Points of Interest

Points of Interest in Thailand

Thailand is full of iconic places throughout the country, from nature, temples, beaches, markets to historical ruins. This page offers a selection of must-see or lesser-known sites to explore by region.

Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai: temples, markets, nature, crafts.
Chiang Rai: the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Black House.
Doi Inthanon National Park: the country’s highest point, waterfalls, and forests.
Pai: bohemian village in a peaceful valley.

Central Region

Bangkok: palaces, temples, floating markets, modern museums.
Ayutthaya: royal ruins and historic parks.
Lopburi: Khmer temples and monkeys.
Kanchanaburi: River Kwai bridge, nature, memory.

South and Islands

Phuket: beaches, old town, excursions.
Krabi: karst formations, Railay, sea kayaking.
Koh Samui: temples, yoga, diverse beaches.
Koh Tao: diving, snorkeling.
Similan and Surin Marine Parks: exceptional underwater life.

Cultural and Natural Sites

National Parks (Erawan, Khao Sok, Doi Suthep-Pui…).
Famous temples: Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple).
Markets: Chatuchak (Bangkok), floating markets, night markets.

Conclusion

Whether seeking spiritual fervor, wild nature, the perfect beach or urban chaos, Thailand offers an impressive diversity of points of interest. Each region has its own character, climate, and rhythm.

Southern Thailand

Wat Manee Sri Mahathat in Phang Nga (Wat Kaew Manee Si Mahathat)

In 2013, we visited Khao Lak in southwestern Thailand on the shores of the Andaman Sea. Before leaving, I was struck by a temple I was eager to see, Wat Manee Sri Mahathat. This temple honors a famous monk. What impressed me most was the size of the statue dominating the building and its realistic and detailed aspect.

We took a day trip in Phang Nga province to stop there. The site is apparently not well known to tourists. On site, we witnessed a blessing ceremony for a couple. We were indeed the only tourists!

Wat Manee Sri Mahathat

During our other trips in Thailand, I realized that such temples are quite common.

Northern Thailand

Wat Si Chum in Sukhothai

If I had to choose a temple that marked me in Sukhothai, it would be Wat Si Chum! To be honest, the choice is not easy… especially since there is no reason to rank them. All these temples are beautiful!

Wat Si Chum’s uniqueness lies in its immense Buddha statue (15 m) in the Bhumisparsha mudra position, “earth-touching gesture,” placed in the center of a roofless building. The sense of grandeur is enhanced and the effect is magnificent!

Wat Si Chum - building

Wat Si Chum

Ho Phra Phuttabat at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang

During the visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple in Lampang south of Chiang Mai, it is worth knowing that at the rear part of the temple there is a real curiosity! There is a tiny building on top of a promontory. Access is via a series of high stairs. Inside the building, a white cloth is stretched against the back wall. When the wooden door is closed, an optical projection effect occurs thanks to a hole in the door. The view of the adjacent chedi (stupa) is projected.

Ho Phra Phuttabat

The chedi projection

The chedi of Wat Lampang Luang

Central Thailand

Buddha Head trapped in a Banyan Fig at Ayutthaya

During the visit to Ayutthaya archaeological site, the artifact not to miss is clearly the Buddha head trapped inside a banyan fig tree. It is located within the Wat Mahathat perimeter (Temple of the Great Relic). For information, Wat Mahathat does not refer to a specific temple but rather a type of temple as it indicates the main temple housing the principal relic. Thus, several Wat Mahathat temples exist in Thailand!

You have probably seen a photo of this head in magazines or travel guides. It is not very big and can be easily missed given the many beautiful things around.

Buddha Head, Ayutthaya

Gulf of Thailand

Wat Khunaram - The Mummified Monk of Koh Samui

The island tour of Koh Samui is easily done in a few hours including stops. We chose a taxi for 6 to 8 hours. It is easy to book such transport on Koh Samui. The driver rarely speaks English but takes you to all points of interest. Some are more interesting than others. The strangest is definitely the mummified monk!!! Along the road, you arrive at Wat Khunaram temple. Next to this temple is an open building housing a naturally mummified monk since 1973, Loung Pordaeng.

Loung Pordaeng died at age 79 while meditating. His body did not decompose and is still preserved in a glass case.

Loung Pordaeng

Points of Interest#