Thailand: 5 Must See Destinations

Thailand is a beautiful country with an array of fascinating destinations and attractions. The tropical climate, diverse landscape and interesting culture make this country one of the best places for tourists in southeastern Asia. While there is much to see and do in Thailand, there are five must-see destinations that travelers will not want to miss.

1: Phuket

Phuket is well-known for its stunning scenery and gorgeous beaches. This is the country’s largest island as well as home to various attractions. Those who enjoy trips to the beach will have plenty of options. From the busy Patong Beach with its varied shopping and thriving nightlife to the clear water and white sands of Kata Beach, visitors will have no trouble finding a place to enjoy Thailand’s warm climate. Snorkeling and scuba diving are relatively popular, and sites like the Phi Phi Islands provide great underwater scenery.

2: Chang Mai

Chang Mai, also spelled Chiang Mai, is an excellent destination for those who would like to learn more about the country’s history and culture. This city is home to many attractive Buddhist temples. One such temple is the Wat Chedi Luang. At around six hundred years old, this is both a historic and religious site, and this temple once housed the famous Emerald Buddha. Other popular religious sites are the well-known Wat Phra Singh and the ancient Wat Chiang Mun. There are also plenty of museums for visitors to enjoy, such as the extensive Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center. Wildlife attractions are easy to find as there are several elephant parks, zoos and botanical gardens.

3: Koh Samui

Koh Samui, often known simply as Samui, is the third largest island in Thailand and is known for its natural beauty. Palm and coconut trees are found around the island, adding to its relaxing island atmosphere. There are several wonderful beaches on Koh Samui, such as Lamai Beach, as well as a thriving nightlife. Many enjoy walking to visit the Na Muang and Hin Lad waterfalls. Another pleasant sightseeing expedition may include a trip to the twelve meter statue of Buddha at Wat Phra Yai. It is easy to find tours on Koh Samui, whether one is searching for a walking tour of the island or an underwater diving tour.

4: Bangkok

As the country’s capital, Bangkok is a busy modern city with a lot to offer travelers. This diverse city is usually considered very traveler-friendly with an array of attractions and diversions. As the climate and population combine to make the temperature relatively high, it is important to dress appropriately while in Bangkok and keep well-hydrated. One popular attraction found in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. Amazing architecture and beautiful décor, much of which is done in gold, make the palace itself worth a visit, but this site also includes the current home of the Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. While any visit to Thailand is not complete without sampling the local cuisine, Bangkok offers the greatest variety of Thai and other cuisines. For those who are interested, this is also a great place to take a cooking class and learn how to prepare this unique cuisine.

5: Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was once the capitol of Thailand and is a great place for those who would like to enjoy a relatively less crowded tourist destination but still have plenty to see and do. Ruins and other historic sites are found throughout the city, including temples and architecture from the Siamese kingdom. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the city, such as a scenic bike ride. Another option is a boat tour, many of which include a meal of authentic Thai cuisine. One place to find such a tour is Ayutthaya Boat and Travel.

Thailand Holidays

Thailand celebrates several holidays and holds interesting festivals. On the full moon of the fourth lunar month, one can expect to see a celebration of the Buddhist holiday Makha Bucha. The ceremony includes walking around a shrine three times holding a lit candle. The world’s largest water fight can be experienced on the Thai New Year, also known as Songkran. This celebration lasts three days. Another fascinating festival is known as Loy Krathong, which usually takes place in November. Banana leaves, or styrofoam blocks, with candles or flowers are floated in water. It is considered a good time to be cleansed of bad luck and sins, so many will add hair or fingernail clippings to their floats. These are just a few of the fun and interesting holidays that are celebrated in Thailand. This country is a great destination for any traveler.

Bio: Richard Greenwood has a passion for travel and sharing his experiences with others. Richard works for Flight Centre Australia which provides cheap flights and holiday offers to destinations worldwide including Thailand holidays such as Phuket holiday packages. Image by edwin.11