Photo: Contiki
You’ve seen The Beach. You’ve pictured yourself sipping something sweet out of a coconut while the crystalline waters lap against the limestone karsts. You know Thailand’s a looker. But this place isn’t just about beaches.
From thick jungles to mountain vistas, golden temples to jade-coloured lakes, beauty comes in many forms in this part of the world. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.
So, we’re here to help you out!
The 15 must-see places when you visit Thailand
Doi Inthanon National Park
Around 70km from Chiang Mai you’ll find Doi Inthanon, a national park boasting rushing waterfalls, emerald cloud forests and winding hiking trails. If you’re looking for the biodiverse beauty in Thailand, this is the place to be. The park’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon mountain, forms part of the Himalayan Mountain Range, but the jewels in its crown has to be the show-stopping temples, Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri, located near the summit.
A few years ago I took my scooter up the snaking mountain passes to catch the sunset from Naphamethinidon. All I could hear was birdsong as the wide golden sky opened above the forest below. In that moment I couldn’t care less about palm trees or full moon parties. Thailand’s northern region is seriously underrated, so make sure you explore as much as you can next time you visit.
Image source: Bharath Mohan / Unsplash
Kanchanaburi
Set along the gorgeous river Kwai, Kanchanaburi has a mournful history. It’s the spot where Japanese forces used allied prisoners of war – in brutal conditions – to build a railway to Burma. As such, the place is dotted with museums and cemeteries – as well as the ‘Death Railway’ and the famed ‘Bridge over the river Kwae.’
But this place isn’t just for WW2 buffs. From khmer temples to lively riverside resorts, huge waterfalls and dense jungle, it’s also one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand. Take a trip to Kanchanaburi with us and you’ll stay in our floating raft Special Stay, where you can disconnect from WiFi and enjoy your floating, candlelit rooms as the river glides by. Feeling the heat? Just jump from your room into the river below.
Image source: Contiki
Railay Beach
South Thailand’s beaches tend to come with caveats. Basically, they’re stunningly beautiful, but everyone knows they are. So yes, you’ll find other tourists on Railay beach, but it’s worth it for the limestone cliffs (perfect for climbing or hiking), the powdery, pure-white sands, and the transparent waters. Catch the sunset here and you may think, charitably, that something this beautiful is best shared.
Image source: Vitaly Sacred / Unsplash
Pai
Pai is another slightly touristy destination that’s beautiful enough to make the trip worth it. You may not be a huge fan of the partying or baggy-trousered yoga retreats, but it’s hard not to fall in love with the mountain valley where it rests. A hazy light falls on this part of Thailand, giving the rolling hills a dream-like quality. Elephants roam alongside rice paddies, and every evening you can watch the sunset over glorious mountain vistas. You can see why tree-huggers of all stripes are drawn to this part of the world.
Image source: Ronny Sison / Unsplash
Sukhothai
One of the most spectacular ancient sites in Thailand, Sukhothai is a crumbled, 13th-century holy kingdom, set within the serene countryside. The kingdom was the jewel in the crown of Thailand’s golden age: the birthplace of its art, culture and language. As well as all the ancient wonders to be found here, it’s home to a chilled rural town which is perfect for grabbing a local bite after a day temple hopping.
Image source: Mathew Guay / Unsplash
Pu Chi Fa
I couldn’t do this Thailand travel list without chucking in a ‘hidden gem,’ even if I risk jeopardising that status.
Pu Chi Fa is a bit off the beaten track, which is why you’ll rarely find it in these sorts of lists. But it’s easily one of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations —and well worth the trek, just a few hours’ drive from one of the country’s most underrated towns: Chiang Rai.
If you do read about Pu Chi Fa, it’s probably in relation to its sunrise, and that’s for good reason. Hazy blues turn violet before the saffron sun sweeps through the clouds, illuminating the valleys of Laos in the distance. It’s a sight you’ll never forget.
