Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand

Being a large country with 67.5 million people, it’s very easy to get lost in the wonders of Thailand. But if you’re planning to go there in the next few years, there are certainly places you can’t miss, and on top of that list are all 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Thailand. Not only are they worth seeing, they’re also very easy to get to.

The Historical City of Ayutthaya

Perhaps the best of all the sites in Thailand, what is now known as the Ayutthaya Historical Park since it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, was once a place known for its golden temples and lively mercantile life, until it was attacked by the invading Burmese army in 1767.

Despite the ruins, however, visitors shouldn’t miss seeing the Wat Yai Chaimongkhon and the Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Ayutthaya is also home to a giant Buddha head that is believed by locals to be protected by the spirits that live in the trees and plants surrounding the ruins.

Khao Yai National Park

With over 2,000 square kilometers in area, Khao Yai is undoubtedly the largest park in Thailand. This enormous park is a natural home to elephants, wild pigs, deer, and even the Asiatic back bear all of which visitors can see as they tour around the jungle.

The park also has great kayaking and river rafting spots. Being home to countless beautiful creatures, it’s deserving to be designated as one of Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005.

Ban Chiang

The archaeological sites of Ban Chiang remains to be one of Thailand’s best, still a rich dig site for ancient pottery and grave sites even today. Despite being thought to be formerly inhabited by farmers, the many unearthed bronze work speaks of how rich it was.

What has been uncovered have now found their place in the Banc Chiang National Museum along with other archaeological finds. Ban Chiang was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1992.

Historical Park of Sukhothai

Older than Ayutthaya itself, Sukhothai was actually one of Thailand’s firsct capital cities. The Historical Park, even before it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is already home to a long line of majestic ruins.

This is where you’ll find Thailand’s first royal palace as well as the beautiful Wat Mahathat. Sukhothai is definitely the place to see if you want to see some of Thailand’s most important historical sites.

Thung Yai and Huai Kha Khaeng

These wildlife sanctuaries have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1991, and is deemed one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the world. It’s got 320,000 hectares of the few remaining unspoiled forests in the world. It is a sanctuary to wild Asian Elephants, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and many tigers and leopards. Bird watchers will also find heaven in these sanctuaries.

For many of the beautiful creatures that find safe haven in these parts, the Thung Yai and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are among the few remaining areas where their kind can live peacefully.