If you’re looking for a tropical holiday with a little culture and history, Thailand is the place to visit. The country is full of vibrant, thriving cities, scenic beaches, and ancient ruins. While the country’s most popular tourist destinations are Bangkok and Phuket, there are plenty of other amazing locations to explore, too.
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Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. It has a wide range of things to see and do, from spectacular waterfalls to seductive beaches. The island is also known for its luxurious resorts and quaint fishing villages.
One of the most popular activities in Koh Samui is snorkeling. There are several pristine bays and beaches with a variety of water sports to choose from. Coral Cove Beach is one of them. This bay is protected from the wind, so it’s ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
If you’re a fan of nightlife, Koh Samui is a place to go. The island has a great variety of clubs and bars to choose from. Some of the most popular places to visit include Cha Cha Moon, Ladyboy Cabaret, and Ark Bar. All of these clubs feature different types of music and offer good nightlife.
Aside from nightlife, Koh Samui is also known for its beaches. You can spend your days relaxing on the shore or taking day trips to other beaches.
Another of the most interesting places to visit in Koh Samui is the Secret Buddha Garden. This hidden gem is off the beaten path, and is well worth a visit.
Another cool thing to do in Koh Samui is to rent a scooter. This is a great way to explore the island and experience all its best parts. It’s a cheap way to get around and gives you a good sense of the location. Renting a scooter costs about 200 to 300 Bahts a day.
Phuket
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations. This tropical island is full of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Its beaches are a major draw. Whether you’re looking for an active holiday or an exotic getaway, there is something for everyone here.
Located in the western part of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is one of the largest islands in Thailand. The island is served by the second-largest airport in the country. Many visitors spend two to three days visiting the island’s major attractions.
Phuket is best known for its beautiful beaches. These include Patong, Karon and Nai Harn. You can take a motorbike rental for a day trip to the local area. However, if you’re unsure of the terrain, hiring a ‘tuk-tuk’ will be your best option.
Phuket is also home to a number of national parks. Sirinat National Park has beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling and turtle nesting.
Another popular attraction is the 45-meter tall Big Buddha. Built of Burmese jade marble, it overlooks Karon Beach. There are plenty of other places to visit around the island.
One of the most intriguing markets in Phuket is the Central Market. Tourists can find a variety of local souvenirs and colorfully painted shops.
Phuket is home to several colonial-era mansions. Some have been converted into museums and bistros.
For a more authentic experience of Phuket, head to Old Town. You’ll find cute stores and cosy eateries. In addition, walking tours allow you to explore the history of the town.
Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a small town in northern Thailand. It is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic groups. Many of the locals are hill tribes. There are also many Thai and Burmese people in the area.
The best way to get around the area is to rent a motorbike. You can get a scooter for about 180 THB a day. This is a great way to see the town and its surroundings.
The Mae Hong Son Loop is a popular tourist attraction. It takes you through the mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Several public buses are ready to take you on the journey. However, you should be prepared for the roads to be slippery in the rain.
One of the most beautiful sights in Mae Hong Son is the lake. It is particularly striking at night. A small park and a night market are located near the lake.
The Mae Sakud Nature Trail is a 7.5 km walk that offers a scenic view of the city. It is also possible to take a short 1-2 hour hike to the waterfall.
Another highlight is the bamboo bridge. It was built as a connection between the nearby village of Kung Mai Saak and a nearby temple. The bridge is free to cross and offers spectacular views over the town.
If you want to check out the waterfalls in the area, you can visit the Pha Suea National Park. The park contains the famous Pha Suae Waterfall.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands located in the Gulf of Thailand. The park is a pristine archipelago with limestone karsts, waterfalls, white sand beaches, and hidden coves. A popular way to explore the park is to kayak or snorkel.
Ang Thong National Park features spectacular caves and grottos. In addition, the park offers plenty of hiking trails. It is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is located in southern Thailand. Known for its natural beauty and unique scenery, the park is also home to several species of exotic animals.
Some of the most popular sights include Koh Phaluai, Ko Hin Dap, and Ko Sam Sao. These islands vary in size and shape. They offer great snorkeling and scuba diving. Several Ang Thong National Marine Park tour companies run liveaboard cruises.
To get to Ang Thong National Marine Park, visitors can take a liveaboard boat or a speedboat. Both methods of travel allow a scenic view of the island. However, if you’re traveling with a small group, a speedboat may be more convenient. You can also opt for a private boat that will also include activities.
Ang Thong’s best viewpoint is at Koh Wua Ta Lap. This island is home to the national park’s headquarters, and is also known for its gorgeous views. There are several secluded beaches in the area, and a short hike up a steep path will give you a breathtaking view of the whole park.
Khao Yai National Park
The Khao Yai National Park is the third largest national park in Thailand. It covers 2,000 square kilometres of forested land in central Thailand. As a result, it is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna.
There are over 3,000 plant species and 66 mammal species within the park. Elephants, gibbons, jackals, otters, deers, and reticulated pythons are all found here.
Among the most popular attractions are the waterfalls. Haew Narok waterfall is the largest in the park with a total height of 150 meters. You can walk through the trail to the top of the falls to view the 3-tiered structure.
Another must-see is the Pha Deaw Dad cliff. This is an incredible spot to watch the wildlife, especially in the night.
For hiking, Khao Yai has over 50km of trails. Trekking is easy. Generally, visitors can hike through the park in about two hours.
Visitors can also stay overnight at the park. There are two campgrounds in the park. At the campsites, you can pitch tents for just 30 baht. If you are more adventurous, you can go off-road in an ATV.
Night safaris are a very popular activity in the park. Most overnight tours include this. These activities take tourists around the main roads in search of the park’s animals. Sometimes, they will even include elephants. They cost about 1,600-5,400 THB per person.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, Thailand is a historical and cultural site with many temples. This city is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit is during the warm months of March and May. If you are interested in a longer trip to the area, consider visiting the nearby city of Lopburi, which is home to several ruined temples.
One of the oldest cities in Thailand, Lopburi is also a good place to see the monkeys. Tourists can watch hundreds of monkeys frolic in the surrounding areas.
One of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya is Wat Mahathat, which boasts a giant Buddha head entwined in the roots of banyan trees. It is a good place to observe Buddhist monks as they go about their daily business.
Ayutthaya is best seen on a motorbike or bicycle. You can rent one in town or take a tuk-tuk. Either way, be sure to ask your guide to help you with transportation.
For your first stop, visit the tourist information center. There you will find free maps that can help you plan your vacation. They have staff who can answer any questions you may have.
Next, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Located near the Grand Palace, this temple was once the most important in the city. It has three chedi, as well as sculptures from the Ankgor Wat in Cambodia.
