5 Incredible Places to Visit in Thailand for an Unforgettable Vacation

The hardest part of any trip to Thailand is deciding where to go. The choices are endless, from the white sandy beaches of the Andaman Coast to indulging in Chiang Mai 's culinary delights, visiting Bangkok 's gleaming Buddhist temples, and biking through the 13th-century ruins of ancient Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital. With so much to explore, you'll find it hard to leave.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a kaleidoscope of Eastern and Western cultures, with sleek shopping malls standing just blocks away from traditional Buddhist temples. The capital city boasts a modern metro system that makes it easy to get around. Since Thailand is renowned for its high-quality medical care, Bangkok has also become a major hub for medical tourism.

The city's most famous attractions are the Grand Palace, the former royal residence, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Entry tickets cost 500 baht for foreign visitors.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the laid-back culinary hub of Northern Thailand. Stroll through the Old Town, a 1.5-km-square historic district surrounded by original walls and a moat, and visit Wat Chedi Luang, which dates back to 1441. Climb the 306 steps to the mountaintop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located just outside the city. Don't miss the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a sprawling 1-km-long nightly market, where you can enjoy a bowl or two of khao soi, the region's famous coconut curry noodle soup.

Chiang Rai

The small town of Chiang Rai is often overlooked, but it is well worth a visit, if only to see the famous White Temple, Wat Rong Khun. This contemporary art project by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat opened in 1997 and is still under construction. The temple is open daily to visitors, with a modest entry fee of 50 baht (approximately USD 1.39).

Pai

Everyone loves Pai, a mountain town with a laid-back, beach-town vibe. This bohemian destination is surrounded by lush mountain scenery and is one of Northern Thailand's most popular getaways. The town centre is filled with trekking agencies, boutiques, cafés, and an endless array of restaurants. The walking street comes alive at night, so stay on the outskirts if you're looking for peace and quiet. Top attractions include Pai Canyon, Pam Bok Waterfall, Mae Yen Waterfall, and Tha Pai Hot Springs.

Khao Yai National Park

For a chance to see wild elephants in their natural habitat, a visit to Thailand's first national park is a must. Located just three hours from Bangkok, this 2,206-square-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers.