With a rich culture and history, spectacular beaches, and some of the best food in the world, Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations. From the incredible temples of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to the beautiful coastline of Phuket, Thailand really does have it all. In fact, there are so many things to see in Thailand that it can sometimes be a little daunting when planning a visit.

Not to worry, that’s why I wrote this article on the top 15 things to see in Thailand. I will outline the most amazing things to see in the country. This includes covering some of the can’t-miss cultural attractions, such as Bangkok’s wonderful floating markets. I also discuss some of Thailand’s top national parks, and there are several that will take your breath away.

Finally, I outline some of Thailand’s most incredible beach destinations. Believe me, it was tough narrowing that list down for this article. With this information, you can be sure to plan a trip of a lifetime to Thailand. And if you are planning your trip now, let me tell you that I couldn’t be more excited for you!

The Temples of Chiang Mai

One of the can’t-miss destinations for anyone visiting Thailand is the incredible city of Chiang Mai. Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is often referred to as the “Temple Capital of Thailand”. This nickname is well earned as the city is home to over 300 Buddhist temples. However, that isn’t the only reason people visit the city.

Chiang Mai also has a reputation for having some of the best street food in Southeast Asia. With daily street markets and one of the largest weekend markets in Thailand, there are lots of opportunities to try incredible food. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank during your visit. Chiang Mai consistently ranks near the top of the world’s most affordable destinations.

The Floating Markets of Bangkok

Another of the absolute can’t-miss things to see in Thailand is the incredible city of Bangkok. In addition to the city’s bustling nightlife and incredible temples, one of the things that I love the most about Bangkok is the amazing markets throughout the city. This is especially true of the city’s spectacular floating markets. In total, there are six incredible floating markets around the Bangkok area for visitors to explore.

Why walk down a street when you can float on a river and have the amazing food brought to you? It is such a unique and amazing experience. I suggest everyone who visits Thailand experience a floating market at least once. To learn more about the amazing city of Bangkok and its floating markets, check out my Ultimate Guide to Bangkok linked below.

The Beautiful Phi Phi Islands

If you are familiar with the classic Leonardo DiCaprio movie, “The Beach”, then you are familiar with the incredible Phi Phi Islands in Southern Thailand. These beautiful, secluded islands are one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking treasures. Sitting between the large island of Phuket and mainland Thailand, the islands vary in size and atmosphere.

Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest and most inhabited of the Phi Phi Islands. It has resorts you can stay at and convenience stores you can shop at. Ko Phi Phi Le, the second largest island, is famous for its beaches. This is where the beautiful Maya Beach, which Leo made famous with his movie, can be found.

In addition to having incredible beaches, the islands are also known for their spectacular snorkeling waters. You can find many tour operators that offer snorkeling around the islands. It is an experience you will definitely never forget. If you’d like to visit, I would consider spending a night or two on the islands. Many people will even camp out on the beaches to soak in as much of the breathtaking scenery as possible.

The Stunning Phang Nga Bay

When talking about the top places to see in Thailand, no conversation is complete without discussing the incredible Phang Nga Bay. This spectacular stretch of coastline between mainland Thailand and Phuket Island is the stuff of legends. The bay is renowned for its breathtaking limestone cliffs and rock formations. These cliffs look like they were lifted right out of an Avatar film.

The most infamous of the limestone islands in the park is Koh Tapu, which is also known as James Bond Island. This stunning limestone column was made famous by the James Bond Film, “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Believe me, it is even more breathtaking when you visit it in person.

However, out of all the beautiful spots in Phang Nga Bay, my favorite spot to visit is undoubtedly the Samet Nangshe viewpoint. Located on the island of Phuket, this spot gives you the most incredible cross-sectional view of the bay and all its incredible islands. If you are looking for a great postcard shot for Thailand, I would say this spot should be high on the list.

The Beaches of Ko Samui

For those who are looking to get a little bit of pampering when visiting Thailand, I have just the place for you. When it comes to breathtaking beaches and incredible luxury spa resorts, few places in Thailand compete with the amazing Ko Samui. Located in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, Ko Samui is the country’s second-largest island. Much like Phuket, the country’s largest, it is a stunning destination.

