Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Thailand

Thailand is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries in southern Asia with some sacred temples and a prestigious culture. With a few picturesque islands straight out of the adventure novels and a civilization known for their amazing food and brilliant martial arts, Thailand is a sensational experience for people from all ages and places. Whether it’s a stone statue in the misty forest or white elephants by the sacred pools, the sights of Thailand are quite unique and marvelous. Here are the top ten tourist attractions in Thailand:

10. Floating Markets

The capital pf Thailand, Bangkok, is known for some excellent floating markets which are actually market places with shops on the boats floating in the river as well as in the nearby banks. Although people in these markets used to sell fruits and food for the daily need, today they sell many splendid souvenirs for the tourists as well. It can prove to be a unique shopping experience while enjoying the river sights and the folklore of Bangkok. Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak are the two most popular among these floating markets and are jam packed with tourists almost all year long. So, the floating markets in Bangkok are surely one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Thailand.

09. Ko Tarutao

Located in Satun province of southern Thailand is the island of Ko Tarutao filled with unspoiled and primitive beauty. It is one of the most fascinating islands on the Andaman Sea with a dramatic history. The island was once used as prison holding many Thai criminals and important political threats. But during the World War II, the prison land was abandoned after a great famine in the island. The convicts and the prison guards who survived became pirates. Along with these stories, the rugged mountain peaks and the old forests by the beach make this island quite an adventure land ans surely one of the top tourist attractions in Thailand.

08. Sunday Market (Walking Street)

Chiang Mai’s Sunday market, known to the tourists as walking Street, is perhaps the best place to taste the amazing traditional and exclusive foods that Thailand is so renowned for. You will not get to know Thailand unless you try some of the street foods in Chiang Mai.  The city Chiang Mai is located in the northern part of Thailand and an essential experience for the tourists. Saturday Night Walking Street otherwise known as Night Bazaar is another attraction in the same place only at night. Garden-fresh herbs, spicy chilies, zesty lime juice and a vast collection of tropical fruits and vegetables will make sure you don’t forget this place very soon.

07. Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park sits in the charming backdrop of the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range in the Khorat Plateau region of Thailand. The park is very attractive for its rich wildlife, evergreen forests and grasslands. It is an area of 300 square kilometers containing nearly 3000 types of plants, 320 species of birds and 66 species of mammals. Among the most fascinating creatures are Asian black bear, Asian elephant and red junglefowl bird.  Home to the amazing waterfall “Heo Suwat”that was made famous in the Hollywood film “The beach” the Khao Yai National Park is simply magnificent and surely one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Thailand.

06. Ayuthaya

Ayuthaya, the city that was once the trade capital and one of the wealthiest cities of Asia, exists now only in ruins. Founded by the Siam king U Thong in 1350 AD, the kingdom of Ayuthaya thrived during the 17th century. It was home to nearly 1 million inhabitants called the “Tai”, who created many spectacular temples, statues and other buildings; the remnant of which still testifies the ancient glory of Thailand. In 1767, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army and soon the whole kingdom collapsed. This is one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Thailand for the history lovers.

05. Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in the heart of Bangkok is one of the most stunning architectural sight in all of Thailand. Since its construction in the late 17th century, the palace has been the official residence of the kings and royal families of Thailand until 1932. It is still the venue for many important government functions and celebration. Among the brilliantly sculpted buildings, the temple of Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew stands out as the most impressive one. With many other significant temples in close proximity, the Grand Palace is often the starting point for the tourists visiting Bangkok.

04. Similan Islands

Similan Islands in the coastline of the Phang Nga Province of southern Thailand consists some of the best deep water diving spots in southern Asia. It is a group of 9 beautiful islands that form the Similan Islands National Park. Special dive boats with diving instrument take the tourist to their desired dive spot and lets them explore the fascinating coral reefs and boulders under the water. Although the area remains closed during the rainy season, in summer time it becomes the perfect place for an awesome vacation and surely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

03. Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is a beautiful bay containing amazing limestone islands and gravity defying rock formations. It lies just 60 miles from the island of Phuket in southern Thailand. The bay has formed due to the water rise over the last 10,000 years. The peculiar and grand cliffs rising majestically from water makes for an amazing sight. The island of Ko Tapu, otherwise known as the James Bond Island, along with many caves and aquatic grottoes makes Phang Nga Bay one of the top notch tourist attractions in Thailand.

02. Koh Tao

Koh Tao which means“Turtle Island”in the Surat Thani province by the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, is a paradise for scuba diving. Named for the turtle like shape of the island, Koh Tao is ironically a breeding ground for the Hawksbill and green turtles. Attractive underwater environments, expert guidance and facilities make this island one of the best place in the world to learn diving. Aside diving, snorkeling, as well as hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering are very popular in the region. With a rare chance of seeing a whale shark, Koh Tao is an amazing experience.

01. Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi is a small group of islands located in Krabi Province of Southern Thailand and known for being an amazing adventure land as portrayed in the British American hit film “The Beach” in the year 2000. The concept of an island adventure vacation exploded after the movie and Ko Phi Phi Leh became one of the most visited tourist attractions in Thailand. With a peaceful population of 2000-3000 people, most of whom are fishermen, the islands are quite popular as a beach or dive excursion and for sightseeing. After being devastated by the tsunami of 2004, it has been mostly restored.