What to see in Thailand: 8 must-sees
Discover what to see in Thailand: 8 must-see destinations, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (temples). Predominantly beach and city; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(3)
Boat across to the Phi Phi Islands, in southern Thailand, where fine sand and transparent water invite you to stay all day. Snorkel over the coral reefs, stroll the shore at sunset and swim in coves ringed by limestone cliffs. From bay to bay you will find quiet corners for swimming, simple beach stalls by the jetty and long-tail boats linking the main beaches at any hour.
Behold the Gulf of Thailand from Koh Samui, a southern island where fine sand and crystal-clear water invite swimming all year round. Snorkel over reefs close to the shore, follow the coastline on foot at sunset and rest in resorts built amid coconut palms. Alternate days of rest by the sea with boat trips to neighbouring islets, local markets and coastal temples that round off the stay.
Admire the limestone cliffs dropping onto Railay Beach, reachable only by boat from Krabi or Ao Nang. Walk its white sand, snorkel over the coral near the shore or climb the walls that draw climbers from all over the world. Swim the transparent water, follow the trail to the lagoon hidden among the rocks, and stay for sunset, when the longtail boats head back and the bay turns orange.
City(2)
Explore the canals of the Chao Phraya at dawn, before the heat presses, then follow on to the Grand Palace to see the Emerald Buddha. Bangkok moves about 10 million people between Wat Pho, with its 46-meter reclining Buddha, and Chatuchak Market, open weekends with thousands of stalls. Order pad thai from a street stall in Yaowarat, take a tuk-tuk across to Wat Arun and end the day on a public boat for a few bahts.
Peek into Chiang Mai, the northern city keeping some 300 temples within its walls and alleys. Enter Wat Phra Singh to see its venerated Buddha, head up Doi Suthep and gaze at the valley from its golden chedi. As evening falls, the night market of Chang Klan Street fills its stalls with wood carvings, silks and pad thai stands. Among monks in saffron robes and newly opened cafés, the old capital of the Lanna kingdom keeps its unhurried rhythm alive.
Religious(2)
Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, at the heart of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where a jade figure carved from a single piece presides over the altar from the golden altar. Follow the pavilions with roofs of green and orange tiles, study the Ramakien murals covering the galleries and keep silence as the monks pray. Enter barefoot, shoulders and knees covered, and follow the ritual of the faithful lighting incense before Thailand's most venerated Buddha.
Look at Wat Traimit's solid-gold Buddha, in Bangkok's Chinatown — a statue of more than 5 tonnes that stayed hidden under a layer of stucco for centuries. Walk the temple and discover the hall explaining how the precious metal was revealed when the figure fell during a move. Study the details of the image seated in meditation posture, and use the calm of the grounds for a moment of reflection away from the noise of the city.
National Park(1)
Immerse yourself in Khao Sok, in southern Thailand, where the country's oldest rainforest surrounds Cheow Lan Lake and its limestone towers covered in moss. Follow trails among giant trees and lianas, ride a bamboo raft or longtail among emerald water, and sleep in floating cabins. At dawn you will hear gibbons and may spot hornbills, tapirs and, with luck, the giant Rafflesia flower. Hiking, birdwatching and night outings bring the visitor close to a wildlife the park helps conserve.
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