Plan a trip to Thailand

Thailand… to get you into vacation mode, here are a few enticing descriptions of what Thailand is famous for: stunning islands, pristine white sand beaches, magnificent royal palaces, delicious street food, lush tropical forests, fascinating and exotic culture, captivating ancient monuments, ornate temples, great shopping, and reasonable prices. Add this to the mix - the warmth, friendliness, and hospitability of the Thai people - and you’ll understand why Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has become the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family vacation with kids, or a get-away filled with relaxation and/or adventure, Thailand doesn’t disappoint.

Thailand can be divided into 5 main geographical regions: Northern Thailand, where Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle are located; Isaan, the great northeast region of backcountry; central Thailand, where Bangkok, the capital, is situated; eastern Thailand, location of stunning beaches and several national parks; and southern Thailand, home to lush rainforests, a long coastline, and an archipelago of islands including Phuket, Koh Samui, and other well-known Thai beach spots.

Most trips to Thailand start in Bangkok, the capital - a large, colorful, and boisterous city characterized by a futuristic cityscape alongside iconic, ornate temples and golden Buddhas, a network of canals stemming from the Chao Phraya River, and a vibrant street life. Bangkok’s major tourist attractions are mainly historical or religious sites - no wonder, since 95% of the Thai population practices Buddhism.

The Rattanakosin (old-Bangkok style) royal district encompasses over 100 buildings spanning over 200 years of royal history and architectural innovation. It is home to the magnificent Grand Palace, a former royal residence currently used only on ceremonial occasions, and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The holy, architecturally unique Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple) is located in the palace complex and is known as the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism and royalty, with the Emerald Buddha mystically uniting them. The nearby Wat Pho Temple, built by King Rama I, contains a huge, reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and the country's first public university. The iconic, projectile-shaped Wat Arun Temple (Temple of the Dawn), is located on the opposite shore. Climb its steep stairs for remarkable views of the river and surroundings.

Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, is a beautiful ancient temple complex and a popular Bangkok landmark located on Bangkok’s only hill. Its 318 stairs lead to the golden pagoda and panoramic views of the city.

Lumphini Park, named for the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, is Bangkok’s largest park and a green haven in the middle of the bustling city. Its artificial lake with paddle boating, beautiful greenery, playgrounds, trails, and large monitor lizards make it a fun destination with kids.

If you’re looking for museums, the National Museum is home to large and diverse collections, and Wang Na Palace, the residence of King Rama I, has been well-preserved and contains religious, ceremonial, and royal artifacts as well as a notable collection of Buddha figures. Museum Siam is a discovery museum which explores Thai history and national identity.

Shopping abounds in Bangkok, from inexpensive goods to luxury items. The semi-outdoor Chatuchak Weekend Market, with over 15,000 stalls, is the world’s largest market and a top tourist destination offering everything from jewelry and religious artifacts to mouthwatering street food. The floating market in Ratchaburi, about 1.5 hours from Bangkok, provides a unique, canal-based shopping experience with local foods and products and a great variety of souvenirs. In the Terminal 21 shopping mall, each floor is themed to a different global city, offering a mix of local and international brands. Bangkok’s famous night markets offer entertainment, street food, and a wide range of goods.

Street life comes alive on the boisterous Khao San Road, Bangkok’s backpacker district, which is filled to the brim with travelers from around the globe, clothing stands, guesthouses, and food vendors. Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the largest and best Chinatowns in the world, is another colorful neighborhood.

They say that you can’t really experience Bangkok without sampling the local cuisine- the street food in particular. You’re in for a pleasurable surprise -– the delicious grilled meats and fish, spicy noodles, curries, fresh fruit, and other authentic local specialties are far superior to what is known around the world as “Thai food”!

Sukhothai Historical Park, also located in central Thailand, is a World Heritage site housing the ruins of the 13th-century Sukhothai Kingdom. Surrounded by ancient city walls, it includes 21 historical sites, 4 big pools, 26 temples, and a royal palace.

Ayutthaya, just north of Bangkok, contains archeological ruins of this 14th century capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The Ayutthaya National Park, on an island between 3 rivers, has remains of palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and statues.

For those who are feeling nostalgic about the Bridge over the River Kwai, a trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Kanchanaburi Province. The historic bridge, which had been the location of conflict and bloodshed during World War II, was renovated after the war and is now a major tourist destination and a fully operational railway.

Heading north, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most visited tourist destinations, offering a different side of the country – thick tropical rainforests, jungle-like mountains, hilly treks, and more active Buddhist temples than any other city in Thailand. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is a contemporary architectural masterpiece, and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) is built on a site where tigers are said to have jumped over the river. Doi Suthep offers spectacular views of the city.

On the long San Kamphaeng Road you’ll find local craftsmen selling their creations – everything from silk to pottery. Chiang Mai’s Old City, home to some of the city’s finest hotels, oldest temples, and outstanding restaurants, is surrounded by channels, with visible remains of the moat and old city walls. The famed Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, home to a wide range of shopping and food stalls, is just outside the Old City. Waterfall trekking, bamboo rafting along the Mae Want River, and visits to a jungle elephant sanctuary –including swimming with the elephants! - are top Chiang Mai experiences. From Chiang Mai you can easily visit the Golden Triangle where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet.

With Thailand’s host of islands, which are the top tourist destinations?

Koh Samui in the southeast, Thailand’s second largest island, doesn’t disappoint with its picture-perfect, palm-lined beaches, soft white sand, and crystal clear water. Koh Samui is also known for its coconut groves, breathtaking sunsets, mountainous rainforest, plentiful luxurious spas, and famous temples. The nearby islands are a quick ferry ride away and are prime relaxation and scuba diving locations. Ang Thong National Marine Park, extending over 42 islands, is ideal for trekking through thick Thai jungles and viewing exotic animal species. The 12 meter tall Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is a Koh Samui icon.

Phuket, another popular Thai destination for beach-lovers, is located in the southwest of the country. The Kata Noi, Nai Harn, and Surin beaches are well-known, providing tranquil settings and a variety of resort options. Temples and Buddhas are ubiquitous in Thailand, and, in Phuket, the 45-meter tall Big Buddha towers over the island from the top of Nakkerd Hill. Phuket town is another attraction with its Sino-Portuguese buildings and restored markets. Nearby Hua Hin, which was once the king’s summer retreat, is an ideal destination for families and those who are looking to get away from crowds.

The Krabi province, on southern Thailand’s west coast, is made up of over 200 islands. It is home to fabulous beaches and vast national parks, including the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park with lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and natural warm-weather pools. As the coast in Krabi is steep and rugged, it attracts climbers from all over the globe. The outstanding Railay Beach is well-known for its caves, and the Phi Phi Islands, bordered by limestone and coral waters, offer some of the best snorkeling in Thailand as well as kayaking, sailing, and bird-watching.

Wondering when is the best time for a Thai vacation? While tourists flock to Thailand year-round, November to early April is considered ideal as the weather is dry, the temperatures are warm but comfortable, and there is up to 9 hours of sunshine a day. February to May is the hot and dry season, and June to October is monsoon season.

Ready for the boundless opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and exploration that exotic Thailand offers? Routeperfect is your address for planning, organizing, and booking your personalized dream vacation. Unlike any other company, Routeperfect offers its exclusive popular itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to customize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.