Thailand is the best known and most visited destination in Southeast Asia. Due to the tourist infrastructure, which has grown over decades, it is perfectly suitable for newcomers to Asia.
Thailand is especially popular because of its beautiful and diverse island world with its fantastic beaches. But in Thailand you can also discover a lot, because the tourist trails have not yet reached the whole country.
Impressive mountain worlds, wild primeval forests, original villages and fascinating temples – Thailand is one of the most attractive travel destinations of all.
The excellent Thai cuisine alone makes the trip worthwhile. Excellent food can be found all over the country, but in the culinary epicenter of Bangkok, the cookshops have gained worldwide fame.
All of this makes Thailand a beautiful, uncomplicated, and justifiably popular destination. Enjoy our list of the 22 best places to visit in Thailand.
22. Ko Phangan
About 128 km² large is the island of Koh Phangan and thus the second largest island in the Samui archipelago in the Gulf of Siam. The island of Phangan is about 65 km from the mainland and is located about 15 kilometers north of the well-known capable island of Koh Samui. Around Koh Phangan there are very beautiful sandy beaches with easily accessible coral reefs and a mountainous forested interior, some of which are difficult to access. The highest mountain on the island with 625 m is Khao Ra.
The approximately 10,000 inhabitants are predominantly of Buddhist faith and are distributed with about 50% in the capital Thong Sala and the other 50% in about 15 villages mostly located on the coast. Traditional economic activities include palm plantations and fishing. Export goods such as copra made from coconuts or mats made from coconut fibers, as well as wood as a building material, are still very important today. In the meantime, however, tourism has become the largest economic factor.
Koh Phangan has preserved some of its originality, and is not yet everywhere as perfectly developed for tourism as the neighboring island of Koh Samui. And that is good. Some of the beaches, bays and hotels are still not accessible by road but only by water.
21. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is not only the first official park Thailand, but is also considered one of the most beautiful. It covers an area of 2172 km² and four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi and Prachinburi and offers many different types of landscapes from evergreen rainforests and dry forests, mystical cloud forests to impressive grasslands and mountainous regions.
Being just under two hours drive from Bangkok, the park is as popular with locals as it is with tourists spending their vacations in Thailand – and the number of visitors is increasing every year!
Five rivers find their source in the Khao Yai National Park – and with their impressive waterfalls they offer popular destinations for Thailand vacationers. But also the highest elevations, the Khao Rom with 1.351 meters as well as the Khao Lam with 1.326 meters, offer with the right weather and especially during the rainy season a spectacular view of up to 100 km!
The park with its varied landscape is a home for numerous mammals, birds, insects and reptiles: most famous are probably the nearly 300 wild elephants living here, but also the Indochinese tigers or rare bantengs.
Khao Yai National Park is home to a variety of attractions: among others, the shrine Chao Phor KhorYai, which is popular with both pilgrims and visitors and is located on Thanarat Road. But the park’s waterfalls are also considered very special. For example, the Namtok Sarika waterfall has a swimming lake that offers a refreshing change.
20. Sukhothai
In the heart of Thailand, about 430 kilometers north of Bangkok, is the first capital of Siam. Sukhothai was the first capital of the united empire and today has imposing monuments in the impressive history park – learn more about the past of Thailand and experience extraordinary buildings.
In Sukhothai, massive and detailed monuments fascinate in the tropical hot climate, but there are sparkling lakes and shady corners for a well-deserved break or two. Let Sukhothai take you back in time and learn many interesting facts about the famous Siamese Empire, which left traces everywhere in the country.
The main attraction of Sukhothai is the huge historical park, which is a source of fascination and tells you a lot about the history of Siam and modern Thailand. Take your time during your visit to the 72 square meter park – not for nothing was the Sukhothai Historical Park declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.
Restoration work did not begin here until 1964, so some monuments look rather dilapidated, while others bear witness to the ancient splendor of the site. In addition to the remains of the former royal palace, today you can visit more than 200 temple complexes, which combine to form an unforgettable picture.
You will also see a statue of King Ramkhamhaeng during your tour, as well as many more temples and statues that are worth more than a look. A few moments in the shade of the trees or at one of the man-made ponds will make the versatile trip to Sukhothai a little more relaxing.
19. Ko Samui
Koh Samui is, after Phuket and Koh Chang, the third largest island in Thailand and one of the main tourist destinations for a nice beach vacation. The island is located just under 35 kilometers from the mainland in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.
