From the mountains of the north to the beautiful beaches of the south, Thailand is packed with stunning places to experience. If you’re a history lover, you’ll find no shortage of palaces, ruins, and ancient cities along the way. Plus, most of these sites are easily accessible and offer visitors a comprehensive overview of the tremendous history that happened there. Wander through the historic center of Ayutthaya, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site that was one of the country’s ancient capitals, or pay your respects in Kanchanaburi, the site of the infamous “death railway”.
These nine historical must-see sights in Thailand will give you an insight like no other, and you’ll leave with a new understanding and respect for this fantastic country.
1. Ayutthaya: Historical Park
If you want to truly step back in time and get a deep understanding of ancient Thailand, you’ll need to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park. This collection of ruins contains original Buddha statues, including the famous Buddha head in the tree, and temples that date back centuries. There are several popular ways to explore the park, including touring by bicycle. There are also several impressive ruins outside the park, including Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which you can experience by boat cruise, and is glorious at night. Ayutthaya is just a short train ride from Bangkok, making it an ideal day trip for those looking for a more laid-back pace and a peek into history.
2. Bangkok: Wat Arun
Bangkok’s Wat Arun, also known as the “Temple of Dawn,” is one of the top historical sites in the city, and it looks especially beautiful when it’s lit up at night. Dating back to the 17th Century, this stunning temple, complete with a towering prang, was dedicated to Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, and is easily one of the most peaceful and magical spots in the city. You can tour the temple or enjoy views of it from the Chao Phraya River. The temple is open daily between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
3. Sukhothai: Old Town
While not as popular as Ayutthaya, Sukhothai is one of the unmissable UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia. There’s no direct train from Bangkok to Sukhothai, but you can get there by disembarking the train in Phitsanulok and grabbing a bus or taxi the rest of the way. The journey is worth it to see this city suspended in the 13th century. Like Ayutthaya, Sukhothai was once the capital of Thailand, and you’ll find perfectly preserved pranas and temples all over the old district.
4. Lopburi: Old Town
If you’re traveling in Thailand, the name “Lopburi” is synonymous with monkeys, and these famous residents are one of the key reasons why people make the three-hour trip up north from Bangkok. The monkeys are fairly people-friendly, but still wild animals, so it’s advisable to keep your distance while you admire the ruins and wildlife. One of the most popular places to spot these creatures, and see some historic architecture, is Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat, built in 1357, and one of the key remaining structures from the Lavo Kingdom. Prang Sam Yod is another excellent example of Lavo architecture and a popular climbing site for Lopburi’s monkey residents.
5. Bangkok: Grand Palace
Bangkok’s Grand Palace was constructed in the late 1700s and is certainly not as old as some destinations on our list, but it is still incredibly historically important. This palace housed King Rama I, and subsequent monarchs, and is 200,00 square meters large, including the grounds and temples. One of the most impressive areas of the Grand Palace is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where you can see a priceless jade Buddha that’s considered one of the country’s greatest treasures.
6. Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun
Chiang Rai’s magnificent Wat Rong Khun is known locally as the “White Temple” and is one of the most iconic historical sites in the northern part of the country. Opened in 1997, this temple is one of the newest structures on the list, but it has significant historical relevance as a testament to the spirituality and history of Thailand. Containing a meditation hall and prayer hall, plus statues and decorations that feature a fusion of pop culture and mythological and historical symbolism, it’s a fresh look at Thailand’s history through a modern lens.
7. Kanchanaburi: Bridge on the River Kwai
During World War II, the small town of Kanchanaburi played an important role in the war, specifically the Bridge on the River Kwai. Prisoners of war built the bridge as a way to span the distance between Myanmar and Thailand, and it was known locally as “Death Railway” for the number of people who suffered during its construction. The prisoners forced to construct the Bridge on the River Kwai had to face a host of different tropical diseases, like dysentery, malaria, and cholera, as well as horrific working conditions. Today, you can visit and pay your respects to those who lost their lives there.
8. Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai’s top historic sites, and one of the best examples of Lanna architecture in this part of the country. Created in 1383, this incredible complex is dominated by golden temples and contains a sacred relic from the Buddha. While you’ll have to travel outside the city to see it, it’s worth the journey, and the 306-step staircase to get up to the temple complex. Plus, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the city and countryside from the top.
9. Korat: Phimai Historical Park
Korat is one of the most exciting places to visit in Issan, an area to the north where not a lot of tourists visit. It’s also home to Phimai Historical Park, an exemplary piece of Khmer architecture. Dating back to the 11th Century, Phimai Historical Park has several impressive prangs, sprawling walkways, and carvings that pay homage to Hindu deities. Plus, since this area is not as widely toured as other parts of the country, you’re less likely to contend with throngs of visitors, and may even have the ruins all to yourself.
If you love history, you should put these nine destinations on your “must-visit” list next time in Thailand.
