Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand, often called the “Land of Smiles,” is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world—and for good reason and these are the best places to visit in Thailand. From glittering royal palaces and sacred temples to lush mountains and ancient ruins, the country offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, chasing waterfalls in Chiang Mai, or uncovering centuries-old history in Ayutthaya, Thailand never fails to amaze.

In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 5 must-visit (Best Places To Visit in Thailand) places in Thailand—from the majestic Grand Palace in Bangkok to the mystical White Temple in Chiang Rai.

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – Bangkok

The Grand Palace, built in 1782 as the royal residence, houses the revered Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It remains one of Thailand’s most sacred and iconic sites.

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with last entry typically allowed until 3:30 PM and full close around 4:30 PM. Note that closures may occur during royal ceremonies.

Try Arriving early morning to avoid both crowds and heat. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.

Doi Inthanon National Park – Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai Province)

Named after King Inthawichayanon, one of Chiang Mai’s last monarchs who championed nature conservation. His remains were interred at the summit, which was thereafter named in his honor. Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and the country’s highest peak.

Location: Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. Home to Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 m elevation

The park is open daily year-round, generally from 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM to between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM

Cool season (Nov–Feb) offers clear skies and refreshing weather; a perfect time to visit. Early morning is best for sunrise views.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) – Chiang Rai (Chiang Rai Province)

Designed and constructed by national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, Wat Rong Khun opened to the public in 1997 as a contemporary Buddhist art temple featuring surreal, pop-culture-infused murals and iconic white-glass architecture. A dazzling white masterpiece blending Buddhist tradition with surreal modern art.

Location: Ban Rong Khun, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province

Typically open daily from about 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (6:00 PM)

A good time to visit is during Early morning before 10 AM, or late afternoon when crowds thin.

Ayutthaya Historical Park – Ayutthaya (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province)

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya served as Siam’s thriving capital until its destruction by the Burmese in 1767. Today, it’s preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site (since 1991) featuring temple ruins like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient ruins that reveal the grandeur of Siam’s former capital.

Location: Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Ayutthaya Province

Open daily, approximately between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM depending on the source.
No general park fee, though individual temples may charge 20–50 THB

Try Visiting during the Mornings or late afternoons for cooler weather. Avoid midday heat.

Phimai Historical Park (Nakhon Ratchasima)

One of the largest Khmer temples in Thailand, older than Angkor Wat and rich in cultural history. A Khmer temple complex built in the 11th–12th centuries, modeled after Angkor Wat. Once the spiritual and cultural hub of the region, it was later preserved as a historical park in 1989.

Location: Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Northeast Thailand).
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30/9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. The site is quieter than Ayutthaya, offering a more peaceful experience.

Transportation (How To Get There!)

There are many ways to get to each of these respective locations!

Domestic Flights
Thailand has affordable airlines like Thai Smile, AirAsia, Nok Air, and Bangkok Airways. Flying is the fastest way to cover long distances—for example, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai in just about 1 hour.

Trains
Trains in Thailand are scenic and budget-friendly, especially for routes like Bangkok to Ayutthaya (about 1.5 hours) or overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. They’re slower but a cultural experience in themselves.

Buses & Minivans
Long-distance buses and minivans run daily between major cities and tourist hubs. They are inexpensive and cover routes like Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon, or Bangkok to Nakhon

Car Rentals & Taxis
Renting a car or hiring a private driver gives you flexibility, especially for harder-to-reach spots like Doi Inthanon National Park or Phimai Historical Park.

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