Thailand is a country of many contrasting facets, with glorious beaches as well as forests, jungles, and mountains. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe or explore the wildlife, a family holiday in Thailand will never be dull. If you’re looking for seaside relaxation, visit the beaches and bay of Hat Karon in Phuket with sand dunes and palm trees. The island of Ko Tao has coral reefs and is the place to go if you want to learn to dive, but you can also go mountain biking or just sunbathe on the beach. The Royal Barge National Museum in Bangkok houses several barges built for Thailand’s kings; the beautifully detailed carving is quite breathtaking. Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park in Chiang Mai has a wealth of flowering plants and ferns as well as three hundred species of birds. If you’re in the mood for a quiet spot, try the town of Sangkhlaburi; from there you can set off on an elephant trek or jungle tour. For mountains and forests, visit the north-western province of Mai Hong Son.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Thailand:
1. Bangkok:
Thailand’s capital city is nothing short of exhilarating. The city offers a hearty mix of big-city bustle and modern sights, such as the Jim Thompson House, alongside ancient attractions, including Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. Just don’t forget to pack modest clothing for visits to sacred sites, or you won’t be admitted. While here, be sure to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market – one of the largest street markets in the world – and eat at some of Bangkok’s more than 300,000 street food stalls (some Michelin starred). At night, take in the skyline by exploring the rooftop bar scene.
2. Chiang Mai:
Chiang Rai is a mountainous city in northern Thailand, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar. It has many ancient temples and tribal villages along the Mekong River. Chiang Rai is part of the Golden Triangle of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar and serves as an excellent base for exploring this region. The small backpacking destination has become popular due to the White Temple.
3. Phuket:
Thailand’s easy-in for families, Phuket is the gateway to the southern beaches and a favorite starting point for families visiting Thailand for the first time. The food is fragrant and spicy, the resorts air-conditioned and comfortable, the beaches sand-sprinkled and lovely, and there are tons for children to do, from kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing to mangrove trips.
4. Ayutthaya:
One of the best tourist places in Thailand, stroll around the Thai capital for 417 years and you will get the feel of an open–air museum. Every corner of Ayutthaya speaks of structures dating back to centuries, ruins of the second capital of Siam, and marvels of art and architecture. This is one of the best places to see Thailand to learn about the country’s glorious past.
5. Krabi
One of the oldest provinces in Thailand, Krabi is home to the traditional yet the modern, the touristy, and the local flavor. A coastal destination often visited with Phuket, Krabi is home to beautiful beaches, islands, and limestone formations. In addition, Krabi offers some of the most beautiful coral diving spots in the world, making it an excellent destination for diving enthusiasts and Instagram photograph hunters alike.
6. Sukhothai
Once upon a time, the old city of Sukhothai was the cradle of the Thai kingdom. Today Sukhothai stands as a heritage city with stories about the rise of the Thai kingdom hidden everywhere in the region. The amount of beauty encompassing Sukhothai makes it counted among the most amazing tourist places in Thailand. For couples who like exploring lesser-known places will fall in love with the beauty of Sukhothai. This small town is adorned with beautiful temples, captivating landscapes, and a mesmerizing Yom River.
7. Pattaya
The Floating Market in Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. The Market is divided into 4 regions: Central, North East, South, and North, with local products like fruits, incense, flowers, local handicrafts, and more. The long tail boat ride gives a view of the sericulture, and tourists can indulge in Thai herbal massages.
8. Koh Samui
The second-largest island of Thailand after Phuket, Ko Samui is a gem of an island in the Koh Samui (or Samui) Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand. Once a hidden secret of only persevering travelers, Samui Island has transformed into one of Thailand’s most visited tourist destinations. Breathtakingly beautiful beaches, a long coastline along the sea, dense mountainous forests, and luxurious resorts define Koh Samui. From the wealthiest holidaymakers to budget travelers, the island has something to offer everyone.
9. Pai
One of the most popular destinations in the Mae Hong Son province near the border with Myanmar, the small town of Pai has become a favorite among those looking for the slow, more rural side of Thailand. Once known as just a backpacker’s paradise, Pai is now attracting hikers and peace lovers as well – or just anybody wanting to explore the less-traveled roads of Thailand at least for a few days. Pai is surrounded by densely covered hills rolling into green fields, majestic waterfalls, and hiking trails that seem to go on forever. It’s all the beauty of the authentic Thai countryside dotted with signs of the Western bohemian world – organic food and quirky cafés included.
10. Hua Hin
Once just a quiet town best known for being the king’s summer retreat, Hua Hin has become a popular beach resort destination. Don’t expect perfect turquoise waters or lively beach life here, though this is more of a destination for those visiting with family, or singles who want to sunbathe in peace, away from the crowds. Aside from the central Hua Hin beach, you can try nearby Cham Am Beach or Khao Takiab Beach, home to Khao Takiab temple and hundreds of wild macaques. Hua Hin is particularly popular in December and January when European tourists arrive here to escape their own freezing winter.
