Top 10 Places to See in Thailand
1. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Located in the Northern Province of Chiang Mai, and situated on top of the Doi Suthep mountain, the Buddhist Temple boasts incredible views of the city of
Chiang Mai. The temple’s grounds are extensive, and in order to reach the temple you must climb a pretty intense staircase. However, once you catch your breath at the top, you won’t even think about the 309 steps you just climbed.
2. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
While you are in the Northern region of Thailand, why not check out the famous markets in Chiang Mai? Sunday Walking Street is a favorite, held only on Sundays. The Fashion Market, located outside Chiang Mai University gates is the college student’s market of preference. But tourists love the cities Night Bazaar, held every night. Not only is it impressing to look at for it’s size alone, but tourists can pick up various souvenirs for cheap prices. The popular fish spas are also a favorite at the Night Bazaar.
3. The Town of Pai
A tiny town located in Northern Thailand, about 50 miles of Chiang Mai. It is located in the Mae Hong Song Province, and to reach this quaint town–you must be willing to travel around 762 turns for 6 hours from Chiang Mai. Might not be the best place to travel for those prone to motion-sickness, but once you reach the town you’ll find that the drive is worth it. Rent a motorbike or mountain bike and bike to the Pai Canyon or Hot Springs! Pai is the perfect picturesque place to spend a relaxing weekend, and to meet other travelers.
4. Visit the Elephants in Chiang Mai
The elephant is a sacred animal in Thailand. While you are in the North, stop by one of the many elephant parks to visit the animals. Several parks allow you to ride elephants, while some other parks are conservatories for the gentle giants. The conservatories allow you to “adopt an elephant” for a day and you take of the elephants basic needs which includes bathing the elephant in the river. At the parks, you can watch as elephants perform a show of their talents. Whatever your interest may be, you can’t leave Thailand without seeing an elephant!
5. The White Temple, Chiang Rai
The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is located north of the city of Chiang Mai, in the city of Chiang Rai. The temple is a privately owner art exhibit, open to the public in 1997 by the artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat. The exhibit is in the style of a Buddhist Temple and features detailed art pieces throughout the property. In May, 2014, the Temple was closed to the public due to damage from an earthquake that hit Northern Thailand. Shortly after, the temple grounds reopened. However, the visitors can no longer take pictures inside of the temple. The artist vowed that in 2 years he would completely repair the damages from the earthquake.
6. Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is the Northern-most portion of Thailand where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at one point. If you are already in Chiang Rai, you are close by! To reach the Triangle you must take a speed boat ride from the water’s edge to the center of the water where you will see the three countries connect. While you are out on the water, your boat may chose to stop over in Laos. No need for a passport, you can cross the border without one! However, you are restrained to a small area of the country that has several markets set up. You can also check out the Opium Museum that educates visitors on the War on Drugs that took place in Southeast Asia.
7. Sukhothai Historial Park
Check out the ruins of the ancient city while riding around the park on a bicycle. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park boasts beautiful ruins of the old capital of Siam. You can get up close and personal to the ruins, and many of them you can even climb up onto. There are many sites to be seen at the park, so be sure to rent a bike to make it to all of them in a day!
8. The Grand Palace, Bangkok
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, the extensive grounds of the palace have been home to the royal families of Thailand. The Palace is continually used to host official events, however the current monarch does not reside within the palace. The emerald Buddha and miniature replica of Angkor Wat within the grounds are some of the most popular sites to tourists.
9. Floating Markets, Bangkok
Much like the markets in Chiang Mai, but on the water. The markets are the perfect place to pick up gifts for you family and friends back home with the low prices. You can buy anything from clothing to purses, statues, paintings, and shoes. A popular tourist attraction is trying on one of the cooked insects from the market.
10. Beaches of Southern Thailand
Of course you cannot leave Thailand without visiting one of the many infamous beaches. Check out the ranking of the beaches to find which best fits what you are looking for, but whatever you chose you cannot possibly go wrong! The beaches have white sand and crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling. Rent your own hut right on the water for the ultimate getaway. Be sure to take kayaks out on the water to Monkey Island which is exactly what it sounds like!