Overview
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1. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is the place that blew us away the most in Thailand. It is a huge national park in the south of the country. Khao Sok is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world, fascinating wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and an enormous lake full of majestic limestone mountains.
In our opinion and many others, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. There are various ways to explore the park and lots of fun things to do. A must-do here is staying the night in a floating bungalow and waking up to the sounds of the jungle. The easiest way to visit Khao Sok National Park is by booking a tour from different places such as Phuket and Krabi.
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2. Bangkok
Richly decorated temples, reclining and emerald green Buddhas, noisy tuk tuks, spiders on a stick, more pad Thai than you can imagine… A trip to Thailand is not complete without a visit to its vibrant capital city Bangkok. We probably don’t need to explain much about why it is a must when visiting Thailand for the first time.
There are endless awesome things to do in this vibrant city, including visiting the Grand Palace, exploring the many typical Thai temples, and trying all kinds of street food. Although it can be a bit overwhelming at times, it is definitely a place you must have seen at least once in your life to experience the real Thai culture.
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3. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is a fascinating, ancient city, founded in 1350. It was the second capital of the country, after Sukhothai and before Bangkok. In 1767, the city was attacked by the Burmese army, who burned the city to the ground and forced the inhabitants to abandon the city. As a result, the city was completely destroyed and only ruins of temples and palaces remained.
In 1991, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s now one of the best places to see in Thailand, full of stunning and impressionant temple ruins, including the famous Buddha head in the tree roots. The city is located only an hour’s drive north of Bangkok, so you can easily visit Ayutthaya on a day trip.
4. Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of the idyllic islands in the south of Thailand, with beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical palm trees, and crystal clear blue water. Koh Tao literally means Turtle Island. It is a world-famous place for divers and snorkelers due to its abundant marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
The island has a very laid-back atmosphere, making it the the ideal place to relax and unwind. If you are looking for something more active, you can hike to one of the beautiful viewpoints to experience a magical sunset.
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5. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is another tropical paradise island with white beaches and turquoise blue waters, as well as some beautiful temples and uniquely shaped rocks. It is Thailand’s second-largest island and there are plenty of things to do. If you are looking for a combination of peace, relaxation, nature, adventure and sometimes a little party, Koh Samui is your place to be.
6. Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is a stunning national park, sitting on top of Thailand’s highest mountain in the northern part of the country. It covers a protected area of 482 square kilometers and is often referred to as the ‘Roof of Thailand’. With its beautiful nature, panoramic views, various hiking trails, unique wildlife, and impressive waterfalls, it is a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
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7. Chiang Rai
If you love bizarre but unique temples, rolling tea plantations, and vibrant night markets, you should definitely spend a few days in Chiang Rai. It is a unique and sometimes ‘forgotten’ destination in the north of Thailand. It is often overshadowed by the more famous Chiang Mai and Pai, but it is certainly worth adding to your Thailand itinerary.
There are a number of must-visit places in Chiang Rai, but not too many, so you can really enjoy the pleasant, laid-back atmosphere of this city. It often serves as a base for exploring the famous Golden Triangle, the region where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. To our opinion, it is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers. From Chiang Rai, you can also continue your journey into Laos by slow boat.
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8. Pai
A bit hidden in the mountains of northern Thailand, you will find the hippie village of Pai. This small mountain village has a very laid-back atmosphere and is surrounded by a beautiful natural scenery.
Pai used to be a popular destination among backpackers and hippies, but nowadays, it is a destination for almost every kind of traveler. Although it’s only a tiny village, there are a lot of nice things to do in the area. You can relax in natural hot springs, visit the Tham Lod Cave, stroll over the evening market, admire a stunning sunset over Pai Canyon and so much more.
9. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the ancient capital of Northern Thailand and the second-largest city in the whole country. However, because of its charming Old Town, it doesn’t feel like a big city at all. It is home to over 300 Buddhist temples and is therefore often referred to as the “Temple Capital of Thailand”.
There is so much more to Chiang Mai than just its temples, making it one of the more popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Rolling mountains, national parks, bustling night markets… you name it. Chiang Mai alone makes it worthwhile to visit the north of Thailand.
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However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
