Are you looking for some vacation destinations? Have you been to Asia? You probably want to know about attractions at your destinations. We have fun facts about Thailand attractions in this post. Thailand has so many interesting things to see. Maybe it’s already on your bucket list? As a traveler, here are some attractions you should consider when you visit Thailand.
I thought I’d start you off with something pretty unusual. The above picture if the Buddha Head with Banyan Tree Root at Wat Mahathat Temple in Ayutthaya. It is famous for its unique and striking appearance. The Buddha head is believed to date back to the 14th or 15th century and is believed to have been part of a larger statue that was destroyed during a war. Over time, the roots of a nearby banyan tree began to grow around the Buddha head, eventually enveloping it and giving it its distinctive appearance. The result is a stunning combination of natural and man-made elements that has become a symbol of the resilience and enduring power of Buddhist faith. Today, the Buddha Head with Banyan Tree Root is one of the most popular attractions at Wat Mahathat Temple and draws thousands of visitors each year. It is a powerful reminder of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Thailand and a testament to the enduring power of faith and nature.
Thailand Attractions:
Bangkok
For attractions, I have grouped them by city or region. Let’s start with Bangkok. It is Thailand's vibrant capital city and is known for its impressive temples, bustling street markets, and world-class dining and nightlife.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace Bangkok Thailand
The Grand Palace: This is a must-visit attraction in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is a complex of royal buildings that date back to the 18th century. It served as the residence of the King of Thailand until 1925.
Emerald Buddha with three seasons regalia. From left to right Summer, Rainy, Winter Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew is located within the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. It houses the famous Emerald Buddha statue, which is carved from a single block of jade.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) and the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun is also known as the Temple of Dawn. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bangkok. It is a stunning Buddhist temple that is famous for its beautiful architecture and intricate details.
People buying coconut ice cream at the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok Thailand
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, with over 8,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to furniture and food. Maybe you can taste some fresh coconut ice cream?
Jim Thompson house Bangkok Thailand
The Jim Thompson House is a museum that was the former home of Jim Thompson, an American businessman who is credited with reviving the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. After the WWII, Thompson traveled to Thailand as part of his work with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a predecessor of the CIA. He became enamored with the country's traditional silk industry and saw an opportunity to revive it. He established the Thai Silk Company in 1948 and worked to create a market for Thai silk both within Thailand and abroad. He traveled extensively, promoting Thai silk and building relationships with designers, celebrities, and other influencers. His efforts helped to put Thai silk on the map as a luxury product, and his company became one of the largest silk exporters in the world. Thompson also became known for his philanthropic work, supporting local communities and preserving traditional Thai architecture.
Gigantic Reclining Buddha statue in Wat Pho, Bangkok. Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple complex in Bangkok
Wat Pho is another very important Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is famous for its massive reclining Buddha statue, which measures 150 feet long and 50 feet high. Wat Pho was originally built in the 16th century as a center for education and training in traditional Thai medicine and massage. Today, it is one of the largest and most important temples in Bangkok. In addition to the giant reclining Buddha, the temple complex features numerous other statues and shrines, including a collection of 394 gilded Buddha images, which is said to be the largest collection of its kind in Thailand.
Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood in Bangkok that is famous for its street food, markets, and shops selling traditional Chinese goods.
Lumphini Park: This is a beautiful park in the heart of Bangkok that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, and relaxing.
Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Kham Temple Chiang Mai Thailand
Chiang Mai is an historic city in northern Thailand and is known for its ancient temples, stunning mountain scenery, and rich cultural traditions. It is the largest city in northern Thailand and is the cultural and economic center of the region. Chiang Mai is located in the mountainous region of northern Thailand and is surrounded by lush forests and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the notable attractions to visit.
Doi Suthep is a mountain located just outside the city, and it is home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most important and popular temples in Chiang Mai. You can see the picture above. The temple features a stunning golden stupa, and it offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Night Bazaar: This is a lively market that operates every night, and it is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and more. The market also features a wide range of street food vendors and live music.
