WHAT TO VISIT IN THAILAND?
Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is a travel destination that attracts many travelers, from those seeking the relaxation of the marvelous paradisiacal beaches, to the more adventurous backpackers who love trekking and excursions. Thailand is a land full of contrasts and wonders that never ceases to amaze, suitable for every need.
Royal palaces, dream beaches, national parks, and golden temples will allow you to immerse yourself in a fascinating and ancient culture and offer an unforgettable journey.
For anyone who wants to organize a trip to the Land of Smiles, here are 8 tips on the things that you absolutely cannot miss during your two-weektour in Thailand.
1. A VISIT TO AYUTTHAYA ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK:
Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, is a veritable archaeological site with over 300 temples and palaces. Located in the central area of Thailand, most tourists go to the archaeological park to rediscover its architectural masterpieces, as well as its past history and glory. When surrounded by these ruins, it is not difficult to imagine the grandeur and magnificence that once characterized the kingdom of Ayutthaya.
In 1991 Ayutthaya Park was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It contains within it some unmissable places including Wat Pra Si Sanphet, the important temple complex that originally housed the statue of Buddha covered with 250 kg of gold. In addition, the park includes the ancient temple of Wat Ratcha Burana, Wat Phra Ram, and much more! Among the things not to be missed, the Wat Phra Mahathat temple from which the Buddha’s head stands out inserted between the roots of the sacred tree.
2. SHOPPING AT THE CHATUCHACK MARKET IN BANGKOK:
The largest market in Bangkok is by far the undisputed realm of local Thai shopping, consisting of more than 15,000 stalls selling street food, clothes, handicrafts, and books. The perfect place for all shoppers and to buy souvenirs at affordable prices. Dispassionate advice? Arm yourself with smiles and negotiate for unbeatable offers!
Fun fact: the Chatuchak Market is only open on weekends. One thing to take into consideration without a doubt if you don’t want to run into nasty last-minute surprises!
3. THE WAT SI CHUM BUDDHA STATUE IN SUKHOTHAI:
Wat Si Chum, the real pearl of Thailand, is the most characteristic and photographed temple in Sukhothai which houses one of the most majestic statues of Buddha. Approaching the temple, already in the distance you can see the Great Buddha who offers a suggestive landscape reliving an ancient culture.
The Buddha, called Phra Achana (translated “He who is not afraid”,) is an imposing statue with a facial expression that at the same time infuses strength and serenity to all passers-by.
4. RELAX AT THE PHI PHI ISLANDS AND THE THAI BEACHES OF THE ANDAMAN SEA:
Are you a lover of the sea and can’t wait to relax on a paradise island with white beaches? No trip to the Land of Smiles could be complete without a visit to the lush Phi Phi Islands.
The Phi Phi Islands are a small archipelago in the Andaman Sea known for hosting the set of the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Travel to Thailand: the most evocative places to visit, from paradisiacal beaches to the capital Bangkok, tips on the itinerary, and what to see.
The Andaman Sea coast doesn’t just offer pure relaxation. For those in search of adventure, the islands of the province of Krabi and Phuket are the perfect destination. In fact, you can try your hand at various activities, from snorkeling to kayaking, and explore the wonderful crystalline seabed that distinguishes Thailand.
5. RELAXING MASSAGE IN CHIANG MAI:
Thailand is renowned all over the world for its traditional spas that offer a wide variety of treatments: from facials to holistic massages. All travelers who have the chance to visit Chiang Mai should try the traditional “nuad phaen boran” massage on their skin. Thai massage is a technique with ancient origins, which combines acupressure, principles of the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, and yoga-assisted postures. A heavenly massage ideal for pampering and relaxing after a long day of hiking.
6. THE WONDERFUL SEA PARK OF ANG THONG:
Not to be missed is a fairytale excursion to the Ang Thong National Marine Park aboard a characteristic boat. The park consists of 42 islets surrounded by unspoiled nature, dotted with lakes, emerald lagoons, and karst mountains covered with vegetation.
A place of disarming beauty, with ideal vantage points for taking memorable photos.
It is a protected area, far from the itineraries of mass tourism and for this reason, a gem to discover.
Curiosity: in the park, not infrequently, you can spot dolphins. So pay attention and sharpen your sight! for visa related queries you can consult here.
7. ROYAL PALACE IN BANGKOK:
Bangkok, called Krung Thep or “city of angels” by the Thais, is the metropolis where two souls coexist: the chaotic and crowded one full of life and the mystical and spiritual one with ancient origins.
Paying a visit to Bangkok and not visiting the Grand Palace is like going to New York without seeing the Statue of Liberty. Anyone wishing to plan a trip – or why not, go on an organized tour – to the Thai capital, cannot miss this visit!
Back from a glorious past of the country, the marvelous Royal Palace is a complex of buildings and has been the architectural symbol of the Thai royal family for 150 years.
The complex is divided into 4 courtyards:
Internal: reserved only for the king and women, therefore for the monarch’s wives, concubines, and daughters;
central: with palaces and the Chakri Mahprasad Hall, where the king held audiences and gathered the court;
exterior: with buildings housing the Treasury and the Royal Guard;
Wat Phra Kaew: the so-called “temple of the emerald Buddha” is the home of one of the most revered statues of Buddhism, the sacred emerald Buddha.
8. TREKKING IN THE JUNGLE TO REACH THE PARADISE WATERFALL:
Do you think Koh Phangan is all beaches, yoga, and temples? Not exactly. It is so much more. It is a huge tropical rural area with some of the most impressive waterfalls in Thailand.
A visit during the dry season will reveal breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Visiting Koh Phangan in the rainy season will give you a complete experience of the Thai waterfall: water basins fed by rushing streams of crystal clear water.
The waterfall is located in the vicinity of the village Chaloklum. To reach it, turn right immediately after the “Kika Splace” restaurant and follow the signs indicating “Paradise Waterfall“.
The Paradise waterfall is perfect for those who want to experience an adventure in perfect Tarzan style: from the ropes hanging from the protruding branches of a tree you can swing suspended in the void and dive into the water from an impressive height!
Note: for safety reasons, it is advisable to avoid diving into the pool from above during the dry season when the water level is too low.
No trip to Thailand is complete without trekking through the jungle to admire these natural beauties!
Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to Thailand?
