Thailand attracts scores of tourists from India annually. Nearly 300 weekly flights connect Indian cities to popular Thai destinations. From lip-smacking food, stunning scenery and welcoming locals, Thailand lives up to high-expectations of its Indian tourists. So, what are you waiting for? Be a part of the mind-boggling 2 million Indians that visit Thailand to see the expanse of beauty, culture, and tradition. This country offers countless reasons to visit it!
Here are the top 10 places that every Indian must visit in Thailand:
- Ayutthaya
Shopping and parties may be the first two things that pop into your mind. But Thailand’s rich history, preservation of monuments and buildings from a bygone era are equally commendable, if not more. The remarkable similarities in the Indian and Thai culture can be easily noticed in the religious history and the architecture of Thailand’s temples. This is why Ayutthaya is the first on our list.
Interestingly sounding similar to Ayodhya, Ayuthaya is a ruined city with beautiful temples. It was the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam whose customs and heritage were rooted by Hindu ways. Ayutthaya has 3 major attractions- the Old Royal Palace, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet and a humongous bronze statue of a sitting Buddha. Take an enjoyable ferry out for a day or two and ride round the land on a TukTuk or bike to enjoy an authentic historical Thai experience!
- Kanchanaburi
Thailand truly seems to have it all with Kanchanaburi. You’ll forget the beach lifestyle and the parties back in the mainlands when you visit here. Packed with glittering waterfalls, captivating caves, and a thick jungle all around, Kanchanaburi’s province resembles much of India’s bountiful forests.
Kanchanaburi’s Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary is the home to the world’s last few remaining virgin canopies. And you can also visit the renowned Tiger Temple that allows you a chance to be photographed with full-grown tigers. But, unlike the Royal Bengal Tiger, these majestic beasts are tamed and trained.
- Khao Lak
If crowded beaches make you feel weary and out of place, try a more off-beat path which still gives you the comfort of civilisation.
Khao Lak’s beaches are wild yellow-sand, long, shimmering scenes surrounded by a band of forests and hills. Scuba diving is even more of an experience here when it rains! Head over to see the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, at Khao Lak National Park which is only a couple of kilometres away.
With dozens of vegetarian dishes to choose from even in a place this isolated, Thailand ensures spicy, lip-smacking delicious food that is just perfect for the Indian food palate, and also offers great alternatives if you’re not a fan of seafood.
- Chiang Rai
The often overlooked and heavily underrated city of Chiang Rai is just a 3-hour bus ride from the popular city of Chiang Mai. Once part of the Golden Triangle, this city used to be a hub for the opium trade. With numerous sightseeing places and lesser crowds, this is a hidden gem on our list. You can witness the grandeur of many temples, whose tiers, break and tier patterns create dynamic visual rhythms. Although Hindu temples are mainly for offering prayers, the temples in Thailand are visited more so for their art and architecture.
Another popular attraction is the White Temple, officially known as the Wat Rong Kun. This is a relatively newer art structure, open to visitors since 1997. Built by a local artist, it’s an interesting collusion of modern art and Theravada Buddhism symbolism.
The striking Blackhouse, or ‘Baan Dam’, is one of them. Marvel at this masterpiece that is designed by National Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, who used a set of around 40 structures to signify the cycles of life and death.
- Pattaya’s Coral Island
Known as Koh Larn, this island is amongst the most stunning ones in the entire world. Its white-sand beaches and emerald water offer a serene spot that you won’t find anywhere else.
Just 45 minutes from Pattaya, Coral Island has exciting water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and swishing along in banana boats. Wander around and discover the hidden wonders of this small nook.
- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
The Nong Nooch Garden and the cultural village is the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia. It has themed gardens ranging from a 17th- century French garden to a European renaissance era style garden. It also offers species-specific gardens like the cactus garden, orchid nurseries and the Bonsai garden.
The large expanse of flora makes it a little hard to hit the key attractions solely by walking. Hire a cycle to explore the gardens at a leisurely pace with your family or significant other. The Thai cultural hall is also a must-visit with shows and boxing matches happening frequently.
- Phi Phi Islands
Go island-hopping on a cruise to all of Phi Phi islands’ main attractions. Famous for its many movie cameos, this island has limestone rocks, lagoons, and much more to explore!
The Khai islands nearby also offer a superb snorkelling experience with schools of colourful tropical fish and bright corals. Take the Krabi tour for a complete package of these best getaways combined.
- Sukhothai
Sukhothai was once the capital of the Thai Empire. This is where the lantern festival of ‘Loi Krathong’ 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 Deepavali.
Sukhithai’s beauty has survived the tests of time. It is mostly known for the artisanship and beauty of the handcrafted gold accessories and trinkets often made. And if you are fascinated by India’s many massive monuments, then you will definitely love visiting this city.
- Chatuchak Weekend market
If you like walking the bustling Indian markets, then the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-go place to visit. This largest weekend outdoor market has thousands of stalls selling everything from souvenirs to food at low prices. Use the bargaining skills that you have perfected in Indian markets and you will surely score the best deals with the vendors here.
Its one-stop shopping experience will be sure to tire you out, so be sure to pack light. Get a map and a pair of comfortable shoes because it has been defined as quite the walk by fellow travellers. Shop for snacks, plants, antiques, clothes, fresh and dry food, ceramics, and books – this market has everything you need for the ultimate shopping experience in Thailand.
- Bangkok
Known for being influenced by many cultures of the world, you can even grab a bite of some authentic Indian food in Bangkok! The city’s atmosphere is cheerful with welcoming faces around. The chaotic demeanour adds to the charm and makes it seem much smaller than it is.
Travel by tuk-tuks and catch the cultural shows or even a massage! You could also witness the open-water, floating markets that give you a peek into the local Thai life. Apart from these attractions, you can also visit the large temple of Wat Phra Kaew situated in the middle of the city of Bangkok.
Despite the obvious differences, Thailand has many shared experiences with India, which will make it feel like a home far away from home. Therefore, it’s time you went on that long-awaited trip to Thailand now! Doesn’t matter if you go with your friends or family, this beautiful cultural haven will never cease to amaze you.
