Located at the center of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia, Thailand possesses an eclectic mix of cultures, traditions, people, landscapes, and history. From high limestone cliffs to structures sitting on extinct volcanoes and from the white sand beaches to beautiful wildlife reserves, Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and among the popular international getaway for Indians. Fondly called as the Land of Smiles, Thailand attracts nearly 1 million tourists from India as part of Thailand tour packages. Whether you are a foodie, a pilgrim, an adventure seeker, a beach bum, or a cultural lover, Thailand lives up to the high expectations of its Indian tourists. Let’s take a look at some of the top places in Thailand that are popular with Indian tourists!
Ayutthaya
The remarkable similarities between the Indian and Thai cultures can be easily noticed in the religious history and the architecture of temples in Thailand. Hence, our list starts with the old city of Ayutthaya, among the top places to visit in Thailand. Founded in 1350 CE, Ayutthaya was the ancient capital of Siam (Thailand) for more than 400 years, whose customs and heritage were rooted in Hindu ways. Once declared the most magnificent city on earth, today, it is a fascinating archaeological park brimming with Buddhist temples, palaces, monasteries, and ancient statues of monumental proportions. Wat Phra Ram Temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chaiwatthanaram monastery, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Na Phra Men, Wat Putthaisawan, Bang Pa-In, and Chao Sam Phraya National Museum are the top places to visit in Ayutthaya.
Kanchanaburi
Located in western Thailand, Kanchanaburi is a city situated at the confluence of rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai in western Thailand, among the top international destinations for Indians. Kanchanaburi is a place quite different from the usual beach lifestyle and the parties back on the mainland. Home to several captivating caves, glittering waterfalls, and thick jungles, Kanchanaburi’s province resembles much of India’s bountiful forests. Its iconic historical landmark, the Bridge over the River Kwai constructed as part of the “Death Railway” has been immortalized in countless books and films. The Death Railway consisting of 415 km of track stretched from Thailand to Myanmar, and secured supplies for the Japanese army during World War II. Wat Tham Suea, a gigantic Buddha covered in a golden mosaic, Allied War Cemetery, Jeath War Museum, World War II Museum, Srinakharin Dam, Vajiralongkorn Dam, Sai Yok National Park & Waterfall, Erawan National Park &Waterfall, Mon Bridge, Mueang Sing Historical Park, Three Pagodas Pass, and Wat Wang Wiwekaram are some of the top places to visit in Kanchanaburi.
Khao Lak
If you are a beach lover but weary of the crowded and commercialized beaches of Phuket, then visit Khao Lak, a beautiful small seaside town on the western coastline of southern Thailand, among the prominent beach destinations in Asia. Named after the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, Khao Lak is known for its incredible palm-fringed beaches that boast pristine white sand, and azure blue waters. Khao Lak also offers various adventure sports like scuba diving. Pristine islands, rock formations, and waterfalls in the surrounding jungle are just splendid. Rafflesia, the largest single flower in the world can be found in Khao Sok National Park, only a few kilometers from Khao Lak.
Phuket
Often called the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand. With its innumerable beaches, fine white sands, exotic surroundings, and lively towns, Phuket is considered one of the finest beach destinations in Asia as well as in the world. Patong Beach, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Rawai, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao are the most popular beaches to visit as part of Phuket tour packages. With some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, the island is home to many seaside resorts, spas, and restaurants. Snorkeling, watching sunsets, hiking, and exploring beautiful sights are some of the top things to do in Phuket. Besides, Phi Phi Islands and Krabi Islands are easily accessible from here and are counted among the best tourist places in Phuket.
Sukhothai
Located in Lower Northern Thailand, the small historical city of Sukhothai is another destination in Thailand that attracts a lot of Indian tourists every year due to its illustrious past, and hundreds of historical sites. Sukhothai was established in 1238 AD as the first capital of Thailand and is where the famous Loi Krathong festival originated, which calls for thousands of flowers and burning candles floating down the lakes and rivers. It is also known as the Festival of Lights and is largely similar to the Hindu festival of Diwali. Towering monuments with exquisite details and well-documented records now make the ancient Siamese capital a prime heritage destination in Southeast Asia and also among the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites with ruins of grand monuments set against green mountains, meandering rivers, and lotus ponds. Sukhothai is also famed for its handcrafted gold reproductions of necklaces, wristlets, bangles, rings, and other such trinkets.
Pattaya
Located a stone’s throw away from Bangkok, Pattaya is a popular resort city located on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand. Pattaya is best known for its glittering nightlife and never-seen-before parties that attract international travelers as well as weekenders from Bangkok. After a spate of development in the 1970s, this seaside resort town became a favorite destination for Adult tourism in Thailand, though in recent years the government has made efforts to turn Pattaya into a family-friendly destination. Established around a wide crescent-shaped Ao Pattaya Bay, Pattaya city has numerous tourist attractions ranging from zoos, theme parks, temples, night markets, thrilling water sports, mouthwatering cuisine, and a relaxing tropical setting. Jomtien Beach, Ko Phai, the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Phra Yai, Buddha Mountain, Pattaya Floating Market, Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens, and Walking Street are the top places to visit as part of Pattaya Tour Packages. Don’t forget to visit Coral Island, amongst the most stunning islands in the entire world. It’s white-sand beaches and emerald water offers a serene spot that you won’t find anywhere else. Besides, one can also enjoy water sports like scuba diving, parasailing, jet-skiing, swishing along in banana boats, and much more.
Chiang Mai
An enchanting location by the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand and the Capital City of the Province of the same. Founded 800 years ago, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, but now is a major draw for backpackers and tourists wishing to explore the lush landscapes, uniquely indigenous culture, and outdoor adventures of the region. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and jungles, Chiang Mai is a welcome retreat from the southern heat. The city itself has more than 300 temples to explore and a wonderful elephant sanctuary, as well as Thai cookery classes. Meanwhile, the city transforms at night into a shopping wonderland, with market stalls and a plethora of small restaurants and bars. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, Wat Umong, Wat Phan Tao, Royal Park Rajapruek, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar are the top attractions in Chiang Mai. Besides, it also acts as a convenient base for adventure sports including hiking, biking, and rafting.
Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, Krung Thep or Bangkok is a bustling blend of ancient and modern, traditional, and cosmopolitan. Often called the party capital of Southeast Asia, Bangkok is among the world’s top tourist destinations and also one of the top places to visit in Thailand. Popularly known as the ‘City of Angels’, Bangkok is also the main hub for international travel and also a great starting point for many Thailand tours. Known for its magnificent temples, authentic canals, exotic food, busy markets, visual delights, Thai massages, and vibrant nightlife, Bangkok has something for every traveler that can experience as part of Bangkok Tour Packages. Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace, Lumphini Park, Wat Saket, Dusit Palace, and Floating Market are some of the famous places to visit in Bangkok. Besides, one can also take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, just like shopping in Bangkok.