In the seventies, Koh Samui was discovered by hippies and backpackers who quickly recognized the beauty (and remoteness) of the island.
But at that time, the journey was still arduous, because you had to travel from Bangkok for hours by train and then by boat – the journey often took more than two days.
Today you have it easier: jump on the plane in Bangkok and after just one hour you will see the island in the middle of the turquoise blue water.
Also in terms of accommodation has done a lot on the island. From cheap rooms in small hostels in the “capital” of the island Na Thon to exclusive resorts with private beach and every conceivable luxury, everything is represented.
A special feature that distinguishes Koh Samui from, for example, Phuket, is a simple building regulation: here, no building may be higher than “palm tree high” – that is, a maximum of two stories. No hotel blocks on this island!
Today, the beautiful island is one of the most popular resorts in Thailand because of its beautiful nature with white beach, clear lakes, spectacular viewpoints, ancient temples and many activities for tourists.
The biggest and probably the most famous beach is Chaweng Beach. During the day you can surf, banana boat or water ski here and in the evening you can enjoy cool cocktails under palm trees in one of the clubs! By the way, from Lad Koh View Point you have a fantastic view over Chaweng Beach.
18. Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is not only a former royal city of the Lan Na Kingdom, but also the northernmost provincial capital of Thailand. It is commonly known as “the gateway to the Golden Triangle” and is often used as a starting point for round trips through the north and northeast of the country, the Isaan.
Picturesquely situated on the banks of the Mae Nam Kok, amidst the green mountains of the north, the “little sister of Chiang Mai” has become a tourist magnet, which despite everything has lost none of its relaxed and laid-back charm.
Not far from the center is one of the most famous temples, not only in Chiang Rai, but in all of Thailand: Wat Rong Khun. And why is the Wat so famous, although its construction was just started in 1997? Well, Rong Khun is fundamentally different from all other temples in Thailand, most of which are either gaudy or covered in gold, because it is snow-white! This is extremely unusual, because white is actually considered a color of mourning. Its builder, the artist and architect Chalermchai Kositpipat interprets it as the purity of Buddha and has thus given him a unique sign.
In the city itself stands Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, it is the oldest temple in the area and legend has it that King Mangrai himself decided to found Chiang Rai here.
As soon as the sun goes down, the Night Bazaar opens its doors – and unlike its counterpart in Chiang Mai, where everything is geared towards tourists, Chiang Rai’s night market has managed to retain its authenticity. Many of the products on offer are made by the skilled hands of the hill tribes, who offer silver jewelry, bags, textiles and much more. Each piece is guaranteed to be unique!
17. Pai
Pai is a small town in the mountainous province of Mae Hong Son in northeastern Thailand. A few years ago, Pai was a sleepy little town where few tourists were seen – but this has changed a lot. Now Pai is a colorful and especially in the high season but also on weekends very busy tourist destination. It is mainly younger backpackers who have found a meeting place here, often to party together until late at night.
But also more and more Thais choose Pai as a weekend destination and vacation destination for a little adventure in nature.
The surroundings of Pai, on the other hand, exude a tranquil beauty. It is blessed with lush green nature and lies amidst a picturesque mountain world that is home to numerous different hill tribes. Several important rivers flow through the region around Pai.
Near Pai Canyon, the waters of Pam Bok plunge into the depths. The waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the region and is a great place to escape Pai’s summer heat in the cool surroundings.
The World War II Memorial Bridge is located about nine kilometers south of Pai and is one of the main attractions of the region. It was built during World War II by the Japanese, who needed a connecting route from Chiang Mai to Myanmar to transport their troops and weapons.
The area around Pai is home to many natural hot springs, such as Tha Pai Hot Springs, which are ideal for a soothing bath. Other hot springs include Muang Paeng, Pong Ron, Sai Ngam and Pong Duat.
16. Phanom Rung
Phanom Rung is one of the most impressive historical buildings in Thailand. It is a temple complex built on an extinct volcano.
The volcano, which is the only elevation in the immediate vicinity, was considered the seat of the gods centuries ago and was probably therefore chosen as the building site for the temple.
The complex was built between the 10th and 13th centuries by the Khmer people. Apart from its size, the location is particularly impressive – the buildings, constructed of sandstone, blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings. From the highest point you have a fascinating panoramic view over the surrounding plain of Khorat and further to the Dongkrak Mountains. In good weather, you can even see as far as neighboring Cambodia.