The Phae Gate in the old city with an ancient city wall and moat Chiang Mai Thailand
Chiang Mai Old City is the historic heart of Chiang Mai, and it is surrounded by an ancient city wall and moat. The area is home to numerous temples, museums, and cultural landmarks.
Asian Elephant in a nature at Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai. Thailand
The Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for rescued elephants, and it is one of the most ethical and responsible elephant parks in Thailand. Visitors can observe the elephants in their natural habitat, feed them, and even bathe them.
Big panda in Chiang Mai Zoo, Thailand
The Chiang Mai zoo is a large and well-maintained zoo that features a wide range of animals, including pandas, tigers, and penguins. The zoo also offers a cable car ride that provides panoramic views of the city.
The Bua Thong waterfall is a beautiful waterfall. However, it is located about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. The waterfall is known for its unusual limestone formations, which create a natural staircase that visitors can climb.
Chedi Luang Varavihara temple with ancient large pagoda is 700 years in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Is a religious tourist attraction of Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang is a historic temple that dates back to the 14th century. The temple features a massive chedi, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 16th century. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the chedi and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Huge sculpture of stone Buddha head on ground at Wat Umong temple of Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Umong is a unique temple that is known for its underground tunnels and meditation chambers. The temple also features beautiful gardens and a tranquil lake. As you can see in the photo, there are very large Buddha heads scattered through the complex.
Mae Sa Valley is a beautiful valley located about half an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. The area is home to numerous attractions, including a butterfly farm, a snake farm, and an adventure park with zip lines and canopy walks.
Ayutthaya
Famous Buddha Head With Banyan Tree Root At Wat Mahathat Temple In Ayutthaya Historical Park Thailand
Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of Thailand's most impressive temple ruins, dating back to the 14th century. I already talked about the famous Buddha head above but I thought I’d show you the picture again. It’s pretty amazing isn’t it?
Sukhothai
Wat Sa Si at sunset, Sukhothai old city, Thailand. Ancient city Thailand, Sukothai historical park A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sukhothai is an ancient city in central Thailand is known for its stunning Buddhist temples and ruins. It is located in the north-central region of Thailand, known for its rich history and ancient ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which was the first kingdom of Siam, established in the 13th century. The kingdom was known for its art, architecture, and Buddhist teachings, and is considered a significant influence on Thai culture and civilization. Here are some attractions for your consideration.
Sukhothai Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai. The park features over 200 historical sites, including temples, palaces, and statues. Visitors can explore the park by foot, bike, or electric tram.
Wat Mahathat is one of the most important temples in Sukhothai Historical Park and is known for its iconic stupa and Buddha images. The temple is also home to a museum that displays artifacts from the Sukhothai period.
Ancient sculpture of a sitting Buddha on the ruins of a Buddhist temple Wat Si Chum. Sukhothai, Thailand
Wat Si Chum is a Thai temple famous for its large, seated Buddha sculpture, which is carved into a small chamber. The sculpture is more than 50 feet high and 35 feet wide and is one of the largest Buddha images in Thailand.
The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is located outside of Sukhothai Historical Park and features artifacts from the Sukhothai period, including pottery, statues, and jewelry.
Ancient architecture and ruins building of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chaliang for Thai people travelers travel visit in Si Satchanalai Historical Park in World Heritage Site at Sukhothai, Thailand
The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is located about an hour's drive from Sukhothai and features the ruins of an ancient city that dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The park includes temples, palaces, and other historical sites.
Wat Chang Lom Temple in the Historical Park in Sukhothai in Sukhothai Thailand
The Wat Chang Lom temple is located just outside of Sukhothai Historical Park and is known for its impressive chedi, which is surrounded by 39 elephant statues.
Wat Saphan Hin, Sukhothai, Thailand, a World Heritage Site
The Wat Saphan Hin temple is located on a hill outside of Sukhothai Historical Park and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The temple also features a large, standing Buddha image.
