The most-visited country in Asia, Thailand is an inimitable fusion of bustling modern cities congested with smelly motorbikes and tuk-tuks, idyllic turquoise beaches, ancient ruins, lush jungles, Buddhist temples, and rich culture. The famous landmarks in Thailand draw tourists to the country like moths to a light, and for good reason.
Thailand at a Glance
- Capital City: Bangkok
- Language: Thai
- Religion: Buddhism
- Currency: Thai Baht
- Visas: Americans do not need a visa for a visit under 30 days
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Dress Code
Thailand is a mainly Buddhist country so if you want to visit the many temples, be prepared to respect those rules and dress accordingly. Clothing must be worn that covers your shoulders, knees, and cleavage, and shoes must be removed as feet are considered a dirty part of the body.
Brief History of Thailand
Unlike the majority of the countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand was never colonized, though the French and British empires tried.
Monarchs Rama IV and Rama V made agreements with the Europeans, keeping the country independent.
There were internal conflicts within Thailand from the 12th Century to the 18th century, with different Kingdoms rising to power through the centuries. Eventually, Bangkok was established as the new capital in 1782 by Rama I, who was made the first king of the Chakra dynasty. This is the Royal Family in Thailand now.
In the mid-1900s, the monarchy was challenged, and reform followed a bloodless coup d’état in 1932. Today, Thailand is under democratic rule but the King is highly revered. Both Thais and foreigners risk imprisonment for disrespect or defamation of the Royal Family, according to the Thai Criminal Code.
10 Chiang Rai
The northernmost city in Thailand, Chiang Rai is often overlooked in favor of its sister city, Chiang Mai. The laid-back city is a good place to explore the Golden Triangle, which contains the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
The main draw for this destination is a stunning all-white temple, different from the other temples in Thailand in that it is privately owned. This extravagant temple became quite run down until it was purchased by its private owner, a local artist. He dedicated his life to rebuilding and restoring this stunning tribute to Buddhism.
9 Pattaya
If you’re visiting Bangkok and can’t get to the gorgeous beaches in southern Thailand, Pattaya might be a good alternative. Just a few hours south of Bangkok, the beach city will assault your senses and is not a particularly good choice for families.
The city has been trying hard to clean up its seedy reputation; nightlife includes a plethora of thumping music, go-go bars, street performances, and an array of street food vendors.
Local authorities have, in recent years, improved the quality of the beaches and you’ll find lots of water activities.
Couples and singles looking for a fun, fast-paced beach escape will like Pattaya.
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8 Phattalung
Phattalung is off the radar of most travelers but is worth a visit to get a glimpse of unspoiled Thailand. Unlike the majority of the Thai provinces that attract tourists, Phattalung is landlocked so none of the ubiquitous and luring white-sand beaches.
However, Phattalung does have a fabulous water spot that all those beach destinations do not have. Thale (aka Taylay) Noi is an internationally recognized yet off-the-beaten-path protected freshwater wetland located in Phatthalung province. Sunrise is a must-do. The amazingly picturesque lake first took us by local fishing platforms known as yok yor. The diversity of nature is surreal. One minute you are cruising through mangrove tunnels and the next floating up next to water buffalo.
Phatthalung province receives far fewer foreign tourists, so embarking on a boat trip surrounded by the gorgeous fuchsia lotus flowers at Thale Noi is a surreal experience and one that will not be forgotten
There’s also delicious cuisine to be had in Phattalung – a delightful fusion of Chinese, Malaysian, and southern Thai flavors.
Click here to read South Thailand Itinerary.
7 Chiang Mai
Surrounded by the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its lush landscapes, stunning temples, delicious food, and elephant sanctuaries. The second-largest city in Thailand, the laid-back city is a wonderful base to explore outdoor adventures in the north of Thailand.
The Old City is enclosed by old walls surrounded by a moat; within are over 300 Buddhist temples.
Chiang Mai is host to the famous Lantern Festival. People make lanterns out of rice paper, put a candle inside then set them free into the sky in hopes of ridding themselves of misfortune. This sight of the glowing lanterns juxtaposed against the night sky is truly magical.
Click here to read Best Chiang Mai Attractions.
6 Koh Samui
Koh Samui has long been a popular destination in Thailand’s tourist industry. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, it is Thailand’s third largest island, offering a variety of attractions such as calm, crystal turquoise beaches, lively party beaches, jaw-dropping serene scenic views of coconut groves, rainforests, mountains with stunning lookout points,
Koh Samui is very developed and offers a wide range of activities and accommodations that range from budget-friendly to uber-high-end. Aside from the beaches, Nathon Town and the famous Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park are must-see highlights.
Click here to read South Thailand Itinerary.
5 Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is an extensive archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important tourist attractions and famous landmarks in Thailand.
