Thailand is a country that is rich in culture and beauty. So sometimes trying to decide where you want to go and what you want to see while in Thailand can be time-consuming and difficult.
Based on our own experience and the experiences of our customers, here are some of our favorite attractions across Thailand, from Bangkok all the way to the beaches of Phuket.
Highlights
- In Bangkok, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are stunning places and to visit them helps understand Thai history and culture.
- Also, while in Bangkok, many travelers like to see the Jim Thompson House to learn more about Thai architecture an art.
- If you are interested in the ruins of the capitals of ancient kingdoms, you can visit Ayutthaya Historical Park or Sukhothai Historical Park.
- Like history and WWII? The Death Railway and Bridge over the River Kwai are great ways to see famous historical sites.
- Our favorite attractions near Chiang Mai include the Elephant Nature Park, Doi Inthanon, and the Golden Triangle.
- Want to hit the beach? Check out Bophut in Koh Samui and Bangtao in Phuket.
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew complex are the number one tourist attraction in Bangkok, due to its beautiful architecture, spiritual significance, and historical importance.
The Grand Palace was the home of the kings of Siam for over 150 years. Today, the building is not used as much by the Thai royal family, but the importance of the area still remains. The architecture of the Grand Palace is enchanting and it is a must-see when you are in Thailand.
Within the precincts of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew which is commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Famous throughout Asia for its spiritual importance, this temple is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists who want to see the famous Buddha statue that was carved from a single block of jade.
5-Day Essential Bangkok Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions.
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orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods
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Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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Sharon from Asia highlights has been…
Sharon from Asia highlights has been amazing. She offered her amazing ideas to other tours I wanted. We have planned the perfect 9 day itinerary to Thailand. She worked in my budget and was very flexible when I had to change my flights. Thank you sharon. Can’t wait for the trip.
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Heather Stern Wilensky,
Apr 2023
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Ms. Ning first review 4-2023
Ms. Albee Ning has been doing a great job accommodating my requests and itinerary changes. Remember the first itinerary is a rough draft and you may modify it to suit your tastes. Remember you can not do it all and see everything in 3 weeks. If the flight wasn't so long I would visit Southeast Asia more often. I will update my review in a few months. We don't leave for 9 more months. Asia Highlights is working well for me so far!
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Chiefray,
Apr 2023
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Perfect Trip To Thailand…
We had so much fun in Bangkok with Tanni and Tom as they kept laughing at all of our silly jokes. Paul, our guide and Chiang Mai was really thoughtful, fun and full of great information about the temples and sights. Thanks so much! Brian and Michelle
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Scott Orchard,
Mar 2023
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I highly recommend Asia Highlights
I highly recommend Asia Highlights. I worked with Alisa and she is fantastic! I was planning my honeymoon trip, and I changed the destination multiple times. Each time, Alisa provided me an updated itinerary with activities that matched my interests. Whether I had a small change to an activity, a question about one of the arrangements, or a change or destination, Alisa was helpful, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, providing me with updated options in an extremely timely manner. In the end, despite the fact that I changed my mind on location multiple times, I ended up booking a 17 day trip to Thailand for this upcoming November. I am extremely excited to experience everything that Alisa planned for us. I recommend Asia Highlights to everyone and look forward to using them again on any other trips to Asia in the future. Thank you Alisa and Asia Highlights!
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Britt Rosen,
Mar 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport.
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Deby,
Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible.
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Todd Atwell,
Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves.
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back.
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Roger Pyle,
Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia
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Nancy Parker,
Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip
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AZ,
Feb 2023
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5 STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE BY MONICA
Monica is a very sweet young lady who speaks excellent English via email/WhatsApp, and knows the importance of excellent customer service.
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Trent,
Jan 2023
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We had an awesome experience with Asia Highlights
We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. He was on time and the van was clean and well-maintained. Mr. Prassert was our guide for the 4 days we spent in Bangkok. He was helpful, kind, and willing to accommodate our pee and coffee breaks. The driver was safe and punctual.
