Best vacation in thailand

Vacations are a necessity. This may be a controversial statement, but it’s true. All humans need vacations, no exceptions. That’s because vacations give us the ability to rest and relax. It’s not just about getting away from work or school, but also gaining the ability to relax mentally and physically. There are various countries that you can choose when creating the content for this site. However, Thailand is the most recommended by many tourists due to its popularity and adventure attractions. As such, there is a great demand for content on vacation in thailand destinations that are provided by travel agency companies like Accent Asia Tours & Travel Service Co.,Ltd.

Have you been on a vacation in Thailand? Did you have a good time? Where did you go to? And why didn’t you tell us before! Well, let us know all these things and more.

Thailand is one of the best family friendly tourist destinations in the world. With beautiful sandy beaches, spectacular mountains and rainforests, and awesome locations for kids, a family holiday in Thailand is definitely worth considering. Thailand is also well known for its nightlife. Next day after visiting the crazy elephant round up with kids in Chiang Mai or family day trip to ancient Sukhothai historical park, you can arrange an unforgettable night out in Pattaya or Bangkok city. You and your family can swim at Phuket beach, relax in a floating house dinner on the river or go on a fabulous tour to island paradise around southern Thailand.

The Best Vacation in Thailand

There are many reasons why you should consider the best vacation in Thailand. It is a beautiful country that has so much to offer for both tourists and residents. If you want to know more about Thailand, then this article will give you some of the most important information that you need.

Thailand has a lot to offer for tourists, but there are also many things that make it a great place to live as well. There are many different types of climates and scenery throughout the country. This means that there is something for everyone regardless of where they live or what they like doing during their free time. Thailand has been ranked as one of the top countries in Asia when it comes to tourism because of all those things mentioned above plus more!

If you are looking for something fun to do while on vacation then this could be one option worth considering since it provides plenty of excitement without having to leave home at all! There are many different kinds of activities available here including gaming tournaments, concerts, sporting events and even amusement parks! You can enjoy these activities without having any trouble finding them; just look online for details about where each event will take place before heading out there yourself!

Thailand is the best vacation spot in the world. Here are some reasons why:

  1. There’s a huge variety of things to do there, so you can find something that suits your interests and tastes.
  2. The food is delicious and healthy, so you’ll come back home feeling good about yourself.
  3. You’ll get to experience the culture of Thailand, which is one of the most beautiful in the world.

1. Bangkok

Let’s start this Thailand travel guide with Bangkok, the capital city.

When you will arrive in Bangkok, you will directly be struck by the noises, smells, traffic jams and crowds. In other words, you will be immersed in the atmosphere of this very dynamic city!

If you visit the center or the north during your trip to Thailand, there is a good chance you will land in or leave from Bangkok. Take the opportunity to spend 2 or 3 days there, while you recover from jet lag and adjust to Asia.

Even if opinions are mixed about the biggest Thai city, it remains a must-see for a trip to Thailand.

Here are the Best Places to visit in Bangkok:

  • The Royal Palace (or Grand Palace): an emblematic site, one of the most visited in Bangkok. Inside, you can admire the temple of the Emerald Buddha, a museum and several pavilions with impressive scenery.
  • Wat Arun: this Buddhist temple is located along the river, on the other side from the Royal Palace. It includes a central Prang (a tower) 82 meters high, entirely covered with small pieces of colored porcelain and statues.
  • Wat Pho is the third most famous temple in Bangkok. There you can see the famous 45 meters long reclining Buddha statue.
  • Khao San Road: formerly a backpacker area, Khao San Road is now visited by all categories of tourists. Very lively, there are shops, bars, restaurants and guest houses where you can stay in Bangkok at a low cost.
  • The Golden Mount: built on a hill, the temple offers a panoramic view of the entire city.
  • Chinatown: the lively and crowded Chinatown district, with many street stands and shops. There, you shouldn’t miss the Wat Traimit, a temple housing the world’s biggest golden statue (5.5 tons!).
  • The weekend market in Chatuchak: with its 15,000 stands, this market is the largest in Thailand and even in all of Asia. And as its name suggests, it only opens on weekends. Divided into several parts, you will find absolutely everything there: clothes, souvenirs, shoes, food, jewellery…
  • The Siam district features many shopping centers including the MBK Center or Siam Paragon. This is the most famous area for shopping in Bangkok.

