What to See in Thailand - Top Sights and Attractions

Sacred shrine with reclining Buddha. Wat Phra Kaew, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The complex consists of a number of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical centre of Bangkok. It houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha, which is venerated as the country's palladium.

Construction of the temple began in 1783 under the orders of Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty. Since then, each successive king has been personally involved in adding, restoring and embellishing the temple during their reigns as a way of making religious merit and glorifying the dynasty. Many important state and royal ceremonies are held within the temple each year, presided by the king in person and attended by government officials. This makes the temple the nation's preeminent place of worship and a national shrine for the monarchy and the state. Throughout the years, each king has donated sacred and valuable objects to the temple, making it a treasury as well.

The temple complex comprises various buildings for specific religious purposes built in a variety of Thai architectural styles, while still adhering to the traditional principles of Thai religious architecture.^[1]

Opulent former royal residence and museum. The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, resided at the Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor King Vajiralongkorn at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. Throughout successive reigns, many new buildings and structures were added, especially during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). By 1925, the king, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other residences. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all government agencies completely moved out of the palace.

In shape, the palace complex is roughly rectangular and has a combined area of 218,400 square metres (2,351,000 sq ft), surrounded by four walls. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. The Grand Palace is bordered by Sanam Luang and Na Phra Lan Road to the north, Maharaj Road to the west, Sanam Chai Road to the east and Thai Wang Road to the south.

Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.^[2]

Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Wat Pho, also spelled Wat Po, is a Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace. Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, its official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. The more commonly known name, Wat Pho, is a contraction of its older name, Wat Photaram.

The temple is first on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples. It is associated with King Rama I who rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier temple site. It became his main temple and is where some of his ashes are enshrined. The temple was later expanded and extensively renovated by Rama III. The temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including a 46 m long reclining Buddha. The temple is considered the earliest centre for public education in Thailand, and the marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instructions has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. It houses a school of Thai medicine, and is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced at the temple.^[3]

Ruins of the former Siamese capital. Ayutthaya Historical Park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. The city of Ayutthaya was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1351, though it is likely to be significantly older, based on evidence showing that the area was already populated during the Mon Dvaravati period. Sources further mention that around 850 AD, the Khmers occupied the area and established a stronghold there, naming it Ayodhya after one of the holiest Hindu cities in India of the same name. The early history of Ayutthaya is connected to this Khmer settlement. Additionally, Prince Damrong has also attested to the existence of a city named Ayodhya, founded by the Khmers ruling from Lopburi at the point where the three rivers meet. An excavation map shows traces of an ancient baray close to the southwestern tip of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which could have been built on a former important Khmer temple complex.

The city was captured by the Burmese in 1569. Though not pillaged, it lost "many valuable and artistic objects." It was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767.

In 1969, the Fine Arts Department of Thailand began renovations of the ruins, scaling up the project after the site was declared a historical park in 1976. Part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.^[7]

Sports facility in Pong, Thailand. Bira Circuit is a motor racing track in Thailand, named after first Thai formula 1 racing driver, Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh. The circuit has been operated by Bira Circuit One Company, Limited. The track, initially opened in 1985, covers an area of 65 acres. It is a 2.410 km permanent motor and motorbike racing circuit with an offroad track, a rally stage and a go-kart facility. It is located in 111 Moo 5 Banglamung, Chonburi, 15 km Northeast of Pattaya. The circuit is located on State Highway 36 which is 120 km from Bangkok and 20 km from the CBD of Pattaya.

The circuit is twisty and bumpy and consists of elevation and two chicanes, a fast downhill double apex corner. There are 30 pits for racecars, plus a control tower, medical center and meeting room. The grandstand and spectator area can accommodate up to 100,000 people. It is also the first circuit in Thailand that meets the standard of Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (F.I.A.). The South East Asia Touring Car Zone Challenge (SEATCZC) has been run at Bira Circuit since 1992 and the Asian Formula 2000 (AF2000) since 1997. The Circuit has full facilities for arranging all kinds of motorsport events; race meeting, racing school, test drives, etc.

On the straights of Bira's go-kart track speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph) can be achieved depending on the weather conditions. In order to meet Commission Internationale de Karting's standard, the go-kart track was overhauled in 2006.^[13]

Buddhist temple in Koh Samui, Thailand. Wat Plai Laem is a wat on the resort island of Ko Samui, Thailand. Like the nearby Wat Phra Yai or "Big Buddha Temple", it is a modern Buddhist temple. The temple's design incorporates elements of Chinese and Thai traditions and was in part designed by distinguished Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming. Its main statue, which is in Chinese style, is not of Gautama Buddha. It is a form of the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy, Avalokiteśvara, called Cundi. This form of the deity is known in Chinese as "Guanyin with eighteen arms".

