Thailand attractions

Step into the tropical forests of Phang Nga to visit one of southern Thailand’s most important temples, Cave Temple (Wat Suwan Kuha). Commonly known as the Cave Temple, it sits inside a large cave complex and features many religious statues—the most prominent being the 50-foot (15-meter) golden reclining Buddha in the Tam Yai cave.

Located on the grounds of a temple, this small museum showcases the plight of the Allied POWs who labored on the Thailand-Burma Railway (Death Railway). An acronym for the countries involved (Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland), the museum features three galleries, including a replica bamboo hut where prisoners lived.

If you only see one temple during your time in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan should be it. Set in the heart of the old city, the temple was founded in 1345 and is home to Chiang Mai’s most sacred relic—the Phra Singh, an image of the Lion Buddha housed within a golden shrine.

Topped by 37 gilded spires, representing the 37 virtues, Wat Ratchanatdaram’s Loha Prasat shrine is a highlight of the Bangkok skyline. The name translates as “Iron Palace” because the 19th-century architects took inspiration from metal temples in India and Sri Lanka—but it was designed as a space for meditation.

The Phahurat Market is also known as Bangkok’s Little India, and is the focal point of Indian life in the area. The locals are mainly Sikhs who settled here at the turn of the 20th century to trade textiles. Now, it’s a fun place to shop for Indian food, fabric, clothing, and accessories.

Head to Khao San Road to immerse yourself in the heart of Bangkok’s budget backpacker scene. Explore a road packed with budget and mid-range hotels, bars and nightclubs, travel company offices, markets, and other tourist facilities. It’s a convenient place to base yourself while staying in Bangkok, or to head for a meal and nightlife.

Located in Koh Samui, Wat Khunaram is a functioning temple in the southern portion of the island. It’s most famous for the mummified remains of former abbot and monk, Loung Pordaeng, which have been displayed in a vertical glass casket since his death in 1973. It’s a popular, if unusual, attraction with both locals and visitors.

Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is a spiritual center that’s famed for its 1,237 steps which lead to the massive, gilded Buddha statue which dominates the peak. While the climb is not for the faint of heart, the spectacular views of Krabi, the surrounding countryside, and the Andaman Sea make the effort worthwhile.

Thailand’s answer to Barcelona’s La Sagrada Família cathedral, the Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) was begun in 1981 and is scheduled for completion around 2050. The wooden structure is a whopping 345 feet tall (105 meters tall), hand-carved by artisans using traditional techniques, and full of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures.

Located in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi Province, Erawan National Park is one of the most famous natural areas in the country. Known for its impressive seven-tiered waterfall and abundance of native flora and fauna, the park is a popular weekend spot for locals from Bangkok and Kanchanaburi as well as for international visitors.

The energetic Asiatique The Riverfront—part open-air night bazaar, part shopping mall—combines the city’s old traditions and modern commercial energy. Located at the former East Asiatic Company trade docks, the complex contains more than 1,500 shops and boutiques, about 40 restaurants, and several entertainment venues.

With blue-green waters that can turn a vivid emerald when the light is right, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot or Sra Morakot in Thai), is a natural travertine swimming pool set in a protected evergreen forest. A pretty path lined with smaller pools runs through the trees to the Emerald Pool, then continues to the Blue Pool further on.

The Baiyoke Sky Tower is the second-tallest building in Bangkok. It houses a large hotel, viewing platform, restaurants and bars, shops, and a revolving deck. The sweeping views of Bangkok are impressive, especially at night, and will help you get your bearings in the Thai capital.

Wat Suthat is one of the most important temples in Bangkok. It is famous for the large red swing structure just outside, but the interior is perhaps even more impressive, with frescoes depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life, and a 13th-century bronze Buddha statue. Wat Suthat is conveniently near other must-see attractions in Bangkok.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khao Yai National Park was Thailand’s first national park, located in the Panom Dongrak Mountains. It includes forests, grasslands, and a variety of animals and bird life. As it’s just a couple of hours from Bangkok, visiting the park is an easy way to experience Thailand’s natural side.

