Tourist Attractions & Monuments Thailand

It is possible to visit a number of ethnic villages located in the vicinity. There are also tea crops that will be of interest to amateurs: in particular a Chinese variety called Oolong. Contact the French Alliance of Chiang Rai.

The Umphang Reserve has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. You can cross the reserve by raft (bamboo/rubber) over a 20 km route, passing through the following remarkable sites: Pha Woa cave, Gang Ta Kho Bi hot-water river, Khang Kao cave. Not forgetting the main attraction, the Thi Lor Su waterfalls, the "black waterfall" in Karen, the largest and most spectacular in the country, "discovered" just over 20 years ago.

You have to take a song-teo. The departure point is in downtown Mae Sot, a few hundred meters south of the mosque. Departures take place in the morning, approximately every hour from 6 a.m. (depending on the number of passengers) until around 2 p.m. at the latest: so be sure to take precautions and find out in advance so as not to miss the last transport! The journey takes around 4 hours 30 minutes and is not particularly comfortable. Umphang has to be earned!

The road is very winding and steep. It crosses a chain of small mountains, and you're treated to panoramic views of the local cultures or the jungle. The scenery is magnificent. Halfway along the route, you can stop for a toilet, a coffee or a snack.

Activities. The park is in many ways a remote area, but nothing insurmountable for those who really want to experience the charm of a more authentic, wilder Thailand... Give preference to local agencies!

The Phra Ratchawang Boran, also called Wang Luang, is the center of power, and as such is called the royal palace. The kings sometimes resided there, as well as the family of the dynasty. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the capital of the kingdom during 417 years. Boran Palace is located opposite Wat Kasatra on the eastern bank of the ancient Lopburi River, whose bed in the 19th century became the Chao Phraya River.

Three palaces were built in the city, the two others are designated as the Chankasem Palace or Front Palace and the Wang Lang or Back Palace. The Grand Palace is now called the Old Palace. Alleys have been laid out around the remains of this palace which extends to the north of the island. The oldest part dates from King Trailok (1448-1488). Over the centuries, other parts were added. At present, only the foundations of the chedis remain.

The main buildings still standing are

Suriyat Amarin Hall from where one watched the procession of the royal boats on the Lopburi River, it is close to the enclosure of the city. It is very recognizable thanks to its bricks with quadruple gable.

Viharn Somdet. The place was used for the royal ceremonies, in particular with that of the coronation. Its roof was covered with gold leaves. It is surrounded by a cloister.

Sanpet Prasat. It was the rooms of receptions for the visitors of mark and especially for the foreign ambassadors. It is built on the same model as Viharn Somdet.

Banyong Rattanat. This building is located on an island in the middle of a basin and was used as place of rest and meditation.

Trimuk. This building which also has a majestic garden, is located behind the Sanphet Prasat. It seems to have served as a residence for the king's wives.

Chakkrawat Phaichayon. Located inside the enclosure of the city, in front of Wat Luang, it was used to observe the military maneuvers and the religious processions.

Phlapphla Chaturamuk, originally a wooden construction, which shelters today the Chankasem National Museum, rather poor in antiquities however. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

Wang Lang (Back Palace), near the Western Wall, where the distillery is located. Originally, it was a garden reserved for the walks of the king. Later, apartments were set up there for the members of the royal family. The chedi of Queen Sri Suriyothai, who died in battle, can be seen here.

Two teak junks, 26 m long and 7 m wide, with all the necessary comfort. The boats have 4 bedrooms, bathroom, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, wine cellar. Cruises around Koh Phangan with up to 35 people. The boat can drop you off on the beaches and provides masks, snorkels, sets of snowshoes, balloons, 10 fishing rods. Everything is included in the price, softs drinks, meals, with lobsters, meat and vegetables for vegetarians. Possibility to celebrate your wedding on board!

This Buddha statue is more than 45 meters high. There are two performances, one of which is smaller, 12 metres high. Numerous donations made possible its construction, which took place between 2009 and 2016. It is easily visible from the road as it is located on the top of a 380-meter high hill (Nakkerd Hills) between Karon Beach and Kata Beach. Next to the large statue is a small golden Buddha statue made of 20 tons of copper. At the top of the mountain the view is breathtaking over the bay. On the spot, beware of robber monkeys!

