Thailand’s historic sites and landscapes offer different ways to explore the country: in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the focus is on urban history, Buddhist art and ancient water systems. Protected areas reveal another side, shaped by mountain ridges, river systems and wildlife. There are also distinctive highlights, such as the white architecture of Wat Rong Khun and the viewpoints and diving opportunities in the south. For your trip, first consider whether you’d most like to explore historic sites, nature or activities on the water.
Historic cities and their heritage
The Historic City of Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and was the second Siamese capital, after Sukhothai. Its remains are characterized by prangs—reliquary towers—and vast monastic complexes. The Historic Park of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya lies on an island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers. Its architecture also combines different influences: Khmer styles meet early Sukhothai styles. Here, history can be explored through several specific features—from the succession of capitals and architectural forms to the city’s island setting.
The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns form a serial World Heritage Site comprising three ancient cities located close to one another. The Buddhist monuments and sculptures of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet are considered masterpieces of art in the distinctive Sukhothai style. Stone inscriptions at the sites of Sukhothai provide evidence of the earliest examples of Thai writing. Alongside the monuments, written records are also part of the story.
The water systems of the historic towns of the Sukhothai Kingdom offer another way to explore the past. Dams, reservoirs, ponds and canals served water management as well as agricultural, economic and ritual purposes; they also served as communication routes. Their functions therefore extended beyond water supply. Traditional festivals continue to be celebrated at the sites. If a particular festival is important to your trip, check the dates in advance.
At Ban Chiang, an archaeological perspective leads to a prehistoric settlement and burial site. Together with Sukhothai’s stone inscriptions, the site offers a different focus: here, the subject is settlement and burial; there, the earliest examples of Thai writing.
Forests, mountain ranges and river systems
In the Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, mountain ridges rise to over 1,500 meters; the highest peak reaches 1,830 meters. The area includes the two important river systems of the Upper Khwae Yai and Huai Khakhaeng. It is also among Thailand’s least accessible and least disturbed forest areas. The elevations and rivers are two striking features of the landscape, while the area’s limited accessibility adds to the forest’s distinctive character.
The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex comprises five nearly contiguous protected areas: Khao Yai National Park, Thap Lan National Park, Pang Sida National Park, Ta Phraya National Park and Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary. More than 800 animal species are found there. Waterfalls and streams also feature prominently in descriptions of the complex: every year, they draw millions of visitors for recreation and educational purposes. Nature here can therefore be understood through the composition of the protected area, as well as the landscape features and visitor activities mentioned.
White architecture and activities on the water
Wat Rong Khun offers a distinctive architectural highlight. The temple is notable for its extraordinary white architecture and was designed and built by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat. Those interested in architecture will find a clear, distinct theme here alongside the historic city complexes of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
Doi Pha Tang offers views of the sunrise over the Mekong and a sea of morning mist. Both views depend on visibility, which is affected by the weather. If you’re planning your visit around these views, take the weather into account.
The Similan Islands have more than ten dive sites, as well as opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. The sites and areas mentioned include Hin Rue Bai, also known as Sail Rock, Beacon Reef and areas behind Koh Miang. The islands offer a different focus from the historic sites and forest areas: activities in the sea. Seasonal conditions and operators may change; check both for current information if you’re including these activities in your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Phuket, Surat Thani, Trat, Chonburi, Narathiwat, Songkhla, Krabi, Phangnga, Chumphon, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Loei, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chanthaburi, Phetchabun, Prachinburi, Trang, Phitsanulok, Nong Kai, Satun, Phatthalung, Lamphun, Sisaket, Sukhothai, Ratchaburi, Saraburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Maha Sarakham, Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi, Ranong, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Chiang Rai, Buriram, Ayutthaya, Lampang, Sakon Nakhon, Nan, Phrae, Sa Kaeo, Yasothon, Suphanburi, Ang Thong, Roi Et, Surin, Chainat, Phayao, Nakhon Nayok, Uttaradit, Udon Thani, Mukdahan, Phichit, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Bueng Kan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Sing Buri, Yala, Samut Songkhram, Amnat Charoen, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Pattani.
