Trip to Thailand
On a trip to Thailand, you will find a friendly country filled with golden palaces, delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and relaxing beaches, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia for a reason. Boasting a history that spans almost a thousand years, Thailand exists as a unique blend of old and new, from expansive cityscapes to agricultural villages. With so many top destinations in Thailand, it’s hard to know where to begin!
For first-time visitors, a trip to Thailand starts in the nation’s capital city of Bangkok. Home to over 9 million people, Bangkok is a bustling, modern metropolitan centre that is also home to many historical sites, including ancient Buddhist temples and shrines. Here, you can get a taste of what the country is all about. Sample the local street feed, browse the endless stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market, and visit the famous reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.
Other top destinations in Thailand include Ayutthaya Historical Park, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Chiang Mai, a beautiful city located within the lush Mae Ping River basin in the country’s mountainous northern region. For animal lovers, one of the most special Thailand holiday destinations in Chiang Mai is the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, a home for retired elephants where you can spend a day with these gentle giants. You’ll be able to feed and play with them and even give them mud baths!
A trip to Thailand is not complete without visiting one of the country’s renowned white-sand beaches. The long southern coastline is dotted with scenic resort towns such as Krabi, known for its pristine waters and seaside cliffs. If you’re looking for a luxury escape to an island paradise, Phuket and Koh Samui are the perfect Thailand holiday destinations. Filled with world-class resorts and luxurious spa retreats, these islands are just two of the hundreds that can be found in the region, so there is no shortage of beautiful places to explore.
With its diverse cultural offerings and many natural wonders, Thailand has something to offer everyone.
Thailand Travel Guide
Thailand Tours
Ayutthaya
On your Trip to Thailand visit the former capital of Siam during 477 years, Ayutthaya is a city full of history and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the partial destruction of the site by the Burmese people in the 18th century, the remains of the gigantic Buddhist monasteries enable to measure the magnitude of the city. Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai. Throughout the centuries, the ideal location between China, India and the Malay Archipelago made it the trading capital of Asia and even the world.
Bangkok
Trip to Thailand and see Bangkok, the city of Angels… The Thai name of the Thailand’s largest city is Krung Thep, “City of Angels”. About 10 million people live in Bangkok, the political, administrative, commercial, social and cultural capital. An eclectic mixture of tradition and modernity sets Bangkok apart as Asia’s most exotic and fascinating city. The old City, in the north-west of the capital, contains the largest concentration of historical sights – the Grand Palace, the National Museum, Wat Arun… It became Thailand’s capital, after Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Thonburi, at the beginning of Chakri Dynasty with Rama I in 1782.
Chiang Mai
On your Trip to Thailand visit the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity. The kingdom was founded by King Mengrai by merging the various city states in the region in 1296. Today Chiang Mai is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand.
Chiang Rai
On your Trip to Thailand visit Chiang Rai, founded by Phaya Mengrai in 1262 as part of the Lao–Thai Lanna kingdom, Chiang Rai didn’t become a Siamese territory until 1786 and a province until 1910. Chiang Rai is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. It is the centrepiece of the first independent kingdom in the country, and heart of the Lanna Kingdom. Yet, after just 34 years of glory, Mengrai moved his capital south to Lamphun and then finally to Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai largely fell into disuse and was fought over by Siamese and Burmese until 1786, when it was finally incorporated into the Siamese Kingdom.
Isaan Region
On your Trip to Thailand visit a region often neglected by most tourists, the Isaan region offers incredible natural wonders through discovering the more authentic and rural side of Thailand. The majestic National Parks as well as the Angkorian ruins are perfect places for trekking, leaving great memories to travellers. Most travelers just simply skip over this region on their way to Laos. The area is mostly farmland and little towns and lacks any real “attractions,” so travelers just pass through or go elsewhere in Thailand. But this region is proof that even in a country as touristy as Thailand, there’s still an off-the-beaten-path area to see. If you want to take a look at what day-to-day life in Thailand is like away from the crowds, Isaan is the place to go.
Kanchanaburi
On your Trip to Thailand visit “Muang” Kanchanaburi is the capital of the Province, located where the River Kwai Noi and River Kwai Yai merge to form the Maeklong (Mekong). An ancient Thai civilisation, best know for it’s more recent history when, during World War II the Japanese Imperial Army began construction of the infamous “Death Railway” which included the Bridge Over The River Kwai. In total, over 100,000 POW’s lost their lives building the railway, tunnels and the famous bridge.
Khao Yai
On your Trip to Thailand visit Khao Yai is the third largest National Park of Thailand. Within its 2000 km2 space, a diverse fauna and flora are grouped together. Many treks will allow travellers to admire different waterfalls, colorful birds and other jungle animals.In 2005 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the larger Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Forest Complex. Situated on the southwestern boundary of the Khorat Plateau, it occupies the western part of the Sankamphaeng Mountain range. Thick jungle covers the mountainous slopes, interspersed with some scenic waterfalls.