If you want more information about Bangkok, you should read my detailed article: The 20 best things to do in Bangkok.

Voyage Tips anecdote

While you’re in Bangkok, don’t forget to look up a bit so you don’t miss the electrical installations. A masterpiece from an artistic point of view! 

Bangkok Grand Palace
Bangkok Grand Palace

2. Kanchanaburi and the Bridge Over the River Kwai

Kanchanaburi is located 130 km northwest of Bangkok.

Even if you have never heard this name, you have probably heard about the Bridge Over the River Kwai, one of the most important tourist and historical site in Thailand. It’s the symbol of the city’s tragic past during the Second World War.

In Kanchanaburi, the Japanese army enslaved thousands of prisoners of war to build more than 400 km of railway line between Thailand and Myanmar. Between disease, brutality and malnutrition, more than 16 000 people have died during the construction.

Of the 688 bridges built by the Japanese army, it was the only steel bridge built in Thailand.

If you are interested in history, you should really visit Kanchanaburi and its main points of interests:

  • The railway museum, about the history of “the death railway” and the harsh living conditions of the prisoners
  • The Allied Military Cemetery, where the graves of nearly 7,000 soldiers are located
  • Jeath War Museum, where you can see letters and personal belongings of prisoners
  • World War II Museum and its view over the famous bridge
  • And of course don’t forget to cross the bridge itself!

In addition to the Bridge Over the River Kwai, there is another (more cheerful) place to visit in the surroundings of Kanchanaburi: Erawan National Park.

Erawan waterfall, a 7-level waterfall, is the main attraction of the park. There, you can take a dip, walk on a botanical trail along the river and see a few caves.

Voyage Tips – Advice

While swimming, be careful with your belongings. There are many monkeys in the park, and they won’t hesitate to open your bags in order to grab some food or steal your sunglasses!

Kanchanaburi Erawan waterfall
Erawan waterfall, around Kanchanaburi
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3. Ayutthaya

The Historic City of Ayutthaya is located about 75 km north of Bangkok.

Former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and for a long time an important economic and commercial centre, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is clearly one of the best places to visit in Thailand!

As Ayutthaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by bus (1h30), train (2 h) or car (45 min), it’s the perfect day trip destination.

In Ayutthaya Historical Park, you can discover dozens of ruined temples spread over fifteen sites. It’s very large, so it will take you about a full day to visit the 6 main temples.

To visit them, you should buy the 220 Bahts pass, it’s the most convenient. However, if you don’t want to visit them all, you can also purchase each ticket separately.

Here are the 6 temples included in the pass:

  • Wat Mahathat: one of the most famous, you have maybe already seen the picture of Buddha’s head statue enclosed in the roots of a tree.
  • Wat Ratchaburana and its very well preserved Trang (tower)
  • Wat Phra Si Sanphet, in my opinion one of the most beautiful in Ayutthaya
  • Wat Phra Ram
  • Wat Maheyong
  • Wat Chai Watthanaram, to see at sunset

To visit Ayutthaya, you can rent bicycles (50 bahts per day), a motorcycle, or take a tuk-tuk tour. If you come by car, you just have to park your car in the car parks located at the entrance of each temple.

As some temples are really far from each other, I don’t recommend walking between the sites.

As several rivers are crossing in Ayutthaya it’s also possible to discover some of the temples by boat. The best time to do this is fore sure at sunset!

