Attractions of Thailand

To help inspire or plan your trip to Thailand, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Thailand which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Go to Region of Thailand-> Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and became the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam after Sukhothai. It soon became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the East, capital of a kingdom which encompassed large parts of present day Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Ayutthaya developed its own distinctive artistic style, influenced by other cultures with which it traded, before it was destroyed by a Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Remnants of its golden period include the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, Wang Luang and numerous gigantic Buddha statues and prangs (reliquary towers). UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and became the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam after Sukhothai. It soon became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the East, capital of a kingdom which encompassed large parts of present day Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Ayutthaya developed its own distinctive artistic style, influenced by other cultures with which it traded, before it was destroyed by a Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Remnants of its golden period include the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, Wang Luang and numerous gigantic Buddha statues and prangs (reliquary towers).

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Close to the Burmese border in central Thailand lie the wildlife sanctuaries of Thungyai and Huai Kha Kheng, covering more than 6,000 km² of various types of forest. The reserves are home to a wide variety of animal species including elephant and tiger and at least 34 endangered species. The region is also home to several spectacular waterfalls including Thi Lor Su Waterfall, one of the largest in southeast Asia with seven tiers of falls from high limestone cliffs, Kotha Waterfall and Thi Lor Lay Waterfall. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Close to the Burmese border in central Thailand lie the wildlife sanctuaries of Thungyai and Huai Kha Kheng, covering more than 6,000 km² of various types of forest. The reserves are home to a wide variety of animal species including elephant and tiger and at least 34 endangered species. The region is also home to several spectacular waterfalls including Thi Lor Su Waterfall, one of the largest in southeast Asia with seven tiers of falls from high limestone cliffs, Kotha Waterfall and Thi Lor Lay Waterfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Sukhothai
Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, until it was superseded by Ayutthaya, deserted and only rediscovered as a 'lost city' in the 19th century. With 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside, Sukhothai is an important and fascinating site. Monuments of note include Mahathat Wat, a monastery with a royal palace and cemetery and the graceful Sra Si Wat with its two stupas. The nearby town of Si Satchanm contains the impressive Wat Chang Lom, decorated with 39 standing elephants. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

Sukhothai

Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, until it was superseded by Ayutthaya, deserted and only rediscovered as a 'lost city' in the 19th century. With 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside, Sukhothai is an important and fascinating site. Monuments of note include Mahathat Wat, a monastery with a royal palace and cemetery and the graceful Sra Si Wat with its two stupas. The nearby town of Si Satchanm contains the impressive Wat Chang Lom, decorated with 39 standing elephants.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in South-East Asia. Located in eastern Thailand, the site depicts a culture dating back to the 5th millennium BC with evidence for farming, metal production, pottery manufacture and house construction. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ban Chiang Archaeological Site

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site

Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in South-East Asia. Located in eastern Thailand, the site depicts a culture dating back to the 5th millennium BC with evidence for farming, metal production, pottery manufacture and house construction.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ban Chiang Archaeological Site

Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex in south-eastern Thailand is home to 112 mammal species, 392 bird species and 200 reptile and amphibian species including many endangered species. Mammals found in the park include tiger, elephant, gibbon, leopard cat and banteng. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex in south-eastern Thailand is home to 112 mammal species, 392 bird species and 200 reptile and amphibian species including many endangered species. Mammals found in the park include tiger, elephant, gibbon, leopard cat and banteng.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex