The 6 Best Attractions of Thailand

When talking about the best tropical getaways, Thailand is one of the first that comes to mind. This country is, in fact, the most popular destination for tourists in Southeast Asia, thanks to the diverse range of attractions available to visitors of all sorts.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach destination or a cultural tour of an unfamiliar country, Thailand has it all for you. Here are some of the best attractions in Thailand.

Ayutthaya

Established as a Siamese capital in the 14th century, Ayutthaya was also once the most important trading posts in the region. Ayutthaya was destroyed by an invading Burmese army in the 18th century, which precipitated the collapse of the kingdom. At present, Ayutthaya boasts of a historical park with amazing temple and palace ruins.

Ko Tarutao

Situated in southern Thailand’s Tarutao National Marine Park archipelago, Ko Tarutao is perfect for nature enthusiasts searching for unique wildlife sighting, such as local sea turtles, macaques (that eat crabs), monitor lizards, mouse deer, and whales. The beaches are pristine and hiking trails are aplenty, but the water can be a bit too murky to be ideal for snorkeling.

The Grand Palace

Construction for this breathtaking palace was started in the 18th century when the Siamese capital was moved to Bangkok. The kings of the country used to live in this palace until the late 1940’s, when the royal residence was moved to the Chitralada Palace. One of the most attractive things about this impressive palace is that the architecture covers a diverse range of styles, from Ayutthayan temple styles to Western materials and design. The Grand Palace is also home to the Emerald Buddha of Wat Phra Kaew.

Ko Chang

Ko Chang is situated near the Cambodian border and is the second largest island in the country. This island is famed to have some of the most beautiful beaches, coral reefs, waterfalls, and forests in Thailand. Wildlife is also very diverse in Ko Chang—you can expect to see a wide variety of tropical birds, deer, elephants, and snakes while in the island. Currently, Ko Chang is one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand, but many travelers believe that it is a bit more peaceful here than in Ko Samui and Phuket.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in the country, thanks to its world-renowned street bazaars that spread out along sidewalks, temple grounds, and even building interiors. You can find a wide variety of products, including handicrafts, clothing items, artworks, and more.

The Similan Islands

If diving is more of your cup of tea than strolling along night markets, then the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea is your best bet. These islands are considered by many diving enthusiasts as the best diving spots in Thailand. Above water, the islands are covered in lush tropical jungles and miles upon miles of powdery white sand, but the main attraction is what is underneath the water. The combination of hard and soft corals will definitely take your breath away.