Last year, Thailand’s Department of Tourism announced the inaugural Top Ten Tourist Destinations of the Year, in part to encourage the provinces to develop national tourist attractions.
Bangkok
The top visitor attractions in Bangkok are the Grand Palace and other palaces, important temples, and sacred items. For tourists who travel with family, the City of Angels also provides amusement parks, zoos, and museums suitable for children. Bangkok also has a great reputation for shopping – there are numerous products of good quality and cheap price in the luxurious department stores, Chatuchak Weekend Market, night bazaars, Khaosarn Road, Patpong, Silom, and Memorial Bridge Market.
Chonburi
In Chonburi province visitors can sightsee and pay respect to Phra Buddha Maha Vajira Uttamophat Satsada, the sculptural image of the Buddha on the cliff, Khao Chee Chan; Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and night safari tour; as well as taking a walk on beaches and swimming in the sea; biking; driving and enjoying scenery on the beachside road. Popular tourist attractions are Bangsaen, Pattaya city, Lan Island, and Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
Phuket
Phuket, known as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, is famous throughout the world for its scenic beauty, sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It is ideal for simply relaxing or for enjoying activities onshore, offshore and in the air. Top tourist attractions include Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach, while on the southern part of the island there are gorgeous coral reefs for scuba diving.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya province is notable for its history and culture. Popular activities include cruising for sightseeing Thai-style houses along the riverside, and riding an elephant and touring historic sites in Ayutthaya Heritage Island, which has two routes: Wat MongKol Borphit Temple – Wat Phra Si Sanphet Temple and an outer city route, Maheyong Buddhist Temple. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of Ayutthaya Heritage Island’s historic sites by tricycle, which is the main vehicle of the city, or by rickshaw.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi has many tourism activities including rafting and enjoying the beauty of Kwai River, bamboo rafting, riding elephant, kayaking, mountain biking and surveying caves. Popular attractions include the Bridge of the Kwai River, and Erawan National Park.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the centre of Northern Thailand, is well known to Thai tourists and foreign visitors. Its attractions in nature, arts and culture, and the traditions of Chiang Mai people, attract millions of tourists each year. Popular attractions include Doi Inthanon National Park, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, Doi Ang Khang, and Wiang Kum Kam.
Rayong
Rayong province offers numerous tourism activities, including its beaches, crossing to Samed Island by boat, Rayong Aquarium, biking on the Taphong bike route, sightseeing fruit gardens, staying in home stay, experiencing the lifestyle of fishermen, catching squid and fish, cruising and watching fireflies in Prasae River.
Songkhla
Songkhla’s Muang district offers Songkhla Lake, Yor Island, the Institute for Southern Thai Studies, Tinsulanonda Bridge, and Samila Beach. Tourism activities include architectural sightseeing, tasting delicious food at Songkhla Old Town, and paying respect to the Chedi Phra That Khoo Muang Songkhla on Tang Kuan Mountain.
Nakhonratsima
Nakhonratsima offers activities such as sightseeing archaeological sites, historical sites, and museums, paying respect to Thao Suranari Monument, rafting in Lam Takhong Dam, horse riding, climbing simulated cliff rock, abseiling, riding ATV, driving go-cart, shooting, and playing adventure machines. Popular attractions include Phimai Historical Park, Ban Prasat Archaeological Site, Lam Takhong Dam, Dan Kwian Pottery Village, and Chokchai Farm.
Krabi
Krabi is the land of mountains, beaches, islands, waterfalls, and caves that are among the most beautiful in Thailand and can visited throughout the year. Popular tourist attractions include Noppharat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park, Ao Nang, Thale Waek (Separated Sea), and Emerald Pool.