Wild elephants walking from green grass field and crossing rural road inside tropical rainforest with tourists observed in Khao Yai national park, Thailand
The Khao Yai National Park is a vast national park in central Thailand is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and bears, as well as stunning waterfalls and hiking trails. Khao Yai National Park is located in central Thailand, about 100 miles northeast of Bangkok. It covers an area of over 500,000 acres and is one of the largest national parks in Thailand. The park is spread across four provinces - Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, and Saraburi. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, gibbons, and bears, as well as its stunning natural scenery, which includes waterfalls, mountains, and forests. Khao Yai National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005
Kanchanaburi
View of River Kwai Bridge or Death railway bridge in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It was part of the meter-gauge railway constructed by the Japanese during WWII.
Kanchanaburi is a city located in western Thailand, approximately 80 miles west of Bangkok. It is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. This bridge is a steel and concrete bridge that was built by the Japanese during World War II to connect Bangkok and Myanmar (then known as Burma). It spans the River Kwai Yai and is located in Kanchanaburi province. The bridge became famous due to the book and subsequent film, "The Bridge on the River Kwai," which depicted the story of Allied prisoners of war who were forced by the Japanese to build the bridge under harsh conditions. Today, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can walk across the bridge and learn about its history at the nearby JEATH War Museum. The museum is named after the countries involved in the conflict - Japan, England, Australia, Thailand, and Holland. It displays photographs, artifacts, and other items related to the building of the bridge and the experiences of the prisoners of war.
Hua Hin
Takiab Beach Hua Hin Thailand, empty beach
Hua Hin is a coastal town located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province of Thailand. It is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. One interesting fact about Hua Hin is that it was a summer retreat for the royal family of Thailand, and many of the grand palaces and mansions in the area were built during this time. Here are some of the more interesting attractions.
Hua Hin Beach is a long, sandy beach that stretches for several miles along the coast. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The Cicada Market is a vibrant night market that offers a wide range of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. It is a great place to shop, eat, and people-watch.
Khao Takiab is a hill located just south of Hua Hin, which offers stunning views of the town and the sea. At the top of the hill is a Buddhist temple, which is a popular destination for tourists.
Hua Hin night market is famous for foreign and Thai visitors
The Hua Hin Night Market is a bustling market that offers a wide range of goods, including clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and street food. It is a great place to shop, eat, and experience the local culture.
Maruekhathaiyawan Palace Hua Hin Thailand
The Maruekhathaiyawan Palace was built in the early 20th century as a summer residence for King Rama VI. It is known for its beautiful wooden architecture and its peaceful location near the beach. The palace was built in the early 1920s for King Rama VI of Thailand as a retreat from the hot and humid climate of Bangkok. The palace was designed by Italian architect, Ercole Manfredi, and features a unique architectural style known as "Cha-Am style," which combines traditional Thai design elements with Western-style architecture. The palace is made entirely of teak wood and is raised on stilts, allowing for natural ventilation and protection from flooding. The palace is comprised of three interconnected buildings, all facing the sea. The central building, or Phra Tamnak Plearnwan, features two floors and is the largest of the three buildings. It was used as a residence and reception hall for important guests.
The Black Mountain Water Park is a popular water park that offers a wide range of attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It is a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Wat Huay Mongkol near the City of Hua Hin Thailand
The Wat Huay Mongkol is a Buddhist temple located about 9 miles west of Hua Hin. It is famous for its giant statue of the monk Luang Phor Thuad, which is said to bring good luck to visitors.
The Sam Roi Yot National Park is a beautiful national park that is located about an hour's drive south of Hua Hin. It is known for its stunning limestone mountains, its beautiful beaches, and its rich wildlife.
The Huay Mongkol Temple is famous for the statue of Luang Phor Thuad. The temple has beautiful gardens and is surrounded by mountains. It's a perfect place to meditate and relax.