This is the former summer residence of Queen Mother Srinagaraindra which has been converted into a museum. A beautiful place to admire examples of Lanna art. Many carved wooden objects typical of northern regions. Finally, in the main hall you can admire the astral roof made of carved wood representing the constellation of the zodiacal sign of the Queen Mother. The surrounding hills were reforested under his impetus. The nearby Mae Fah Luang Gardens is a botanical park where flowers and plants grow among the rock formations.

This immaculate, ultra-modern white building, located between the MBK and Siam Center, is an open door to contemporary art in terms of art, music, theatre, cinema and design. Temporary exhibitions are organised and various events are held throughout the year, including music, poetry, theatre, cinema, discussion and literature. This is Bangkok's address for contemporary art!

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary is a new program from Baan Chang Elephant Park. It is for anyone who wants to take care of an elephant for a day or half a day, without wanting to climb on it. The day starts at 8:30 am, we pick you up at your hotel, and ends around 5 pm or noon. On the agenda, meet your elephant. Preparation of his meal, then after having had lunch yourself, you will go for a walk with your big animal in the forest. Swimming and washing your new friend. You will prepare his meal once again and finish your afternoon with a snack. It's time to take the last pictures of an unforgettable experience

From 1,500 B for half a day, children under 9 years old, 1,200 B. 2,500 B for the day. Children under 9 years of age, 2,000 B.

This park consists of 51 islands, the most important being Koh Tarutao, Koh Adang and Koh Rawi. The agencies of Koh Lipe propose excursions there. The entry ticket, valid for 5 days, is essential to go to Koh Lipe, keep it carefully. This archipelago offers paradisiacal landscapes. Koh Tarutao was a penitentiary from 1939 to 1946, and the Talo Wao Bay prison is worth a visit to see the harsh conditions of detention at the time. Bungalows available.

The historic park deserves a detour for lovers of Siamese history, but not only. The place was the second city of the kingdom and the residence of the Crown Prince. Classified as a UNESCO heritage site since 1991, the site includes remains similar to those found in Sukhothai, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries. Located behind the Yon River, they are less restored than those in Sukhothai.

Built in the 12th century, Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat is the most imposing temple of the site built in 1357, under the reign of Li Thaï. It is accompanied by many statues representing Buddha in his different positions. A prang was added by Boromtrai Lokanat in the 15th century. This temple is also important because it has the second most revered representation of Buddha in Thailand after Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. This is the last statue of the three initials. Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo and Wat Chang Lom are also worth a visit. The first is a very large temple complex and the main attraction of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The temple enclosure has characteristics influenced by Khmer culture, lun, Burmese, lanna and, of course, by the architecture of Sukhothai. The usual entrance is located opposite the impressive Ceylonian-style Wat Chang Lom stupa, which is distinguished by its bell-shaped chedi with three-level square bases that rest on rows of elephant sculptures.

This modern museum, located next to the war cemetery, was created on the initiative of an Australian survivor of the Japanese labour camps. It traces the history of the construction of the Siam-Burma railway, also known as the Death Railway, which became infamous in 1943. This establishment is a counterpart to the Jeath Museum. This museum, located just next to the POWs cemetery in the heart of the city centre, was set up thanks to long and methodical documentation searches. Its creation was primarily intended for the survivors and the memory of the victims. It traces in detail the history of the military operations launched in Asia by the Japanese. We learn that the Thai government of the time had signed a cooperation treaty with Japan in January 1942, and even declared war on the Allied Forces! Of course, most of it explains the cruel fate of these tens of thousands of men (Australians, English, Dutch and Americans, but also Malay, Indians, Thai and Chinese!) who died in atrocious conditions during the seventeen months (instead of the three years initially planned!) that the construction of this strategic railway took between 1943 and 1944. The models on display are remarkable, and the explanatory texts give an accurate idea of how things went. Allow at least one hour for the visit.

Tourists go there to take the inevitable souvenir photos, but what exactly do they remember? The bridge is famous for David Lean's eponymous best-selling film (1957), actually shot in Sri Lanka, which took great liberties with Pierre Boulle's novel and even more so with historical facts. This bridge on the Death Railway actually crosses the Kwai Yai River, which was simply part of the Mae Klong River before the 1960s. This bridge is not spectacular, but the trip on the train that takes it is worth the trip.

