Heritage sites
Time travel through 750 years of history
Heritage sites
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
Inspiration
Insta-ready: four of Thailand’s most ‘grammable places to visit
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In the footsteps of the Khmer – visit the Thai-based strongholds of a lost empire
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Bangkok breaks: quick escapes from Thailand’s bustling capital
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Gaycation – Thai places to visit with your LGBT+ friends
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One for the lovers – 5 of Thailand’s most romantic places
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Five Thai festivals and rituals to be part of
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Thai cuisine is good for you
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Date ideas for adventurer couples in Thailand
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Getting festive Thai style
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Ayutthaya: Ruins, rapids and roars
Bangkok is amazing, but even the most ardent city-slickers will find it nice to get out of the city sometimes. You can choose to travel with a Thai tour operator, but it is sometimes also good to travel independently because it allows spontaneity and a better insight into Thailand and its culture. An organized tour…
Alternative routes: Sukhothai
If you’re visiting Thailand then there’s a good chance you may head up north to Chiang Mai. If you have the time (or you are on a budget or just like to do things differently and avoid the tourist crowds, like me) then a great alternative to flying to Chiang Mai is to take a…
Thai massage: Ultimate healing power
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LGBT+ welcoming hotels & resorts
LGBT+ welcoming hotels and resorts
Events & offers
Events and 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 traditional beliefs in the supernatural powers that help promote the production of rice crops for the coming planting season.In the rainy season, the local people believe that the god would hear the entreaties that they…
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 and figuratively. Not only will you get to witness Loi Krathong, one of the most picturesque festivals of the year, but you can also join in and float away your anger, grudges and defilements of…
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