In addition to the array of luxury resorts and palm-lined beaches, the island is also home to a gigantic 40-foot (12-meter) tall golden Big Buddha statue. This stunning religious shrine is located in the Wat Phra Yai Temple, which sits on a tiny island that is connected to Ko Samui by a causeway.

However, most people who come to Ko Samui are looking to kick back and relax on the island’s stunning beaches and enjoy some time at the spa. When it comes to these activities, Ko Samui is undoubtedly one of the top places in Thailand to visit.

The Beautiful White Temple in Chiang Rai

While Chiang Mai may be regarded as the “City of Temples”, nearby Chiang Rai may be home to Thailand’s most incredible temple. It is here where you will find the spectacular Wat Rong Khun, which is better known as the White Temple. Since it first opened to visitors back in 1997, it has been one of the top places to see in Thailand.

Decorated with sparkling porcelain and mirror chips, the temple appears to glow in the sun. Not to mention, the intricate details in the carvings and statues that surround the temple will blow your mind. However, what makes this temple even more unique is that it isn’t even finished yet.

That’s right, the temple is still being constructed and decorated as we speak. If you were to visit the temple now, and then again in five years, it may look completely different. Like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the building is a work of art that is still being sculpted before our eyes. So, if you visit Thailand, you absolutely must see this incredible temple.

The Infamous Golden Triangle

Speaking of amazing places to see in Thailand, one of the most underrated of these places is the infamous Golden Triangle region. Located in the far north of the country, the Golden Triangle refers to the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Because of its mountainous landscape and climate, the area became one of the top opium-producing regions in the world.

While opium is still produced in parts of the Golden Triangle, the Thai government cracked down on production in Thailand very hard. In addition to this, the government also incentivized the production of other crops, such as coffee and tea. This helped transform the area from a drug-producing region to an important agricultural hub for the country.

Today, you can visit the incredible House of Opium Museum to learn about the notorious past of the region, as well as take a scenic boat ride on the iconic Mekong River. It was a tour that I absolutely loved when we visited Thailand and is a cultural experience I would absolutely recommend to others.

The Beautiful Doi Inthanon National Park

If you’ve started to research your trip to Thailand already, chances are you’ve seen this place. High in the mountains of Northern Thailand is one of the country’s most spectacular parks. In addition to its miles of incredible hiking trails, the park is full of beautiful landscapes.

Breathtaking waterfalls, stunning rainforests, and amazing wildlife are just some of the draws of Doi Inthanon National Park. It is known as the “Roof of Thailand” because of its high elevation. In fact, this mountain range is technically the foothills of the Himalayas. When you visit the park, you will see the highest point in all of Thailand during your visit.

However, my favorite spot in the park is the twin pagodas. Perched high up in the mountains, the pagodas sit amongst gorgeous terraced gardens. It is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Thailand. Without a doubt, it is one of the top things to see in Thailand for visitors.

Erawan Waterfall National Park

Picture a breathtaking river that winds its way down a stunning jungle-clad mountain. Then, it beautifully cascades over 7 terraces of limestone to create brilliantly blue-colored pools of water. The milky blue water is a product of all the calcite drained from limestone caves along the river.

If this gorgeous scene sounds like something you’d like to see, you aren’t alone. The beautiful Erawan Waterfall National Park is one of Thailand’s most popular parks and one of the top things to see in Thailand. Each year, visitors flock to the park to enjoy the beauty of the falls and plunge into its beautiful blue waters. And if you are adventurous, you can even rent a lifejacket and take a trip down the falls. Talk about an amazing adventure!

The Stunning Khao Sok National Park

If you thought I was finished highlighting the South in my list of the top places to see in Thailand, you were mistaken. There are just so many incredible things to see in this area of the country. I would be completely remiss if I didn’t highlight the beautiful Khao Sok National Park.

Perfectly located on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, and Koh Samuim it is a can’t-miss spot. Visitors will be thrilled with the up-close encounters with elephants, beautiful canoe rides on pristine lakes, and the park’s iconic limestone hills.

As beautiful as the lakes, waterfalls, and limestone hills are, the top attraction in the park is undoubtedly the floating raft houses. It is such an incredible cultural experience to visit these floating cities and see how the local people live a life on the water. It’s an experience you certainly won’t soon forget.

