Thailand Travel Guide, What to See in Thailand, Historical Parks, Royal Palaces, Thai Temples and more...

Thailand’s natural environment and social history have been many times acknowledged by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, and the Kingdom has been associated with the Convention for the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage since 1987.

In 1991, 1992 and 2005 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee designated five sites in Thailand as World Heritage Sites. They were Sukhothai and associated cities, Ayutthaya Historical Park and historic towns, and Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, all in 1991; Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in 1992, and the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex in 2005. These sites are a source of pride to Thailand, and the Thai people are continuing to protect them for later generations. Read More...

Historical sites are a testimony to every country’s civilisation and cultural heritage, bridging the gap between past and present and instilling a sense of belonging, and the desire to maintain their invaluable legacy.

The Muang Sing Historical Park in Kanchanaburi is Thailand’s first historical park officially opened in 1987. Today, 10 historical parks have been opened, three of which have been designated World Heritage Sites.

The 10 historical parks are Muang Singh, Phanom Rung, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, Kamphaeng Phet, Sri Thep, Phimai, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Khiri and Phu Phra Bat. They result from the work of the Fine Arts Department in excavating, rebuilding and landscaping over several decades. Each of these parks in now equipped with a tourist and information centre and provides qualifi ed guides. Read More...

The royal palaces of Thailand provide a fascinating glimpse of the majesty and splendour of the Thai monarchy, and several of them are open to tourists.

The Grand Palace: In the same compound as the Temple of Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace consists of several Thai-style buildings with highly decorative architectural detail. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the official residence of the Chakri monarchs until the reign of King Rama VIII. The Grand Palace is now a museum and houses several important collections, including the Weapon Museum, the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion and the Museum of Fine Arts. Read More...

There are temples everywhere in Thailand, and every community will have at least one. The temple has always played a significant role as a social, educational and spiritual centre for the people of the community. There are more than 30,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand, and probably more than 300,000 monks.

Amidst the changes taking place in society today, the temple remains important as a spiritual centre for all Thai people. On Buddhist holy days, temples are crowded with people making merit and paying respect to the Buddha images, and all religious ceremonies such as funeral rites are conducted there.

Much of the Thailand’s artistic and cultural heritage can be seen in the architecture and decoration of the temples, with their murals, wood carvings and Buddha images. Read More...

For centuries, temples and palaces were the only places where Thailand’s fine art was displayed, and it is still true that they are important repositories of the country’s wealth of classical art.

Thai classical art can be divided into five main eras and several lesser ones. The five most important are Srivijaya, Khmer, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin. The first two overlapped and were actually pre- Thai. The Sukhothai era followed in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Ayutthaya era in the 15th to 18th centuries, and the Rattanakosin era from 1782 to the present. Read More...

Thai classical music originated in the Sukhothai era, and two kinds of Thai ensemble evolved. One is a tuned percussion ensemble called pi phat which accompanies theatre performances and boxing matches. The other is mahori in which there are stringed instruments. One of the most fascinating of Thai arts is classical dance, which was influenced by Indian culture. It was reformed to become Thailand’s own style in the reign of King Rama II. Read More...

Theme parks in Thailand range from zoos to water parks, miniature villages to haunted houses, and side shows to cultural displays. Most are inexpensive and open year round.

The latest addition, Phuket FantaSea, entertains thousands of visitors a week with a varied programme of cultural shows, the largest buffet in Thailand, a handicraft market and spectacular fireworks. The following is a list of some of the most widely visited and internationally famous Thai theme parks. Read More...

The royal barges are a national pride for their traditional associations and their superb craftsmanship. The exquisitely detailed work represents the artistic endeavour of artists of different periods.

The earliest historical evidence of royal barges dates from the Sukhothai period (1238-1438) where the royal vessels were used in waterborne state ceremonies around the city of Sukhothai. During the Ayutthaya period (1351- 1776) magnificent processions with a large fleet of barges assembled on the rivers and canals around the island capital. Most important royal barge processions were organised for the annual kathin ceremony when the Ayutthaya kings travelled to royal monasteries to offer robes to the monks.

During the present King’s Golden Jubilee in 1996, the Thai Government commissioned the building of a new Royal Barge, Narai Song Suban Rama IX to present to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Read More...

Thailand has a water culture; settlement in Thailand followed the river, which provided food, transport and communication. The waterways may be less important today, but there is still an active river and canal life that visitors can experience, and the cultural importance of water is still there to see in many traditional Thai festivals.

In Bangkok, rivers and canals (khlong) were the traditional form of transport. When the city was founded in 1782, the Chao Phraya River formed part of its defence system, and canals were dug as moats and transport infrastructure. No roads were built until the 1860s, and it was the network of river and canals that led early European visitors to describe the city as “the Venice of the East.”

Water is a revered symbol signifying life force and purity. Throughout the year, there are celebrations expressing gratitude for the country’s plentiful waterways especially the internationally known Loi Krathong Festival. Besides annual festivities, the spectacular Royal Barge Procession with its ornamental flotilla led by His Majesty, is the most elaborate example of deep attachment to the river. Read More...

Khlong Bang Yai - Khlong Om - Nonthaburi: After arriving at Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, visitors can continue the trip to Nonthaburi by catching the river taxi at Wat Sao Thong Hin pier, a short walk from Bang Yai pier. The boat service operates between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. and takes 15-20 minutes.

Along the route, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of waterway life along Khlong Om. The little wooden houses along both sides of the canal invariably have flowers decorating their verandas.

Mit Chao Phraya Express Boat runs a boat trip on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It passes through Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bang Kruai, Khlong Om, with stops for sightseeing at Ko Kret. Read More...

Bangkok’s floating markets are a colourful reminder of the days when farmers brought their produce to sell in Bangkok by boat. They made an early start when the sun was not hot and the fruit and vegetables were at their freshest, and this remains the rule today.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi: The largest and most photographed of the Floating Markets, it opens daily from before dawn until midmorning. Wearing traditional blue cotton suits and bamboo and palm leaf hats, the vendors paddle their loaded boats up and down the waterway hailing customers. Canal trips can be arranged to tour the market and surrounding orchards. Read More...

Rivers and canals (khlong) are synonymous with Thai existence. An abundant source and sustainer of life, Thailand’s riverine world is a network offlowing arteries that nurture and support local communities. These vital waterways not only provide our basic needs but also serve as important transportation routes, conveniently linking all corners of the Kingdom.

An integral part of daily life, our fl owing tributaries are used for leisure and commerce alike. They are the play-ground for frolicking children, peaceful reststops for the elderly perching on their waterfront pavilions, or enterprising and colourful Floating Markets that paddle along selling fresh produce from local farms. Read More...

Traditional sports are an expression of a culture that developed from an agricultural way of life and passed from generation to generation.

Thai sports are also a form of entertainment during religious ceremonies and festivals. While golf, tennis, water-skiing and windsurfing have been eagerly adopted, the older pleasures have never been forgotten. Even in sophisticated centres like Bangkok they continue to exert a strong appeal among young and old alike. Read More...