Sights in Thailand
The holiday country Thailand belongs to Southeast Asia, is framed by the Indian Ocean, which divides here into the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The bustle of the capital Bangkok and strongholds of tourism such as Phuket characterize the Southeast Asian country as well as small picturesque towns in the province or remote mountain villages. The hospitality of the locals is almost legendary.
Thailand borders Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. A typical tropical summer rainy climate prevails here, with temperatures being uniformly hot all year round. Only in the mountains and elsewhere in the country does it get a little cooler in winter. Thai cuisine also has an excellent reputation.
In the following we present you the most exciting tours, the most beautiful attractions and the best sights in Thailand.
1. Bangkok
The capital of Thailand is richly blessed with extraordinary sights such as the temple complex Wat Phra Kaeo, the holiest in the whole country. A relic that is kept there is said to be a hair or a bone of Buddha. The National Museum of Bangkok, where visitors should spend at least half a day, offers a great overview of the country’s history.
Another tourist attraction are the so-called Jim Thompson’s houses. The founder of the unique Thai wooden houses made Thai silk famous all over the world. The Wat Traimitr temple is the home of the Golden Buddha, who was cast from 5.5 tons of solid gold. The capital’s many markets are an exotic festival for the nose, palate and eyes.
2. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is affectionately known by the locals as the “Pearl of the North” and is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, if not the most beautiful. The sights of Chiang Mai include almost 200 temples. The oldest of them is Wat Chiang Man, which dates back to 1296.
The portal is adorned with an outstandingly carved pediment. Other tourist attractions include the Chiang Mai National Museum, in which terracottas from Haripunchai and sculptures from all periods of art are on display. Also worth seeing is the largest zoo in Thailand, where, in addition to rare species of butterflies and birds, you can see above all animals that are native to Southeast Asia.
3. Phangnga
The landscape around the city of Phangnga is breathtaking and unique. From the dark green of the jungle, white mountain peaks protrude into the Thai sky, picturesque mountain villages nestle against the slopes of the mountains and whoever takes a boat trip through the bays of Ao Luk and Phangnga will never forget them for a lifetime.
Many caves and grottoes have formed in the nearby limestone mountains, the most famous of which is the so-called cave of the hermits. The limestone cliff Ko Tapu, which towers majestically from the Bay of Phangnga, became world-famous through a James Bond film. The national park of the same name extends around the mountain Khao Sok. The tropical rainforest is a paradise for elephants, bears, hornbills and monitor lizards.
4. Chiang Rai
A detour to Chiang Rai is particularly worthwhile because of the fantastic landscape that surrounds the city. The mountains, overgrown by tropical rainforest, are among the most impressive in the Southeast Asian country. The hill tribes of the Meo, Lisu or Akha offer their products on the marketplaces of their villages, dressed in colorful robes.
The Mae Lao Dam beautiful location is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Many pilgrims make their way to Wat Phra That Doi Thung, which was built below the summit of Doi Thung. From the top of the mountain there is a wonderful panoramic view of the fantastic landscapes of northern Thailand.
5. Phuket
The landscape of the largest island in Thailand, Phuket, is characterized by rubber trees and coconut palms. The island is world famous because of its long, white sandy beaches, on which the waves of the azure blue sea ripple. Patong Beach is the busiest and most famous beach. Those who prefer to spend their beach holiday more quietly are in good hands on the beaches of the coast in the southwest.
Karon Beach, on the other hand, is known for dignified luxury, which the hotels Karon Villa and The Old Phuket also exude. The provincial capital of the same name has largely retained its colonial charm. The best time to travel is between December and March.
6. Suratthani
The landscape around Suratthani is just gorgeous and is one of the most beautiful in Thailand. From the tropical rainforest, which grows particularly densely here, dolomite rocks rise up to a height of 1,000 meters. The breathtaking islands off the coast are almost paradisiacally beautiful.
Many of the 60 or so islands have quiet bays with white beaches, dense vegetation, well-equipped hotels, bathing beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Around 50 kilometers north of Suratthani, tourists from the west can also register for a meditation course at the Wat Suan Mokh monastery. which is one of the most famous in the Southeast Asian country. The duration of the course is at least ten days.
7. Phetchaburi
The provincial capital Phetchaburi is framed by impressive mountains. The magnificent palace of King Mongkut, outstanding among the city’s sights, towers over the city on Mount Khao Khlang. In the valley, the temple complexes refer to the glorious history of Phetchaburi. Only a few kilometers from the city, quiet and beautiful beaches invite you to take a relaxing bath. The top local attraction is the Phar Nakhon Khiri Royal Palace.
King Mongkut had his palace built in the neoclassical style that he knew from Europe. In the building, the cosmopolitan thinking and the open-minded way of life of the kings of Thailand are reflected like in no other. You can reach the palace district either on foot via a staircase or, more comfortably, with a small rack railway.
8. Sukhothai
In the north of the central plain is the old capital Sukhothai, the art-historical center of the Sukhothai era. The 193 temples that have been excavated in Sukhothai and partially lovingly restored have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. In the strictly guarded area, boards in front of each building provide information in English about everything there is to know. The excavation site is only around 12 kilometers from the city center.
One of the top attractions is the Ramkhamhaeng Museum, which opened in 1964. Ceramics, stucco work and statues that were discovered during the excavation work are exhibited here. The highlights in the museum include a seated Buddha from Wat Chand Lom and a striding Buddha, which is characterized by outstanding beauty.
9. Khao Yai National Park
The Khao Yai National Park was opened in 1962, making it the oldest nature reserve in Thailand. The national park attracts locals and tourists alike. The beautiful landscape is characterized by picturesque lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and mountains over 1,300 meters high. The Dong-Phayayen mountain range has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. The wildlife there is extraordinarily diverse.
The inhabitants of the mountain range include hornbills, gibbons, leopards and tigers. A special attraction is the so-called “orchid waterfall”, the rocks of which are overgrown with orchids. Eleven hiking trails lead through the Khao Yai National Park. A map with the exact routes is available from the park administration.
10. Samut Prakan
The provincial capital Samut Prakan is around 40 kilometers south of the capital Bangkok. The city has a historic center and a small port. One of the tourist attractions is a crocodile farm that is home to around 100,000 crocodiles. This makes it the second largest farm of its kind. The top attraction in Samut Prakan, however, is the world’s largest open-air museum, the “Ancient City”.
On a 300 hectare site, which was laid out in the shape of the Thai state, a financier from Bangkok built the most culturally and historically important buildings in the country on a scale of 1: 3. Some of the most beautiful buildings were even erected in their original size.