Ko Phi Phi
On your Trip to Thailand visit Krabi Province, southern Thailand, this archipelago composed of 6 islands has built an incredible reputation. Although very frequented by tourists, Ko Phi Phi still considered today having the most beautiful beaches in the world. Consequently, the much known Phi Phi Don will surely leave travellers speechless. Tourism on Ko Phi Phi, like the rest of Krabi province, has exploded only very recently. In the early 1990s only the most adventurous travelers visited the island, staying in only the most basic accommodation. Nowadays, however, the place has turned into one of the major destinations for visitors to Thailand.
Ko Samui
On your Trip to Thailand visit Ko Samui, Thailand’s third largest island, after Ko Phuket and Ko Chang. Dubbed the biggest coconut plantation in the world until the first backpackers arrived in the 1970s, this island has now seen tourism become its main income earner. Ko Samui’s beaches are world famous – its long, perfect strands attract around 500,000 visitors each year. Chaweng beach, in particular, has a reputation as something of a hang-out for an international party crowd.
Koh Chang
On your Trip to Thailand visit the second largest island of Thailand, Koh Chang also considered the most impressive. With its white sand beaches and wildlife, this is the ideal spot for a trek in the jungle populated by colourful birds. The sea lovers will find incredible seabed to discover and will surely have a wonderful experience. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking. The “discovery” of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Ko Samui, it is far from quiet in high season. Regarding services and activities specifically aimed at tourists prices have reached such a level that the islanders are pricing themselves out of the market when compared to the other islands.
Krabi
On your Trip to Thailand visit Krabi, a resort town near the Andaman coast. It lies in an area of limestone karsts and mangrove forest. Khao Kanab Nam, 2 slanting hills rising out of water, form a local landmark. Andaman Sea destinations like the Phi Phi Islands are accessible by ferry. If the south be the crown of Thailand’s stunning coastal regions, then Krabi is surely one of the most sparkling of jewels within that crown. Situated on the Andaman seaboard, it has some of the finest and most beautiful beaches in the Thailand.
Mae Hong Son
On your Trip to Thailand visit Mae Hong Son nestled in Thailand’s northern regions, once difficult to reach, it has natural beauty unseen by many visitors to the country. Nowadays this land of mist shrouded hills, remote valleys and ethnic hill-tribe villages is much easier to access and yet it’s mystical attraction of being a rugged and intriguing destination is as strong as ever.
Nakhon Ratchasima
The city of various Khmer ruins is also commonly known as Khorat or Korat, which is a short version of the ancient name Korakapura. It is located at the western edge of the Khorat Plateau, 260 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, and historically marked the boundary between the Lao and Siamese territory, however now is considered a gateway to the Northeast (Isan).
Off the beaten path in Thailand
Traveling off the beaten path in Thailand brings a unique set of experiences. In and around the cities of Chaing Mai and Chaing Rai there is so much to see. Shopping bazaars and Buddhist wats are just a few of the attractions. However, traveling into remote villages is an experience unlike any other. Here you can really experience Thailand for what it is.
Phuket
Phuket, is a rain forested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, with some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, mostly situated along the clear waters of the western shore. The island is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the South’ by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and lies in the Andaman Sea off the country’s south-western coast.
Phuket Island Tour
Enjoy a Phuket Island Tour, Thailand is an island where the visitor numbers are growing at a rapid rate. It is the largest island in Thailand with an estimated land area of 540 square kilometers. Tourists from all over the world come to take in the sun and play at the beaches. This island is commonly known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea. The temperatures of the island vary from 21 degrees and 34 degrees. However, due to its tropical location, the months of November to April are usually sunny and moist while May to October see the rainy monsoon season.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai is a former capital of Thailand during the 13th century has become a popular tourist destination. The Sukhothai (Rising of Happiness) Kingdom flourished from the mid-13th century to the late 14th century. This period was the golden age of Thai civilisation, and the religious art and architecture of the era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles. The remains of the Sukhothai kingdom, feature around 45 sq km of partially rebuilt ruins, one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand.
Things to Do in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s largest island, and one of the prettiest spots on earth. There are so many things to do in Koh Samui that everyone can find something that interests them. Here are some of the top things to do in Koh Samui.
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary World Heritage property lies in Uthai Thani, Tak, and Kanchanaburi provinces in the west of Thailand, alongside the border with Myanmar. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is one of most interesting wildlife locations in Thailand. Due to relatively clear visibility through the forest and abundance of all sorts animals it is very easy to spot wildlife. The sanctuary is home to largest population of tigers in Thailand, other relatively common species are banteng, elephants and leopards.
Trang
Relatively small numbers of Thai people can claim to have visited this splendidly scenic part of their own land, and if it is amazingly well endowed with natural beauty, its other great asset is being one of Thailand’s little-known tourist secrets.
Ubon Ratchathani
Located Northeast of Thailand, on the border with Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is mainly consist of forest and farms ideal to explore nature. Its national parks are an opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora typical of Thailand. Since it was once connected to the Khmer Empire, the region is also home to numerous Angkorian temples.
Udon Thani
Located in The Northeast of Thailand, less than a hundred kilometres away from Vientiane (Laos), Udon Thani is the 4th biggest city of the country. It became famous during the Vietnam War as it hosted one of the largest US military bases. Moreover, the city is also renowned for its numerous surrounding parks and archaeological sites making it an ideal place for exploring nature.