Thailand is a country that is rich in culture and beauty. So sometimes trying to decide where you want to go and what you want to see while in Thailand can be time-consuming and difficult.
Based on our own experience and the experiences of our customers, here are some of our favorite attractions across Thailand, from Bangkok all the way to the beaches of Phuket.
Highlights
- In Bangkok, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are stunning places and to visit them helps understand Thai history and culture.
- Also, while in Bangkok, many travelers like to see the Jim Thompson House to learn more about Thai architecture an art.
- If you are interested in the ruins of the capitals of ancient kingdoms, you can visit Ayutthaya Historical Park or Sukhothai Historical Park.
- Like history and WWII? The Death Railway and Bridge over the River Kwai are great ways to see famous historical sites.
- Our favorite attractions near Chiang Mai include the Elephant Nature Park, Doi Inthanon, and the Golden Triangle.
- Want to hit the beach? Check out Bophut in Koh Samui and Bangtao in Phuket.
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew complex are the number one tourist attraction in Bangkok, due to its beautiful architecture, spiritual significance, and historical importance.
The Grand Palace was the home of the kings of Siam for over 150 years. Today, the building is not used as much by the Thai royal family, but the importance of the area still remains. The architecture of the Grand Palace is enchanting and it is a must-see when you are in Thailand.
Within the precincts of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew which is commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Famous throughout Asia for its spiritual importance, this temple is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists who want to see the famous Buddha statue that was carved from a single block of jade.
5-Day Essential Bangkok Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
|
Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy
More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
|
Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive.
More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
|
Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand
More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
|
Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable!
I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze.
More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
|
Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast
More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
|
My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism.
More
Richard,
Jul 2023
|
A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans.
More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
|
Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again.
More
CL,
Jul 2023
|
I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience.
More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
|
Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional.
More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
|
We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot
I recommend asiahilights 150%
The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding
From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ????
More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
|
Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia.
More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
|
Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life.
More
Customer,
Jun 2023
|
Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience!
More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
|
We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay!
Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle!
I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!!
More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
|
Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough.
More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
|
This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure!
More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
|
Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights!
-Alex
More
Alex,
May 2023
|
I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions.
More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
|
Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods
More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
|
2. Wat Arun in Bangkok
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is an iconic landmark of Bangkok.
Its splendid 79-meter-high (259 ft) central spire with 4 smaller spires around it can be often seen in pictures of Thailand and tourist brochures. Inlaid with a variety of colorful ceramic plates, glass, and shells, these spires look magnificent, especially on a sunny day.
From the top of the central spire, you can see the winding Chao Phraya River spread below and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho opposite you.
3. Wat Pho in Bangkok
Wat Pho
Located close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is popular among tourists as it is less crowded and showcases the Buddhist culture of Thailand.
Wat Pho has many reasons to be well-renowned: it is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok; it houses one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in the world; and possesses more than a thousand figures and paintings of the Buddha.
Beyond all doubt, the biggest highlight of Wat Pho is the enormous Reclining Buddha, which spans a length of 45 m (150 ft) and a width of 15 m (50 ft). Covered in gold leaf, it is truly a resplendent sight.
7-Day Central Thailand Exploration:
Recommended Itinerary
4. Jim Thompson House in Bangkok
Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a famous spot for Bangkok visitors because it excellently showcases traditional Thai architecture and home design. Built by Jim Thompson, the American CIA agent turned silk trader who mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s, the house is just as mysterious as it is beautiful.
A museum now, the house itself consists of six teak Thai-styled buildings and is full of ancient Asian objects from Thailand, China, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Walking through the house, visitors will be able to see paintings, sculptures, and other rare items, which were part of Jim Thompson's personal collection.
5. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park is located near Bangkok and is what remains of the capital city of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom which existed from 1351 to 1767.
During the existence of the Kingdom, many grand and historically important temples were built in Ayutthaya. Today, this area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its cultural and historical importance.