Incredible Lampang

While I consider Chiang Mai to be a must-see destination, it can get quite busy during peak tourism season. If you would like to visit the beautiful north and avoid the crowds, I have another wonderful suggestion. The incredible city of Lampang has many spectacular temples and cultural attractions but isn’t typically as busy as Chiang Mai.

One of the things I love about Lampang is that the city still uses carriages as a means of transportation. This sets it apart from the streets filled with motorbikes that you will find throughout the rest of Thailand. One of the best ways to see the city is to rent a bicycle. Attractions such as the Pratu Pong Temple, Pong Sanuk Temple, and Ku Chao Ya Suta are close enough to reach without having to drive.

Near the city, you will also find cultural treasures such as Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. Referred to locally as Doi Pu Yak, it is widely considered one of the most overlooked treasures of Thailand. Located on a steep, rocky terrain, the temple site includes a golden pagoda built on top of a high hill. In my opinion, it is one of the most breathtaking views in all of Thailand.

The Hua Hin District on the Gulf of Thailand

As travelers, sometimes we just need a place to relax and enjoy a beautiful beach and some sun. If this is what you are looking for, I have a great place to see in Thailand for you. Located on the breathtaking Gulf of Thailand, the Hua Hin District features some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches. Not only that, but the area is also renowned for its lively night market, incredible golf courses, and top-end restaurants.

For a little adventure, the amazing Takiab Bay is just a short drive down the coast. Here, visitors can enjoy seaside horseback rides and spectacular views of the coast. In addition, the incredible Kaeng Krachan National Park is just a short distance away. Here, you can marvel at the beautiful Pala-U waterfall or do some butterfly watching. Just a few of the things that make the Hua Hin District one of Thailand’s must-see spots.

The Amazing Khao Yai National Park

If you are a wildlife lover, one of the places to see in Thailand that should be high on your list is the amazing Khao Yai National Park. Not only was it Thailand’s first national parkland, but it is also the best place to see the country’s incredible wildlife. The park’s lush rainforest and expansive grasslands are home to a variety of native species. This includes such animals as bears, gibbons, elephants, and hornbills.

In addition to the wealth of wildlife, the park is also home to a staggering number of beautiful waterfalls. This includes the breathtaking 492-foot tall (150-meter) Haew Narok waterfall and the shorter, but equally beautiful, Haew Suwat waterfall. If the latter looks familiar, it’s because this iconic waterfall was immortalized in the popular film, “The Beach”.

Ko Chang

One of the things that I absolutely love about Thailand is the diversity of adventures that you can have. You can have high-end luxury spa resorts near budget accommodations that are perfect for the backpacking crowd. Nowhere is this diversity of experience more apparent than on the beautiful island of Ko Chang.

For decades, this breathtaking spot near the Cambodian border was difficult to get to. Comprised of primarily unspoiled rainforest, the island is now serviced by a newly built airport, which has opened this pristine paradise up to more travelers. Now, you will find luxury resorts catering to high-end travelers, as well as a waterfront party scene and affordable hostels and backpacker accommodations for the budget crowd.

However, the island isn’t just for spa enthusiasts and beach lovers. The island is also the primary access point to the incredible Mu Ko Chang National Park. In addition to many waterfalls and hiking trails, the park is also home to dozens of unspoiled islands and amazing coral reefs. This makes it one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in all of Thailand.

Sukhothai

For those who are looking to travel to Thailand to explore the country’s many spectacular Buddhist temples, the incredible city of Sukhothai is a must-see destination. Once the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, today it is a magnet for lovers of history and culture. Much like Ayutthaya, one of Siam’s other historical capitals, Sukhothai is much more compact and far less crowded.

It’s a much longer trek from Bangkok, which tends to deter the less determined traveler from visiting. As a bonus, this makes this ancient city much more enjoyable for those who make the effort to get there. And believe me, it is well worth the effort. With incredible temples such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, and Wat Chang Lom, the incredible archeological discoveries you’ll make at Sukhothai will be certain to bring out the inner Indiana Jones in you.

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