You will find every information you need to visit Ayutthaya in my article: How to visit Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya

4. Lopburi

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Thailand around Ayutthaya, you can go to Lopburi, an hour’s drive away.

Lopburi, one of the oldest cities in the country hosts a few ruined temples. However, they aren’t the main attraction there!

Most visitors actually come to see the numerous monkeys who colonized the area. There are literally hundreds of them among the ruins.

The most famous site, both for the monkeys and for its architecture, is Prang Sam Yot

Voyage Tips – Advice

Store your food in your bag and be careful with your hat and sunglasses.

Never forget that monkeys are wild animals! A bite or scratch can happen very quickly and good luck if it gets infected. After seeing the explanatory panels with photos showing the effects of an infected bite, I can assure you that you will be careful. 

Lopburi, the city of monkeys
Lopburi, the city of monkeys

5. Sukhothai

If you want to visit temples during your trip to Thailand, you can also visit Sukhothai.

Sukhothai Historical Park is located in northern Thailand, 400 km from Bangkok, and 280 km from Chiang Mai.

Like Ayutthaya, Sukhothai is a former capital of the Siam kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site features several ruined temples spread over 3 areas:

  • The central area (entrance at 100 Baht): it’s the most interesting, you will find there the largest and best preserved temples. On foot, allow about 2 hours to visit the temples. You can also rent a bike, but to be honest, it’s not very convenient for such short distances.
  • The North zone (entrance to 100 Baht) mainly includes 2 temples, the most famous being a giant 15 meters high sitting Buddha. To get there from the central area, you will need a bike or a car.
  • The West zone (entrance at 100 Baht): As the ruins are far from each other, it’s best to visit it by car. But, honestly, apart from Wat Saphan Hin and its Buddha statue located on the top of the hill, there isn’t much to see.

It will take you about 4 hours to visit the 3 areas by car and a full day by bike. It’s really a must see during road trip in Thailand!

You can find detailed information about Sukhotai in my article: How to visit Sukhothai Historical Park?

Sukhothai
Sukhothai

6. Chiang Mai

You want to discover the North of Thailand? Then you should head to Chiang Mai.

As the city has an international airport, you can arrive there directly by plane, usually after a transfer in Bangkok. It’s also possible to reach Chiang Mai by bus or train from Bangkok, and of course by car.

Here are the best things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

  • Enjoy a walk in the old town, where most temples are located. This includes the famous Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man
  • Take a Thai cooking class: the city is the main destination in Thailand for this activity
  • Discover the local markets: between Warorot Market, the Night Bazaar and Saturday/Sunday Night Markets, there are enough to keep you busy!
  • Go to Huay Lake to eat in bamboo huts by the water. It’s Thai people’s favorite place to go out on weekends
  • Head to Doi Suthep Templelocated 10 minutes by car from the city, in Doi Suthep National Park.
  • Visit Bhubing Palace and stroll through the flowered gardens of the Royal Family’s winter palace
  • Going to an elephant sanctuary (without riding them!).

If you want more details about the best things to do in Chiang Mai, you should read my article: Visit Chiang Mai: The definitive guide.

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep Temple, in Chiang Mai

7. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is the other major city in northern Thailand.

It’s located 200 km northeast of Chiang Mai and has an airport with daily flights to Bangkok or southern islands such as Phuket or Krabi. You can also reach it by bus or car, but there is no railway station (the nearest one is in Chiang Mai).