At the Pattaya Floating Market, traditional thatched huts perched on stilts over the water house vendors selling handicrafts, Thai street food, and souvenirs from around the country. The market’s four areas represent the culture and architecture of Thailand’s four main regions: north, northeast, central, and south.

Built by forced laborers under the control of the Japanese Army at the height of World War II, Thailand’s Burma Railway (Death Railway) is a 258 mile (415 kilometer) long railway line designed to connect Thailand and Myanmar. Although its existence serves as a grim landmark of recent history, the Burma Railway remains one of the country’s key historical attractions.

With its dreamy gilded stupa and soaring medieval brick spire, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is the most beautiful temple in Lamphun—and one of the most important temples in northern Thailand. Once part of a royal palace, it houses an ornate library alongside Buddha relics and images and hosts festivals and rituals.

Deep in Koh Samui’s jungle-clad hills is the Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden), where a waterfall tumbles past stone sculptures of the Buddha. The oasis was created by local durian farmer Nim Thongsuk, whose tomb sits among the carvings of Buddhist spirits, musicians, and animals.

Racha Island (Raya Island) is, in fact, two islands—Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi—both known for their excellent snorkeling and diving. Whether for day-long underwater exploring trips or stays of a few days to relax on the unspoiled beaches, the southern Thai islands are popular with water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Sports lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to Rajadamnern Stadium while in Bangkok. It’s the capital’s oldest dedicated Muay Thai arena, and one of two places in Bangkok to enjoy a true Thai kickboxing experience. Whether you get a ringside seat or a spot further back in the stall, you’re sure to have a good time.

Phranang Beach is a sweeping curve of pale gold sand that’s backed by limestone cliffs and overlooked by the distinctly-shaped Chicken Island. Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave) features a one-of-a-kind fertility shrine, while bioluminescent plankton create spectacular night-time effects when conditions are right.

Tucked away in the artistic enclave of Khlong Bang Luang on the Chao Phraya River, the Artist House at Khlong Bang Luang is part gallery, part café, and part performance venue. Occupying a 100-year-old, two-story teak building, the Artist House (Baan Silapin) exhibits paintings, photos, drawings, prints, and sculptures on its first floor.

Visit the Jim Thompson House for a deeper understanding of Thai history, architecture, and crafts. The collection of six teak houses and gardens belonged to an American expat who helped revive the country’s silk weaving industry and built this peaceful enclave in the mid-20th century before mysteriously disappearing in 1967.

With its golden sands and clear water, Nang Yuan Island (Koh Nang Yuan) is the poster child of southern Thailand. Hike the rocky, forested landscape; swim and snorkel in crystalline water; or just relax in relative quiet. Nang Yuan sees only a fraction of the crowds that flock to its neighbors.

Travelers interested in Thai history and culture shouldn’t miss the Bangkok National Museum. Housed in the 18th-century Wang Na Palace, with its ornately decorated buildings, the museum is as beautiful as it is educational. There’s information in English, as well as guided tours in multiple languages.

Stretching nearly 45 miles, Khlong Saen Saep is a canal that slices Bangkok from west to east. It begins in Old Town, near the Mahakan Fortress, and links more than 100 smaller canals before ending in Chachoengsao Province. Canal ferries offer front-row views of temples, markets, ornate bridges, and canal-side neighborhoods.

Wat Suan Dok’s brilliant golden spire has stretched high into the skyline of the Northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai since the 14th century. The name roughly translates to "field of flowers," as the temple stands on a site that was once the garden of a ruling monarch just west of the Old City walls.

Warorot Market is a feast for the senses, where stalls selling dried durian paste and exotic fruits stand cheek by jowl with vendors offering fluffy bath towels and Buddhist amulets. The indoor hub—a more authentic alternative to Chiang Mai’s night markets—is a great place to sample local delicacies and purchase handicrafts at low prices.

From sleazy strip joints through to funky hipster bars, from shiny malls and glitzy condos to smoldering street grills, Bangkok’s Sukhumvit offers neighborhoods to suit most every taste. Try Thonglor for fashionable bars and eateries, Phrom Phong for upscale shopping, Asok for big brand hotels and nightlife, and Nana for red light kicks.