Top 20 Attractions in Thailand Including Map

Thailand is a very special country and for good reason, it remains on the bucket list of many travelers. This country in Southeast Asia has a charm that you won't find anywhere else. In Thailand, a fascinating land unfolds, rich in history, culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Good to know: The Thai currency is Baht (TBH), so we will also show you in this article how expensive entry tickets are to some attractions in Baht. The exchange rate fluctuates constantly, but you can usually expect that 1 Baht is between €0.25 and €0.30.

Thailand is a paradise with a lot to discover and do. Our colleague Maren has visited nearly every corner of Thailand and experienced so much. Her must-see: the Surin Islands and the Khao Sok National Park. Here, she shares her highlights from her Thailand vacations and provides you with real insider tips.

Our colleague Maren has been to Thailand several times and is always fascinated by this country. Here she takes you with her to her highlights in Southern Thailand.

To help you know where the top attractions in Thailand are located, we have already marked them on a map.

Admittedly, Bangkok as a whole is not a classic attraction in the way we usually know them - however, Bangkok is an absolute place to be in Thailand and therefore must not be missing from our list of attractions. The capital of Thailand is unlike any other city in the world. Here you'll encounter a fascinating mix of culture, history, and modernity. Explore magnificent temples such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, which we will introduce to you in more detail here, stroll through bustling markets like the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and enjoy delicious street food. Since the metropolis has so much to offer, we have dedicated a separate article to the most beautiful attractions in Bangkok.

The Wat Pho cannot be missing from our list of top attractions in Thailand. The Buddhist temple complex in the center of Bangkok is one of the oldest and most significant temple complexes in the city and a place of peace amidst the bustling metropolis. This is ensured by the nearly 1,000 gilded Buddha statues in Wat Pho. The most famous and largest among them is the 15-meter high and 46-meter long reclining Buddha, which at first glance seems too large to fit in the small temple hall. Wat Pho is not only home to countless gilded statues, but it is also the oldest school for medicine and Thai massage in Thailand. The art of massage is still passed down there today. You can also find relaxation in Wat Pho by taking a stroll through the beautiful temple complex. In the large grounds with many small temples, pagodas, and monastery corridors, you can embark on a wonderful discovery tour. The colorful roofs and vibrant decorations provide constant new wow moments.

2 Sanam Chai Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Wat Pho is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

As of January 2024, the entrance fee is 300 Baht. Tickets are available at the entrance.

It is one of the most famous landmarks in Bangkok: Wat Arun. The name means 'Temple of the Dawn' and originates from Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. The temple certainly did not receive this name for nothing. When it comes to sunrise, it's the perfect time to admire Wat Arun. The rays of the sun create a beautiful spectacle as they bathe the building in a reddish light. Wat Arun is located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and is visible from many places in Bangkok. The view of the temple is particularly beautiful from the opposite bank.

Wat Arun is the oldest temple in Bangkok and one of the most important Buddhist sites in the city. Since 1975, it has been a royal shrine. The temple is 79 meters high and consists of a large terrace surrounded by four smaller terraces. At the very top are the so-called Prangs, temple towers, which are decorated with porcelain flowers and shells. You can climb the steep stairs up to the Prangs and enjoy the grand view of the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline from there.

158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Wat Arun is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The entrance fee for Wat Arun is 100 Baht.

Listing an entire region as an attraction might seem strange at first - but the Isan region deserves to be mentioned here. Have you heard of Isan? The region lies in the east of Thailand, borders Laos and Cambodia, and is far less known than all the popular vacation spots where we spend our Thailand vacations. Isan is at least as beautiful and diverse as the rest of the country. Here you can experience an authentic Thailand with truly warm-hearted people who still hold on to their traditions. An absolute insider tip!

Visit traditional villages where life seems to have remained unchanged for centuries, and immerse yourself in local cuisine and culture at festivals, markets, and temple ceremonies. Besides the cultural diversity, Isan also offers nature that will amaze you: from vast rice fields to impressive mountain landscapes. Hikes to waterfalls, caves, and picturesque viewpoints provide unforgettable experiences for all adventurers and nature lovers.

Vacation Guru Tip: On the map of the most important attractions in Thailand, we marked the provinces and attractions in Isan and provide you with helpful info and facts in the description. The Khao Yai National Park is also located in the region. We will introduce this attraction to you in more detail in this article.

This attraction will catch your eye immediately when you spend your vacation in Phuket. The Big Buddha is perched on a hill above the island and is one of the most significant landmarks of Phuket. This truly impressive statue is over 45 meters high and is made of white marble. The Buddha sits on a large, round pedestal looking north towards China. The Big Buddha is not only a tourist magnet but also a place of reflection and prayer that attracts many pilgrims and believers. Therefore, you will not rarely hear monks singing and praying here.

But that's not all: Even the journey up to the Big Buddha offers several viewpoints for you. Once you reach the top, a panoramic view in all directions opens up, allowing you to fully absorb the beauty of this area.

Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand

The Big Buddha can be visited daily from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

Entry to the Big Buddha is free. However, donation boxes are available everywhere if you wish to contribute.

Thailand is such a diverse country! Here you will find not only dream beaches and exciting metropolises but also numerous national parks, each offering something very special. Below, we present three national parks in more detail: The Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, the Doi Inthanon National Park in the north, and the Khao Yai National Park, which is centrally located within the country. We have dedicated a separate article to the 10 most beautiful national parks in Thailand - here you will find more information and inspiration for your vacation.

We start in the south with one of our absolute favorites. The Khao Sok National Park is simply a fascinating place that will captivate you upon your visit. What makes it so special? Several things: Here you will enter the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. You can expect towering limestone mountains, deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, thrilling caves, and wild animals - and that's not all. One of the most interesting areas is the sparkling and beautiful Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the national park. This gigantic lake with its 185 square kilometers and the floating raft houses and luxury tents is a must-see.

Our colleague Maren has visited the Khao Sok National Park, and since then it has been one of her highlights in Thailand. Here, she has an insider tip for you!

By the way: The Khao Sok National Park is located between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui. If you are vacationing at one of these enchanting places, be sure to make a visit to the national park a top priority.

This place in the Chiang Mai region in northern Thailand is a true natural paradise. The Doi Inthanon National Park, which proudly carries the title of Thailand's highest point, stands a whopping 2,565 meters above sea level and is known for its beautiful forests, roaring impressive waterfalls, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Due to its location, it is relatively cool here year-round. Especially in winter, thick fog covers the landscape, making the Doi Inthanon National Park an absolutely magical place. So make sure to embark on the approximately 50-kilometer journey to the summit during your visit! Our tip: On a day tour, you will be taken there by a guide. You will be rewarded not only with breathtaking views over Chiang Mai but also with views of the magnificent Chedis built for the now-deceased King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his Queen Sirikit.

Incredible! Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok opens up a completely different world in Khao Yai National Park. Out of the urban jungle and into the wonders of nature. Khao Yai National Park is one of the most beautiful and largest national parks in Thailand and is also one of the oldest. Covering an area of over 2,000 square kilometers, dense rainforests meet lush grasslands, and over the years, an exotic wildlife and plant life have settled here. Make your way to Khao Yai National Park and look forward to spectacular waterfalls, picturesque hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints. You will find more information about the Khao Yai National Park in a dedicated article.

By the way: Khao Yai National Park is considered a paradise for hikers and backpackers.

Did you know that Phang Nga Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in Thailand? The bay is located in the northeastern part of Phuket Island and belongs to the Phang Nga district. Phang Nga Bay is one of the most popular attractions in Thailand. And rightly so: Nature has created a masterpiece here. Here, limestone cliffs rising up to 100 to 300 meters meet tropical jungle. The turquoise sea and green rocks create a dreamlike backdrop that you must admire. For the best photos, it's best to be in the bay before sunset, as the cliffs are truly highlighted at this time.

You may have never heard of Phang Nga Bay, but what about James Bond Island? This place is also known as such because the film 'The Man with the Golden Gun' was filmed here.

You can explore the bay and James Bond Island on a boat tour. Don't miss the sight of the impressive cliffs! You have the choice: Do you want to cruise through the unique nature on a large ship, a premium yacht, or a speedboat? Perhaps that might not be adventurous enough - then we can only recommend a canoe tour. This way you can dive even deeper into the tranquility of nature and enjoy the perfect view.