What to see in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand

  • The white temple or Wat Rong Khun: this is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why travelers go to this city. The White Temple is known worldwide and I must admit that its reputation is well deserved. It’s truly impressive!
  • The blue temple or Wat Rong Suea Ten: as you may have guessed, everything here is blue, from the giant statues at the entrance to the Buddha! A very nice site to visit and the entrance is free.
  • The Night Bazaar: this night market is the perfect place to buy all kinds of souvenirs. It’s cheaper than the one in Bangkok and prettier.
  • Go to Singha Park to take the classical picture of the great golden lion at the entrance. If you continue down the road, you will arrive at a scenic point overlooking a tea plantation. There is also a farm with animals.
  • The Black House Museum or Baandam Museum: a rather unusual place with small houses decorated with crocodile skins and other objects that are quite “dark” and original.
  • Khun Korn Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Chiang Rai area, is easily accessible and can be reached by foot in about 30 minutes from the car park.
  • The Huai Pla Kang / the Wat Huai Pla Kank / The big pagoda: a group of 3 gigantic and totally different monuments located in the same place. It’s impressive to see and very pretty.
  • The Mae Fah Luang Garden can be found on top of Doi Tung mountain. Stroll through the beautiful flower park and visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa, the residence of the Princess’s Mother.

You will find every information you need to visit Chiang Rai in my article: The 17 best things to do in Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai white temple
The White Temple in Chiang Rai

8. Trek in the northern mountains

You should take advantage of your holidays in Northern Thailand to go on a trek. It’s the perfect region for these kinds of activities!

Many tour companies offer treks of various lengths and difficulty levels to explore the mountains and meet the region’s ethnic groups.

You can visit Akha, Karen (a tribe famous for its “women with long necks”, also known as “giraffe women “) or Kahu villages and maybe even sleep in a local house.

These treks are increasingly being organized with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable development (for the most part, at least). The money raised is used to finance health centers or to provide scholarships.

thailand mountain trek long neck minority
A woman from the Karen tribe

9. Mae Hong Son Province

Mae Hong Son is one of the most isolated province in Thailand. It stands on the border with Burma.

Pai, the best-known city in this region, is located 145 km northwest of Chiang Mai. It’s popular with Thai people (who are not afraid to travel all the way from Bangkok!) and tourists.

There are no major tourist attractions there. People simply come to Pai for its unique Hippie and bohemian atmosphere as well as to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding area.

And if you want to go out at night to eat or have a drink, you will find plenty of options to choose from.

Last but not least, Pai is also known for its drug trafficking.

Around Pai, you will find several waterfalls, hot springs, a few temples and Pai Canyon, a famous place to admire the sunset.

Landscape Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son province

10. Isan

Isan, a region located northeast of Bangkok, is somewhat overlooked by tourists in Thailand. It’s however a great place to visit if you want to get off the beaten track or have already visited Thailand’s more popular tourist areas on a previous trip.

There, you will find Khao Yai National Park, considered as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This large 2,100 km² area is ideal for hiking and is home to many animals, including tigers, leopards, pythons (a little bit scary, I must admit!) but also gibbons and birds.

The best way to discover Isan is to rent a scooter or a car and go on an adventure through the authentic villages and the magnificent landscapes deserted by tourists.

And while you’re in the region, you shouldn’t miss The city of Nang Rong and its Khmer temples.

Although they aren’t as famous as Angkor temples in Cambodia, they are nevertheless worth a visit.

To admire them, you will need to go to Phanom Rung Historical Park. Built on the top of a volcano, it towers above the surrounding area and is home to several temples.

Isan Khmer Temple
Khmer Temple – Isan Province

11. Phuket

I can’t write a travel guide about Thailand without mentioning Phuket.

Located in the South of the country, in the Andaman Sea, it’s the largest island in Thailand and definitely one of the most touristic.

In Phuket, all the activities are concentrated on the West side of the island, specifically near Patong.

If you want to go to the bar or to a nightclub, you should head to Bangla Road. In Patong you will also find a very popular beachas well as many hotels for every budget, from large resorts to small guesthouses.

If you enjoy entertainment and partying, this is the perfect place!

You prefer to relax and enjoy the calm? No problem, there are also quieter beaches on the island, such as Kata beach or Nai Harn beach. However, don’t expect to have the beach all to yourself!

