Places to Visit in Thailand
1. Bangkok : A city that never sleeps, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is a modern-day melting pot of contrasting cultures and faiths. Here, towering skyscrapers stand in harmony next to temples and monasteries. The luxury malls and shopping centres compete with the street bazaars and floating markets. Cuisines - both Thai and from around the world are showcased in all their glory on the streets as well as in rooftop restaurants.
2. Pattaya : Popularly known as Thailand's night capital and party hub, Pattaya is a coastal city in the Gulf of Thailand. The beaches and islands in Pattaya offer a wide variety of watersports, snorkelling options, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, making it ideal for families, friends and couples. The nightlife in Pattaya is quite famous for being loud, flashy and handsy.
3. Phuket : Golden beaches, numerous offshore islands, upbeat markets, a high octane nightlife and thrilling watersports characterise Phuket in a nutshell. Those who shy away from dizzy bright lights and alcohol will find themselves at the Cabaret shows or even at the ever-popular street markets. The Phuket Walking Street or Phuket Weekend markets are places where one can spend hours sifting through various clothes, souvenirs and novelty items.
4. Phi Phi Islands: With their pristine waters and vibrant parties, these islands are a wonderful way to spend a few days in Thailand. With four other islands besides the large ones, Phi Phi houses Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Ko Mai Phai, is also known as Bamboo Island. Phi Phi Islands became famous after the 2000 Hollywood flick 'The Beach' that was shot in Ko Phi Phi Le. Ko Phi Phi Leh houses The "Viking Cave" which is a thriving industry that sells edible birds nests.
5. Krabi : Krabi, a popular Southern Thai beach destination, is gaining popularity and is adored by many. Not as popular as Bangkok or Phuket, Krabi has its own charm and can manage to sweep you off your feet if you give it a chance.
6. Chiang Mai : Unlike its southern counterparts, Chiang Mai is known for its laid back vibes, numerous temples and monasteries, crowded local markets, natural and historical sites and countryside with lush greenery. Catering to a large number of expats, young contemporary travellers and families alike, Chiang Mai is a backpacking haven where activities like hiking, cycling, rafting and a plethora of outdoor activities are popular.
7. Ayutthaya : Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is a small city in Thailand containing archaeological sites like temples, monasteries, palaces, etc. It lies just 80 kilometres north of Bangkok and hence is an ideal destination for a day trip from Bangkok. It is a beautiful city oozing history and culture and a UNESCO world heritage site. It derives its name from the Sanskrit word for the place Ayodhya of Ramayana, the birthplace of Lord Ram.
8. Khao Sok National Park: Khao Sok National Park, in the Surat Thani province of Thailand, is the largest pristine forest in the area and is a small part of a rainforest that in yesteryears was bigger and denser than the Amazon rainforest. Rich and diverse in flora and fauna, the park is one of the best places to witness rare species such as Rafflesia flower, hornbill birds, gibbons and tigers. Punctuated by limestone cliffs, mountains, splendid sandstone and mudstone rocks, this is the wettest part of Thailand.