In addition to the main statue, there is also a white statue of Budai and smaller shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva and Sakka.

Although it is an open-air image, it is located within an elaborate ubosot on a platform-pavilion surrounded by a temple lake.^[14]

Mountain in Thailand. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand. It is in Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. This mountain is an ultra prominent peak, known in the past as Doi Luang or Doi Ang Ga, meaning the 'crow's pond top'. Near the mountain's base was a pond where many crows gathered. The name Doi Inthanon was given in honour of Inthawichayanon, last King of Chiang Mai, who was concerned about the forests in the north and tried to preserve them. He ordered that, after his death, his remains be interred at Doi Luang, which was then renamed in his honour.

Today, the summit of Doi Inthanon is a popular tourist destination for both foreign and Thai tourists, with a peak of 12,000 visitors visiting the summit on New Year's Day. In addition to a range of tourist facilities on the summit, there is also a Royal Thai Air Force weather radar station at the summit and the Thai National Observatory (TNO) at km44.^[16]

Temple with a large Buddha statue. Phra Pathommachedi or Phra Pathom Chedi is a stupa in Thailand. The stupa is located in the Wat Phra Pathommachedi Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan, a temple in the town center of Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. Phra Pathommachedi is the tallest stupa in Thailand. The top of its spire reaches 120.45 meters, with the base circumference of 235.50 meters.

The name Phra Pathommachedi means the first holy stupa, given by king Mongkut. Originally the stupa named Phra Thom Chedi means the big stupa in ancient Khmer language or the royal stupa in Northern Thai language. One of the common misunderstandings about this stupa is that Phra Pathommachedi is the oldest and the first stupa in Suvarnabhumi, an ancient name of Southeast Asia. Modern Historians believe that the stupa was one of the principal stupas of ancient Nakhon Pathom, the largest settlement of Dvaravati culture in Nakhon Pathom area together with the nearby Phra Prathon Chedi (Thai: พระประโทณเจดีย์) during the 6th to the 8th centuries.^[18]

1300s temple and Emerald Buddha replica. Wat Phra Kaew is a third-common-class royal temple situated in the area of 10,640 square metres on Trairat road, Wiang sub-district, Muang Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai City, Thailand. The King of Thailand upgraded the temple to the royal temple on May 31, 1978. The temple gains historical importance as the place where the Emerald Buddha was found. It is also one of the main centres of Buddhist education and the Sangha's administration in northern Thailand.

Wat Phra Kaew is famous throughout Thailand as the original home of the translucent green Buddha which graces the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok's Grand Palace. It was discovered in 1434 when a bolt of lightning hit an old Chedi. In the occasion of Princess Mother at her 90 years in 1990, Phra Yok Chiangrai, made of jade brought from Canada, a replica of that image was created to presides over at Hor Phra Yok, which was opened by Princess Kalayaniwattana on November 26, 1998.

Wat Phra Kaew is also famous as the one of the royally endowed temple in this province. The abbot, Phra Dhammarachanuwat is the ecclesiastical head of all North Thailand.

Like many temples throughout Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is the beneficiary of many donations of important religious art works from members of its parish making merit. Arguably being the most important temple in the province, this Wat Phra Kaew has received more than its share over many centuries.^[22]

Temple in Bang Si Muang, Thailand. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan, or simple known as Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a Thai temple in the area of Bang Si Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi Province on the Chao Phraya River, regarded as an ancient temple that is older than 160 years old.

The temple is classified as the second rank of royal temple of province alike Wat Paramaiyikawat of Ko Kret. It was built in 1849 by King Nangklao (Rama III) to dedicated to his mother (Queen Consort Sri Sulalai) and grandparents who resided in this area. He gave the name "Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat" since it was not completed. Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawongse (Tish Bunnag) was a project director. The construction was not completed in the reign of King Nangklao due to his death. All construction was transferred to Prayurawongse's second son, Chaophraya Thiphakorawong (Kham Bunnag) in the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), construction was completed in 1858.

This temple has a unique characteristic, unlike other temples in Thailand, due to its border walls are fortified like the Grand Palace wall. This area was once the site of the old fort named "Pom Thapthim". These temple forts were restored in 1992.