In Phuket, you will also be able to do many activities: rock climbing, kite-surfing, paragliding, inner tubing, four-wheelers, bungie jumping, zip lining, high ropes courses, and scuba diving.

An important tip: always be cautious about the quality of the equipment, and try to inquire about the agency’s reliability. Each year, accidents happen because the safety regulations are not always followed.

In Phuket, you can also visit Phuket Town, a pleasant old town with pretty buildings in Chinese-Portuguese style architecture and a main street lined with cafés and trendy boutiques.

From Phuket, you can also go on day-trips to the neighboring islands, such as James Bond Island or Koh Phi Phi (continue reading for more details).

If you want more info about the best things to do in Phuket, you should read my article: Visit Phuket: the definitive guide.

Phuket plage
Phuket

12. Krabi

Krabi is located in front of Phuket, on the other side of the Andaman Sea.

Krabi’s claim to fame is the karst formations that border its coast, as they greatly contribute to the spectacular beauty of the landscape.

Things to do in Krabi, Thailand:

  • Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Suea: Climb the 1,237 steps to reach the top and enjoy the stunning view of the area.
  • Khao Kanab Nan: These karstic rocks shaped like crab claws are the town’s emblem.
  • Wat Kaew, a white temple found in Krabi Town.
  • A day trip to the islands – The most popular one is the 4-island tour: Turtle Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Mor Island.
  • The Night Market, for discovering the local cuisine.
  • The Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail hike: Climb for 4 km and then enjoy the view from the summit.
  • Emerald Pool: a natural emerald-green pool, perfect to take a dip!
  • Khao Phanom Bencha National Park for a stroll in the tropical forest.
  • A trip to Koh Phi Phi

Eager to know more about Krabi? All the info you need to plan your stay is in my article: Visit Krabi: the definitive guide.

Krabi
Krabi

13. Ao Nang / Railay

Ao Nang is located about 20 kilometers from the town of Krabi. If you’d like to go to the beach during your stay in Krabi, it’s the closest spot in the area.

In Ao Nang, you will find long beaches of fine sand and clear turquoise waters. Many cafés, restaurants, and tour agencies can be found on the main street bordering the beach. It’s also where you will find hotels for any budget.

Along with swimming, you will also be able to enjoy many activities: scuba diving, kayaking through the mangrove, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and biking.

From Ao Nang, you can reach Railay, a large peninsula that can only be reached via long-tail boats. It will take you less than 10 minutes to arrive at Railay West Beach.

This beach, surrounded by huge karstic cliffs, is stunning! Right behind the beach, you will find shops, restaurants and hotels.

While visiting Railay, you should also go to Phra Nang Beach. Often listed amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s truly magnificent, despite being very busy!

Last but not least, Railay is a great destination in Thailand for all rock-climbing lovers. Around 700 paths are available to chose from, with options for both beginners and experts.

Railay beach
Railay

14. Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, located in the Andaman Sea, between Phuket and Koh Lanta, are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand.

These islands are well-known thanks to the movie “The Beach”, featuring Leonardo Di Caprio. The famous Maya Bay Beach on Koh Phi Phi Leh has quickly become the place to see during a tour in Southern Thailand.

Over 8 years, nearly 5,000 visitors walked up and down the beach every day.

As you can probably guess, this mass tourism had disastrous consequences for the local ecosystem and the corals. It got so bad that the Thai authorities had to take action, and thus the beach has been closed to the public since 2018.

But don’t worry, you can still see the beach from the boat during your day-trip!

There are also some very beautiful beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don, the second island. Here again, you can enjoy many activities: water-skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, scuba diving or snorkelingRock climbing is also quite popular.

You will have no difficulty finding accommodation on the island, given the ever-increasing number of hotels or youth hostels.

You will also have no problem finding places to go out and party. Koh Phi Phi is very lively and its nightlife is one of the best in Thailand!

However, if you’re looking for peace & quiet, you’d be better off visiting another island in Thailand.

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