From the glorious white elephants, marveled temples to nifty Tuk Tuks, Thailand is almost synonymous with nature’s own paradise on earth. Thailand abounds with natural beauty, scenic locations, and a robust tourism sector. Not to mention Thailand offers world-renowned street food as well. As the summer season picks up for the first year without major Covid 19 restrictions, tourism is flourishing again in Thailand right now. Are you ready to make and check off a bucket list in the land of Buddha? Here’s a perfect itinerary to enjoy the best of what Thailand has to offer.

Best places to visit and crazy things to do in Thailand

Bangkok

There’s no better place to start off the trip than the downtown capital itself. The main airport of the country, Suvarnabhumi is also situated here. Head over to the Khao San road to experience the Thai style of nightlife and partying. Moving on, there are multiple sightseeing options ranging from modern to historic. 

Start at Wat Arun and Wat Pho, two of the largest and most sacred temples in the country. The Emerald Buddha is also something to marvel at right on the outskirt of the main business district. The Chatuchak market held on the weekends is the perfect place to get the Thai shopping fix. 

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And as for the food, head over to any of the over 300,000 stalls and restaurants across the city. Here’s a pro tip. Pack some modest clothes alongside the vacay ones. The sacred temples are very strict about what can be worn or not inside the premises.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai arguably holds the top spot for tourism in the entire peninsula. The laid-back city on the bank of the Thai sea offers a mix of nature, mountains, and old escape like no other. The centuries-old temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are definitely something to marvel at.

The nights at Chiang Mai have equally vibrant attractions just like its days. The night bazaar of Chiang Mai is a haven for Thai goodies beyond your usual tourist souvenirs. Direct bus services are available from Bangkok to Chaing Mai. There are also direct flights to the city.

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Phuket

Situated in the southern end of Thailand, Phuket is consistently listed at the top of some of the best beaches in Asia. The luscious beaches are situated all around the island as it’s the largest in all of Thailand.

Beyond the beaches, there are boat retreats around the island to enjoy the sea up close. The island also offers treks, scuba diving, and kayaking in the clear blue water of Phang Nga Bay. Travelers can either take a direct flight or the bus to get to Phuket from Bangkok. There is a ferry service as well.

Phanom Rung

Head over to Phanom Rung to experience the local culture in its true essence. This place is mostly an off-the-beaten-path location for tourists. Beyond the usual tourist attractions, Phanom Rung offers a quiet spiritual experience with its deeply intricate Hindu temples.

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The temples are representative of the thousand-year-old history of this region and a testament to the rich Khmer culture.

The main dome of the Phanom Rung temples was built as a tribute to the sacred Kailash Mountain, the abode of the Hindu deity Shiva. Taking a flight from Bangkok is the easiest way to get to Phanom Rung.

Pai

Pai is the place to go to experience rural Thailand. The place didn’t have many tourists even a few years ago as it's situated at the foot of the northern hills of Thailand. But the growing interest of the tourists in the laid-back countryside has popped a huge tourism boom. Tourists can interact with different hill tribes to understand the local indigenous culture. The thatched dome roofs made of straws offer a picturesque view in the summer.

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Ko Samui

Discovered in the early 1970s, Ko Samui rightly holds the second spot for luscious beaches right after Phuket. The third-largest island in the Thai peninsula is abundant with natural beauty, green forests, and long beaches.

The island holds summer night parties which are definitely something to be experienced. The downtown Na Thon offers several oriental and upscale restaurants for tourists.

The island also has an airport so transportation is pretty easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, we definitely suggest taking the inner forest treks to explore some breathtaking waterfalls.

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Sukhothai

The first capital of Thailand is now a city of ruins. Yet the city attracts a lot of tourists, mainly those who are interested in the ancient relics and Buddhist history of the nation. The Sukhothai Historical Park is the perfect place to glaze at the Thai historical relics and understand the deep cultural heritage of the nation.

From there, head over to Wat Mahathat as it’s the home to an ancient statue of Buddha. Near Wat Mahathat is the Sri Satchanalai National Park which offers various activities both indoors and outdoors.

Khao Yai National Park

It would be a complete waste to visit Thailand and not see the great elephants the country is so famous for. The Khao Yai national park is situated in the San Kamphaeng Mountains. The park is the third-largest in Thailand but huge tourist traffic is seen here year-round. The tourists mainly flock here for the beautiful waterfalls and the abundance of local wildlife. From elephants to sambar deer to freshwater crocs, you can encounter anything anytime. So be careful and enjoy.

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Phi Phi Islands

The list won’t be complete without the inclusion of the Phi Phi islands situated in an archipelago named after the same. The largest island in the archipelago is the Ko Phi Phi Don which is a commonplace seen in different Hollywood movies. Beyond the Don, there is Leh and the Maya Bay. Two magical places to sit back and enjoy the incessant flow of the clear blue water. Feeling famished? Head over to the Tonsai village to try out some local spicy cuisines. It's guaranteed to feel your senses.

Railay

The last one on our list is Railay. This is a small island system situated a few kilometers off the southern coast of Thailand. The island range is known for its mountain caps and cliffs. Adrenaline junkies can hire equipment and go cliff climbing. Other than that, the island also offers some of the best beach experiences in southern Thailand.

Final Words

So far, we have discussed some of the best tourist spots in Thailand. The country offers some of the best tourism experiences in the entire world. By virtue of the magical beauties of its versatile natural landscape, spellbinding architectural monuments and amazing culture, Thailand is filled with tourists all year round. Make sure to plan and book ahead of the itinerary to avoid unnecessary hassle. Happy traveling and being a responsible tourist.

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