Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Thailand

The Krabi region is home to some of Thailand's most popular beach destinations, and Railay is the cream of the crop. Widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the country, Railay delivers on the promise of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and the feeling you've found a piece of paradise. You need to take a bot to get to the vacation island, with services provided from the cities of Krabi and Ao Nang.

The beaches are the main reason to visit Railay, but it is also a hiking hotspot. The karst peaks of Railay attract travelers both experienced and new to try their hand at climbing the towering limestone cliffs. Among the many other things to do, you can go on elephant trekking, white water rafting, kayaking and snorkeling, or take some of the lighter options like cooking classes and pampering massages. There is also the traveler-friendly Diamond Caves, with an easy pedestrian walkway to accommodate curious travelers looking to research between sunsets.

Phi Phi Island, also in Krabi, is one of Thailand's most popular coastal areas for a reason. Only Phi Phi Don is inhabited, with day trips to the surrounding islands. One of the most exciting places on Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where you'll come face-to-face, literally, with the supposed creatures. You can hire a guide to take you out of the little wooden boat or rent your own kayak. There is also a small establishment where you can buy snacks and jiggle fruit but hang your food. If you leave it undisturbed, the monkeys will dig and chase in front of you. Long Beach is a great spot on the island; it's not a secluded place, but good for watching the sunset. If you are lucky and the tide goes out, it makes its way back to the main part of the island.

Tour controllers offer packages for snorkeling and diving excursions, as well as excursions to the famous Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio's film The Beach was filmed. Because Koh Phi Phi attracts a large number of travelers, there are many travel companies that arrange tickets to other beach destinations, such as Phuket, Koh Chang, and Koh Lanta. Even though you would hardly know it to see it now, Phi Phi Don was one of the areas hardest hit by the 2004 tsunami. Guest houses, restaurants and markets have been rebuilt and bustling crowds still flock to the warring islands. There is a small memorial garden and a fountain to honor those who died in the tragedy, but the war zone appears otherwise to have been revived.

Even though your plans for Thailand primarily involve beach parades, side-by-side with elephants, and eating as much Massaman curry and tom ka gai as possible, you will probably spend at least a day or two in Bangkok. There's a lot to see and do in the first capital, but it's probably best to start with the Grand Palace. It's the number one tourist attraction in the city, and it's of surprising historical and craftsmanship.

The reason for this is the maze of royal councils, temples, and ancient relics, most importantly Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Relics in this temple are said to be bones or hairs of the enlightened Buddha himself. Give the Grand Palace a few hours to do justice, but if you go early after that, you can easily pick up some of the city's major landmarks. The famous Wat Po and Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn (a great place to watch the sunset), are also nearby. And as Bangkok is a major hub for international travel, it is a great starting point for tours across the country.

Every Thai traveler expects cheap and delicious food, and it can be found in abundance on Chiang Mai's Night Walk. Vendors sell all kinds of dishes: pad Thai, chicken satay, samosas, crab cakes, fried plantains, sweet punches, and fresh fruit rakes - usually for less than $2 a piece. When you have fulfilled your culinary desires, you can read hundreds of outlets selling various unique items such as natural soaps, hand textiles with unique local mountain tribe patterns, frankincense and essential oils, musical instruments, paintings, wall hangings and much more.

The market gets busier every week without fail, no matter what year you visit, so be yourself and try to be a part of the crowd. This is a must-do in Chiang Mai, and an essential part of the Thai experience. If you're not at the Sunday market, or just looking to experience another market in Chiang Mai, check out Saturday Night Walking Street or Chang Klan Road Night Bazaar, daily events. For something less exciting, check out Warorot Market at noon, near the Mae Ping River.

Thailand's reputation as a country of beautiful landscapes and friendly people thanks a lot to its world-famous southern coast. Most people don't realize that the vast north is also home to stunning landscapes, although this is a completely different trait. Northern Thailand, especially the western region near the Burma border, is characterized by a jungle appearance that is equally rugged and beautiful. Pai, in the Mae Hong Son region, is the perfect place to experience the country's natural beauty as well as Thailand's renowned service and cuisine. This little weekend has built a reputation as a mecca for hippies and backpackers, although you'll see locals and families here too. There is a small street market that walks every night, a variety of local and western food, and easy access to the temples, nearby waterfalls and the interesting Pai canyon. There's an air of joy and relaxation as you walk through the small town centre, and it's a vibe that continues to attract crowds season after season.

Elephants are revered in Thailand, and their statues and paintings can be seen anywhere you go. There are many tour groups and elephant camps around the country that allow you to spend a day or more with the creatures, wandering through the forest, bathing them, and also getting to help with their morning feedings. But perhaps even more exciting is the opportunity to see them in their natural surroundings, and Khao Yai State Park provides an excellent opportunity to do so. You'll see elephants roaming near the waterfalls, exotic birds, prey, and many other tropical creatures that call the park home. If a day isn't enough to pick it up, it's possible to camp in the gardens and wake up early to watch the sun rise over the lush landscape.

This is a favorite hobby of history buffs and photography enthusiasts, because there are many beautiful photo options in this ancient capital of Thailand. The ruins of this old city are still proud despite centuries of fighting and exposure to the elements. Old City Sukhothai is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and much has been devoted to restoring and preserving one of Thailand's most important historical sites. The highlights here include the many wats, which speak to the long history of Buddhism. Each structure tells its own story of the old society, with relics and influences from other ancient civilizations appearing in their respective designs.

Ayutthaya provides a glimpse into the glory of ancient Thailand, where visitors can wander the haunting but romantic ruins of the former capital. After the Sukhothai period, this city was the most important in Thailand, and the old palaces and temples stand as a testament to this. There are also several foreign placements, where you can gain a greater understanding of the influence of other countries in Thailand at that time. Ayutthaya is located just a short bus or train ride from Bangkok, making it easy for a day trip if you're pressed for time. If you're on a more relaxed schedule, plan to spend a few days in the ancient capital and rent a bike push to visit both the old and new cities.

Perhaps Chiang Mai's most famous wat is located on top of Doi Suthep, a mountain facing north from Thailand's airport. In the crowds of monks, devout Buddhists, and other friends, you'll have the opportunity to admire the intricate religious carvings, observe worship rituals, and gaze toward the ravages of the ever-expanding city of Chiang Mai. Make sure you bring a bottle of water and your walking shoes - the stairs to the temple are steep. At the bottom of the stairs, vendors practice everything from delicious local treats to handcrafted goods by villagers from the surrounding mountains. There is also a shop selling masks, elephant carvings, and home furnishings so you can shop while recovering from your trip up and down the stairs.

You can combine your trip to Doi Suthep with a visit to Doi Pui, a small Hmong village in the mountains. It's much more interesting than the other villages, but if you're on a tight schedule, it will give you a taste of Hmong culture and the opportunity to learn more about the hill tribe peoples of this region, woven textiles. The Bhubing Palace, opened to travelers, is on its way to Doi Pui from Doi Suthep as well.

A visit to one of the floating markets is a fun way to shop and eat while supporting local vendors and watching local trade in action. Some people deserve to cater to more travelers than to be part of the fabric of everyday Thai life, but some make for a great authentic travel experience. You need to get up early to visit the floating market, as the vendors come out in their long wooden boots in the morning with their wares, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and delicacies.

There are several floating markets near Bangkok, Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak being among the most popular. You may go alone or on a guided tour, which may include visits to local homes and shops.