Popular Tourist Sights in Thailand

Whether you’re interested in cultural sights, stunning beaches, or culinary delights, Thailand has something for everyone. From opulent royal palaces and ancient temples to tropical islands rim idyllic bays, here are some of the country’s most popular tourist sights.

The capital, Bangkok, is a buzzing hub of cosmopolitan street life and long-tail boat excursions along the Chao Phraya River. The regal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are also must-sees here.

Ko Ta Pu

Ko Ta Pu is a 66-foot-tall, vertical pillar of limestone that’s part of the dramatic rock formations of Phang Nga Bay. During the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, it’s the site of a battle between 007 and villian Scaramanga (Christopher Lee).

If you’re looking for a spectacular day trip in Thailand, don’t miss this jaw-droppingly beautiful bay. Whether you choose to go on an organized boat tour or go it alone, you’ll be awed by its ethereal water world, with hundreds of limestone karsts jutting out from the clear waters.

Tourists flock to the picturesque Phang Nga Bay for its beaches, secluded coves, and kayaking opportunities; among its most popular sights are two dramatic limestone karst towers, Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu. Visitors should be wary, however, of getting too close to the islands, as their delicate rocky structures are at risk from tide-related erosion.

While the soaring, spire-like vistas of the limestone cliffs are a sight to behold, it’s the 66-foot-tall Ko Tapu that’s become a major draw for tourists. It’s arguably one of the most iconic sites in Southern Thailand, with its mushroom-shaped formation and a story that dates back to ancient times.

The karst island was formed as a result of tectonic movements and tide-related erosion over tens of millions of years. In fact, the limestone formations are said to have formed around 250 million years ago during the Permian period.

Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Bangkok airport will cost about 15 euros per day, in Phuket airport - about 16 euros per day.

Maya Bay

Maya Bay is a popular tourist destination in Thailand, thanks to its heavenly cliff formations, pristine white sand beach and crystal clear waters. Located on the uninhabited island of Ko Phi Phi Leh, it’s part of Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and is a famous destination for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and taking photos.

Until recently, countless speedboats would dash back and forth from Maya Bay each day, dropping off hundreds of tourists for a quick swim and a gander at the famous beach. But it’s only recently that tourism officials have begun to close the renowned cove to allow ecosystems to recover.

The beach was reopened for public visits in February after four months of closure following an extensive restoration program, but it comes with some restrictions. Visitors can still enjoy a scenic walk along the beach, but they won’t be allowed to swim.

It’s also a good idea to avoid visiting the area in high season as the weather can be unpredictable and the seas can be choppy. Ideally, visit in November or April, when the seas are calm and you can safely snorkel.

To make your trip to Maya Bay more fun, consider booking a tour that takes you there early in the morning to avoid the crowds! These tours are also a great way to see the other Phi Phi Islands as well, such as Koh Mai Kaew, Tonsai and Khao Lak.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist sights, and it’s easy to see why. This ancient city is home to many historical attractions, including several temples that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Ayutthaya’s most famous temple is Wat Mahathat, a 14th-century complex that is renowned for its towering spires and intricate stucco reliefs. It’s also home to hundreds of Buddha images and sculptures.

Another popular temple is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which is a great place to learn about Ayutthaya’s history. This beautiful structure was built in 1334 and is home to a massive golden seated Buddha statue.

If you’re looking to get a closer look at the ancient city, consider taking a boat ride along the Chao Phraya or Pasak rivers. This will give you a better sense of the size of the city and how it was laid out back then.

Alternatively, you can walk around Ayutthaya for a day and explore the many sites at your own pace. It’s an affordable way to see a lot of the city, and it’s an excellent option if you’re feeling adventurous.

The Portuguese Settlement in Ayutthaya is a good spot to visit if you’re interested in learning more about the European presence in Thailand. Here, you can learn about the role of the Portuguese in Ayutthaya’s past through displays and pictures. This site is a little off the beaten path but is worth visiting if you want to learn more about Thai and European history.

Khao Phing Kan

The unique island of Khao Phing Kan is a must-see for tourists visiting Phang Nga Bay. The 66-foot vertical pillar of limestone that emerges from the waters is a major attraction for tourists, and it also served as the location of a James Bond movie.

The island is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, located in the southern Thai province of Phang Nga. The park is home to stunning natural sights including towering limestone karsts and crystal clear beaches, and it is a popular destination for nature photography.

It is also known for its enigmatic caves and rock formations. You can explore them by kayak or on a tour boat.

Khao Phing Kan is also a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. Its crystal clear waters and sandy beach make it an ideal place to spend a day with family or friends.

Another notable highlight is Ko Ta Pu, a small island off the coast of Khao Phing Kan. This is the site of a scene in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.

Koh Panyi Floating Village is another enticing tourist attraction, featuring a stilt-like fishing village and a scenic sunset view. The village can be visited during the day, but it is best to visit in the evening.

Khao Sok National Park

If you’re looking for a less-crowded alternative to the popular tourist sights of Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi, then Khao Sok is the place for you. It is situated in the south of Thailand and is easily accessible from these popular destinations.

The park covers 3,600 square kilometers and features pristine jungle, waterfalls and eye-catching limestone cliffs. It is also home to a number of rare plant species, including the giant rafflesia flower and the largest frog in the world.

A guided hike in the thick dipterocarp and bamboo jungle will reveal a surprisingly diverse landscape of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. You may spot a huge variety of bird and animal species, from Malayan sun bears to leopards and tigers.

There are dozens of hiking trails around the park’s central lake, leading to viewpoints and limestone caves. Among the most popular are the western trail to Ton Kloi Waterfall, Than Sawan Waterfall and Sip Et Chan Falls.

Another popular activity is canoeing and bamboo rafting in the Sok River. There are many companies that offer these activities and it is easy to book online through GetyourGuide!

To get to the park, you can take a taxi, minibus or bus from any of the major tourist hubs in southern Thailand. There are also a number of hotels in the park and along the road between the two park entrances.

Bangkok’s Floating Market

The floating market in Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist sights in Thailand. It offers visitors the chance to see a different side of Bangkok and to try traditional Thai dishes.

These markets have been popular for centuries in Thailand as a way to barter and trade goods directly with locals. Today, they are also a great place to buy souvenirs and other gifts.

Floating markets are not as frequented as they once were, but they are still very much a part of the culture in Thailand. They are a unique feature of Thailand’s shopping community, and they are not only an attraction for tourists but a great way to experience the country’s rich history.

There are several different floating markets in Bangkok, but two of the most popular are Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa. These are both easily accessible from Bangkok by taxi and offer visitors a wide variety of products to choose from.

However, a downside to these markets is that they are located in suburban areas and are not well-served by public transport. If you’re planning to visit them, it’s important to plan a full day trip so that you can get around properly.

Floating markets can be a little intimidating, so it’s best to go with a guide. You can book a tour with Viator or through a local company. Make sure to ask about how long the tour lasts and whether or not it includes lunch.