The Ultimate Travel Guide to Thailand: History & Attractions

The Land of Smiles — stunning temples, tropical beaches, vibrant street food, and warm hospitality await you.

A Glimpse into History

Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never colonised by a European power — a source of immense national pride. The region's first major kingdom, Sukhothai, was established in 1238 AD, developing a distinct Thai script, art, and Buddhist identity. It was succeeded by the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767), which grew into one of the world's wealthiest trading ports, with merchants from Portugal, the Netherlands, China, and Japan maintaining permanent quarters there. Burmese forces destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767, but the kingdom regrouped under General Taksin, who established a new capital at Thonburi before the Chakri dynasty moved it across the river to Bangkok in 1782 — the city that Thais call Krung Thep, meaning City of Angels. Kings Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V) modernised the country through diplomatic brilliance, ceding some territories while maintaining independence as French and British empires claimed all surrounding lands. Thailand sided with Japan during WWII but quickly switched allegiances after the Japanese surrender in 1945. Decades of political instability, coups, and periods of rapid economic growth have characterised modern Thailand, which today is a constitutional monarchy with a deeply revered royal family and Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

Top Attractions in Thailand

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

The Grand Palace complex is Thailand's most sacred site, home to the Emerald Buddha — a 66 cm jade statue revered as the palladium of the Thai nation — dressed in seasonal robes changed by the king three times a year. The glittering spires, mosaic-covered buildings, and golden chedis create an overwhelming display of Thai royal architecture.

Phi Phi Islands

This cluster of six islands in the Andaman Sea features sheer limestone karsts plunging into transparent turquoise water, with Maya Bay — made famous by the film The Beach — as its crown jewel. The islands offer world-class snorkelling, diving, cliff jumping, and fire shows at night, accessible by speedboat from Krabi or Phuket.

Chiang Mai Old City Temples

Northern Thailand's cultural capital contains over 300 Buddhist temples within and around its moat-encircled old city. Doi Suthep — a gilded hilltop temple reached via 309 steps — overlooks the city at sunset, while the Saturday and Sunday night walking markets transform the ancient streets into Thailand's finest open-air bazaar.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

The ruins of Thailand's former imperial capital — destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 — spread across a riverside island studded with headless Buddha statues, crumbling prangs, and atmospheric temple complexes. The most iconic image is the stone Buddha head entwined in the roots of a bodhi tree at Wat Mahathat, one of Southeast Asia's most photographed moments.

Floating Markets of Bangkok

Damnoen Saduak floating market is a riot of colour, with vendors in wide-brimmed hats paddling wooden boats loaded with tropical fruits, cooked noodles, and flowers through narrow canal networks. Amphawa floating market, 90 minutes from Bangkok, offers a more authentic evening experience with riverside seafood and firefly boat tours.