Heritage sites
Time travel through 750 years of history
Thailand is known for its tradition and age-old culture, but it also renowned for its extremely rich cultural heritage. From ancient Buddhist capitals, to archeological sites set in old villages, to the arts, antiquities and dance the many faces of Thai history and heritage is sure to captivate travelers.
The country boasts hundreds of fascinating places to visit for those looking to connect with Thai history, but the jewels in its crown are its 5 UNESCO sites.
Sukothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, in the 13th and 14th centuries. The city’s gorgeous Historical Park is home to temples that have been photographed and filmed hundreds of thousands of times; from the impressive Wat Mahathat to Wat Si Chum, which boasts an enormous Buddha statue featuring an elegantly curved, gilded hand.
Ayuthaya functioned as the next capital from the mid 14th century until its destruction by the Burmese in the 18th century and its ruins show exactly how magnificent a capital it would have been. When visiting, make sure you don’t miss the three Chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which served as a model for Bangkok’s enormous Wat Phra Kaew complex. Instagrammers are in for a special treat in Ayutthaya – an ancient Buddha head seemingly growing from the roots of a Banyan tree makes for a classically Thai impression.
Going back even further, the Ban Chiang tells the stories of human evolution in Southeast Asia with artifacts, human and building remains from prehistoric times.
While human history plays a big role in the Kingdoms culture, it is also particularly proud of its natural history. The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a huge, protected rainforest located on the border with Cambodia, home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. The Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries on the border with Myanmar is a verdant forestry ranging across 600,000 hectares.
Inspiration
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Five Thai festivals and rituals to be part of
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LGBT+ welcoming hotels & resorts
Iudia, Ayutthaya
iuDia is a tasteful, comfortable and well equipped serviced accommodation located among the ancient ruins of the great Siamese kingdom…
Sukothai Heritage Resort, Sukothai
Set amidst lush green rice fields in a historically rich surrounding, Sukhothai Heritage Resort is within 45 minutes of UNESCO…
Shinnabhura Historic Boutique Hotel, Sukothai
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Sala, Ayutthaya
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Kantary, Ayutthaya
The Hotel that reflects the splendour of Thailand’s ancient capital city. As a centre of tourism, industry, history and culture…
Events & offers
May: Bun Bang Fai Skyrocket Festival
Bun Bang Fai Festival is an ancient local festival, held in the lesser known Yasothon Province. It is associated with Thai…
November: Loi Krathong
Well, you little devil, if you’re planning to vacation in Thailand at the end of November, you’re in luck literally…
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