There are several temples, bridges, towers and statues on the site. The so-called King’s Path, lined with nearly 70 boundary stones, leads to the main temples.
In the ancient Shiva temple you can find 15 portals that used to serve as astronomical clocks. Four times a year there is a special spectacle: in April and September the rising sun shines through all the gates, in March and October the same happens at sunset. In April, the “Phanom Rung Festival” is held simultaneously to celebrate this impressive natural phenomenon. During these festive days, visitors can expect traditional dances, rites and colorful parades, but also one or the other culinary highlight.
15. Phuket
Phuket is a southern Thai island in the Andaman Sea and an absolute tourist stronghold. Who wants party, entertainment and souvenir stalls is exactly right here. Phuket is directly accessible through its own airport and offers beautiful sandy beaches for package vacations.
In Laem Phrompthep you can admire a beautiful sunset in good weather. From the 3 Bay View Point, as the name suggests, you have a wonderful view of three different beaches.
In Phuket City there are numerous buildings with Portuguese colonial architecture and the about 200 years old Chinese temple Put Yaw, in general the city is architecturally strongly influenced by Chinese immigrants. The Buddhist temple Wat Chalong is located in the south of the island and is visited by many tourists.
The island of Phi Phi, where the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo di Caprio was filmed, is also very popular as an excursion destination, as is the James Bond rock from “The Man with the Golden Gun” in Phang Nga. However, both destinations are used intensively for tourism and have unfortunately lost some of their original charm.
Tourist entertainment is available in numerous forms from various water sports, to go-karting, bowling or golfing. You can also visit a snake farm, a butterfly garden and much more. Also in the evening, especially at the popular Patong Beach, no boredom arises, numerous bars, discos and shows invite you to party.
14. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is located in the south of Thailand and covers an area of 739 km², most of which is covered by dense rainforest. In Thailand, it is proudly claimed that Khao Sok National Park is the oldest rainforest in the world. However, this is also said of Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia and the Daintree Rainforest in Australia. Actually, it does not matter which one is the oldest, because these rainforests are probably all beautiful and worth visiting.
The most famous region and main attraction in Khao Sok National Park is the 162 km² Cheow Lan Lake or also called Rachabrapha Lake. In the valley plains where the lake is located, there was no water about 30 years ago. Instead, small villages clung between the towering limestone cliffs. In the early 1980s, the villages were relocated to build a dam. It has since dammed the Khlong Saeng River, flooded the entire plain, and continues to generate electrical power to this day.
Little by little, spartan to superbly furnished accommodations have settled on the reservoir, which is the special charm of an overnight stay in Khao Sok National Park.
13. Ayuthaya
For anyone who wants to see and experience more in the “Land of Smiles” than pristine white beaches, crystal clear water, dim bars and secluded clubs, Ayutthaya is already a must. Like an island, the ancient royal city with its glorious past lies in the middle of modern Thailand. And an island it is indeed: the city center is surrounded by the mighty Chao Phraya, the fish-rich Pasak and the rather narrow Lopburi.
For about 400 years, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, until the city was conquered, looted and almost completely destroyed by the Burmese in April 1767. After the devastating defeat, King Rama I founded the new capital of Siam only 80 kilometers away: Bangkok, the “City of Angels”.
However, 33 kings have ruled the country from Ayutthaya and led the city to incredible prosperity. In its heyday, the royal seat had over a million inhabitants, was a metropolis, comparable to London in its splendor and influence. With three royal palaces, 375 temples, 94 city gates and 29 forts, the “Venice of the East” could adorn itself at that time. Portuguese, French, Dutch, British and Japanese settled there. Trade flourished, painting, literature and architecture blossomed. Ayutthaya was the cosmopolitan trading center in the middle of Asia. Much has fallen into disrepair, been destroyed, and plundered over the centuries.
And yet, visitors to Ayutthaya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 – can still feel the former splendor, they can experience Thailand’s history in fast forward: from the temple complexes of the Khmer to the summer residence of today’s royal family. Unlike its “big sister” Bangkok, there is nothing loud, nothing flashy about this city, but silence and thoughtfulness.
12. Ko Chang
Koh Chang is one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand. Many vacationers come here again and again and spend some nice days in the southeast of Thailand. The island is characterized by beautiful beaches and a mountainous coast.
Even though some places have changed over time and bamboo huts have been replaced by modern boutique resorts, the offer on Koh Chang is still very diverse. There are suitable offers for every budget and almost every taste.