Next, we went to Chiang Mai.Gemma exceeded every expectation we had for our tour of Chiang Mai! She had a great attitude that made exploring the city fun and exciting, as well as an abundance of knowledge and experience. She was always spot on with figuring out logistics and coming up with unique ideas that suited our interests and schedules. Gemma was incredibly generous with her time and even walked us to security at the airport to make sure we could carry all of our luggage. That’s just one example of how far out of her way she went to make our trip easier and more enjoyable. Gemma was sincerely interested in making every minute of our trip count. We’re very grateful to have met her and feel like we have found a friend in Gemma! Our driver in Chiang Mai was also great and very accommodating to our changes in schedules.
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Lois Paskow,
Dec 2022
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Thailand & Cambodia 2022
Albee went above and beyond to make our trip perfect. She rearranged flights due to a mistake of mine. She made sure we were still picked up and escorted to the airport. I felt comfortable and safe with all our reps. She did an excellent job and I highly recommend her booking your next trip. Thank you, Albee.
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Karen Brooks,
Dec 2022
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Perfect vacation thanks to Albee we…
I can’t say enough about how much we appreciate all the efforts, attention to details and immediate responses to all questions that Albee and her team provided. The Asia Highlights team deserves more stars than the maximum allowed because of continually going above and beyond all expectations. Thanks Albee for making our vacation through south east Asia absolutely perfect!!!
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Michael Sharp,
Dec 2022
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2023 Chiang Mai CAD Yipeng Festival
We got early bird ticket and Bella was assisting us through whatsapp. Easy, competitive price, front row tickets. Thanks Bella, for being patient explaining everything to me. Highly recommended.
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lily hartati,
Dec 2022
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Bella has been an outstanding customer service rep
Bella has been an outstanding customer service rep. She was responsive and knowledgeable. Buying tickets from their website was super easy and the whole process was straightforward. Highly recommended.
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Khai,
Nov 2022
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I was ever so grateful to have a point…
I was ever so grateful to have a point of contact while in a foreign country for the first time, alone, that helped me through the Ins and outs of getting to and from my destination. Albee was readily available which brought me much comfort and feeling of safety. If in this part of the world again, I will not hesitate to use your services..
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Omega,
Nov 2022
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Memorable Experience!!!
I booked tickets to the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Nov 2022. Bella was extremely responsive and helpful!!
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Bowen,
Nov 2022
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Personalized
It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting.
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Peter Bongiovanni,
Nov 2022
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2. Wat Arun in Bangkok
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is an iconic landmark of Bangkok.
Its splendid 79-meter-high (259 ft) central spire with 4 smaller spires around it can be often seen in pictures of Thailand and tourist brochures. Inlaid with a variety of colorful ceramic plates, glass, and shells, these spires look magnificent, especially on a sunny day.
From the top of the central spire, you can see the winding Chao Phraya River spread below and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho opposite you.
3. Wat Pho in Bangkok
Wat Pho
Located close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is popular among tourists as it is less crowded and showcases the Buddhist culture of Thailand.
Wat Pho has many reasons to be well-renowned: it is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok; it houses one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in the world; and possesses more than a thousand figures and paintings of the Buddha.
Beyond all doubt, the biggest highlight of Wat Pho is the enormous Reclining Buddha, which spans a length of 45 m (150 ft) and a width of 15 m (50 ft). Covered in gold leaf, it is truly a resplendent sight.
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4. Jim Thompson House in Bangkok
Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a famous spot for Bangkok visitors because it excellently showcases traditional Thai architecture and home design. Built by Jim Thompson, the American CIA agent turned silk trader who mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s, the house is just as mysterious as it is beautiful.
A museum now, the house itself consists of six teak Thai-styled buildings and is full of ancient Asian objects from Thailand, China, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Walking through the house, visitors will be able to see paintings, sculptures, and other rare items, which were part of Jim Thompson's personal collection.
5. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park is located near Bangkok and is what remains of the capital city of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom which existed from 1351 to 1767.
During the existence of the Kingdom, many grand and historically important temples were built in Ayutthaya. Today, this area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its cultural and historical importance.
The Ayutthaya Historical Park covers a 3 sq km (1 sq mi) area full of impressive ruins of temples and palaces. The best way to see the park is to take a tour or rent a bike in order to see as many of the famous temples as possible.
Some of our personal favorite sites in the park include Wat Phra Si Sapphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, where the largest bronze Buddha statue is located.
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6. Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai used to be the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries and is located in Northern Thailand.
The park includes the remains of 21 different historical sites inside the city walls. However, a lot of the most impressive and large ruins are located outside the city walls.
The park is quite a large place and it is best to explore it by bicycle or car. One of the great things about Sukhothai Park is that, although it is popular with tourists, because it covers such a large area, it is still comparatively quiet and peaceful.
7. The White Temple in Chiang Rai
The White Temple
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai is one of the most remarkable and stunning temples in Thailand. As its name implies, it is an all-white temple.
When sunlight shines on the fragments of mirrors that decorate the walls of the temple, it appears pure and solemn, a work of art in itself.
Chalermchai Kositpipat, the designer of the White Temple, states that white represents purity and the glittering mirrors symbolize wisdom.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you must pay a visit to the temple to view its charms for yourself.
8. Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang
Chedi Luang means big pagoda in Thai. The temple got its name for the large, square, Lana-style pagoda located in its center. Along with Wat Phra Singh, it is among the most exalted temples in Chiang Mai.
Originally 98 m (321 ft) high, the pagoda was once the tallest building in north Thailand. But after a massive earthquake, the Thai Burma War, and lightning strikes, only the 42-meter-high (137 ft) tower base and ground floor remain. Yet, it is still the tallest building in Chiang Mai Old City.
Although the tower is in ruins, when you stand in front of it, you can still sense its majesty and solemnity and cannot help but wonder about the time when it was first built.
Recommended Itinerary
9. Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai
Death Railway
The Siam-Burma Railway (also known as Death Railway) is a 415-kilometer (258-mile) stretch of railroad that runs between Thailand and Myanmar.
This railway was built by the Japanese Army during WWII and became notorious due to it being built by the forced labor of British, Australian, Dutch, and American prisoners of war.
During the construction of the railway, more than 16,000 prisoners died of various sicknesses and malnourishment.
The railway passes through a small town in Thailand called Kanchanaburi which has a war museum and is also the location of the real Bridge over the River Kwai.
Although the true bridge looks much different than the one in the movie and goes by a different name, many people visit the site to see the inspiration behind the famous story.
4-Day Best of Chiang Mai Tour:
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10. The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
The Elephant Nature Park is becoming well-known to travelers throughout the world and there is good reason why.
Unlike other elephant parks that force breeding, use bullhooks, or allow guests to ride the elephants, the Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for elephants who were mistreated or abused in the past.
Here the elephants live peaceful happy lives and have ethical interaction with park visitors.
The focus of the park is to give travelers the incredible experience of interacting with these wonderful and gentle giants by caring for them. Visitors can choose from half-day or overnight visits, during which they can feed, bathe, and hike with the elephants.
11. Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak, sitting at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level and it is one of the country's hidden treasures.
Due to its altitude, the mountain area and surrounding national park have much cooler weather than other places in Thailand, and so it is a great break from the sweltering heat of Chiang Mai.
The beauty of Doi Inthanon park is undeniable, with lush green forests, beautiful rivers, and picturesque waterfalls which can all be seen on the many trails through the 482 sq km (299 sq mi) of the park.
This park is also home to some unique and disappearing Northern Hilltribes of Thailand, who are trying to resettle the area and maintain their traditional culture.
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12. The Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai
Located northeast of Chiang Rai, the Golden Triangle is known for its views of the surrounding rolling hills and also as the place where the countries of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all meet.
