from temples to beaches, a paradise not to be missed

THE thailand it is made up of several cities, rich and full of points of interest that annually attract thousands and thousands of tourists.

From temples to paradise beaches, there is a lot to see and visit, according to each one’s taste and, of course, with the time available to explore this magnificent destination. Take note of some of the places not to be missed if you go to Thailand.

Thailand: the attractions you really cannot miss

In Bangkok, in the capital of Thailand, more specifically in the old part, you will find some absolutely unmissable attractions.

It is the case of grand palace in bangkokwhich served as the official residence of the royal family until the beginning of the 20th century.

This huge architectural complex houses the Wat Phra Kaewalso known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha, because inside it houses, precisely, the statue of the Emerald Buddha.

Nearby, you will find yet another temple, in this case, the Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the oldest temple in the city and is known for having the largest collection of Buddha statues in Thailand (about 400).

However, the highlight goes to the statue of the reclining Buddha, which boasts an impressive 15 meters high and 46 meters long.

To end the tour of the temples, go to the Wat Arunalso called the Temple of Dawn, which is right in front of Wat Pho.

In this case, its attractions are largely due to its architecture and its privileged views over the river and over the entire city of Bangkok.

street markets from thailand

Street markets are part of Thai culture and, therefore, exist in a wide range of cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, among others. In these spaces, it is possible to learn more about the local cuisine and do some shopping.

In Bangkok, there are some of the most emblematic markets, such as the floating ones, which, as the name suggests, are located on the water, in this case on the river. Some of these markets are, for example, the Damnoen Saduak or the Taling Chan.

However, those who prefer dry land can also visit the largest market in Thailand, the Chatuchak Market, or the Maeklongwhich runs on the tracks of the railway line.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is one of the most important archaeological sites in Thailand and is the former capital of the country. Here, there is a very popular temple, the Wat Mahathatin addition to several ruins that you can discover.

If you’re staying in Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a 45-minute train ride away.

Sukhothai

Another archaeological site and former capital of Thailand that deserves a visit. Although less popular than Ayutthaya, Sukhothai has better preserved ruins and, therefore, its visit becomes even more wonderful.

This site is located between Bangkok and the city of Chiang Mai, in the northern part of the country.

chiang mai

This is the second largest city in Thailand, preserving part of the wall that once protected the place. Among the attractions of this destination are temples such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, which date back to the Lanna empire.

Wat Chedi Luang was the largest building in that empire and the Emerald Buddha, which we mentioned earlier, was once housed here.

At the moment, the building is in ruins, and it is still possible to visit the architectural complex, made up of the archaeological site and other temples of more recent construction.

Outside the city, between the mountains, there is still the Wat Doi Suthepa temple that offers a superb view over the city.

Chiang Rai

Two to three hours from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai attracts tourists mainly for its White Temple or Wat Rong Khun.

This used to be a temple, but in the meantime it was acquired by a contemporary Thai artist, Charlemchai Kositpipat, who restored it and turned it into a building, where art and religion live side by side.

See too
Postcards from Cambodia: a trip to Thailand with a window to the sea

Thailand beaches and islands

And we close the article with what is, for many, the “golden key”: the beaches and islands of Thailand.

If going to Thailand and not visiting at least one of its temples is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope, the same can be said of going to Thailand and not going to any of its beaches or islands.

Currently, some of the most popular beaches and islands are: Railay and Ao Nang in Krabi Town and the islands of Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi.

On the Gulf of Thailand side, they are particularly popular the islands of Ko Phangan, Ko Samui and Ko Tao.

It is still impossible not to mention the Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Leea beach that was closed, but is about to reopen, and that has gained a lot of fame since in 1999 scenes from the movie “The Beach” were filmed there, whose protagonist was Leonardo DiCaprio.