Phuket
Phuket Thailand Beach
Phuket is a beautiful and diverse province located in southern Thailand. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Most people come to Phuket for the beaches. Phuket is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, and Kamala Beach. The clear blue waters, white sand beaches, and stunning natural scenery attract visitors from all over the world. Here are some other attractions you might want to visit.
Mangrove forest and mountains of Phang nga bay, Phuket Thailand
Phang Nga Bay is a stunning bay located on the east coast of Phuket. It is known for its limestone cliffs, sea caves, and emerald-green waters. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the bay and visit popular spots like James Bond Island and Koh Panyee.
Patong beach on the Andaman Sea Phuket Thailand
Patong Beach is the most popular beach in Phuket and is known for its lively atmosphere, watersports activities, and nightlife. It is a great place to relax, swim, or party.
Phuket old town with Building Sino Portuguese architecture at Phuket Old Town area Phuket, Thailand
Old Phuket Town is the historic heart of Phuket and is known for its beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture. Visitors can stroll along the charming streets, browse the shops, and visit landmarks like the Thai Hua Museum and the Jui Tui Shrine.
Big buddha over high mountain in Phuket Thailand
Big Buddha is a giant statue located on the top of Nakkerd Hill. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Phuket and offers breathtaking views of the island. The statue is made of white marble and stands 130 feet tall, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. The construction of the Big Buddha began in 2004 and was funded entirely by donations from local residents and visitors to the island. It took several years to complete the statue, which was officially unveiled in 2010. Visitors to the Big Buddha can climb the stairs to the base of the statue and take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors should be aware that the Big Buddha site is considered a religious site, and appropriate attire is required. Visitors should dress modestly, with covered shoulders and knees, and should remove their shoes before entering any of the buildings.
Baby elephant rescued, healing to be reintroduced into the wild in Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Thailand
The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is an ethical elephant sanctuary that offers visitors the opportunity to observe rescued elephants in their natural habitat, feed them, and even bathe them.
Chalong temple or Wat Chalong, Phuket largest temple Thailand
Wat Chalong is a beautiful Buddhist temple that is one of the most important landmarks in Phuket. It features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Phi Phi Island at sunset time, Krabi Province, Phuket Thailand
Phi Phi Islands are a group of islands located just off the coast of Phuket. They are known for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the islands and enjoy activities like snorkeling and swimming.
The Golden Triangle
Doi Tung Royal Villa in Chiang Rai province, was the former residence of HRH Princess Srinagarindra Thailand
The Golden Triangle is a region in northern Thailand, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, is known for its stunning mountain scenery and unique cultural traditions. The name "Golden Triangle" was originally coined by the CIA in the 1950s to describe the opium-producing region in this area, which was a major source of opium and heroin production during the mid-20th century. Today, the Golden Triangle is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Mekong River and explore the local markets and temples, which offer a unique blend of Thai, Laotian, and Burmese cultures.
One of the main attractions in the Golden Triangle is the Hall of Opium Museum, which is located in the northern Thai town of Chiang Saen. The museum tells the story of the opium trade in Southeast Asia, from its origins in ancient times to the modern-day efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Another popular attraction in the Golden Triangle is the Doi Tung Royal Villa, which was the former residence of the late Princess Mother of Thailand. The villa is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
I know this is a very long post. I wanted to give you lots of things to consider in your visit to Thailand. Hopefully you have plenty of attractions to consider after reading all of this! Madeline and I love destination vacations. We’ve been to Thailand several times. One of the times we split time between Bangkok and Phuket. Another time we split time between Bangkok and Hua Hin. We made it easy on ourselves by staying at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. They offered a shuttle service between their property and the Hyatt Regency Resort in Hua Hin. That made the decision to visit Hua Hin very easy for us.
We’ve given you lots of reasons to visit Thailand on your next vacation. You need to add it to your list of vacation destinations. There is so much to see. You’ll definitely enjoy yourselves.