The Best Things to Do in Thailand

No matter if you prefer to visit cities such as Bangkok, Chiang mai or Chiang Rai, historical sites (Ayutthaya and Sukhotai) or to relax at the beach (Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui islands and more!), you will find the perfect destinations for your holidays in this article.
In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this guide of the best things to do in Thailand, with all points of interest and must see attractions. Let’s exploce The Best Things to Do in Thailand below.

The Best Things to Do in Thailand

Bangkok

Let’s start this Thailand travel guide with Bangkok, the capital city. When you will arrive in Bangkok, you will directly be struck by the noises, smells, traffic jams and crowds. In other words, you will be immersed in the atmosphere of this very dynamic city.
If you visit the center or the north during your trip to Thailand, there is a good chance you will land in or leave from Bangkok. Take the opportunity to spend 2 or 3 days there, while you recover from jet lag and adjust to Asia. Even if opinions are mixed about the biggest Thai city, it remains a must see for a trip to Thailand.

Kanchanaburi and the Bridge Over the River Kwai

Kanchanaburi is located 130 km northwest of Bangkok. Even if you have never heard this name, you have probably heard about the Bridge Over the River Kwai, one of the most important tourist and historical site in Thailand. It’s the symbol of the city’s tragic past during the Second World War.
In Kanchanaburi, the Japanese army enslaved thousands of prisoners of war to build more than 400 km of railway line between Thailand and Myanmar. Between disease, brutality and malnutrition, more than 16 000 people have died during the construction. Of the 688 bridges built by the Japanese army, it was the only steel bridge built in Thailand.

Ayutthaya

The Historic City of Ayutthaya is located about 75 km north of Bangkok. Former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and for a long time an important economic and commercial centre, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is clearly one of the best places to visit in Thailand..
As Ayutthaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by bus (1h30), train (2 h) or car (45 min), it’s the perfect day trip destination. In Ayutthaya Historical Park, you can discover dozens of ruined temples spread over fifteen sites. It’s very large, so it will take you about a full day to visit the 6 main temples. To visit them, you should buy the 220 Bahts pass, it’s the most convenient. However, if you don’t want to visit them all, you can also purchase each ticket separately.

Lopburi

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Thailand around Ayutthaya, you can go to Lopburi, an hour’s drive away. Lopburi, one of the oldest cities in the country hosts a few ruined temples. However, they aren’t the main attraction there.
Most visitors actually come to see the numerous monkeys who colonized the area. There are literally hundreds of them among the ruins. The most famous site, both for the monkeys and for its architecture, is Prang Sam Yot.

Chiang Mai

You want to discover the North of Thailand. Then you should head to Chiang Mai. As the city has an international airport, you can arrive there directly by plane, usually after a transfer in Bangkok. It’s also possible to reach Chiang Mai by bus or train from Bangkok, and of course by car. Enjoy a walk in the old town, where most temples are located. This includes the famous Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man.

Trek in the northern mountains

You should take advantage of your holidays in Northern Thailand to go on a trek. It’s the perfect region for these kinds of activities. Many tour companies offer treks of various lengths and difficulty levels to explore the mountains and meet the region’s ethnic groups.
You can visit Akha, Karen (a tribe famous for its “women with long necks”, also known as “giraffe women “) or Kahu villages and maybe even sleep in a local house. These treks are increasingly being organized with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable development (for the most part, at least). The money raised is used to finance health centers or to provide scholarships.