This is a guest post by Alex from Inspire A Better Life.
With airlines like Jetstar and Virgin Australia flying between Australia and Thailand for as little as $150, there’s no excuse not to visit the ‘Land of Smiles’ at least once. Here are just 5 places in Thailand that are well worth a visit.
Koh Lanta Yai
Thailand’s islands are world-renowned for their relaxed beach lifestyle and postcard-worthy scenery. Of the many islands to choose from, it’s perhaps Koh Lanta Yai that offers the most well-rounded experience. Relatively untouched by the tourists swarming nearby islands, Koh Lanta Yai is home to deserted beaches, nature reserves and clear, calm waters that are perfect for snorkelling. With mangrove forests, caves, a national park, a waterfall, and a charming old town all on one peaceful island, Koh Lanta Yai has something for everyone.
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ko_Lanta_Beach.jpg
Ayutthaya
The ancient city of Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand (then known as Siam) from 1351 to 1767. After growing to become the largest city in the world in the 18th century, Ayutthaya was destroyed by Burmese forces and fell into ruin. The ancient city, now known as Ayutthaya Historical Park, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Visit the crumbling palaces and temples of Ayutthaya Historical Park, or explore modern-day Ayutthaya to find unassuming eateries, museums, and a colourful floating market.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/trodel/3801975670
Chiang Mai
The main hub of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is both older and calmer than its southern cousin. The old city centre is bordered by centuries-old walls on all four sides; measuring just 2.5 square kilometres, this makes Chiang Mai a fantastic city to explore on foot. That said, travellers willing to drive or hire a vehicle can quickly reach a landscape of lush rainforests, waterfalls, hot springs and small villages. Both inside the city walls and scattered around its scenic outskirts, Chiang Mai is home to beautiful temples and charming markets, as well as a variety of cooking classes and wildlife tours.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/christianhaugen/3344176357
Sukhothai Historical Park
The very first capital of Siam, Sukhothai was one of the cultural epicentres of Thailand. It’s here that the country first developed its distinctive style of architecture, which is evident in the temples, shrines and art of Sukhothai. Much like Ayutthaya, the ruins of ancient Sukhothai have been partially restored and turned into ‘Sukhothai Historical Park’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike Ayutthaya (which is close enough to Bangkok to visit on a daytrip), most visitors to Sukhothai Historical Park stay overnight in the nearby cities of New Sukhothai or Phitsanulok. Unscathed by pillaging and war, Sukhothai still evokes a serenity fitting of its ancient Buddhist origins.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yosika/15026031857
Pai
Tucked away near the Thai-Burmese border is the backpacker paradise of Pai. Although the town’s economy relies heavily on tourism, Pai enjoys a laidback atmosphere that seems almost impossible to find in other tourist-dominated towns. The main streets are typically occupied by an eclectic mix of Thai Rastas, Muslims and free-spirited westerners, with a range of venues catering to their diverse tastes. After getting your bearings around town, rent a motorcycle to explore the surrounding countryside; among other things, the area is home to several waterfalls and hot springs, a huge canyon, and a number of fascinating hill tribes.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124733761@N03/15745251701
I hope you liked this guest post about Thailand.
Which place in Thailand would you like to visit?
Learn more about Alex
Alex is a 23 year old lover of life, interior design & adventure. After moving to Sydney when finishing a journalism degree, he began his blog Inspire A Better Life to positively influence others to get out there and see all life has to offer. Join Alex as he discovers this life one day at a time, documenting his thoughts and other along the way!
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Do you want to be a guest on my blog? Just send me an email at marlies@magnificentescape.com with your ideas and before you know it your post will be online!
Ohhh my home country Thailand! I havent visited much of Thailand though because everytime we go back to Thailand is to be with the family. My father just moved to Ayuttaya so hopefully we can stroll around there this coming winter!
Author
Oh you will love Ayuttaya! Thailand is so beautiful! I hope you can visit more of your home country!
I visited Thailand a few years ago, I loved Chiang Mai, as you said calmer than Bangkok. Koh Lanta looks heavenly and not as rowdy as some of the other party islands.
Author
Definitely!
Thailand has such a rich culture and history! Thanks for all of the tips, I hope I can visit this place soon!
Author
You are welcome and I hope so too!
This is exactly what I needed. I am from Asia, but not that familiar with different parts of Thailand and places worth visiting. But I needed this information to plan my upcoming trip there. Thanks a ton!
Author
I am happy we could help 🙂 Have fun!
Thailand it is a lovely place, for me, it is not easy to find the cheapest flight because I am from Portugal but it was really worth every euro I spent on it… Just didn’t go to Koh Lanta Yai because I spent 1 month traveling from Bangkok to North. Great choice of places in this post 🙂
Author
Very true! 🙂 Wow 1 month of traveling in Thailand. I would love to do that!
Been only to Chiang Mai from this list. Heard a lot of Pai but didn’t have much time. Thanks for this one.
Author
You are welcome 🙂
Those airfares from Australia are amazing. Being from the USA, we definitely can’t fly that cheaply. Thailand is definitely on my list to visit. Your suggestions are ones that I will keep in mind.
Author
Glad we could help. I hope you get there one day!
Man, that’s nostalgic. Been to all these places except Pai and thoroughly enjoyed them. Looking forward to make a trip to Pai soon enough.
Author
Let me know what you think of Pai when you visit it 🙂
Thailand is such a great place to visit and deffo has the variety for all travellers. I’ve been to a few of the places mentioned in the post – but have not heard of Pai. It looks stunning and right up my street in terms of what I look for in my trips.
Author
I have only recently heard of Pai and only good things!
Oh yes! We are eyeing Thailand as one of our first destinations abroad this 2018. The land is just so full of culture and history. We also would like to rock climb there, especially in the crags of Krabi.
Author
You will love Thailand! Have fun!
This is a great guest post! Very to the point on where to go in Thailand, which I would not even know where to start! There is so much to see in Thailand this post is a great guide to go by.
Author
Thank you. Happy we could help 🙂
I have seen lot of posts about Thailand but this one is special as The temple is awesome with the pictures of Buddha in the middle.Something amazing!!
Author
Alex made an amazing a list of Thailand 🙂
This was a great post! For a long time now, I have been wanting to travel to Thailand for a long time already. So many beautiful places there to see and explore. I hope I get to go there soon.
Author
Thank you and I hope you get there soon to. Thailand is amazing 🙂
Not just Australia, I think India is also pretty lucky in terms of cheap flight tickets to Thailand. I’d love to take a trip to Chiang Mai and it’s high on our list of places to visit. Thailand is incredible with so many places to explore
Author
That is true! Chiang Mai is so beautiful. Definitely worth a visit. Hope you get there one day.
Nice trip ideas! I did Chiang Mai but need to see the rest!
Great tips and photos! Thanks for sharing!
Author
Thanks!
Nice article with most of the famouse place to visit in Thailand ! I have been Thailand & I really like my trip of Thaialnd. There are lots of thing for a travels but these shared name are enough to visit in Thailand!
Author
Well thank you.
Hoi Marlies,
Van je broer deze leuke blog doorgekregen.
Wij boeken alvast de fietstour in Bangkok, vertrek staat gepland op 14 april!
Dankjewel voor de leuke tips !
Author
Hey Ella,
Leuk dat Maarten mijn blog aan jou heeft voorgesteld!
Momenteel is het hier een beetje stil maar daar komt binnenkort verandering in.
Als je nog vragen hebt mag je mij altijd mailen of bellen als dat handiger is.
Heel veel plezier in Thailand!!