Backpacking in Asia is now considered a rite of passage for many, with millions of people every year packing their essentials, grabbing their passport and setting off for excitement and adventure. Whether you’re taking a break from work and have three weeks to spare, or are committed to a longer trip and have a couple of months free, one of the countries that is consistently at the top of everyone’s travel itinerary is Thailand.
Thailand is a country of contrasts, home all at once to impossibly beautiful beaches, bustling cosmopolitan cities, remote rural communities and everything in between. Here you can party on an island, barter in the markets, try your hand at scuba diving, trek with elephants, explore Thai culture and history, learn about Buddhism, throw yourself into city life and so much more. With such a wide variety on offer, identifying the best places to visit and ways to spend your time can actually be overwhelming, but fear not!
Below is a list of Thailand’s 10 must see attractions that should help you plan your adventure :
1. Bangkok
Without a doubt, you can’t go to Thailand without spending a little time in Bangkok. Aside from the fact that flying into the capital is the way most people get in to Thailand, this vibrant, bustling city is something not to be missed. True it can be just a little bit chaotic, but this is the country’s largest urban area and lies at the heart of Thailand, so take some time to immerse yourself in the magnificent diversity on offer in this rapidly changing cultural hub.
2. Khao San Road
The famous Khao San Road in the city’s Rattanakosin district is notoriously popular with backpackers, attracting travellers with its chilled out, friendly atmosphere and excellent budget hotels and other accommodation options. Do some shopping, sample some tasty local snacks and watch the world go by; this is a true ‘backpacker experience’ that everyone should have !
3. The Grand Palace
The magnificent Grand Palace is also a sight not to be missed. Built in 1782, this is now the city’s most famous landmark and a spectacular testament to Thai architecture and craftsmanship. The beautiful Wat Phra Kaew is also to be found within the walls of the palace complex. As well as being stunning in its own right, this temple is home to the precious 14th century Emerald Buddha, a statue so precious that only the Thai King is permitted to change its robes.
Situated just over 100 kilometres south of the city is the world famous Damnern Saduak Floating Market, the 4th on our list of places to visit in Thailand. Getting there is easy, as most guest houses and hotels offer regular shuttle services and you should allow around 6 hours for travel and exploration.
The market takes place from 8am – 11am, so you will need to leave the city early to make the most of it. Damnem Saduak Floating Market is made up of a maze of canals, all full of traditional Thai flat-boats piled high with every fruit and vegetable imaginable. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a myriad of sights and smells and definitely somewhere to take your camera!
5. Ayutthaya
The historical capital of the Kingdom of Siam, as Thailand was once known, is also a must see attraction. Founded in the mid-14th century, Ayutthaya was a thriving capital right up until the late 18th century, when it was captured by the Burmese army. Left to languish for hundreds of years, it has now been officially named a UNESCO world heritage site, receiving thousands of visitors every year. In the north-west corner of this spectacular park you will find the Royal Palace and Chapel and from here, you can head east to visit the four wonderful temples featuring Khmer-style carvings.
6. Chiang Mai
Located in the heart of northern Thailand and 700 kilometres north of the capital, the charming little city of Chiang Mai is considered by many to be the ‘cultural capital’ of the country. With just under 1 million citizens, this is a fascinating mix of Thailand old and new, surrounded by lush countryside that will allow you to see a very different side of Thailand to both Bangkok and the South.
In Chiang Mai you will find the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep, a dazzling gold-plated Wat that offers spectacular views of the surrounding scenery (after you make it up the 300 steps, or take a cable car for around 20 baht). According to local legend, the site for this temple was selected by an elephant, who was allowed to roam around the mountainside until it ‘selected’ a suitable spot.
7. Elephant Trekking
Chiang Mai is also the best place to go elephant trekking. You can spend half a day on a short trek, or spend a couple of days in the company of these majestic creatures. Trekking with elephants is definitely the best way to explore the jungles of Chiang Mai and you could even combine this with bamboo rafting or a visit to a local hill tribe. Prices vary hugely between trekking companies and group sizes, but expect to pay around 1,500 baht per person.
8. Railay Beach
No trip to Thailand would be complete without spending some time at the coast, as this is home to some of the region’s (and some would say the world’s) most beautiful beaches. The southern Thai province of Krabi offers some truly spectacular, picture perfect beaches, the best of which is number 8 on our list. As Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, it is a tranquil piece of paradise of white sands and crystal clear waters, with plenty of caves to cliffs to be explored. With no roads, buses, or cars, this is a place for utter relaxation.
9. The Phi Phi Islands
Southern Thailand is of course famed for the beautiful islands just off of its coast, which are hugely popular with divers as well as sun-seekers. The Phi Phi islands (a 60 minute boat journey from the large island of Phuket) first became famous as the location of the movie The Beach, although they are also known to be particularly excellent for diving. On the islands you will find dive shops and PADI and SSI courses to cater for everyone from complete beginners to experienced divers, with a huge variety of dive trips available.
The Phi Phi Islands are perfect for those with an adventurous streak, as there are also plenty of opportunities for kite-surfing and rock-climbing. The beauty is that you do not have to be experienced, as courses and training are widely available, although they will make large demands on your backpacking budget.
Thailand is a country of contrasts, home all at once to impossibly beautiful beaches, bustling cosmopolitan cities, remote rural communities and everything in between. Here you can party on an island, barter in the markets, try your hand at scuba diving, trek with elephants, explore Thai culture and history, learn about Buddhism, throw yourself into city life and so much more. With such a wide variety on offer, identifying the best places to visit and ways to spend your time can actually be overwhelming, but fear not!