Doi Suthep
Arguably the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, Doi Suthep is found at the top of a carved, 306-step serpent staircase; a climb said to enrich the spirit. Golden statues gaze peacefully down at the mountain floor, and you can get some thrilling panoramas of your own on Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside.
Image source: Supasit Chantranon / Unsplash
Ko Lanta
If you’re after mile-long beaches and spotless skies, here’s the place to be. Ko Lanta is one of the more sophisticated Thai Islands – a lot calmer than the infamous Ko Phi Phi. Here, life moves a little bit more slowly: mangroves curl around hidden temples, long-tail boats glide lazily on the crystal-clear waters, and the sunsets are out of this world.
Image source: Wojciech Portnicki @ Unsplash
Khao Sok National Park
If you need a beach break, head to Khao Sok, the ancient jungle packed with adventures. This is the place to head if you want to spot wild elephants, big cats, bears and gibbons – as well as plentiful hidden caves and waterfalls. On top of that, you’ll find more flora here than anywhere else in Thailand. It’s this country’s Amazon, essentially and a must visit if you like your natural beauty a bit on the wild side.
Image source: Robert Noguier / Unsplash
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is everything I love about Northern Thailand. Calm, cheap and blessed with good looks, great food and warm, welcoming people. It’s packed with some pretty astonishing temples, too. Check out Wat Phra Kaew, a wooden masterpiece set within a dense forest, and Wat Rong Khun, a spectacular carved art installation.
The city itself is charming enough, with Night Bazaars and incredible street food, but if you want to see this province at its best, it’s all about heading into the countryside on two wheels. This place is a cyclists dream, with winding country lanes arcing across vibrant fields and soaring valleys. It really is one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand.
Image source: Greg Nunes / Unsplash
Khao Yai National Park
Thailand’s first National Park is an impressive stretch of forests and grasslands, including the catchily titled Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a spectacular UNESCO world heritage site. This place is all about the wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for macaques, elephants, deer, gibbons, bears and otters.
Image source: Thitiphum Koonjantuek / Unsplash
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands Marine National Park is a stunning collection of spotless beaches and deep turquoise waters. Snorkel spots tend to be packed with day trippers, but it’s worth the journey for the marine life: a spectacular array of coral and fish forming an underwater kaleidoscope of vibrant colours.
Image source: Hiroko Yoshii / Unsplash
Koh Tao
Tiny but wildly photogenic, Koh Tao is where Thailand turns the saturation all the way up. Think electric-blue water, jungle-clad hills and hidden coves that feel tailor-made for your camera roll. It’s long been the go-to for divers thanks to vibrant coral reefs and some of the best-value certifications in the world, but even if you never strap on a tank, the island delivers.
Sunrise viewpoints, boat trips that hop between secret beaches, and laidback beach bars make it feel like the kind of place where time conveniently forgets to exist. Smaller and more relaxed than its neighbours, Koh Tao still feels like a discovery… one of those rare spots that lives up to the hype and the photos
The Grand Palace
Whether you’re hurtling down its streets in a tuk tuk, partying on Kho San Road or exploring its beautiful temples, Bangkok is a city that simply takes your breath away. Take, for example, its Grand Palace. This place is actually a jaw-dropping collection of gilded temples, with grand spires, ornate carvings, epic statues and beautiful grounds. There’s a mixture of traditional architecture and gorgeous columns inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and the wonder you’ll feel as you stroll the golden steps is comparable to the Vatican.
Image source: Euan Cameron @ Unsplash
Bangkok’s Floating Markets
While you’re in Bangkok, why not head to the unique Floating Markets, where you can get a glimpse into the locals’ worlds and support the lively businesses located along the river. Damnoen Saduak is the most famous, having appeared in the James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, but if you’re looking for something more authentic then I’d recommend heading to Amphawa, with its gorgeous wooden houses and a tiny temple located inside of a tree.
Image source: Frida Aguila @ Unsplash
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