Moreover, the ordination hall is also a combination of Thai-Chinese architectural styles, which is majestic scenery. Within the ordination hall, the principal Buddha statue Maravijaya was enshrined, named "Phra Buddha Maha Logapinantapatima". This Buddha statue was cast in the royal foundry, along with the principal Buddha statue of the Wat Ratchanatdaram in Rattanakosin Island.

In the south side is the grand sanctuary of temple, which is called "Wihan Sila Khao". The King Mongkut ordered to bring the another principal Buddha statue named "Phra Sila Khao" to place here in 1858. Nearby is also the site of the chapel, which is Thai-Chinese art as well, with "Phra Buddha Patima Chaiwat" or "Phra Chai Lang Chang" placed inside. On the back of the chapel, there is the white pagoda stand out, this is the Langka style pagoda that height is 45 m (147.64 ft) and putting inside with the Buddha relics.

The monument of King Nangklao is located along the Chao Phraya River behind the temple.^[26]

Box girder bridge. Phra Nang Klao Bridge is a bridge over Chao Phraya River in the area of Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi Province.

In addition to crossing Chao Phraya River, the bridge also connects the area between Sai Ma and Bang Kraso with Suan Yai Subdistricts together along Rattanathibet Road (Highway 302). At present, there is a parallel bridge straddling over the bridge.

Phra Nang Klao Bridge started construction in 1983 and completed 1985 (along with Pathum Thani Bridge) by the Department of Rural Roads (DRR), with a total budget of 505.77 million baht.

The bridge was named in honours King Nangklao (Rama III), the third monarch of Chakri Dynasty, who has a mother (Queen Sri Sulalai) from Nonthaburi.

The entry ramp on the east side of the river contains the Phra Nang Klao Bridge MRT Station (PP08) on MRT Purple Line.^[29]

Wat Bang Oi Chang is an ancient temple is located rim Khlong Bangkok Noi in the area of Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province, on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Its name meaning "place of canes for elephants temple". Because its location are the communities whose duties used to supply elephant food, normally sugar-canes and other plants to the royal elephants during Ayutthaya period. In addition, it was a place where densely grown wodier trees (Oi Chang in Thai) sprouts, hence the name "Bang Oi Chang". At that time, people used the wodier tree bark for elephants. They pounded the bark until soft. The soft bark was then put over the backs of each battle elephant, beneath the howdah. It helped protect the elephant's skin from rubbing directly against the seat.

This temple is assumed to have been built in the late Ayutthaya period around 1761 by local people. During the war with Burma in the King Taksin's reign, the temple site was also used as a place to gather troops for war. Including a place for medical treatment for injured people as well as beasts of burden.

Wat Bang Oi Chang also mentioned in Nirat Phra Pathom (นิราศพระประธม, "journey to Phra Pathom Chedi"), a poem by famous poet Sunthon Phu in 1842. When he traveled to Nakhon Pathom Province to pay homage to Phra Pathom Chedi and passed to this temple by boat.

The inside of the temple is full of interesting things and many other precious relics, such as the hanging (raised as on hill) Buddha’s footprint cast in bronze more than 200 years ago, just one of this in the world, the temple museum exhibits a number of old items, including wooden cabinets for keeping Tripiṭaka scripture. Among them are cupboards that show foreign influences such as communities of Chinese people and Kāma (god of love and passion), with a portrait of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) given to the temple when he made merit at the temple, according to the village head, including items used in the daily lives of people in the past, old coins, kitchenware, war weapons, a wooden boat etc.

In addition, the principal Sukhothai Buddha statue in Māravijaya posture named "Phra Si Satsada" (พระศรีศาสดา), it can be considered an important Buddha statue with a long legend and history alongside Phra Phuttha Chinnarat in Phitsanulok Province and Phra Phuttha Chinnasi of Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok. It once was almost sent to enshrine at Wat Pradu Chimphli in Bangkok's Thonburi side, but was rejected by King Mongkut (Rama IV) because it was an important Buddha statue.^[32]

Buddhist temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Phra Prathon Chedi is one of the oldest stupas in Thailand with the height of 50 metres. The stupa is located in the Wat Phra Prathon Chedi Wora Viharn, a temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 3 km east of Phra Pathommachedi.

