If pad thai is your go-to takeout dinner, then you're off to a good start. Delicious food is only one amazing thing about Thailand. Thailand is a kingdom of wonder, filled with spectacular natural, cultural, and historical attractions. It's located on Southeast Asia’s Indochina peninsula known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. Soak up some sun on the beach or learn about the local history and culture. If neither of those are your thing, Thailand is also known for its wild and crazy nightlife!


Best Places to Visit in Thailand

1. Bangkok

In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canal and riverside communities. This city has something for everyone. Visit Pratunam or Siam Square if you're a shopaholic. If you're looking for a slower-paced vacation, unwind in the European-style gardens of Dusit. If you're more interested in history and culture, the Wat Arun temple in Thon Buri and the Wat Pho temple of the Reclining Buddha in Phra Nakhon are must-sees. Chinatown is the perfect place for foodies with alleys full of shophouses, markets and diners. Savor mango sticky rice at a food stall before taking in the gilded splendor of the Grand Palace.


2. Kathu

Kathu is a district of the Phuket Province located in the west of Phuket Island. With beautiful beaches like Patong and Kamala, it's the perfect place to get away. Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars, Go Go Bars and course night clubs, Patong is the ideal place to party and play. Kamala Beach it just north of Patong and has a much more quiet and relaxed feel. This fishing village and bay is surrounded by forested hills and is known as one of the most beautiful places in Phuket.


3. Krabi Town

Krabi is the capital of southern Thailand's Krabi Province, a lush region of jungles, limestone cliffs and idyllic isles floating just offshore in the Andaman Sea. The town is majestically situated among limestone karsts jutting from the mangrove forests. On a hilltop reached by stairs, the Tiger Cave Temple is a Buddhist site with panoramic views. These Buddhist shrines are still sued by local monks. Take a ferry or longboat from the riverside pier to get to the best scuba diving, rock climbing and white sand beaches on the coast.


4. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, dates back to the 1200s. You can still see ancient walls and moats in Old City along with hundreds of elaborate temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents. Chiang Mai is probably most famous for its Night Bazaar. The Night Bazaar, on the east side of the old walled city, is open every day of the year regardless of the weather from dusk till around midnight. In the daytime, Chang Khlan Road is an ordinary street full of shops, hotels, but at night, the place really comes alive. As the sun sets, all the street vendors are open for business . Remember that bargaining is expected and is almost treated like a national sport in Thailand!


5. Bo phut

Learn to dive, sunbathe on a sandy beach, indulge in inexpensive spa services, or visit the Fisherman's Village, one of the oldest places on the island. This beach village has recently seen the rise of many new hotels and villas. It's a popular tourist destination because Bo Phut is really two places, the beach and the Fisherman's Village. Bo Phut Beach stretches between Big Buddha and Maenam beaches. In the middle section of the beach lies the charming Fisherman's Village full of quaint restaurants and traditional shops.


6. Karon

At nearly three miles long, Karon’s beach is the third longest beach on Phuket Island. The diving is fabulous and it's also excellent for snorkeling. The beach also stretches on and on and on so you'll never feel crowded. Karon is also known as a family-friendly town so bring the kids! Karon features three main areas, Karon Centre, Karon Beach road, and Luang Poh Chuan Road. Karon Centre is a lively city full of dining, shopping, and nightlife entertainment as well as a beautiful Buddhist temple with a weekly market. Karon Beach road is mostly occupied by large resorts so it's perfect for taking a romantic evening stroll. The third main area of Karon is centered around Luang Poh Chuan Road, towards the southern end of the beach, which has excellent restaurants and the hottest nightlife.


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This article was written by Lauren Gaw.