Thailand highlights
Wat Ratchanadda in Bangkok
If you can tear yourself away from the flesh-pots you’ll discover a bounty of remarkable attractions. Thailand has so many highlights and it’s worth spending some extra time taking some of them in. From the temples and malls of Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket and the mountains of Chiang Mai, there’s something for all to see and all areas have some nightlife activity, to boot.
We’ve briefly covered the main destinations below starting with the capital and most important city, Bangkok.
Brief highlights of Thailand
Bangkok: The gateway to Thailand blends old and new and appeals to most visitors. Although somewhat smelly, noisy, busy and hot, there’s lots of variety in the capital and it boasts the biggest temples and shopping malls. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew is the star attraction (in the same compound) and a must for any visitor. There are many other noted cultural sights, such as Wat Arun, Jim Thompson's House and Dusit Palace, but if you’re short on time, the Grand Palace is the one to see. The best of the shopping is around Siam Square.
Koh Chang: Lying southeast of Bangkok within earshot of the Cambodia border is one of the most understated of Thai island destinations. This rugged haven is a good alternative to Koh Samet and comes with distinctive white beaches and good diving. It has a small beer bar scene.
Phuket: Thailand’s largest island resides in the south and is the top destination in the kingdom outside the capital. Best known for its beaches, Phuket is great for water sports action and comes with an excellent tourist infrastructure and lovely Andaman coast beaches. Additionally, Phuket’s nightlife is legendary and it has fully recovered from the devastating tsunami that hit in 2004.
Krabi: Not far away is the stunning karst coastline of Krabi province, best known for Ao Nang beach. It is one of the most beautiful regions of Thailand and boasts some of the world’s best rock climbing at nearby Railay. The famed Phi Phi islands are also within reach – Phi Phi Leh’s Maya Bay was used in the movie The Beach – while laidback Koh Lanta is also a major draw to the area.
Samui's Big Buddha is worth a visit
Koh Samui: This fun Thai Gulf island is a short flight from Bangkok or Phuket and is another popular island experience. More popular with backpackers and families, it has whiter beaches than Phuket and is quieter, but also has a thriving nightlife and many hundreds of bar girls. Chaweng is the hotspot on the east coast, known for its wide sands and beach bars. Nearby is rugged Koh Pha Ngan, renowned for the Full Moon Party.
Pattaya: About as hedonistic as it gets, this mega resort is the oldest and most intense in the country. Lying just an hour from Bangkok’s airport, its main claim to fame is its hundreds of bars and thousand of prostitutes. Most people come here for one thing, yet it also has several worthy attractions. The beach is so so, yet offers all types of water sports, while just offshore is the relaxed island of Koh Larn. Golfing is a popular pastime in Pattaya.
Chiang Mai: Many tourists head up north to this important city in the mountains. Strewn with Lanna architecture and hundreds of temples, it is a chilled out place and offers the best handicraft shopping in the kingdom. The moated old town is a must for culture-vultures, while up on the mountain of Doi Suthep sits one of the most important temples in Thailand.
Other Thailand highlights
Farther north from Chiang Mai is the charming city of Chiang Rai and then the famed Golden Triangle region – the coming together of Thailand, Burma, and Laos. The Mekong River snakes through here and offers lazy days and adventure.
Also in the northern region (northwest of Chiang Mai) is the bohemian town of Pai and quirky Mae Hong Son. If you have plenty of time, you could even head over to the northeast Isaan region.
North of Bangkok, meanwhile, are the must-see towns of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, known for their ancient ruins, while off to the west is the River Kwai and the chilled town of Kanchanaburi. People come here to marvel at the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Also within reach is the royal seaside town of Hua Hin. More laidback than just about any other tourist seaside town, it is superb for golf and has a fun night market.
Hospitality
As well as these wonderful destinations, Thailand also boasts much character, most notably the smiling people and the food. Wherever you go, you’ll happen upon friendly folks and great food, which all add to the experience. There are thousands and thousands of eateries in all guises, such that it’s ever hard to find somewhere to sit and eat. Along with this is a vast range of activities, from soft sports in the mountains and water sports to great diving at the coast. The shopping and nightlife is also pretty brilliant!