Tropical Smoothie: Thailand's Top 20 Attractions

Royal Palace in Bangkok

There is no way to ignore this attraction in Thailand. The royal family has not lived here for a long time, although ceremonies with the participation of its members are held several days a year.

The palace, consisting of 95 pagodas and several buildings, is open to visitors. It occupies a huge territory. Visitors will need closed clothing to enter or can rent it here.

Visiting the palace complex, one can see the royal residence, library, temples, government offices. In the galleries there are numerous frescoes depicting different moments of the life of the founder of the dynasty, Rama I. The Palace also houses the throne of Rama I, made of wood and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The palace is a masterpiece of local architecture and is striking in its splendor despite its simple design.

The historic city of Ayutthaya

Like a two-faced Janus, this capital of the eponymous province appears to tourists in different faces. Half of Ayutthaya, filled with ruins after its destruction, is listed as a UNESCO heritage site and is a historic park city. Modern urban life quietly takes place in the other half with limited infrastructure.

A stay in Ayutthaya gives an insight not only into modern Thai life, but also into its glorious historical past. Once it was the ancient capital of the Siamese Kingdom, today it is only a modest city included in excursion programs. There are no numerous bars, boisterous nightlife, trendy spas. On the large territory of the historic city there are ruins of many temple complexes, palaces, Buddhist statues, other buildings that give an idea of the culture and history of the country.

Phi Phi Island

The best destinations in Thailand are usually beach destinations, so let's talk about them.

Phi Phi Phi archipelago is a real find for lovers of lazy vacations and paradisiacal landscapes. It's a great place to start getting acquainted with the unique nature of the region. It consists of six islands, each of which is striking in its beauty. The most popular and well-appointed is Phi Phi Phi Don. Here you can find a lot of luxury hotels and all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable vacation.

The resort gained popularity after it became a location for filming the movie "Beach" from Leonardo DiCaprio. It is worth coming here for the sake of picturesque bays and white sandy coastline, pristine wildlife and the atmosphere of complete unity with it.

Raleigh Beach

Krabi Province is home to many of Thailand's most famous beach resorts. The well-known Raleigh Beach here is considered one of the best beaches in the country.

Here, amidst the white sandy beaches, clear blue water you get the impression that you have found your slice of paradise. Although the main reason to visit Raleigh is the beaches, this place is also famous among rock climbers. Both experienced and novice climbers try their hand at climbing the limestone cliffs. Apart from rock climbing, elephant riding, rafting, kayaking and scuba diving are also available here.

Big Buddha in Phuket

One of the most famous sights of the capital of Thailand is the statue of the Big Buddha, the largest in the country. The height of the structure is 45 meters, w

The height of the statue is 45 meters and its width reaches 26 meters. Despite its considerable size, the statue has no religious value. Big Budda was built in the 21st century as a tourist attraction. However, its bright colors and giant outlines attract the interested eyes of travelers from all over the world.

Watt Chalong Temple

Thailand is widely known for its amazing temples. One of the most striking representatives of which is Wat Chalong - a historical landmark and Buddhist temple in Chalong Bay in Phuket. Buddhism while on vacation.

Many locals claim that the temple has become a place where many miracles are performed. The temple is also known for its key role in the struggle between Chinese secret societies.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

Tropical forests of extraordinary beauty, mountain rivers running down gorgeous waterfalls on the slopes - all this is San Kamphaeng.

The territory of the springs is a whole resort located in a park area. Hot jets (100°C) flow from the underground all year round. springs, you can not only improve your health, but also just relax from the bustle.

Wat Mahathat Complex

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating journey through time, where ancient ruins and peaceful vistas create an unforgettable experience for travelers.

The Wat Mahathat Complex in Sukhothai Historical Park serves as a testament to the grandeur and spiritual depth of the historic kingdom of Sukhothai, showcasing stunning temples, intricate sculptures and a rich cultural heritage dating back to the 13th to 14th centuries.

Khao Yai Park

Khao Yai is Thailand's largest and oldest national park and one of the most extensive nature reserves on the planet. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amazing beauty of the park, covering 2 thousand square kilometers, was created in 1959. The territory of the park is woven with the carving of mountains, dense jungle, the speed of mountain streams and the sound of waterfalls. The highest point of Khao Yai is Khao Rom Mountain (1351 meters), and the grandest waterfall is Heeo Naro (80 meters).

In the warm season, the park literally "lives": lush vegetation, roaming animals, soaring birds and sparkling drops of waterfalls. From November to February the park is cool, and in March it literally blooms with colorful blossoms.