The Ayutthaya Historical Park covers a 3 sq km (1 sq mi) area full of impressive ruins of temples and palaces. The best way to see the park is to take a tour or rent a bike in order to see as many of the famous temples as possible.
Some of our personal favorite sites in the park include Wat Phra Si Sapphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, where the largest bronze Buddha statue is located.
8-Day Northern Thailand Discovery:
Recommended Itinerary
6. Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai used to be the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries and is located in Northern Thailand.
The park includes the remains of 21 different historical sites inside the city walls. However, a lot of the most impressive and large ruins are located outside the city walls.
The park is quite a large place and it is best to explore it by bicycle or car. One of the great things about Sukhothai Park is that, although it is popular with tourists, because it covers such a large area, it is still comparatively quiet and peaceful.
7. The White Temple in Chiang Rai
The White Temple
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai is one of the most remarkable and stunning temples in Thailand. As its name implies, it is an all-white temple.
When sunlight shines on the fragments of mirrors that decorate the walls of the temple, it appears pure and solemn, a work of art in itself.
Chalermchai Kositpipat, the designer of the White Temple, states that white represents purity and the glittering mirrors symbolize wisdom.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you must pay a visit to the temple to view its charms for yourself.
8. Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang
Chedi Luang means big pagoda in Thai. The temple got its name for the large, square, Lana-style pagoda located in its center. Along with Wat Phra Singh, it is among the most exalted temples in Chiang Mai.
Originally 98 m (321 ft) high, the pagoda was once the tallest building in north Thailand. But after a massive earthquake, the Thai Burma War, and lightning strikes, only the 42-meter-high (137 ft) tower base and ground floor remain. Yet, it is still the tallest building in Chiang Mai Old City.
Although the tower is in ruins, when you stand in front of it, you can still sense its majesty and solemnity and cannot help but wonder about the time when it was first built.
Recommended Itinerary
9. Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai
Death Railway
The Siam-Burma Railway (also known as Death Railway) is a 415-kilometer (258-mile) stretch of railroad that runs between Thailand and Myanmar.
This railway was built by the Japanese Army during WWII and became notorious due to it being built by the forced labor of British, Australian, Dutch, and American prisoners of war.
During the construction of the railway, more than 16,000 prisoners died of various sicknesses and malnourishment.
The railway passes through a small town in Thailand called Kanchanaburi which has a war museum and is also the location of the real Bridge over the River Kwai.
Although the true bridge looks much different than the one in the movie and goes by a different name, many people visit the site to see the inspiration behind the famous story.
4-Day Best of Chiang Mai Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
10. The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
The Elephant Nature Park is becoming well-known to travelers throughout the world and there is good reason why.
Unlike other elephant parks that force breeding, use bullhooks, or allow guests to ride the elephants, the Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for elephants who were mistreated or abused in the past.
Here the elephants live peaceful happy lives and have ethical interaction with park visitors.
The focus of the park is to give travelers the incredible experience of interacting with these wonderful and gentle giants by caring for them. Visitors can choose from half-day or overnight visits, during which they can feed, bathe, and hike with the elephants.
11. Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak, sitting at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level and it is one of the country's hidden treasures.
Due to its altitude, the mountain area and surrounding national park have much cooler weather than other places in Thailand, and so it is a great break from the sweltering heat of Chiang Mai.
The beauty of Doi Inthanon park is undeniable, with lush green forests, beautiful rivers, and picturesque waterfalls which can all be seen on the many trails through the 482 sq km (299 sq mi) of the park.
This park is also home to some unique and disappearing Northern Hilltribes of Thailand, who are trying to resettle the area and maintain their traditional culture.
10-Day Thailand Rain Forest and Beach Escape:
Recommended Itinerary
12. The Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai
Located northeast of Chiang Rai, the Golden Triangle is known for its views of the surrounding rolling hills and also as the place where the countries of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all meet.