The next three attractions we want to introduce to you are, in our opinion, exceptional islands. Of course, depending on the length of your vacation, you may not be able to visit all of them - but perhaps one of these islands will make it onto your must-visit list. Why are we presenting these islands as attractions? Thailand has over 500 islands, all of which are stunningly beautiful. Each island has its unique features and offers a variety of activities and attractions that make them noteworthy destinations, or better said, places to be. We present our Top 17 most beautiful islands in Thailand in a separate article. The following three islands are each presented here with a special feature that makes these places a highlight for us.

Do you want to be convinced of Thailand's beauty underwater? Then you must visit the Similan Islands, known for their pristine beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities. This archipelago, consisting of nine islands, offers you a breathtaking underwater world with colorful coral reefs, exotic fish, and even occasional encounters with sea turtles and manta rays. The Similan Islands are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park and are protected. Therefore, you can only reach them via a day trip - but it's definitely worth it!

The Surin Islands are a remote paradise in southern Thailand and a popular destination for nature and diving enthusiasts. This archipelago consists of five main islands and is part of the Mu Koh Surin National Park, which hosts a rich diversity of marine life, including many types of coral, fish, and even whale sharks during the right season. If you are looking for a quiet retreat away from the tourist crowds while still being absolutely paradisiacal, then your best choice should be an excursion to the Surin Islands. But that's not all. What makes this place a highlight for us is that you can get to know a completely different culture here. For several decades, the indigenous Moken community has lived on one of the Surin Islands, Koh Surin Nuea. Our colleague Maren has visited the sea nomad village herself and includes it among the highlights of her vacations in Thailand. Here she shares more about it.

The Phi Phi Islands are perhaps the most famous island group in Thailand and are renowned for their breathtaking beaches and rocky cliffs. Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh are the two main islands, offering a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and boat trips to spectacular bays and lagoons.

Vacation Guru Tip from our colleague Thorsten: 'Be sure to visit the famous Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh. You probably know it from the movie 'The Beach' - I have never been to a more beautiful beach. But because it is so famous and unique, countless tourists come here every day. So my plea: Make sure to book a tour with a certified provider, and take your trash back with you. This place should remain just as enchanting in many years as it is today!'

Ayutthaya was once the splendid capital of the Kingdom of Siam and should definitely be on your sightseeing list when you are in the area. From Bangkok, the temple city is super easy to reach in about 1.5 hours by bus, train, or car. At its peak, Ayutthaya had three mighty royal palaces and over 375 temple complexes. Today, you will still find an impressive number of ancient temples, temple ruins, and spectacular historical sites within the historical park, spread across fifteen sites. You could easily spend an entire day here to experience Thailand's fascinating culture up close. One of the most famous attractions is the stone Buddha head that is entwined in a tree and draws all eyes. Perhaps you've seen it already on a postcard from Thailand?

Vacation Guru Tip: To visit the temples, you can rent bicycles, as some of the temples are quite far apart. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour on the rivers that wind through Ayutthaya.

If you are more in the north of Thailand and want to dive deeper into the past and history of Thailand, plan a trip to the Sukhothai Historical Park. Sukhothai was a thriving metropolis in the 13th and 14th centuries, with numerous temples, ruins, and Buddha statues reminding us today. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is divided into three areas that you can explore well over a full day.

Vacation Guru Tip: You may have heard of the Loy Krathong? It is the famous festival of lights celebrated every year throughout Thailand to honor the goddess of water and Buddha. Sukhothai is the birthplace of this festival and is still one of the best places to celebrate Loy Krathong. For five days, festivities take place here, with most of the events taking place in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Beautiful light and sound shows are presented daily, and floating lanterns illuminate the park at night. If you have a chance, come to Thailand during this time. In 2025, Loy Krathong will start on November 5th.

Hin Sam Wan translates to 'Three Whales Rock' and behind this name lies a 75 million-year-old rock formation that majestically rises from the mountains in the far northeast of Thailand. This special place is called 'Three Whales Rock' because from a bird's eye view, the rocks truly resemble a whale family. But that's not the only highlight.

