What is Thailand Famous For? Top 22 Popular Things & Places of Thailand

Thailand is popular as a tourist destination due to its geographical and cultural importance. It has some of the most exquisite beaches, rural getaways, Buddhist temples, and shopping malls.

Besides, the Thai cuisines, amiable people, busy local markets and nightlife are also some of the most exhilarating things in the country. Here’s a close look at what Thailand is famous for.

Thailand has multiple beautiful tourist spots and activities for the entertainment of the visitors. However, planning the finances in Thai currency will be essential when you are planning a vacation to Thailand. As of November 2022, 1 Thai Baht is equal to INR 2.30.

Following are the things in Thailand that attract tourists throughout the world:

1. The Grand Palace

The palace is located in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. This eighteenth-century building complex was once a residence of the kings of Siam. Its importance is still relevant as several royal ceremonies occur annually in this palace.

Apart from that, the vast housing complex includes several beautifully built towers, pavilions, halls, gardens, courtyards and lawns. In addition, it also contains the most revered Wat Phra Kaew temple.

2. Wat Arun

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan is one of the most beautiful temples. It is located beside the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. ‘Arun’ refers to the sun god. Apart from that, this temple looks enchanting when the first rays of the sun fall onto it in the morning, giving it a bright pearly iridescent hue.

3. Wat Phra Chetuphon

Wat Phra Chetuphon, or Wat Po, is also a Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is associated with King Rama-I because not only he built this, but his ashes are also there in this temple complex. Apart from that, this temple is also famous for having the largest collection of lord Buddha's images. Among these, a 46 metre long image of a reclining Buddha is a must-see.

4. Railay Beach

Railay or Rai Leh is also one of the famous places in Thailand that you must visit. It is a spectacular idyllic beach situated on the peninsula between Ao Nang and Krabi cities. Further, to visit this place, you must take a boat safari. In addition, the spectacular mounting cliffs beside the seashore will amaze you during the journey to this land.

Apart from the splendid natural beauty, luxurious resorts and elegant shopping malls also make this location a ‘shopaholic’s’ paradise.

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market is also one of the few places that Thailand is famous for. It is not only the largest market in Thailand but in the world as well. Among the native, it is also commonly known as J.J. Market.

Further, you can get to see over 15,000 stalls arranged in 27 sections. Being a market for various products, it attracts more than 200,000 shoppers daily. Among the things you can purchase from this market plants, foods, clothing, ceramics, electronics, furniture, antiques, fish, etc. are, to name a few.

6. White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple, is a privately owned beautiful art exhibit complex with a temple-like design. It has been built as a place for meditation and learning. Further, the vast structure of this site includes an ubosot, quarters for monks, a meditation hall, a hall of relics, an art gallery, etc.

7. Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe is a small, mesmerising island located in the beautiful Adang Rawl archipelago. Originally, it was a residential place for sea gipsies. However, presently, it is one of the most visited spots in Thailand. The beautiful sandy beaches give this island unparalleled beauty. Visiting here, you must engage in water sports like scuba diving to make your journey exhilarating.

8. Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a spectacular archipelago located in the coastal area of the Andaman Sea. It is a famous destination for diving. During the peak seasons of diving, October to May, these islands attract almost 5 to 6 thousand tourists. Apart from birdwatching, you can also see marine animals like turtles, whales, and phantom bannerfish from this destination in Thailand.

9. Khao Sok National Park

You can experience diverse flora and fauna by visiting Khao Sok National Park. It is a residential place for various animals, such as white-handed gibbons, pig-tailed macaques, Asian elephants, Malayan tapir, sambar deer, tiger, bear, gaur, mouse deer, barking deer, etc. It is also home to various plants like mangosteen, jackfruit, rambutan, durian, pomelo, wild bananas, etc. You can also immerse yourself in the joys of trekking, canoeing and boat riding.

10. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The floating market on the Daemon Saduak Canal is also one of Thailand's most famous places, attracting national and international tourists. King Rama-IV built this canal to connect the river Tha Chin with Mae Klong. You can see hundreds of vendors selling their products and goods, including vegetables, fruits, etc., on their sampans (small boats made of wood).

11. Khao Phing Kan

Mesmerising beaches surrounded by spectacular islands are what Thailand is known for. Among these, Khao Phing Kan Island holds a special position due to its unearthly beauty. It is situated in Phang Nga Bay. Apart from that, the 20 metre long islet, Ko Ta Pu, surrounded by seawater, is a major attraction on this island. This islet also has been featured in a James Bond movie named The Man With the Golden Gun.

12. The Big Buddha

It is a large statue of Buddha, seated in Maravijaya posture. The 45 metre long and 25 metre wide statue is made with white marble and concrete. It is located on the top of Nakkerd Hill in Phuket. The surrounding green vegetation, the azure water of Ao Chalong Bay and the open sky give an unparalleled beauty to the background of this statue. Moreover, it is also famous as the ‘Buddhist Treasure of Phuket’.

13. Mu Ko Ang Thong

It is a marine park situated in the Gulf of Thailand. It has 42 islands spread across 102 kilometres. The small islands surrounded by blue seawater are a grand feast to the eyes. By visiting this park, you get to explore Thailand's diverse flora and fauna and engage in exhilarating activities, including snorkelling, speedboat cruising, swimming, trekking, etc.

14. Elephant Nature Park

It is a rescue centre and sanctuary for elephants located in the province of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Besides elephants, the park also houses dogs, birds, cats, buffaloes, etc. Further, you can visit this place to view these animals and make some donations for those from your end.

15. Karon Beach

It is a picturesque beach and a famous place to explore in Thailand. Here you can get yourself soaked into entertaining activities, including parasailing, boat riding, etc. Besides this, the long white and sandy beaches, thrilling nightlife, exquisite restaurants, etc., also make it a must-visit place in Thailand.

16. Wat Tham Suea

It is a Buddhist temple and a sacred site in Thailand situated in Krabi. It is different from other temples in the country due to prints of tiger paws, beautiful natural surroundings and steep steps. This is why it is slightly difficult to reach the summit of this temple to visit the statue of Lord Buddha. Moreover, the location also has a charming beauty due to the surrounding green forest, lush valleys and mountains.

Apart from the beautiful destinations, here are some of the aspects making Thailand one of the most attractive destinations for international tourism:

17. Thai Cuisines

Thai cuisines also hold an important place in the heart of food connoisseurs. To get the most out of your journey, you must visit Thai hotels to savour local dishes like Thai curries, Tom Yum Soup, Som Tam Salad, Satay, Pad Thai noodles, etc. Further, the spicy Thai dishes will give your tongue a flavourful blast.

18. Spas

Beautiful and comforting spas in Thailand are also immensely popular among international tourists. You will get a beautiful experience by letting yourself get warm massages with relaxing concoctions.

19. Nightlife

Thailand is also one of the favourable destinations for party-loving people. You can get plenty of rooftop discos, bars, nightclubs, etc., to experience the nightlife culture of this country.

20. Elephant Show

Beautiful elephant shows are also some of the things Thailand is famous for. You can visit places like Pattaya, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, where elephant shows are almost a regular occurrence. Besides these elephant shows, you will also be able to get the joy of thrilling performances, including bike rides, shooting hoops, etc.

21. Street Food

Street food comes on the list of famous things in Thailand. You must not end your trip to Thailand without engrossing yourself in the joy of tasting some of these. You can get a variety of items, including pasta, shrimp, grilled fish, soups, and desserts, in almost every corner of Thai Markets.

22. Cruise Dinner

Dinner while cruising is one of the major tourist attractions in Thailand. The delicious Thai cuisines on your cruise, with music and candlelight, will fill your mind with unforgettable memories. Chao Phraya River is one such place in Thailand where you can enjoy this activity.