Thailand is the land of Buddhist temples, lush countrysides, gorgeous beaches. A vacation here will lead you to the modern bustling city of Bangkok, tuk tuk rides, elephant bathing experiences and Thailand’s beautiful mountain treks. Wildlife, marine life and the colours of city life in Thailand offer a memorable experience for every traveller.
Here are the shortlisted top 10 places to visit in Thailand in 2021:
Ko Samui
This tropical beach is a paradise for travelers seeking a quiet retreat. You can swim and also wade to two islets. Beautiful coconut trees line the island and one could find locals selling coconut carvings and painted batik clothing. In Na Thon, one would also find many bars and restaurants for those seeking a lively crowd. Besides living the beach life in Ko Samui, you can also visit Wat Khunaram where there are remains of revered monks. You can also see the statue of “Big Buddha” – a nine-foot-high seated Buddha figure at the Wat Phra Yai temple. In the central part of Ko Samui, there is a mountainous forest with beautiful waterfalls that collect into a pool that is a great place for a swim.
Phuket
The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is a hub of activities with luxurious spas, scenic beaches, and blue lagoons. The white sandy beach is also loved by tourists as they can enjoy a number of water sports during the day as well as a vibrant nightlife. Trekking in the jungles, scuba diving, and whitewater rafting is very popular with visitors. Some of the most popular beaches are Patong Beach and Phang Nga Bay. The latter also has limestone islands and caves.
Chiang Rai
The land of the Golden Triangle which is duly named as this city has the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The city has a few museums and has many places to explore local culture and heritage. The night life in the city is one to be explored with neon lighted stalls, souvenir shops and restaurants. You can also attend the flower festival at the Saun Mai Ngam Park that is held at the end of each year. If you want to explore the bordering countries, the Gate of Siasm at the Laos border is a great place to explore. There is the Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park that offers nature walks and scenic waterfalls.
Sukothai
The ancient ruins of the city of Sukhothai gives you a glimpse of how Thailand was in the olden ages. It is said that during the 13th century, Sukhothai was capital of Thailand. In the Sukhothai Historical Park, you will find temples, grand palaces and historic monument. Impressive stucco reliefs of Buddha figures can be seen here. The lotus-shaped stupa of Wat Mahathat temple and standing Buddha relics along with the 50-foot sitting Buddha at the Wat Si Chum pavilion, makes Sukothai worth a visit.
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Pai
One of Thailand’s most visited destinations, Pai is known for its location in a picturesque valley. There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, souvenir shops, eateries and local markets that is welcoming to backpackers and tourists from all over the world. From Pai you can go on treks and explore the little valley. You can also join tours that take you to visit the hill tribes of Karen, Lisu, Hmong and Lahu. You can also visit the elephant camps, hot springs and spas and the gorgeous waterfalls in Pai. The Pai River also offers many adventure activities. And you must not miss Pai Canyon where you can find a World War II memorial bridge.
Phanom Rung
Near the village of Nang Rong is a Hindu temple sanctuary called the Phanom Tung. It is said to have been built by the Khmer culture in the 10th and 13th century to represent Mount Kailash, abode of Lord Shiva. The structure is made of sandstone and laterite. The Phanom Rung Festival is celebrated here in the month of April. And it is also said that as the structure faces the East, it receives sunshine through all its 15 doorways at four specific times in a year.
Khao Sok National Park
Limestone mountain and thick tropical forest surrounds this National Park. The National park has been dated back to 160 million years making it older than even the Amazon rainforest. Cheow Lan is at the heart of the park and features a turquoise blue lake dotted with long-tail boats. You can explore the waterfalls, go kayaking in the Sok river and explore the hidden caves. Being a virigin rainforest it is also home to a number of plant and animal species that you can spot during your forest adventures.
Ayuthaya
This trade center and the capital of the Thai Kingdom flourished between the 14th to the 18th centuries. Ayuthaya now is home to beautiful palaces and a number of temples that makes it a wonderful heritage site. Wat Phra is a very popular site here because of a sandstone Buddha whose head is entwined with the roots of a Bodhi trees attracting many visitors. You will also come across the 20 feet Buddha at Wat Phanam Choeng making it Thailand’s largest gilded Buddha and this makes it a holy site for the followers of Buddhism.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is home to the iron bridge that links to the historis Death Railway to Burma where thousands of labourers perished during the construction under Japanese occupation during World War II. The city also has a number of temples, waterfalls, spas and wildlife parks that one can explore. You can also find out more about the history in the several war museums and cemeteries that offers insights and stories about World War II.
Ko Phi Phi
The Krabi Province is home to the Phi Phi island. Ko Phi Phi is an ideal tropical destination known for the sunny beaches, limestone cliffs and crystal clear water. Popular tourist spots are around Tonsai Bay and Long beach. For more secluded beaches, the Phak Nam Bay is excellent. You can also hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for a stunning view of the island.
Thailand has always been one of Asia’s most beautiful tropical vacation getaways. Whether you are interested to enjoy a quiet beach life for a few days, do adventure sports or learn about cultural history, Thailand is the destination you need to pack for.
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