Rai Sanion

Thailand owes much of its reputation for beautiful scenery to its world-famous southern beaches. What most people don't realize is that the north of the country is also full of breathtaking scenery, albeit of a very different nature.

Northern Thailand is characterized by mountainous jungle terrain, beautiful and rugged at the same time. Pai in Mae Hong Son province is a perfect testament to this. This small town is popular with hippies and tourists. It is home to a small night market and several prominent temples. There is a special atmosphere of liveliness and relaxation in the air above the tiny town center that continues to attract tourists season after season.

Temple of Truth

Launched in 1981 in Pattaya, the mahogany wooden temple was created without nails. Its construction is still ongoing - the initial idea is too large and takes time to realize. The height of the temple has already reached 105 meters.

The temple is also called Wang Boran, and is designed to reconcile four cultures - Thailand, India, China and the ancient Khemer culture.

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Samui Island

This is simply a paradise for lovers of beach vacations. Here everyone can find what they need from a quiet vacation to active entertainment and adventure. For example, you can go on a cable car in the jungle or on a jeep safari, ride an ATV, scuba diving or snorkeling off the coast, where there are coral reefs, go on a sea cruise bay.

Samui is called the island of coconut palms. Its beaches are simply enchanting thanks to the white sand and clear azure sea. The most popular beaches, seeing a lot of tourists, are located on the east coast.

White Temple

Famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat started the construction of the White Temple in 1997 and continues until now. This is how the country's most unusual Buddhist temple is growing before our eyes.

The temple and the sculptures in the surroundings are decorated with pieces of mirrors and have a nice marble color. The path leading to the entrance is called "the road from hell to heaven" because of the characteristic sculptural design: hands reaching from the ground, fangs of the demon Rakha, guards, a bridge over the pond separating the worlds. Can you imagine how creepy and at the same time amazing this place looks?

The Death Railway

The Death Railway is a famous historical location that makes ants run down your skin. It is a 415 km long railroad built by prisoners of war of the Japanese army during World War II.

It was called the Road of Death because during construction, many people died here due to hard labor in the harshest conditions. The line was renovated after the war and still serves passengers. Today, about 130 km of the railroad is in operation.

Chiang Mai Night Market

Every visitor to Thailand wants to taste delicious and cheap local cuisine. And you can find it in Chiang Mai at the Sunday night market. Here vendors sell all kinds of delicacies: pad thai, chicken satay, samosas, crab cakes, fried bananas and of course, fresh fruit - usually even cheaper than $2 a piece.

And after you've satisfied your culinary cravings, make your way around the stalls selling a variety of unique goods - natural soaps, hand-dyed textiles, incense and essential oils, musical instruments, paintings, tapestries and more.

Khauai National Park

The second largest national park in Krahna is named Khauyai. Its main part is located in Nakhonratchasima province. It is home to more than 67 species of animals, 320 species of birds, and 3,000 species of plants. For its amazing landscapes and rich flora and fauna, the park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

James Bond Island

This is a very beautiful natural attraction of Thailand, which appeared thanks to the movie about the famous spy. Or rather, this island was there before, but the general public learned about it in 1974.

James Bond Island was originally called the narrow island-rock of Ko Tapu, which looks like a pillar. It is impossible to land on it, so tourists can only view it from the neighboring island of Khao Ping Kan, where the final part of the movie was filmed. In fact, it is two rocks connected by an isthmus (during the tides it hides under water). There are caves, grottos and several beaches at the foot of the cliffs.

Temple of the reclining Buddha

The Buddhist temple in the center of Bangkok is located on Rattanakosin Island near the Grand Palace, which we have already covered above. The temple is famous for being the birthplace of the art of Thai massage.

Wat Pho is the oldest temple in Bangkok, built in the 12th century. Four stupas of green, white, yellow and blue colors symbolize the first four reigns of the Chakri dynasty. Next to the stupas is a folk medicine pavilion.

The temple is most popular for its depiction of Buddha waiting to attain nirvana, or as it is popularly dubbed, the reclining Buddha.

Phuket

Another Thai destination that can not be overlooked is the picturesque mountainous island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Many call it the beach capital of Thailand due to the sheer number of beautiful stretches of coastline with pure, white sand. The island is home to many luxury resorts and natural areas that one wants to explore.

And there are also several harbors that are home to yachts and traditional boats of the locals. This place is perfect for lovers of tropical landscapes and fantastically beautiful sunsets.