Take an active hiking day during your Thailand vacation and make your way to these impressive stone giants. You can choose from nine well-developed hiking routes, passing a variety of different plant species and soothing waterfalls. And at the end, you will be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views. From here, you can gaze miles beyond: over the Mekong's beaches, through the Phu Wua Forest, and across to the mountains in Laos.

Vacation Guru Tip: Pack your backpack full of Thai delicacies, spread your picnic blanket on the rocks, and wait for the sunset. Then it will become magical, we promise!

Khok Kong, Mueang Bueng Kan District, Bueng Kan 38000

Thailand has countless beautiful beaches - each more paradisiacal than the last, and each will leave you speechless. Therefore, we present our favorites in a separate article. However, in our top 20 attractions for Thailand, we would like to recommend a visit to Railay Beach. Here, in the beautiful province of Krabi, you will not only find a powdery sugar beach, crystal clear water, and a backdrop straight out of a movie, but also adventure. Railay Beach, located on the eponymous peninsula and only accessible by boat, is surrounded by huge limestone cliffs. These are perfect for climbers. It doesn't matter whether you have climbing experience or are a beginner in this sport. You definitely have to try it out - it is something very special in front of this backdrop.

The next attraction in Thailand looks almost unreal. Not only for this reason, it is one of the most famous attractions in the country. Wat Rong Khun, better known to us as the White Temple, is located in Chiang Rai and is an absolute eye-catcher due to its unique architecture and the fact that it is completely white. But that's not all. Inside, it becomes even more unusual. If you expect typical Thai decor, instead you will find murals depicting demons. Additionally, burning Twin Towers and icons such as Harry Potter, Freddy Krueger, Michael Jackson, and Batman are immortalized here.

Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

Wat Rong Khun is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

The entrance fee to Wat Rong Khun is 50 Baht.

Floating markets - sounds crazy, but it is completely normal in Thailand. At these unique markets, vendors offer their goods directly from boats that navigate along canals and rivers. Here you can purchase exotic fruits, local specialties, fresh seafood, and handmade goods while observing the colorful activity on the water. The floating markets are not only places of trade but also popular destinations for tourists wanting to experience the authentic culture and charm of Thailand. In our article on the floating markets in Thailand, you can learn more about this spectacle.

With nearly 1,900 curves, the route in northern Thailand called the Mae Hong Son Loop is one of the most spectacular travel routes in all of Thailand. It starts in Chiang Mai. There, you can choose whether to travel the multi-day round trip in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and whether to do it on a scooter, motorcycle, or by car. Either way, you can look forward to breathtaking views and experiences that you will probably never forget. Drive over numerous hills through a densely forested rainforest, learn about the locals and their culture, stop at roaring waterfalls and beautiful temples, recharge in the hot springs you encounter along the way, and simply let the incredible nature wash over you. Due to its seclusion, the Mae Hong Son Loop is still a little secret tip.

Vacation Guru Tip: You will definitely need an international driving license! On the map we created, you'll find the marked route of the Mae Hong Son Loop.

When you visit the province of Kanchanaburi in western Thailand, you can expect a fascinating mix of history, culture, and nature. Perhaps you have heard of the bridge over the River Kwai or seen pictures? This bridge is the symbol of the city's tragic past during World War II. It was built by prisoners of war, and even today, you can learn more about this tragic history in the museum in Kanchanaburi.

Besides the historical attractions, Kanchanaburi is also blessed with impressive natural beauty. Lush forests, clear rivers, and fascinating waterfalls such as the Erawan Falls in Erawan National Park make the region special. This waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.

Our colleague Maren, Director of Content Strategy at Urlaubsguru, has been to Thailand more than once and therefore has several attractions on her list that she would recommend for your Thailand vacation. Because Maren also likes to venture off the beaten tourist paths and the popular and well-known attractions, her tips are considered genuine insider tips by us in the editorial team, which we are happy to share with you.

Here you will find the top 20 attractions in Thailand at a glance. Click through the gallery and decide which attractions you absolutely do not want to miss during your visit.