located atop an extinct volcano in the nation's central- north.
You can hire a bike to explore the 70 sites around the main complex.
There are more than 1400 islands to choose from in Thailand. Home to the popular holiday idyls of Ko Lanta and the Phi Phi islands, to more off-the-beaten track tropical escapes such as the Trang archipelago and the scuba paradise of the Similan Islands, it's a good place to start.
If you want to visit Thailand during the rainy season from May to September, you can head to the Gulf islands such as Ko Tao, Ko Samui, and the famed party island of Ko Pha-Ngan.
In good news for Thailand's elephants, and visitors who come to see them, many of Thailand's elephant attractions have acted on global calls to stop offering activities that are harmful for elephants and dangerous for tourists.
A small but growing number of operators including ChangChill near Chiang Mai and Following Giants in Ko Lanta have transitioned to observation only experiences where elephants can be admired doing what they do best: simply being elephants.
It is possible to spot wild elephants in the Khao Yai National Park, which is just a short drive from Bangkok.
You can sample the fragrant curry dish known as kw soy or learn how to make it yourself at a local cooking school in the cultural capital of the north.
As a popular hub for digital nomads, as well as being a scenic countryside dotted with traditional handicraft outlets, elephant sanctuaries, jungle hiking opportunities, minority villages, and more, Chiang Mai is also a great place to visit.
One of Thailand's most ethnically diverse provinces is located in the west and east of the country. The nation's northernmost corner is one of the prettiest. Admire the dramatic mountains, visit its serene temples, and stay in the atmospheric villages, some of which hug the mightymekong River.
It is possible to only visit one of Thailand's national parks. The ancient rainforest hugging the midsection of southern Thailand is lined with sweaty hiking trails that reward you with postcard- perfect views of limestone formations. You can also sleep in a floating hut.
Railay is one of Thailand's most genetically blessed seaside destinations, with gorgeous beaches, scenic caves, and rock climbing. Railay is a popular destination for couples.
Visitors come and go by longtail boat, so there are no traffic hassles here.
Are you looking for a cultural experience? Community-based ecotourism is a great way to connect with Thai people on a deeper and more authentic level.
From the mountain towns of Chiang Mai Province to the Muslim fishing villages of Phang-Nga Province, CBET experiences take the form of a home away from home.
Homestay.com can be helpful in finding local hosts.
If you want to go deeper into the wilderness areas of Kanchanaburi Province, you need to stop by the provincial capital's WWII memorial. There are a lot of activities to choose from in this adventure center.
It's a good idea to spend the nights in lavish riverside resorts, tree-top bungalows or traditional village homestays.
If you haven't had a traditional Thai massage, have you ever visited Thailand? The quintessentially Thai style of massage has been linked to a number of health benefits.
Supporting local enterprise by visiting massage parlors that give employment opportunities for vulnerable locals is a planning tip.
Home to some of Thailand's best resorts and also blessed with some of Thailand's loveliest beaches, the Andaman holiday haven of Phuket is also a great place to visit. There is more to discover outside of your sun lounger.
Excellent restaurants, boutiques and museums can be found less than 30 minutes away from the hedonistic hub of Patong. You can take a dip in a waterfall near a wildlife sanctuary that rehabilitates gibbons that have been rescued from the pet trade.
Are you looking for the ultimate backpacker scene? Backpackers will tell you that Pai lies at the end of an ultra-scenic, winding bus ride from Chiang Mai into the lush mountains of Mae Hong Son province.
There are a lot of yoga options here. Pai is a popular hangout.
The article was published in August of 2021.
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