Thailand is undoubtedly a beautiful country. From white-sand beaches with sparkling waters to ancient temples and monuments, there are so many picturesque and awe-inspiring places in this so-called “Land of Smiles.” That’s why it’s incredibly difficult to pinpoint which destinations are the most beautiful. Nonetheless, here are a few places where you can catch some of the most breathtaking views in in the country.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Found in the northern province of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or simply Doi Suthep is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand. These holy grounds contain elements from both the Buddhist and Hindu faiths, like the Emerald Buddha and a statue of Ganesh. The original chedi, plated in gold, is considered the holiest area. Visitors have the option to take a tram from the base of the temple, but the traditional way to get there is to climb the 300+ steps to reach Doi Suthep. This climb is said to help faithful Buddhists earn merit. Aside from the majestic temples and shrines, one can also view the cityscape of downtown Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep.
Khao Kho District
You don’t have to go to Switzerland to see vast flower fields and misty, sleepy mountains. Type ที่พักเขาค้อ on your browser to book your Khao Kho accommodation ASAP! Khao Kho is sometimes referred to as Thailand’s “Little Switzerland,” thanks to its breezy atmosphere and abundant fields of green. You can go to The Blue Sky Garden and take a walk on pathways surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. You can go to Khao Kho Wind Farm and take photos of the strawberry fields and cabbage patches, not to mention the towering windmills. Or you can go to the Muak Lek Sunflower Fields, complete with a view of a lush green mountain. You can also visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, with its walls, pillars, and floors decorated with ceramic pieces to form unique mosaic patterns.
Thi Lo Su Waterfall
Often considered the highest and largest waterfall in Thailand (although it has never been properly surveyed), Thi Lo Su Waterfall is estimated to be 300 meters high. It covers 500 meters of naturally carved limestone ridges of the Mae Klong River, creating the different heights of its multi-level cascade. Thi Lo Su is located in Tak Province within Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching the area is quite difficult, but the views of the towering falls and the lush jungle surrounding it is well worth the effort.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park, which is the forest area surrounding Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, is perhaps one of the best places to catch gorgeous views of the sunrise and sunset. The park is located in Chiang Mai, and its mountains are actually part of the Himalayan mountain range. From towering waterfalls and rushing rivers to historic monuments (the King and Queen Pagodas), Doi Inthanon has everything. Visit Doi Inthanon during the months of March to July if you’re a bird-watching enthusiast. This is when the birds are breeding and migrating, so you’ll be able to see more bird species compared to other times in the year.
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is located in Surat Thani Province. It’s one of Thailand’s many wildlife reserves, and is thought to be one of the most beautiful. In this park, you can catch sightings of many of Thailand’s wildlife, like elephants, tapirs, bears, and various species of monkeys. There are also multiple lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in the area, as well as pristine jungle forests. It doesn’t matter which of the several trails you choose. You’re sure to see beautiful sceneries and be in awe of the wonders of nature.
Phu Chi Fa
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park in Chiang Rai, along the Laotian border, is one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. The peak is rather easy to climb (it’s about 750 meters) and the view is simply spectacular: a sea of fluffy fog that slowly part to reveal green fields dotted with flowers, the Mekong River, and a variety of birds and animals. You can also see parts of Laos if the fog and mist clears enough. If you visit during December and January, you may even get to see some Himalayan cherry blossoms in bloom.
Phanom Rung
Phanom Rung is a Khmer temple, built between the 10th and 13th century at the foot of a dormant volcano. The temple symbolizes Mount Kailash, Shiva’s sacred home, and is dedicated in honor of the Hindu god. It is a stunning and imposing structure made out of laterite (a reddish clay material) and sandstone, and it also features a total of 15 doorways. Four times a year, the temple and the sun are in perfect alignment and the beams shine through all the doors. The Phanom Rung Festival is scheduled during one of these alignments, and the faithful perform traditional rituals. Festival goers can also shop in the markets, see the cultural parade, and view the lights, sound, and costume show in the evening.
Chiang Rai White Temple
Thailand has no shortage of majestic and awe-inspiring temples. If you’re looking for something more unique, though, Chiang Rai’s White Temple certainly fits the bill. Instead of the traditional colors like red, gold, and green, the temple is bedecked bottom to top in white and silver on the outside. Even all the adornments like the statues, sculptures, and balustrades are painted in white, silver, or both. Indeed, it makes a striking picture, especially with the bright green of the grass and the clear blue sky as the backdrop.
Koh Nangyuan
What makes Koh Nangyuan stand out from other beautiful beaches and islands in Thailand is that it’s composed of three islands, interconnected by a gorgeous sandbar. What’s more, the islands themselves are actually volcanic rocks and are surrounded by rich marine life. You can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive here, but most of all, you can climb to the viewpoint for a beautiful view of three islands and the sandbar from above. You can also glimpse the northern side of Koh Tao island from the viewpoint.
This list is not comprehensive, obviously, and it’s possible that it doesn’t include your own favorite scenic spot in Thailand. However, if you haven’t seen these locations yet or want to experience them all over again, then perhaps this is the time to do so.
To read more on topics like this, check out the travel tips category.