Of course, you can also just lie lazily on the beach and enjoy your vacation. In between a delicious fruit shake or a massage, so you can spend a whole time.
In addition, you can also choose from a wide variety of leisure activities. Whether beach hopping, snorkeling tour or cooking course, on Koh Chang you will certainly not get bored so quickly.
There is a lot to see on Koh Chang. The mountainous hinterland is covered with dense jungle. In addition to hiking and trekking tours, there are several waterfalls that are ideal for a day trip.
Popular destinations are the beaches and the stilt village of Bang Bao, as well as the viewpoints on Koh Chang. Numerous waterfalls provide refreshment. The Klong Plu waterfall on the west coast is the easiest to reach.
Worth seeing on the east coast is the Than Mayom waterfall, which you can also reach without a guide. Other waterfalls are more remote in the jungle. A great view of the west coast is offered by the White Sands Viewpoint. The viewpoint is centrally located near the ferry dock.
11. Koh Tao
Koh Tao is an island on the Gulf of Thailand. It belongs to the Surat Thai archipelago and is about 21 square kilometers. Especially known for diving with beautiful dive sites. The name means “turtle island” because in the past many turtles came ashore here. Despite the steadily increasing mass tourism (as on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui), Ko Tao manages to preserve its natural beauty and serenity as far as possible. You will not find package tourism here, but serenity and many globetrotters.
When it comes to scuba diving on Koh Tao in Thailand, this island is the absolute number 1 in Thailand and the whole island is geared towards diving tourism. The local diving schools offer courses for beginners (Beach Dive) up to several days of training to become an Open Water Diver. The Open Water Dive course lasts several days and after successful completion you have learned all practical and theoretical skills to dive up to 18 meters. There are many beautiful dive sites to dive here.
10. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city in the north of Thailand. Due to its beautiful location surrounded by mountains, the city is also affectionately called “Rose of the North” by Thai people. It is the center of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and has always been known for its arts and crafts.
Numerous historical temples await your visit in Chiang Mai. The most famous is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is also the most important temple complex in the north. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located at a lofty height of over 1,000 meters on the slopes of Mount Doi Inthanon and is the highly visible landmark of the city. The core of the temple complex on Doi Inthanon is a fully gilded 24-meter high Chedi surrounded by elaborately decorated religious buildings and Buddha statues, as well as intricate Lanna-style wood carvings.
The historic old town of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a city wall and moat. 4 gates lead to the old town and in total there are over 30 temples between alleys and stores. A tour of the city can be accomplished on your own or with a guide by foot or bicycle.
Elephant riding is a highlight of a special kind and one of the tourist attractions Chiang Mai and all of Thailand. However, the opinion of tourists is very divided on this. We would like to leave it to every tourist to form his own opinion.
9. Bangkok
Glass skyscrapers, the Chao Phraya River and the centuries-old temples Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho and Wat Arun form the backdrop of Bangkok. The heart of the Thai capital beats right in the middle – in the bustling districts where the 15 million inhabitants ensure that Bangkok reinvents itself again and again.
The constant and seemingly effortless change between modernity and tradition makes Bangkok an attraction in itself. There is no question that Bangkok is one of the most popular cities in Southeast Asia. And whoever can, mingles with the Bangkokians and plunges into the pulsating life of the royal city for a few days.
The mighty Chao Phraya River – in its entirety Mae Nam Chao Phraya – winds its way through the entire city, coming from the north. Over a total distance of 372 kilometers, the Chao Phraya flows through the country before it flows into the Gulf of Thailand shortly after Bangkok. It also feeds many of the khlongs, the 1682 canals that crisscross the capital area. Along the banks of the Chao Phraya, the Royal Palace and Bangkok’s most important temples are lined up next to each other.
Of course, no Bangkok tourist can miss the great temples Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaeo. Even though it can be crowded at any time of the day, the insights into Buddhist religion and culture that can be gained here outweigh the crowds.
Admission is only granted to those who dress respectfully and appropriately – this means both men and women: Cover knees and shoulders and remove shoes before entering each temple.
8. Ko Phi Phi
Since the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo di Caprio, Ko Phi Phi has also risen to the superstar of the Thai islands and attracts thousands of tourists during their vacation in Thailand. Green overgrown hills, white sandy beaches, colorful coral reefs and a lively nightlife – there is a lot going on during a vacation on Ko Phi Phi.