Below is a list of Thailand’s 10 must see attractions that should help you plan your adventure :
1. Bangkok
Without a doubt, you can’t go to Thailand without spending a little time in Bangkok. Aside from the fact that flying into the capital is the way most people get in to Thailand, this vibrant, bustling city is something not to be missed. True it can be just a little bit chaotic, but this is the country’s largest urban area and lies at the heart of Thailand, so take some time to immerse yourself in the magnificent diversity on offer in this rapidly changing cultural hub.
2. Khao San Road
The famous Khao San Road in the city’s Rattanakosin district is notoriously popular with backpackers, attracting travellers with its chilled out, friendly atmosphere and excellent budget hotels and other accommodation options. Do some shopping, sample some tasty local snacks and watch the world go by; this is a true ‘backpacker experience’ that everyone should have !
3. The Grand Palace
The magnificent Grand Palace is also a sight not to be missed. Built in 1782, this is now the city’s most famous landmark and a spectacular testament to Thai architecture and craftsmanship. The beautiful Wat Phra Kaew is also to be found within the walls of the palace complex. As well as being stunning in its own right, this temple is home to the precious 14th century Emerald Buddha, a statue so precious that only the Thai King is permitted to change its robes.
4. Damnern Saduak Floating Market
Situated just over 100 kilometres south of the city is the world famous Damnern Saduak Floating Market, the 4th on our list of places to visit in Thailand. Getting there is easy, as most guest houses and hotels offer regular shuttle services and you should allow around 6 hours for travel and exploration.
The market takes place from 8am – 11am, so you will need to leave the city early to make the most of it. Damnem Saduak Floating Market is made up of a maze of canals, all full of traditional Thai flat-boats piled high with every fruit and vegetable imaginable. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a myriad of sights and smells and definitely somewhere to take your camera!
5. Ayutthaya
The historical capital of the Kingdom of Siam, as Thailand was once known, is also a must see attraction. Founded in the mid-14th century, Ayutthaya was a thriving capital right up until the late 18th century, when it was captured by the Burmese army. Left to languish for hundreds of years, it has now been officially named a UNESCO world heritage site, receiving thousands of visitors every year. In the north-west corner of this spectacular park you will find the Royal Palace and Chapel and from here, you can head east to visit the four wonderful temples featuring Khmer-style carvings.
6. Chiang Mai
Located in the heart of northern Thailand and 700 kilometres north of the capital, the charming little city of Chiang Mai is considered by many to be the ‘cultural capital’ of the country. With just under 1 million citizens, this is a fascinating mix of Thailand old and new, surrounded by lush countryside that will allow you to see a very different side of Thailand to both Bangkok and the South.
In Chiang Mai you will find the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep, a dazzling gold-plated Wat that offers spectacular views of the surrounding scenery (after you make it up the 300 steps, or take a cable car for around 20 baht). According to local legend, the site for this temple was selected by an elephant, who was allowed to roam around the mountainside until it ‘selected’ a suitable spot.
7. Elephant Trekking
Chiang Mai is also the best place to go elephant trekking. You can spend half a day on a short trek, or spend a couple of days in the company of these majestic creatures. Trekking with elephants is definitely the best way to explore the jungles of Chiang Mai and you could even combine this with bamboo rafting or a visit to a local hill tribe. Prices vary hugely between trekking companies and group sizes, but expect to pay around 1,500 baht per person.
8. Railay Beach
No trip to Thailand would be complete without spending some time at the coast, as this is home to some of the region’s (and some would say the world’s) most beautiful beaches. The southern Thai province of Krabi offers some truly spectacular, picture perfect beaches, the best of which is number 8 on our list. As Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, it is a tranquil piece of paradise of white sands and crystal clear waters, with plenty of caves to cliffs to be explored. With no roads, buses, or cars, this is a place for utter relaxation.
9. The Phi Phi Islands
Southern Thailand is of course famed for the beautiful islands just off of its coast, which are hugely popular with divers as well as sun-seekers. The Phi Phi islands (a 60 minute boat journey from the large island of Phuket) first became famous as the location of the movie The Beach, although they are also known to be particularly excellent for diving. On the islands you will find dive shops and PADI and SSI courses to cater for everyone from complete beginners to experienced divers, with a huge variety of dive trips available.
The Phi Phi Islands are perfect for those with an adventurous streak, as there are also plenty of opportunities for kite-surfing and rock-climbing. The beauty is that you do not have to be experienced, as courses and training are widely available, although they will make large demands on your backpacking budget.
10. Full Moon Party
Last but not least, a trip to Thailand would hardly be complete without sampling the absolute hedonism of a Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Pah Ngan. These all night parties started out life as a small gathering of travellers back in the mid-1980s and have since become a party mecca for people all over the world. Full Moon Parties take place either the day before or the day after every full moon and consistently pull in crowds of 20 – 30,000 people. For many backpackers in Asia, these Full Moon Parties are considered to be the ultimate party experience and an essential stop on a trip around Thailand.
With so much to offer, it is easy to see why Thailand holidays are so popular with backpackers from all corners of the globe. With its endlessly fascinating mix of urban and rural, serene and chaotic and old and new, this is a country to be explored, embraced and enjoyed.
Last but not least, a trip to Thailand would hardly be complete without sampling the absolute hedonism of a Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Pah Ngan. These all night parties started out life as a small gathering of travellers back in the mid-1980s and have since become a party mecca for people all over the world. Full Moon Parties take place either the day before or the day after every full moon and consistently pull in crowds of 20 – 30,000 people. For many backpackers in Asia, these Full Moon Parties are considered to be the ultimate party experience and an essential stop on a trip around Thailand.
With so much to offer, it is easy to see why Thailand holidays are so popular with backpackers from all corners of the globe. With its endlessly fascinating mix of urban and rural, serene and chaotic and old and new, this is a country to be explored, embraced and enjoyed.
Guest post, photos copyright Wikimedia Commons
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