Thailand has white-sand beaches, busy cities, and world-famous food traditions. The country has a past that goes back hundreds of years and a culture that is both strange and friendly. However, Thailand has so many things to give that you might not know where to start. U.S. News looked at things like weather, food, sights, and more to find the best places to visit in Thailand. Please vote below to help choose the list for next year.
List of 7 Best Places to Visit in Thailand | 2024
1. Udon Thani
This city in northeast Thailand is great for vacationers who like to pack a lot into their days. First, go to the temple Wat Phothisomphon. Next, go to the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre to learn about Udon Thani’s Chinese history. Some tourists will want to focus on Udon Thani’s nature attractions, like the peaceful Red Lotus Lake and Nong Prachak Public Park. You might want to take a day trip to Ban Chiang, which is close by. It is a Bronze Age UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important prehistoric towns in Southeast Asia.
2. Hat Yai
Hat Yai is in the southern part of Thailand, close to the border with Malaysia. It is a famous place for tourists to stop between Thailand and Malaysia. This big, worldly city is a great place to shop, with many malls, night bazaars, and a unique floating market where people in small boats along a canal sell food and other goods from around the world. When you’re not trying to get the best deal, you should see the beautiful Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol temple, which is made completely of stainless steel. Another must-see sight in Hat Yai is the huge statue of Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj, which is in Hat Yai Municipal Park.
3. Ko Chang
The elephant-shaped point on this big island gave it the name Ko Chang, which means “Elephant Island” in Thai. It is less crowded than Phuket but just as beautiful. Its west side has beautiful beaches (some sandy, some rocky), small towns, and a range of places to stay. In the middle, you can hike through tropical jungles and get to gushing waterfalls. Keep in mind, though, that Ko Chang isn’t as well set up for tourists as some other Thai islands, so it takes a little longer to get here.
4. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park has a lot of great qualities, such as: It is Thailand’s oldest and most popular national park. It is also the country’s third-largest national park and one of the largest complete monsoon forests in mainland Asia. This beautiful national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has more than 30 miles of hiking trails, some of which lead to beautiful waterfalls. Do keep in mind, though, that most of the paths need guides. While you’re exploring, you might see elephants, sun bears, and different kinds of hornbills that live in Khao Yai.
5. Hua Hin District
The Gulf of Thailand is a famous place for vacations, and the Hua Hin District has lots of things to do, like water parks, golf courses, and night markets. At Hua Hin Beach, people can ride banana boats or climb Khao Takiap hill to see the view (but watch out for the wild monkeys that live there). Day trips from Hua Hin are also very easy to plan. Amazing places to visit, like Phraya Nakhon Cave and Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s biggest national park, are both less than 40 miles from the city centre.
6. Lampang
Go to Lampang for a holiday full of culturally rich things to do. Lampang is about 70 miles southeast of Chiang Mai. It is famous for its horse-drawn carriages, real Thai food, and beautiful temples, such as the old Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. Along Kad Kong Ta, a street that turns into a market on the weekends, you can look for gifts. At the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum, you can learn about how the chicken bowl is made. People go to nearby Chae Son National Park to do something unique: they boil eggs in the park’s natural hot springs.
7. Khao Sok National Park
Going to Khao Sok National Park will take your breath away, even if you don’t normally like being outside. Khao Sok is a very biologically varied place with magnificent waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. There are about 200 types of plants and animals here, such as tigers, elephants, and Southern pig-tailed macaques (monkeys). There is a lot of rain in the park all year, so the best time to go is during the dry season, which is from December to April.
FAQ’s
Q1: What makes these places in Thailand the best to visit in 2024?
Our selection focuses on destinations that offer a perfect blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and diverse experiences, making them stand out as exceptional places to visit in Thailand.
Q2: Are these places suitable for different preferences and budgets?
Absolutely. Whether you seek vibrant city life, historical sites, or tranquil beach retreats, our list caters to various preferences and includes options for different budget ranges.
Q3: What types of activities can visitors expect in these places in Thailand?
Activities vary by location but may include cultural tours, temple visits, outdoor adventures, relaxation on pristine beaches, and indulging in local cuisine. Each place offers a distinctive range of experiences to suit different interests.