The name Phra Prathon Chedi means the holy stupa of Thona or Thanan (Thai: ทะนาน), name of an ancient measurement. According to legend after the cremation of Gautama Buddha, his relics were equally divided amongst 8 royal families and his disciples by using a golden Thona. This golden Thona eventually sent to ancient Nakhon Chai Si in Suvarnabhumi and kept inside a stone stupa in 590. King of Sri Lanka wanted the golden Thona, so he sent a prominent monk to ask the golden Thona from the King of Nakhon Chai Si. The king agreed in exchange of one Thona of holy relics of Buddha and built a new stupa to keep the holy relics, which is Phra Pathommachedi. In 656 King of Lavo ruled Nakhon Chai Si and rebuilt the stupa and named Phra Prathon Chedi.^[33]

Ratsadaphisek Bridge is a bridge across Wang River in the area of Tambon Hua Wiang, City of Lampang, Lampang Province, northern Thailand. It serves to connect outer and inner City of Lampang.

Originally, it was a wooden bridge that the ruler of Nakhon Lampang, Chao Noranan Chaichaowalit (เจ้านรนันทไชยชวลิต) together with Lampang people had built to commemorate King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)’s Anniversary of his 25th year Accession to the throne in 1894. The name "Ratsadaphisek" refers to 25th Anniversary Celebration or Silver Jubilee. However, there is another name that is commonly called "White Bridge" according to its characteristics. The bridge collapsed twice because of the large number of logs being washed downstream during the monsoon period and was rebuilt in reinforced concrete bridge in 1917.At any rate, it does not involve anything in Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok.

During World War II the bridge was painted in camouflaging colours so as to avoid being bombed by the Allies, who were also advised that the bridge had no strategic significance. After the war it was repainted in white. It has white rooster emblems and royal garudas decorated at the bridgehead.

Today, Ratsadaphisek Bridge is regarded as one of the landmarks of Lampang Province, as well as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. At the end of the bridge in the inner city side is the location of a very busy local flea market especially at night of Saturday-Sunday called "Kat Kong Ta" (กาดกองต้า).^[34]

Historical landmark in Khlong Kra Saeng, Thailand. Phra Nakhon Khiri is a historical park in Phetchaburi, Thailand on a hill overlooking the city. The name Phra Nakhon Khiri means 'holy city hill', but locals know it better as Khao Wang, meaning 'hill with palace'.

The park consists of three building groups on the three peaks of the 95 m hill. On the western peak is the palace with adjoining structures. On the middle or central peak is a big chedi named Phra That Chom Phet. The eastern peak houses the Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal temple, built in similar fashion to the Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. The whole complex was built as a summer palace by King Mongkut, with construction finished in 1860.

The site was registered as a historical park on 27 August 1979, with two of the palace buildings now housing a branch of the Thai National Museum.^[39]

Park with replicas of Thailand landmarks. Ancient Siam is a museum park constructed by Lek Viriyaphant and occupying over 200 acres in the shape of Thailand.

Ancient Siam is dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum. Close to the Crocodile Farm in Samut Prakan Province, the 320-hectare "city" features 116 structures of Thailand's famous monuments and architectural attractions. The grounds of Ancient Siam correspond roughly to the shape of the kingdom, with the monuments lying at their correct places geographically. Some of the buildings are life-size replicas of existing or former sites, while others are scaled down. Still others are "creative designs," and not replicas of any historical structure.

The replicas were constructed with the assistance of experts from the National Museum to ensure historical accuracy. Outstanding works include the former Grand Palace of Ayutthaya (destroyed in the Burmese invasion of 1767), Phimai Sanctuary in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Wat Khao Phra Viharn on the Cambodian border.^[40]

Zoo in Thai Ban, Thailand. The Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo is a crocodile zoo in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. The park claims to hold the world's largest crocodile in captivity, named Yai, measuring 6 m and weighing 1,114 kg. Yai is one among over 100,000 crocodiles at the farm.

Visitors to the crocodile farm can see a wide variety of animals other than crocodiles, including elephants, lions, tigers, monkeys, great apes, horses and hippos. There are daily crocodile shows, famous for the performers doing tricks such as putting their heads and arms inside a crocodile's mouth. Elephant shows display the dexterity of elephants as they walk tightropes, ride skateboards and dance. Visitors may also take short elephant ride, ride a train, enjoy a paddle boat ride or explore the dinosaur museum.

Admission for non-Thai adults is 300 baht. Admission for children is 200 baht. Thai nationals pay 60 baht admission. Foreign-looking residents of Thailand still pay 300 baht. The Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm is located at 555 Moo 7 Taiban Road, Taiban Sub-District, Amphur Muang, Samutprakarn, Thailand. Opening hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. daily.^[41]