The name Ko Phi Phi actually refers to a group of islands, which includes the two islands Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Ley. However, only Ko Phi Phi Don is inhabited. At just 8 kilometers long and 3.5 kilometers wide, the island is quite small and also divided into two parts by a narrow land bridge. The largest village on the island, Tonsai Village, is located on this strip of land, and most of the hotels have also settled here.
The main beach of Ko Phi Phi is located in Tonsai Bay directly at Tonsai Village. Here, however, one must be prepared for a rush of tourists and busy boat traffic from the early morning hours. Loh Dalam Beach on the other side of the headland is similarly busy. For a more relaxed beach vacation, it’s better to take a boat to Laem Tong Beach, which is quiet and great for swimming and snorkeling. A special event is a trip to Maya Beach, the famous beach from the movie. It is located on the secondary island of Ko Phi Phi Ley, has only a narrow access to the sea and is surrounded by steep cliffs. An absolutely dreamlike scenery.
7. Trang
The province of Trang, located south of Krabi, is still an emerging tourist destination. And Trang has many attractions to offer both on the coast and inland. A nearly 200-kilometer coastline and more than 46 offshore islands invite visitors to take boat trips in the coastal waters, excursions to sights such as the Emerald Cave, and snorkeling and scuba diving, for which there are very good conditions here. But excursions inland are also worthwhile, where a lush hilly landscape dotted with many caves and waterfalls offers a welcome change of scenery.
The area is also of considerable historical importance. The first rubber trees were planted here in 1899, and the production of natural rubber, which then became one of southern Thailand’s most important natural products, began here. Trang is currently not as developed as other areas of the Andaman coast and still retains much of its tranquil local character – a good opportunity to gain some insights into traditional southern Thai lifestyles.
6. Phang Nga
Phang Nga Bay, which was declared a Marine National Park in 1981, covers about 404 square kilometers of coastal and marine areas. Mangrove forests can be found along the coastline of the bay.
But the biggest attraction of this marine national park is the bay itself, dotted with more than 100 mostly oddly shaped islands and islets. These limestone islands, some bizarrely shaped, are covered with a tangle of climbing plants and shrubs and are mostly uninhabited. Some rise steeply and ruggedly from the water, others appear humpbacked or jagged.
All together they form a truly impressive natural spectacle. On some of the islands there are remarkable sights such as on Khao Khian, where prehistoric stone images can be seen on the cliffs, also worth seeing is Panyi Island, where there is a Muslim fishing village built on stilts, Phanak Island with its beautiful caves and “James Bond Island”, which became famous as the location for the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”.
Several operators organize excursions to these and numerous other islands. Departure points are the customs pier (Tha Dan) on the mainland of Phang Nga or Phuket.
Inland, the caves, waterfalls, temples and archaeological sites of Ban Thung Tuek are worth seeing. Due to its geologically exceptional landscapes, Phang Nga is a province for explorers both on land and on water.
5. Mu Koh Similan National Park
The archipelago consisting of eleven islands in Mu Koh Similan National Park is considered one of the most beautiful diving paradises in the world and is also a memorable experience for friends of idyllic, tropical sandy beaches. The Similan Archipelago is located about 100 km northwest of Phuket and about 60 km west of Khao Lak. After a period of disastrous mass tourism, the national park administration of the islands has now turned around 180 degrees and the number of visitors has been strictly regulated.
The idyllic archipelago consists of the following islets: Koh Similan, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, Koh Bangu, Koh Payu, Koh Hua Kalok, Koh Haa, Koh Miang, Koh Payan, Koh Payang, Koh Huyong. Some of them are exclusively for diving, others offer very nice snorkeling sites or nature trails and above all beautiful and also very lonely dream beaches. Food is provided, because on the islands Koh Similan and Koh Maeng there are restaurants and small stores and many tour operators have food and soft drinks on board for free.
It is not for nothing that the Similan Islands are considered one of the most beautiful diving destinations on the planet. Both the variety of species in the tropical underwater paradise and the abundance of fish are legendary in many parts of the archipelago. In good weather and calm seas, visibility of 30 m underwater is not uncommon. From small anemone fish, octopus, moray eels, colorful corals to sharks, rays, turtles and even whale sharks, there is an incredible variety to admire.
4. Pattaya City
The city of Pattaya is located on the east coast of central Thailand, barely 160 km from the capital Bangkok and is located in the province of Chon Buri. Pattaya offers one thing above all: entertainment. Nowhere else are clubs, bars, restaurants and all kinds of variety as close together as in Thailand’s party capital. If you are looking for adventure, variety and fun, then Pattaya is exactly the right destination for a vacation in Thailand. Likewise, Pattaya’s surroundings offer beautiful golf courses & golf hotels for golfers.
