By
Molly McArdle, Travel+Leisure
One of the most visited
countries in southeast Asia by international tourists, Thailand attracts
travelers from across the planet with its frenetic, temple-filled
cities and remote beaches. Best of all, you probably don't need a visa to check them out. Add these points of interest in Thailand to the top of your must-do list.
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Bangkok
With more than 8 million people, Bangkok
doubles as Thailand’s largest city and capital. Visitors should head
straight to the famous street food stalls and gleaming temples like Wat
Pho and Wat Arun.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island, sometimes called the Pearl of the Andaman,
attracts everyone from serious scuba divers to casual sun worshippers.
There’s a lot to be had for the luxury traveler too, from designer
stores to white tablecloth restaurants helmed by chefs from
Michelin-starred restaurants.
Koh Samui
Located in the Gulf of Thailand
on the country’s eastern coast, tourists have been visiting this Thai
island since the 1980s. Today, it's a cosmopolitan destination for local
and international tourists, bringing together a surprising mix of
Buddhist temples and Irish pubs.
[post_ads_2]Chiang Mai
Full of temples and ancient teak
hauled by elephants from the surrounding forests, Chiang Mai has been
celebrated as one of the best — and friendliest
— cities on Earth. Once the capital of the kingdom of Lan Na, it’s now
famous for its night bazaar, which sells local art and crafts.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
A 14th-century Thai city
captured by the Burmese in the 16th century, Ayutthaya was the capital
of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The park is home to at least a dozen temples,
but more iconic is perhaps a lone head of the Buddha emerging from the
roots of a banyan tree.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Encompassing the ruins of
Sukhothai, the capital of the eponymous 13th and 14th century kingdom,
the park boasts a 49-foot-high seated Buddha (among many others), entire
palaces, and temples.
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Ban Chiang
A previously unknown Bronze Age
culture was formally recorded here in 1967, with artifacts that date the
archeological site back to as early as 2100 BCE. A museum houses
examples of the handsome and distinctive red-painted pottery uncovered
there.
Phi Phi Islands
Once the home of fishermen and
then, later, a coconut plantation, this group of islands only filled
with travelers after the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach was released
in 2000. Whether or not you’ve seen the movie, the stunning backdrop of
these limestone islands makes clear why it was chosen as a filming
location. Head straight to Maya Bay for an afternoon of incredible snorkeling and postcard-worthy beaches.
