5 Not To Miss Destinations in Thailand
Thailand has been a popular vacation destination for every type of traveler, from the backpacker to the luxury traveler, for many years. It's a diverse country that has bustling cities, lush forests, and beautiful beaches. While you could easily spend months exploring all that the country has to offer, here are our five not to miss destinations in Thailand.
Bangkok
More likely than not, your trip to Thailand will start in Bangkok. An electric city that has so much to offer from temples to street food. Come to party your way through Khao San Road, cruise your way through one of the floating markets, or taste a bit of luxury and dine at one of the roof top bars overlooking the city.
Chiang Mai
Farther North in Thailand is the walled city of Chiang Mai. A popular destination for expats and a jumping point for jungle trekking and elephant rescue camps. Every night the streets shut down and stalls pop up for Chiang Mai's famous night markets. Here you can find a variety of souvenirs, gifts, and amazing street food. If you are visiting over the weekend, the Sunday night market is especially large.
Pai
Just above Chiang Mai, settled in the Northern Thai mountains is the small town of Pai. In this sleepy, hippy town you can find a plethora of unique outdoor activities and delicious Western food. Visit Pai Canyon, the Land Split, one of the natural hot springs, or take a swim in one of the many waterfalls. You also can't beat renting a motorbike and exploring the countryside for some amazing views.
Ko Tao
Ko Tao is a small island just North of party island Ko Phangan. Known for its amazing diving and frequent turtle sightings, many tourists come here to get PADI certified. However, if you aren't ready to commit to a diving certification, the snorkeling here is amazing as well. Be sure to visit the unique Nang Yuang Island, three small islands connected by a small sandbar!
Khao Sok
I think that this destination is often overlooked. Khao Sok is a National Park situated in Southern Thailand, with dense forests scattered across tall limestone mountains which shoot out of the strikingly turquoise water. Khao Sok is known for their nature, animals, caves, and floating bamboo huts. I recommend doing an overnight tour through the park to get a chance to really explore and stay the night in one of the famous floating bamboo huts. The accommodations range from basic to more luxury style, to suit every type of traveler.
Phi Phi Islands
You can't get much more stereotypical Thai Islands than Ko Phi Phi. Are the Phi Phi Islands extremely popular and over-crowded? Yes. Are they worth it anyways? Yes. Make a trip to these islands for at least two days, just to soak in the view. Hire a longboat for the day to stop by and see all of the main beaches and sights. Maya Bay was probably the most popular attraction here, made popular after they filmed the movie The Beach there. Unfortunately, this beach is currently closed indefinitely in an effort to help restore the marine ecosystem. Luckily, there are many other beautiful coves, bays, and beaches to explore!
There are many other destinations to explore in Thailand. Which spots are your favorite?