Great places to see in Thailand

hill-tribe villages

A great time to visit the villages is during one of their festivals when you can see the villagers in their finery. Over 100 years ago, the Hill-tribe people migrated south from China into current-day Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The six major tribes are the Karen (Kariang, Yang), Hmong (Meo), Yao (Mien), Akha (Ekaw), Lisu (Lisaw), and Lahu (Mussur). Each tribe is distinct, with their own culture, religion, language, art, and dress; however, given the rate of modernization, it is unknown how long these tribes will continue their traditions. The guided tours offer varying routes and options, including accommodations within consenting hill tribe villages.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

This protected marine park includes over 40 islands varying in size and shape with tropical rainforests and beautiful beaches. Access to the park is limited to the various licensed tour operators and boat rental companies in Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The tours vary which islands they will visit as well as different activities, such as snorkeling, hiking, caving, kayaking and staying overnight. This is a great way to explore the islands and enjoy some beach time.

Elephant Nature Park

Sangduen Chailert (Lek) founded this conservation project in the early 1990s as a sanctuary for elephants that had previously been employed for logging or performing. While there are lots of other elephant camps and parks, these elephants were rescued from horrible working conditions and allowed to live in natural family groups. Tours include stories of the elephants’ rescues as well as interactions (such as feeding and bathing) with the elephants!

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Yai (Big Lanta Island) is the larger of the two islands in the Koh Lanta district. It is off the southern coast of Krabi and less well-known than Koh Phi Phi. Most lodging is one-story bungalows (whether budget or resort) located on the beach with sand paths to the beach. While other islands have a reputation for the nightlife and shopping, Koh Lanta is a more mellow, quieter island where you will spend your time exploring beaches, rivers, and caves. While Koh Lanta was affected by the 2004 tsunami, almost all businesses are back in operation.

Damnoen Saduak

This floating market is about 65 miles south of Bangkok in the Ratchaburi Province. Although this is definitely a touristy thing to do, seeing and experiencing the small ‘khlongs’ (canals) filled with boats carrying fresh produce and expertly maneuvering their boats to reach customers is also a lot of fun. Over 5000 tourists visit this 100-year-old floating market each day so if you don’t feel like fighting the crowds, you can also try the Taling Chan, Bang Khu Wiang, or Tha Kha Floating Markets. Make sure you check the times, though, as these three markets have limited hours/days.

Chatuchak Market

This is a HUGE weekend market that consists of a maze of over 15,000 stalls, including live animals, meat, fish, snacks, handmade paper, Thai handcrafts, music, art, clothing, prepared food, flowers, plants and more. If you get there early, it’s not as packed and not as hot, but some of the vendors are not open yet. Great place to buy gifts to bring home. Very convenient to the Skytrain’s Mo Chit station.

Pak Klong Talad

This is Bangkok’s flower market; it is similar to many flower markets around the world in terms of having lots of flowers. However, this is an open air market and there are piles and piles of beautiful orchids, lotus blossoms, roses and other flowers.

Wat Arun

This temple is considered to be the most famous and photographed temple in Bangkok, with a 250-foot-high tower decorated with thousands of tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. The best place to view/photograph Wat Arun is from the opposite side of the river. (It is located on the west side of the Chao Praya River while Wat Pho and the Grand Palace are on the east side of the Chao Praya.)

Wat Pho

Wat Pho (or Wat Phra Chetuphon, Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and known for having both Thailand's largest reclining Buddha and the most number of Buddha images in Thailand. It is down the street from the Grand Palace. The gold-plated reclining Buddha is hugely impressive at 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The temple grounds include over 1000 images as well as the center for traditional Thai massage. This is probably the best place to try out a traditional Thai massage, but be aware that they are not exactly gentle. Some describe it as doing yoga without the work as the therapist moves you through a series of yoga-like poses. You might be inclined to head out after a long day of sightseeing, but I suspect that a foot refloxology massage might rejuvenate you.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. The compound includes the previous royal residences, government buildings, Wat Phra Kaew (temple containing the Emerald Buddha) and many beautiful, intricate chedi (Buddhist structures). Given the many buildings, you probably want to have a guide to explain each of the buildings as the pamphlet you get when you pay your admission does not go into that great of detail. As this is one of Thailand’s most sacred sites, there is a strict dress code: both men and women must be modestly dressed, including covering of the feet (must have socks if wearing sandals). If you are not dressed appropriately, you can rent clothes near the entrance.