Standing on the Thai side of the borders, visitors can see all three countries, the mighty Mekong River, hills dotted with small villages, and the beautiful hilltop temples in the distance.
There are plenty of ways that visitors can experience this area of Thailand, including taking a boat ride to get close to all three nations, visiting the large golden Buddha located in the nearby Wat Phra That Pu Khao, and visitors can also take a peek at the nearby House of Opium Museum.
13. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Longtail boats loaded with fruit and vegetables shuttle through narrow canals with tropical trees on either side. Peddlers wearing straw hats shout to sell their wares. The floating market is one of the most iconic features of Thailand.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in southwest Bangkok, about a 1? -hour drive from the city. Yellow bananas, fresh mangoes, juicy cut coconuts, colorful flowers, hot noodles, and smiling vendors greet you. Their hawking amid the bustling crowds makes the market come alive.
12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
14. The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth is an all-wooden structure located on a quiet beach in Pattaya. From a distance, it looks like a majestic sailboat. Exquisite and complex woodcarvings cover the walls of the temple.
A privately constructed structure, the founder employed Thailand's skilled craftsmen to build the edifice over 30 years; even now, it is still under construction.
The original intention of the founder was to preserve the wooden crafts and carving arts of Thailand and express his religious beliefs and Oriental philosophy.
Further Reading: Top 10 Things to Do in Pattaya
15. Bophut in Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Bophut is one of the few remaining places on Koh Samui that still has some of the island's original Chinese culture and atmosphere. The Bophut area even still has an authentic and well-preserved Fisherman's Village, located in the middle section of the beach.
While other fisherman's villages on the island have been turned into tourist traps, Bophut has managed to maintain the original charm of their village, with streets lined by old wooden Chinese shop-houses.
Besides the draw of an authentic island experience, Bophuts 2-kilometer (1-mile) long white-sand beach that is fringed by palm trees is the perfect place to relax. The calm waters of the area also make for great water sports.
9-Day Thailand East Coast Island Hopping Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
16. Bangtao in Phuket
Phuket
Bangtao has something for every beachgoer, from luxury resorts and villas to more mid-range options. Bangtao beach is the second largest beach in Phuket, over 8-kilometers long. It has plenty of space for large resorts but also plenty of natural scenery.
During the high season, the waters near Bangtao are calm and perfect for swimming as well as watersports. The waters near the northern end of the beach are often rougher and offer a good opportunity for surfers.
17. Similan Islands National Park
The Similan Archipelago, which comprises nine islands, was designated a national park in 1982. It is popular with scuba-diving enthusiasts because of its unique corals, colorful fish, soft beaches, high underwater visibility, and a water temperature of 28℃ (82℉).
9-Day Thailand Family Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
18. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is located in the northeast of Bangkok, about a 3-hour drive from the city. Spread across 2,170 sq km (840 sq miles) of rainforest, grasslands, mountains, and waterfalls, the park is perfect for spotting wildlife, breathing in the fresh air, and hiking.
The cool temperature, excellent air quality, fascinating scenery, and many activities attract locals and visitors who come here to discover a land of idyllic beauty.
19. Chiang Mai Old City
Chiang Mai Old City
Chiang Mai Old City was the center of the Lanna Kingdom (a kingdom that once controlled northern Thailand) in ages past. The kingdom collapsed in 1556 and only the old city survived. Now it forms part of the cultural heritage of Thailand.
Chiang Mai Old City is shaped like a square and surrounded by walls and moats. Tha Phae Gate, the most famous landmark there, is the starting point for a night-market tour.
10-Day Thailand Honeymoon Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
20. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is located in southern Thailand, a 3-hour drive from Phuket. The landscape is full of exotic plants as well as tropical hardwood trees and wildlife.
The evergreen jungles in the park are thought to be the oldest rainforest on earth, estimated to be more than 1.6 million years old.
Tour Thailand with Us
We welcome the chance to help you plan your trip to Thailand. We will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodation, and activities that best suit your requirements. Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning a hassle-free vacation with us today!