Standing on the Thai side of the borders, visitors can see all three countries, the mighty Mekong River, hills dotted with small villages, and the beautiful hilltop temples in the distance.
There are plenty of ways that visitors can experience this area of Thailand, including taking a boat ride to get close to all three nations, visiting the large golden Buddha located in the nearby Wat Phra That Pu Khao, and visitors can also take a peek at the nearby House of Opium Museum.
13. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Longtail boats loaded with fruit and vegetables shuttle through narrow canals with tropical trees on either side. Peddlers wearing straw hats shout to sell their wares. The floating market is one of the most iconic features of Thailand.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in southwest Bangkok, about a 1? -hour drive from the city. Yellow bananas, fresh mangoes, juicy cut coconuts, colorful flowers, hot noodles, and smiling vendors greet you. Their hawking amid the bustling crowds makes the market come alive.
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14. The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth is an all-wooden structure located on a quiet beach in Pattaya. From a distance, it looks like a majestic sailboat. Exquisite and complex woodcarvings cover the walls of the temple.
A privately constructed structure, the founder employed Thailand's skilled craftsmen to build the edifice over 30 years; even now, it is still under construction.
The original intention of the founder was to preserve the wooden crafts and carving arts of Thailand and express his religious beliefs and Oriental philosophy.
Further Reading: Top 10 Things to Do in Pattaya
15. Bophut in Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Bophut is one of the few remaining places on Koh Samui that still has some of the island's original Chinese culture and atmosphere. The Bophut area even still has an authentic and well-preserved Fisherman's Village, located in the middle section of the beach.
While other fisherman's villages on the island have been turned into tourist traps, Bophut has managed to maintain the original charm of their village, with streets lined by old wooden Chinese shop-houses.
Besides the draw of an authentic island experience, Bophuts 2-kilometer (1-mile) long white-sand beach that is fringed by palm trees is the perfect place to relax. The calm waters of the area also make for great water sports.
9-Day Thailand East Coast Island Hopping Tour:
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16. Bangtao in Phuket
Phuket
Bangtao has something for every beachgoer, from luxury resorts and villas to more mid-range options. Bangtao beach is the second largest beach in Phuket, over 8-kilometers long. It has plenty of space for large resorts but also plenty of natural scenery.
During the high season, the waters near Bangtao are calm and perfect for swimming as well as watersports. The waters near the northern end of the beach are often rougher and offer a good opportunity for surfers.
17. Similan Islands National Park
The Similan Archipelago, which comprises nine islands, was designated a national park in 1982. It is popular with scuba-diving enthusiasts because of its unique corals, colorful fish, soft beaches, high underwater visibility, and a water temperature of 28℃ (82℉).
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18. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is located in the northeast of Bangkok, about a 3-hour drive from the city. Spread across 2,170 sq km (840 sq miles) of rainforest, grasslands, mountains, and waterfalls, the park is perfect for spotting wildlife, breathing in the fresh air, and hiking.
The cool temperature, excellent air quality, fascinating scenery, and many activities attract locals and visitors who come here to discover a land of idyllic beauty.
19. Chiang Mai Old City
Chiang Mai Old City
Chiang Mai Old City was the center of the Lanna Kingdom (a kingdom that once controlled northern Thailand) in ages past. The kingdom collapsed in 1556 and only the old city survived. Now it forms part of the cultural heritage of Thailand.
Chiang Mai Old City is shaped like a square and surrounded by walls and moats. Tha Phae Gate, the most famous landmark there, is the starting point for a night-market tour.
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20. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is located in southern Thailand, a 3-hour drive from Phuket. The landscape is full of exotic plants as well as tropical hardwood trees and wildlife.
The evergreen jungles in the park are thought to be the oldest rainforest on earth, estimated to be more than 1.6 million years old.
Tour Thailand with Us
We welcome the chance to help you plan your trip to Thailand. We will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodation, and activities that best suit your requirements. Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning a hassle-free vacation with us today!