Krabi, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin: Unique Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand — a blend of beaches for relaxation and neighborhoods that never sleep. This country is perfect for those who want both the golden temples and lively street markets, and can’t decide between tropical islands and mountain villages. 

We know there are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand, and you probably aren’t sure where to even begin your trip. Here’s a rundown of the most interesting places to visit in Thailand, along with some must-visit hidden gems.

Hard to think of a better starting point for any Thailand trip than Bangkok: a dynamic city with historic temples and royal palaces alongside street markets with modern attractions and sky-high malls.

Bangkok offers an unlimited variety of shopping options and food choices. Shoppers can explore two very different retail environments through the world's largest market at Chatuchak Weekend Market and the upscale ICONSIAM and MBK Center, which feature luxury brands and local fashion designers. 

If you’re looking for good street food, Bangkok street vendors provide spicy som tam (papaya salad) with grilled meat options and mango sticky rice for customers.

Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market through boat tours or discover the Erawan Museum, where visitors can view the enormous three-headed elephant sculpture. And, don’t forget to check out Thailand’s sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace.

If you’re looking for a place that offers enough attractions to keep your little ones busy for the whole day, the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World aquarium is the perfect option. It’s the home of dozens of species, many of which are endangered. 

Another great option for families is the Lumpini Park. Its peaceful environment will help you relax while your kids can enjoy a big playground. Then, you can take a swan boat ride at the artificial lake inside the park. 

For cultural experiences take north to Chiang Mai. There are many temples inside the ancient city walls, the most notable ones being Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Tourists can climb up Wat Phra That Doi Suthep using a dragon-covered scenic stairway. From the summit, you will have sweeping views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding mountain range.

Chiang Mai also has a lively night market scene and artistic spaces alongside cafes. Learn Thai culinary skills through an interactive cooking class or relax at a Thai massage spa. 

Outside the city, you can visit Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls for a day, where you'll probably have to climb barefoot across the rocks because of the sticky limestone.  Furthermore, visitors can experience zip-lining through the trees at Doi Inthanon National Park, where Thailand's tallest mountain stands beside waterfalls and flower gardens.

Phuket is one of Thailand's best destinations. If you’re looking for a more scene, Patong Beach's lively atmosphere is for you. And in case you want a more relaxing experience, the beaches of Kata, Karon, and Kamala are a better option. 

In addition to stand-up paddleboarding activities, this island serves as the center for both jet skiing and parasailing adventures. Boat trips allow visitors to explore the limestone cliffs of James Bond Island and access the top snorkeling and diving locations at Phi Phi Islands.

If you have time, check out the neighbouring islands of Phuket as well. The Coral Island (Koh Hae) is great for family snorkeling adventures, and the Racha Islands are great for diving and exploring the sea life. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi make perfect exclusive destinations because their lack of development allows visitors to enjoy peaceful island retreats. Travelers can access these islands via speedboats or long-tail boats, which leave from Phuket.

Krabi is a more tranquil alternative to Phuket, and its appeal is mostly in the surrounding beaches. 

The Ao Nang beach features beachfront dining with convenient boat tour access and water sports activities. Kayaking through Ao Thalane mangroves and rock climbing at Railay Beach will appeal to outdoor lovers, who may also hike up 1,237 steps to Tiger Cave Temple for stunning provincial views. Natural swimming areas surrounded by rich jungle flora can be found in the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Waterfall.

The nearby islands add even more variety. Koh Phi Phi offers spectacular views and beaches, along with excellent snorkeling opportunities, whereas Koh Lanta has beaches with comfortable bungalows. 

Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital city, has achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Travelers can reach it from Bangkok by a short train journey. Visitors can explore crumbling stupas and mossy Buddha statues next to ancient ruins with historical grandeur at this open-air museum site.

If you’re fascinated by Thailand’s temples, Ayutthaya is the place for you. The scenic Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple by the river shines during sunset, whereas Wat Mahathat attracts visitors to its Buddha head feature.  While Wat Phra Si Sanphet draws people with its renowned royal palace history and beautiful spires, the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre teaches visitors about Ayutthaya's legacy through its exhibits and reenactments.

Take a riverboat cruise through the city as a relaxing alternative to temple visits and explore local markets after sampling unique foods like boat noodles and roti sai mai (a treat of cotton candy wrapped in crepes). 

Hua Hin offers a family-friendly beach retreat as an alternative to the bustling islands that surround the capital area. Hua Hin Beach is perfect for jogging, kite surfing, and pony rides, while Suan Son Pradipat Beach offers visitors a quieter beach experience.

The dynamic Cicada Market and Tamarind Night Market are for those to enjoy street food with live music and local art. The Vana Nava Water Jungle stands out as one of Asia’s best water parks. Animal lovers will find solace in the Hua Hin Safari & Adventure Park and the Hutsadin Elephant Foundation.

Visitors inspired by history will enjoy the Mrigadayavan Palace as it’s a historical location where King Rama VI spent his summer months. The palace received the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development Award from UNESCO due to its commitment to preserving agriculture and original coastal structures.

Chiang Rai is home to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Modern sculpture by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat uses white plaster and mirrored glass to produce an otherworldly, dreamlike glow. Through paintings that mix Buddhist themes with popular culture imagery, the temple remains one of the most fascinating religious sites in the nation.

Wat Rong Suea Ten in Chiang Rai fascinates visitors with its deep blue interior and golden decorations, while Baan Dam offers a profound artistic examination of life and death themes through Thai cultural expressions. Around the city lie hills with tea plantations as well as ethnic villages where visitors can find genuine local crafts and learn more about the traditional lifestyle.

At Singha Park, visitors can explore walking trails through flower fields and zip through the open green space or take a boat ride to the Golden Triangle between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Chiang Rai offers a more peaceful cultural journey because its slower tempo accommodates fewer tourists.

Thai experiences become most thrilling when visitors venture past well-known Thailand tourist places. Before going to quiet islands like Koh Yao Noi and Koh Mak, make sure to set aside some time to visit and see the national parks, like Khao Sok and Erawan Falls.

Every location throughout Thailand provides amazing experiences and, together with friendly locals and delicious food, creates unforgettable vacation memories. And, to make sure your trip goes smoothly, get Thailand travel insurance. Best wishes and positive thinking can’t protect us, but good travel insurance certainly can.