AH, Thailand… Known for its exotic people and because of the famous Hangover movie. Let me promise you, fellow travelers, this country is not all about partying and meeting weird people. Let’s discover together the best spots to visit in Thailand before you die.
Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew
Meaning The temple of the Emerald Buddha, this temple is known for being one of the best spots in Thailand to visit. This Buddha is still to this day the most important statue of Thailand. On this same campground, you’ll also find The Grand palace, which is home to the most important art and history of the country.
In my opinion, both these locations are worth your time. The architecture is breathtaking and is only $15 USD per person to visit.
Wat Pho
This is the second most visited temple in Bangkok and also one of the most ancient. It is just south to the previous temple I mentionned. It has been constructed to represent the buddha on its death bed.
This location also offers classed on how to do a traditional thai massage, if it’s something you’re interested in. The site is also protected by the UNESCO.
What’s so impressive about this temple is its high towers, made of gold with a thousand other colors. I recommend visiting it in the evening because the sunsets are so incredible.
Erawan National Park
This is probably one of my favorite spots from all my trip, and also one of the best spots to visit in Thailand. Located just 3 hours north of Bangkok, it offers a generous hike where you can observe seven different waterfalls. Swimming is also allowed, so don’t forget to bring a swimsuit.
We rented a tour bus from Bangkok, which left at 7am and came back around 10pm. You have to know that this is a trip that’ll take your whole day, but in my opinion extremely worth it.
Don’t worry, this hike can also be for beginners. If you’re usually easily out of breath, I promise you this one won’t be a problem. But I also have to warn you : there are A LOT of people who want to visit this place. So, if you hate being crowded, it might not be the best idea for you.
Khao San Road
This has to be one of the most touristic street in all of Bangkok. I was lucky enough to spend new year’s On Khao San. Let me tell you, it was something! Once again, extremely crowded, but it’s actually reasonable when you go in the middle of the day.
You can find multiple bars, local shops, restaurants, and more! We also had the chance to meet a lot of people from all around the world while walking down this exact same street. This location also has to be one of my favorite spots.
Outdoors markets
You probably have once heard about big, local markets where you can get food, souvenirs and all sorts of things. Well, the good thing about these markets is that they’re outdoors and you can find everything you’re looking for at a reasonable price. The most popular in Bangkok is the Wang Lang Market, located near Don Mueang International Airport.
They’re mostly open from 9am to 8pm most of the days, every single day of the week. That is a good thing to do if you don’t feel like going on hikes or visiting temples. There are also evening markets, night markets, weekend markets… I could go on for a while but, you get the point. There’s one for everybody!
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Zoo
Yes, I know, not everyone enjoys going to the zoo. But, in my opinion, you should try this one. You can find pandas, giraffes, koalas and elefants in their natural habitat.
There are also various animation sites, such as animal shows and tours. The good news is, it will only cost you $10 USD to visit such a big zoo.
Pai Village
This village is just a few hours up north of Chiang Mai. It may look like a small town where there’s nothing to do, but in my opinion, it has to be one of the highlights of my trip. It is actually a very small town, and it takes up to 3 hours to get there from Chiang Mai, using serpentines roads (not gonna lie, one of us got sick while getting there). This just shows how isolated it is.
But, once you get there, you’ll spend an amazing day. You’ll have to rent a scooter if you wanna make sure you get to have some time to visit everything (if you have an international permit, of course).
My first recommendation would be the Pai Canyon. It kind of reminds me of the Grand Canyon, which I’ll do an article about in a few weeks. The views are breathtaking and really make you feel like you’re in the middle of the desert, while being in the jungle.
If you’re clumbsy like me, be aware. It’s really easy to fall off the cliff, but it’s definitely worth some of your time.
Let’s not forget about Pai Hot Springs. Isolated into the naturre, it’s the best way to experience a warm soak. There’s also a very good news : this activity will cost you less than $10 USD.
Elephant sanctuaries
Chiang Mai is one of the best cities for you to visit elephant sanctuaries. For my part, I went to the famous Bamboo Elephant Family Care, named after the baby elephant that was born a few years ago. If you book a tour with them, you’ll get to feed the elephants, bathe them and more!
But I have to warn you : Don’t go anywhere near places where riding them is offered since it’s considered animal abuse.
Surat Thani Islands
Koh Tao
This island is my opinion one of the best spots on the planet to experience snorkeling, which means in other words scuba diving. Personally, I had the occasion to cross paths with a thousand different fish breeds, turtles, and more on 5 different island.
This activity will take up your whole day, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen (because yeah, I forgot mine and regretted it the day after).
Koh Phangan
Phangan is home to the famous Full Moon Party. Once or twice a month, when it’s the full moon, there’s a gigantic party that lasts all night on the Haad Rin beach, which is located south of the island.
That being said, bring your best glow in the dark outfit and accessories, because you’ll be in for a full night of dancing, for the cheap price of less than $5 USD.
Koh Samui
This is the biggest island out of all these 3, and probably the most popular. So, this is a perfect mix of nature and breathtaking beaches.
You can to to safari tours, do some more snorkeling, try the best local foods, go on many hikes, and more. There are also many temples that you can visit, including Wat Plai Laem, Wat Phra Yai, Wat Khunaran… I could keep going on!
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Ao Nang Beach
This is home to one of the most beautiful beach in all of Thailand : Railey Beach. You’ll find traditional thai boats, amazing natural rocks and plenty of activities on the beach and nearby, such as paddleboarding, eating plenty of food, shopping, getting some drinks and more.
You can also find tons of hostels, outdoor night markets, which I had the occasion to visit and the Rd 4203, which is the main street, offers plenty of more high end restaurants and bars.
Tiger Cave Temple
In my opinion, this is the most impressive temple in all of Thailand. It’s in the middle of the jungle, which makes it pretty exotic. But, I have to warn you, to reach the center of it and see what there is to see, you’ll have to climb more than 1,200 stairs. This one is not for the weaks.
Trust me, this pain is worth it. To be honest, it kind of reminds me of the scene in Karate Kid, when he has to go all the way to the top of the mountain to drink water, where he sees the snake.
So, bring confy sport clothes and a full water bottle, because you’ll need it!
Phuket
Phi Phi Islands
I’m not going to lie to you, this is not the most entertaining corner, but definitely a highlight of mine. Phi Phi is composed by six different island, south of Phuket. This is also a very nice spot for snorkeling since the water is almost totally clear.
You have the option to rent a one-day trip to visit all of them, and if you haven’t understood it yet, everything is cheap in this country. This tour only costs $50 USD for the whole day.
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