Thailand is fondly known as the Land of Smiles, and rightly so. The tropical country of Thailand has its fair share of bustling cities, gorgeous beaches, blue lagoon, and mountains covered by lush greenery to make planning your itinerary a Herculean task.
But fret not, here we are to help you figure out the most visited places in Thailand and the things that you can’t miss to do when you are holidaying in Thailand. Let’s begin with a little background to the Land of Smiles, shall we?
Know Your Thailand
Time: GMT+7
Telephone Code: +66
Languages: Thai
Currency: Baht (฿ / THB)
Visa: Visa on arrival for tourism for up to 2 weeks for many countries. Others can apply online for an e-visa here.
Weather: Located in the tropics ensures that Thailand has warm and humid weather all through the year and can be visited at any time. But it is better to avoid the monsoons and the hottest seasons if you are not used to them.
Summer: March to July: 30-34 degrees
Monsoon: July to October: 23-29 degrees
Winter: November to February: 18-32 degrees
Best time to visit: November to April
Places to Visit in Thailand
Bangkok
It is no wonder the list starts with the capital city of Bangkok, a city that never sleeps. It has enough attractions to keep your itinerary fill even for a week. Start your trip with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple just near the palace. If you are there around that time, don’t miss to visit Chatuchak’s weekend market with more than 15,000 stalls and no dearth of things to buy including jewelry, clothes and shoes, souvenirs, Thai food, etc.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is best known for the River Kwai Iron Bridge and the death railway, a tragic World War II relic. More than 16,000 people have died building the 400km railway line connecting Thailand and Myanmar, under the Japanese army.
But that is not all, Kanchanaburi has many national parks, museums, and gorgeous waterfalls like Erawan to visit as well.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and the most popular one as well. It has something for every type of tourist and it shows. From scuba diving to buzzing nightlife to island hopping, you have your pick. Come with a plan to enjoy the fullest.
Ayutthaya
Located along the Chao Phraya River in Central Thailand, Ayuthaya is a historic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover more than a dozen ruined temples from Siam’s golden age between the 16 to 18th centuries, by a walk or rented bikes or the famous tuk-tuk cars.
Thai islands
With the sunny tropical weather, white-sand beaches, and lip-smacking cuisines, Thailand has the best to offer when it comes to holidays. More than 1400 islands will spoil the visitor with choices. From colorful local markets, temples, nightlife, beach bars, and kayaking, each of these islands has something unique to offer.
Some of the most famous islands that you can visit are:
- Ko Phi Phi
- Koh Tao (Turtle Island)
- Ko Chang
- Ko Similan
- Ko Lanta
- Ko Yao Noi & Ko Yao Yoi
- Surin Islands
Whatever you do, make a good plan before you step into Thailand because there is so much to do and you will definitely be stumped when you are there. Have a great trip to the Kingdom of Thailand.
Must-Do Things In Thailand
Trek in the mountains
Take a trek through the mountains in the northern part of Thailand, stay in a local house in Pai, and even take a mud bath spa.
Pai is a small friendly town located in a picturesque valley in the Mae Hong Son Loop well known for its natural trekking tours. It is also at the foothills of the mountains making it an excellent spot to make your base when you hop between the natural attractions.
You can also visit and engage with the local tribesmen Lisu, Karen, Lahu, and Hmong and learn about their lifestyle. When you are in the region, also try to visit the Wednesday market, a bustling market where locals from neighboring villages around the Pai valley gather with their wares.
Stay in the Khao Sok National Park
If you get bored of the vibrant cities and idyllic islands (as if you can ever be), now is your chance to be floored by the Khao Sok National Park, near Surat Thani. Besides the lush tropical forests, limestone mountains, and yes, beaches, the national park hosts 5% of the world’s wildlife species.
While sighting wild tigers, elephants and gibbons are rarer, you will love sighting the local wildlife like wild boars, Malaysian tapirs, and pig-tailed macaques commonly in the national park. The park is also home to the largest virgin rainforest in Thailand which dates back to 160 million years, making it the oldest tropical rainforest in the world.
You can pick your choice when it comes to staying from bamboo huts to jungle lodges, but the fan favorite seems to be the floating bungalows.
Enjoy a Thai massage
After a fun-filled day spent on the beaches or visiting the temples, nothing but a full body massage to get you ready for the next day of visits.
And you are in the right country for sending those aches and pains away with a traditional Thai massage. From a luxury spa to a modest communal massage center, you can have a Thai massage within our budget.
Despite what you see and hear, the massages may not be as soothing as you imagine. It might hurt a bit and you will feel a little beaten after the massage. But the health benefits are much more than a short-lived relaxation. But you will definitely see a spring in your step after a goodnight's sleep.
Discover Thai cuisine
Thailand is a haven for gastronomists and foodies. You will be spoilt with choice with street food and restaurants that serve mouth-watering delicacies. Thai seafood has a special place in the must-try category of things to do in Thailand
Thai cuisine largely comprises deceptively simple items like meat and rice or noodles, but they are extremely flavorsome and tasty. They are usually laden with vegetables and spices.
Of course, you can also try out the exotic ones that are often pictured, like crickets, scorpions, and worms but honestly, they are more of a tourist attraction, than a Thai cuisine representation. While we are all fans of fried rice and Pad Thai, try out Som Tam and Tom Kha Kai when you have a chance.