Thailand is one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of tourists yearly. With its great infrastructure, delicious food, and various amenities, travelers will have a ton of fun exploring the country!
Do you want to learn more about the wonders of Thailand? Read on to find out the areas you should visit!
Main Attractions in Thailand for First-Time Travelers
Thailand is home to hundreds of beautiful places to see, and the problem is trying to squeeze all of it into your itinerary. To help you out, here are the top attractions first-time travelers should visit:
Ayutthaya
If you want to delve into Thai history, then head to Ayutthaya, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities. It was a capital of ancient kingdom Siam, packed with temples, statues, monasteries, and ruins.
“The Ayutthaya is a sacred place filled with so much history and culture.”
Some of the must-sights include Wat Lokaya Sutha, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Bang Pa-In Palace, and more! Head to the Ayothaya Floating Market after for delicious for and cool souvenirs!
Railey Beach
Railey Beach is the peninsula’s most popular beach spot, which is filled with luxury resorts, soft white sand, and spectacular views of the limestone cliffs!
This is also where you can enjoy some of the best nights with clubs and bars around. Plus, you get some adventure in, from discovering the coral reefs to rock climbing and trekking.
Khao Yai National Park
Made for the adventurous and outdoorsy traveler, the Khao Sok National Park is home to beautiful waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and one of the oldest evergreen rainforests.
This bio-diverse area is home to around 200 kinds of flora and over 5% of the world’s animal species. You can find over 300 varieties of birds!
Main Cities in Thailand and Its Specialties
There are three major cities you must visit when in Thailand, which are:
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and one of Southeast Asia’s most popular cities, well-known for its friendly and beautiful locals. It’s specially made for travelers who love the busy city life, living up to its name as the capital.
“Enjoy the country’s capital city whether you love the nightlife or want to tour around historical attractions.”
Here, you can find skyscrapers, luxury cars, accessible public transit, and many local markets to visit. Besides this, you’ll be exposed to diversity, with different cultures and traditions to learn from.
Phuket
If Bangkok is meant for the hustle and bustle filled with shopping malls, Phuket is for the beach bums and partygoers! This major city is known for its party scenes, high life, and relaxing beaches.
Take a walk along Patong Beach and enjoy the waves of the ocean, with a calm ambiance. Wait until after sunset, then you’ll enter the nightlife of the city, filled with music from high-end clubs and various activities for some fun after hours!
Chiang Mai
For those who want to escape the city life, then you’ll love Chiang Mai, which is filled with natural reservations where you’re surrounded by clear skies and greens. It’s perfect for those seeking a calm and slow lifestyle, away from their usual stressors.
There are wild attractions in the area, from the Chiang Mai Night Safari down to the Tiger Kingdom! And what’s even cooler is the fact that you can view and care for elephants, which are everywhere in Chiang Mai.
Main Regions and Islands of Thailand
There are various “official” divisions in Thailand, which are separated into regions.
Central Thailand
This area is dominated by the capital of Bangkok. Here, you can find royal temples, over a hundred museums, and luxury shopping centers. Outside Bangkok, Central Thailand is also home to the ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya.
You can get a mix of urbanized city life and culture trips.
Northern Thailand
This is the cultural heart of the country, known as the first Thai Kingdom of Yonok. It’s home to major tourist destinations and cities such as Chiang Mai (the capital of the north) and Chiang Rai, a popular area for exploring the temples and off-the-road areas.
This is the perfect region to visit if you want to learn more about Thailand’s culture based on their temples, religion, and history. It’s also optimum for adventure seekers who want to go off the beaten tracks!
Eastern Thailand
Referred to as Isan, this is a high and flat plateau with various ancient remnants from the Khmer empire, who built the Angkor Wat. Wishing Eastern Thailand, you can find the seaside from Pattaya. This region is also great for those who want to explore the temples and vast Thai history.
Southern Thailand
This region is known for its amazing islands and beaches, made for the dedicated sun worshippers! It’s home to Phuket and Samui, which are top tourist destinations for some fun under the sun.
“This is the beach lover’s haven, filled with activities and serene spots.”
If you’re looking for the beach life away from the busy city, this area is your getaway!
Transportation and Accommodation Options in Thailand
Fortunately, you won’t have any trouble in terms of transportation and accommodation in Thailand. Here are the options on where you can stay when in any of their cities and islands:
• Beach resorts
• Luxury hotels
• Hostels and motels under $100
• Vacation rentals such as private houses and apartments from Airbnb
• Camping in their beautiful mountains and rainforests
• There are also more unique accommodation options, such as jungle rafts, floating houses, and treehouses in resorts
As for transportation, you’ll be able to get around using the following:
• Trains
• Buses
• Boats
• Airlines to private islands
• Taxicabs and share-riding apps
• Private car rentals
All of these modes of transportation are accessible in most areas and are easy to navigate around in.
“No matter where you are, you can always find your preferred accommodation!”
Wrapping It Up
Known as the land of smiles, Thailand needs to be part of your must-visit travel list. With its hundreds of attractions and vast options for accommodation and transportation, you won’t have trouble planning your vacation. The only issue is trying to fit all the amazing places to visit in for a week or two!
Good luck with planning your trip and have a safe vacation!