Pattaya stretches for 15 kilometers nestled on the water – and on and around the water is where most of the life takes place. The waterfront promenade is home not only to countless pubs and noisy bars, but also to luxurious hotels and water sports facilities. However, the beaches of Pattaya are relatively crowded, and you will not be able to find the typical “postcard panorama” here – however, they exist, the dream beaches, also in the surroundings of Pattaya. For example, the nearby islands of Koh Samet or Koh Chang, which can offer you peace, relaxation and wonderful beach landscapes a little away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya.
3. Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
The Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park extends over 125 km² through several provinces of Khao Lak. Some kilometers of it directly on the beautiful Andaman Sea. Several small beaches can be discovered here against a tropical backdrop. Part of the park, however, are also deep, lush green rainforests and a fascinating wildlife. Visitors can choose from a variety of trails through the beautiful nature. Guided tours lasting several hours can also be booked.
The International Tsunami Museum documents the course of the severe tsunami in 2004. While the tsunami caused extensive damage in many parts of Thailand, Khao Lak was hit the hardest. Anyone interested in the subsequent history, as well as the general occurrence of tsunamis, should definitely visit the museum. The proceeds go to the many victims of the tsunami, some of whom are still suffering from the consequences of the disaster today.
In the area around Khao Lak’s tropical national park there are countless magnificent waterfalls, some of which can be bathed in. One of the most beautiful of them is Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. The path to the Ton Chong Fa Waterfall is a 3.9 kilometer long circular trail, which can be easily walked if you are moderately fit. The waterfall itself can be climbed in 5 steps. The ascent can be very strenuous. Good shoes are required. The climb is especially worthwhile during the rainy season or after heavy rainfall.
2. Phitsanulok
Phitsanulok is a city in the lower and flatter plains of northern Thailand. Once even the capital of the kingdom, Phitsanulok played a major role as a defensive bastion against the Burmese who kept attacking from the north.
Today, Phitsanulok is a relatively tranquil town about halfway between the capital Bangkok and Chiang Mai. In the temple Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok stands the Buddha statue Phra Putthachinnarat, which is highly revered by believers throughout Thailand and which attracts numerous pilgrims and Buddhists year after year.
Phitsanulok, just like Uthai Thani, is considered the “gateway to the north”. The landscape here is still relatively flat, but becomes increasingly hilly towards the west and north. In the past, Phitsanulok was situated between the two rivers Nan and Khwae Noi, which gave it the nickname “Song Khwae”, meaning “Two Rivers”. However, the king of Sukhothai, Phra Maha Thammaracha Lithai had the city “relocated” in order to create an effective barrier to the north and thus the attacks of the Burmese.
The most famous attraction of the city is without question the temple complex of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Even from a distance you can spy the 36-meter high Prang, which is kept in the Khmer style. Many temples here are reminiscent of the time when Phitsanulok was no more than a handful of Khmer huts on the banks of the river in the 10th century.
Incidentally, the Buddha statue Phra Putthachinnarat, which is kept in the temple, was the model for the statue of the same name now found in Bangkok at Wat Benchamabophit.
1. Krabi
Krabi is considered one of the main hubs when it comes to vacationing in southern Thailand. Especially those who want to go to Phuket or to one of the other Andaman Islands usually come here first to board the ship from the pier.
However, this does not mean that there are not countless vacation opportunities in and especially around Krabi City! On the contrary, the province of Krabi is considered an insider tip, precisely because it is not yet as overcrowded as, for example, Phuket opposite.
Miles of deserted beaches, dense jungle with limestone cliffs and caves, and colorful coral reefs off the coast are a real feast especially for action vacationers and families!
Krabi has managed to preserve its originality and, above all, its beautiful nature, despite the ever-growing rush to the region.
How is that possible? There are no less than 4 national parks in the province, and two nature reserves to boot! Perfect to relax on the secluded beaches or to go on an expedition through the jungle.
Sports fans will also be happy in Krabi, because from mountain biking to trekking tours to climbing on the steep rock formations, it is a true paradise for active vacationers.
Railay, in the south of the bay, is a true Mecca for climbing enthusiasts and is known far beyond the borders of Thailand. The peninsula can only be reached by longboat and offers a wide variety of routes for free climbers – and of course climbing schools and equipment rentals.