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam, now modern-day Thailand. Because of its strategic location between India and China, Ayutthaya became the trading capital of Asia, and by 1700 it had become the largest and most splendid cosmopolitan city in the world, spread across 715 acres encompassing three palaces, 400 temples, and a population of one million.
The Burmese sacked Ayutthaya in 1767 and burned the city almost down to the ground. The wats (temples), towers, and palaces which were made out of stone, and the headless Buddhas and other statuary are all that remain, giving the grounds an ethereal atmosphere worthy of the lost kingdom.
Click here to read 5 Amazing Temple Ruins in Ayutthaya.
4 Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a resort city on the banks of the River Kwai, around 2 hours west of Bangkok. The main attractions are associated with the iron railroad bridge portrayed in the 1957 Academy Award-winning WWII film, “Bridge over the River Kwai.” The bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in Thailand, is infamously linked to the historic Death Railway to Burma in which thousands of unfortunate Asian laborers and POWS died during its construction under Japanese occupation.
Nearby Erawan Falls National Park is a popular (and more uplifting!) day trip. The unique cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and caves make it worth exploring.
3 Phuket
Phuket, dubbed “the Pearl of the Andaman,” is the largest and most well-known of the islands in the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s southern peninsula. The once undeveloped city has been transformed into a hub for tourism. Hosting leafy jungles, white sand beaches fringed by swaying palms, breathtaking atolls, and limestone cliffs, this paradise offers myriad activities, or opportunities to just bask in luxury. The idyllic climate of this exotic paradise makes it a popular “bucket list” destination.
Phuket is popular for its 30+ exotic white-sand beaches. From quiet and remote to lively and crowded to famous Instagram spots, there’s a beach for every kind of traveler.
Old Phuket Town is quite colorful and charming. Thalang Road, Phangnga Road, and Soi Romanee are lined with pastel 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. Walking is the best way to explore it, stopping for photos, coffee, a trinket, or a sarong.
Day Trips from Phuket
Phangnga Bay. Over 100 towering limestone karst “islands” jut precariously out of the jewel-green bay casting a surreal – almost otherworldly – vista. Khao Ping Gan is the one of the most famous landmarks in Thailand because it provided the backdrop for the James Bond iconic film Man with the Golden Gun.
Phi Phi Islands. The magnificent Phi Phi Islands is an archipelago made up of six islands offering jaw-dropping beaches, crystal turquoise lagoons, long tail boats, vibrant reefs, sea caves, and monkeys. Magnificent Maya Bay was the filming location for the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach.
Click here to read 20 Things to Do in Phuket.
2 Krabi
Postcard-perfect Krabi is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Southern Thailand and it’s easy to see why. The diversity of surrounding nature is astounding, from towering limestone cliffs rising out of the ocean to pristine jungle landscapes, miles of stunning beaches, natural hot springs, mangrove forests, delicious food, and more.
The highlight of Krabi is Railay Beach. Arguably, not only is this the most majestic beach of Krabi, but of all of Thailand. Reachable only by boat, Railay Beach is the stuff dreams are made of…lush limestone cliffs resting on golden sands and crystal-clear emerald water. This postcard-perfect beach is arguably as gorgeous as Koh Phi Phi but without the hordes of tourists.
In addition to the amazing beaches, Krabi is also home to mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, natural rock formations, and hot springs.
Click here to read Adventures and Beaches in Krabi.
1 Bangkok
Thailand’s capital and largest city, Bangkok, is a frenetic megalopolis of modern high-rise buildings and pulsating nightclubs juxtaposed next to ornate palaces, ancient temples (wats), lively floating markets, and streets lined with vendors hawking all manner of street food.
Some of Bangkok’s best attractions include the colorful Grand Palace – one of the most famous landmarks in Thailand, built in 1782 and covered with jewels, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Wat Phra Kaew (aka “Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Khao San Road, which is a popular tourist street in the middle of the Old Town, colorful Chatuchak market, a riverboat tour along the Chao Phraya River to visit the local floating markets,
Click here to read Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
What to Eat
The food in Thailand is a delightful fusion of Chinese, Malaysian, and Thai influences.
- Pad Thai – traditional rice noodles with shrimp, peanuts, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and vegetables, fried in a wok.
- Satay – skewered meat
- Khao Mok Gai – turmeric-infused yellow rice and chicken
- Sticky Rice – rice is cooked in coconut milk topped with ripe mango, coconut cream, or sesame seeds.
- Moo Hong – stewed pork belly
- Khao Mok Gai – yellow rice and chicken
- Curry –curries are made by cooking veggies and either meat, fish, or tofu in coconut milk and curry paste. Curry paste is often hand-ground with ginger, garlic, chili, black pepper, lemongrass, and other local herbs
- Spring Rolls – fried spring rolls wrap ingredients like cabbage, bean sprouts, rice noodles, veggies, spring onions, meat, shrimp, or tofu in sticky, chewy rice paper, then fry them for a crispy outer coating, to be dipped in sweet chili sauce.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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