Wat Tang Sai is a magnificent temple that was built in 1996 to mark the 50th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It has 9 pagodas representing His Majesty King Rama IX. Overlooking the beach of Baan Krut, built on top of a hill, it is a little marvel with its five chedi proudly pointing their golden arrows. The panorama embraces mountains and palm groves as far as the sea, as far as the eye can see. On the right, before the entrance, a small building houses a barrel-shaped gong. On the left, an identical building supports a bronze bell. These two instruments are used to give rhythm to the ceremonies. The first one follows the lunar calendar. The second one sets the rhythm of the days. Blood-red doors frame the temple itself. On the ground floor, four representations of Buddha appear on the marble altar. Upstairs, another Buddha, standing in the middle of the room. On the ceiling, also painted red, friezes represent the stars of nirvana. The alcoves all around are real little architectural treasures. The refined stained-glass windows represent Buddha at the decisive episodes of his life: a unique work of art! Outside, a gigantic golden Buddha, 19 m high, was built in homage to the queen, the temple itself being dedicated to the king. It is protected by statues of "demons" that do not represent evil but act as guardians. The temple complex, which also has beautiful gardens, is called Pramahatart Chedi Pakdepragard.

Located on the Nan River, this temple commonly known as Wat Yai dates from the mid-14th century. It is one of the only buildings to survive the major fire of 1957. Thecentral vihara houses the statue of Buddha Chinnarat in a seated position, one of the most revered and beautiful in the country. Made entirely of polished bronze, it is in the Sukhothai style. Its main feature is the headdress, a halo that takes the form of a sacred snake. The doors of the large image room are covered with pearls made by the king's craftsmen in the 18th century. Candlesticks on the ceiling majestically illuminate the room. Buddha statues line up in the corridors. A large 8-metre statue of standing Buddha, Phra Attharot, is located on the site. It would be from the same period as that of Buddha Chinnarat, and was once in a large room that no longer exists today but of which some ruins can be seen as pillars. The centre of the enclosure is dominated by a prang, a large Khmer style pagoda. Originally this structure was to form a Sukhothai-style lotus flower stupa, then had to be converted into a prang in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. A ceremony in honour of Buddha Chinnarat takes place every year at the end of January. Across the street, another temple, Wat Ratchaburana, is also worth a visit. It houses a magnificent three-headed Naga and 19th century murals.

These tourist boats run on the Chao Phraya from Sathorn pier (Central Pier) to Phra Athit pier, making 9 stops along the way. These boats for tourists are more modern and comfortable (toilets, WiFi) than the express boats dedicated to transport. A small map of the route with the main monuments is offered and the cruise is commented (in Thai and English). A one-day pass allows you to take the boat as many times as you want, so you can stop wherever you want.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, locally known as Don-Rak War Cemetery, is the largest cemetery in the region, with several in memory and in memory of the soldiers who died in action or during the construction of the bridge. Nearly 7,000 Allied prisoners of war are buried here, mainly Australians, British and Dutch. Chungkai Cemetery, a former base camp, is located south of the city and has 1,690 graves.

This old market, more than 150 years old, is more a curiosity to be visited than a place to shop. Indeed, in the heart of Chinatown, you will see as you walk through the narrow alleys of the Talad Kao, as it is also called, that it is difficult to know what is sold on the stalls. Chinese delicatessen and other oddities are neck and neck for the greatest fascination of tourists who are not very familiar with Chinese cuisine. In the evening, Yaowarat Street and the surrounding alleyways turn into an open-air street food market.

The office is in the centre of Chiang Mai and the training site is 50 km away from the town in the middle of the jungle. Transfers from Chiang Mai are included in the vacation packages. It is a good way to discover Asian elephants, the importance to preserve them by feeding them, the bath as well as physical training methods. During the trainings, you will learn how to control the animal, how to bathe it and to ride it across the jungle. It is important to be well equipped before going through this experiment. Trousers and sandals are highly advised as well as mosquito repellent and a sun screen lotion. This agency is very serious and should be privileged as it is doing much for the preservation and well-being of Thai elephants. 

This huge park, 17 km from the center of Pattaya, includes a tropical garden composed of rare exotic plants, a French garden and orchid garden with a true collection of 670 listed species (specialized research center on hybrids). An hour's cultural show takes place four times a day (including traditional dances). Also an elephant exhibition involving the public and a mini zoo… What to attract interest!

Chatuchak Park, inaugurated in December 1980, is one of Bangkok's oldest parks. It was then enhanced with Queen Sirikit Park and Wachirabenchatat Park, although they are separated from Chatuchak Park by Kampaeng Phet Street. It is all in length and has an artificial lake, and several small bridges connect each shore. It is the ideal place for a picnic, jogging or cycling. A small train museum is located on site. Very popular on weekends, especially because of its proximity to the Chatuchak market.