Thailand is a stunning country in Southeast Asia with varied natural landscapes. The country’s history is said to date back to the Paleolithic era. Unlike other countries in Asia, Thailand never came under the rule of any European power. Even so, the country modernised and introduced various reforms to remain relevant in a quickly changing world. Hence, after a bloodless revolution in 1932 that ended the absolute rule of the kings, Thailand became a constitutional monarchy. Since then, Thailand has faced many political and social challenges. Despite such challenges, the country has achieved remarkable economic and social development to become an upper-middle-income country with a strong tourism industry.
If you have plans to explore this country with beautiful and surreal beaches, check out our meticulously researched list of must-visit places in Thailand, including some top Thailand attractions.
Top Places to Visit in Thailand
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Phuket
- Krabi
- Pattaya
- Bangkok
Thailand's capital and largest city, Bangkok, lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The city’s history dates back to the 15th century when it was a small trading post under the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
In 1782, King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty that rules Thailand to this day, relocated the capital to the east bank and built the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Bangkok, which means "village of wild plums", is derived from an earlier name of the area.
Bangkok is a noted metropolis, with 50 districts and 169 sub-districts, and inarguably among the best places to visit in Thailand. It is Thailand's administrative and commercial hub and a major regional and international centre for finance, business, tourism, education, media, arts, and entertainment.
Things to do in Bangkok
- Visit Jim Thompson House, a museum and the former residence of American businessman Jim Thompson, who revived the Thai silk industry.
- Explore the Grand Palace, the official residence of the Thai kings since 1782. You can admire the exquisite architecture and craftsmanship of Thai culture.
- Visit Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. Famous for its reclining Buddha statue, the sculpture measures 46 metres long and 15 metres high. It is also a centre of traditional Thai massage and medicine.
- Chiang Mai
Thailand's second-largest city, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, who relocated his capital from Chiang Rai to a new site on the banks of the Ping River. He named it Chiang Mai, meaning "new city" in Thai.
Chiang Mai remained the Lanna Kingdom’s capital until 1558. It then became a vassal state of Myanmar for over two centuries until it was liberated in 1774 by King Taksin of Thonburi. Chiang Mai became part of Siam (later Thailand) but retained some autonomy and cultural identity.
Among the top Thailand attractions, Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples, some dating back to the 14th century. It is famous for its handicrafts, such as silk, silver, wood, pottery, umbrellas, and lacquerware, made by local artisans from nearby villages.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
- Visit Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants and other animals. You can interact with the gentle giants, feed and bathe them, and learn about their stories.
- Ride the Mae Hong Son Loop, a scenic route through northern Thailand's mountains, valleys, and villages. You can rent a two-wheeler or join a tour and explore the region’s stunning landscapes and culture.
- Go hill tribe trekking in the surrounding mountains and interact with the ethnic minority groups living amidst nature to complete your Thailand sightseeing.
- Phuket
A fascinating island destination, Phuket was once part of the Shivite Empire that ruled the Malay Peninsula. Thai states such as Sukhothai and Ayutthaya later influenced the island. It also became a major source of tin and a trading port for Europeans, especially the British and the French.
Phuket also witnessed several wars and invasions, most notably the Battle of Thalang in 1785, when the locals heroically resisted the Burmese army. Phuket's culture and architecture reflect its diverse heritage, influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European traditions. The island is home to many religious sites.
Among the must-visit places in Thailand, Phuket enjoys a booming tourism industry. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches—Patong, Kata Noi, and Freedom Beach—lively nightlife, delicious cuisines, and wellness culture. Phuket also offers visitors many activities and attractions.
Things to do in Phuket
- Canoe to the Phang Nga Bay sea cave and James Bond Island. This full-day tour takes you to the stunning limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and mangrove forests of Phang Nga Bay.
- Participate in Phuket Thai cooking classes and learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes, including pad thai, tom yum soup, green curry, and mango sticky rice.
- Visit Big Buddha Phuket. This religious site features a 140-foot Buddha statue overlooking the island from a hilltop.
- Krabi
A province in southern Thailand, Krabi’s history dates back to prehistoric times, wherein ancient humans have left behind cave paintings, stone tools, pottery, and bones. It was part of the Ligor Kingdom, a powerful state that ruled over much of the Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand in the 13th-18th centuries.
In the late 18th century, Krabi separated from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ligor’s erstwhile capital, and was established as a town by King Chulalongkorn in 1872. The town's name is derived from a local word meaning "sword".
Krabi province boasts over 200 islands, famous for their white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and coral reefs. Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, and Railay Beach are the most popular islands. Krabi also has a diverse landscape of forests, waterfalls, caves, and hot springs, wherein visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, snorkelling, and swimming.
Things to do in Krabi
- Explore Railay Beaches & Caves that feature stunning white sand, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear water. One of the best places to visit in Thailand, you can reach the place only by boat.
- Visit James Bond Island. It is famous for its portrayal in the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. You can take a speedboat tour from Krabi.
- Visit Wat Tham Sua or the Tiger Cave Temple. Climb up the 1,256 stairs to enjoy the views of Krabi from the summit.
- Pattaya
The city of Pattaya has a long and fascinating history. It emerged as a fishing village on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, becoming a popular tourist destination during the Vietnam War when American soldiers visited to relax. Pattaya's name comes from a battle in 1767 when King Taksin defeated a local leader named Nai Klom.
Pattaya grew rapidly in the 1970s, attracting visitors from around the world. Its beaches and nightlife also started attracting Bangkok residents. Pattaya developed a reputation as a fun city where anything was possible, while it gradually overcame challenges such as lack of infrastructure and environmental issues.
Today, Pattaya is a modern and diverse city and among the top Thailand sightseeing attractions. The city is home to many expatriates and retirees who have started living here for convenience and quality of life.
Things to do in Pattaya
- Shop at Pattaya Floating Market, a unique market that floats on water. Hundreds of stalls sell products, including handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, food, and drinks.
- Appreciate the carvings at the Sanctuary of Truth. This is a magnificent wooden temple showcasing the art and culture of Thailand.
- Explore the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. Walk through the themed gardens, such as the French garden, the cactus garden, and the orchid garden. You can also watch cultural shows, including Thai dancing, elephant shows, and martial arts.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
The weather in Thailand varies by region and season. Generally, the country experiences three seasons: cool and dry (November to February), hot and dry (March to May), and rainy (June to October). The cool and dry season is the most suitable and popular time to visit, as temperatures are moderate and the rainfall is low. However, this also means the tourist attractions are crowded and have higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower rates, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of March-June or September-October, when the weather is pleasant and not too hot or wet. However, be prepared for some occasional showers or thunderstorms whenever you make your Thailand sightseeing plans, given the country's tropical climate.
Travel Insurance for Thailand
Purchasing travel insurance for your Thailand trip is a wise decision. It ensures peace of mind and financial protection throughout your journey. While on an international trip, unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, flight delays, medical emergencies, or lost baggage can disrupt your plans and lead to significant expenses. Travel insurance covers all such challenging situations. Travel insurance offers protection from conditions that can disturb your itinerary or lead to trip cancellations. With travel insurance, you can explore various Thailand attractions without trepidation, focusing entirely on the wonderful sights before you. Be sure to compare the travel insurance plans offered by insurers and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.