A vacation to Thailand is a great way to relax and enjoy some of the finest beaches and natural wonders the world has to offer, while also learning about and experiencing a new culture that is made-up of great cuisine, beautiful art and religious monuments, as well as kind and generous people. While your time in Thailand is bound to present you with a great time no matter what you decide to do, here are five things that you won’t want to miss out on when planning your next trip.
1. The beaches of Krabi
If you’ve seen a poster advertising the scenic spots of Thailand, odds are you were drawn towards the stunning beaches of Krabi, whose limestone cliffs and caves provide the ultimate seaside atmosphere for any beach goer. Whether you’re interested in water sports and rock climbing, or simply want to sip cocktails, swim, and take in the rays, the beaches of Tham Phra Nang, Railay, and Koh Hong are some of the area’s best.
2. The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are the main attraction that must not be missed while spending time in the vibrant capital city of Bangkok. The Grand Palace was finished in the late 19th-century and features an eclectic mix of elegant European architecture, and traditional Thai artworks and design. The attached grounds of Wat Phra Kaew is home to the Emerald Buddha, and the temple is considered to be the most important religious site for Thai Buddhists.
3. Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai
Located just outside the sleeping jungle village of Kanchanaburi, Erawan Falls and the Death Railway (made famous by the film the Bridge on the River Kwai) provide visitors with a natural wonder and a historic site. The multi-tiered falls are some of the finest in the country and feature wonderful swimming holes, natural rock slides and crystal clear waters. The railway is an emotionally powerful site, where many forced labourers and POWs lost their lives working under the Japanese military in WWII.
4. Chiang Mai
The capital of the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai sits in the foothills and is a quaint and picturesque town that has ancient city walls and is surrounded by mountain jungle and rainforest. If anyone is looking to spend a little time outdoors, you’ll find great trekking, elephant sanctuaries, and rafting just a short drive from the center of town (which you can access through tours). Be sure to also try out some of the north’s famous street food.
5. Sukhothai
One of the ancient capitals of the Kingdom of Siam, Sukhothai came of age in the 13th and 14th century, and today features a vast variety of relics that are the best examples of the era’s architecture and style. From massive sculptures of Buddha to ancient temples, a bike ride through these grounds will make you feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.
Wherever you decide to head to in Thailand, there are plenty of great sites to see and natural wonders to explore, all of which will add up to an extremely special experience.
Images by Nicolas Vollmer , Thomas Jaehnel , Ian Armstorng , xiquinhosilva and Brian Fagan used under the Creative Commons License.
