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5 Must-See Sights in Thailand for First-Time Visitors

Thailand is a country full of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. To help you make the most of your first trip to the “Land of Smiles”, here are five must-see Thailand tourism attractions.

Bangkok's famous floating market

Top Thailand Attraction 1 | The Grand Palace, Bangkok

You can’t visit Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, without seeing The Grand Palace! This stunning complex of buildings was once the residence of the Kings of Siam and is now used for official ceremonies and state functions.

The Grand Palace at night, Bangkok

Visitors can explore the intricate architecture, beautiful gardens and ornate decorations, including the famous Emerald Buddha statue. Be sure to dress appropriately, as the Grand Palace has a strict dress code.

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Top Thailand Attraction 2 | Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok

One of the most important and revered temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew (aka Temple of the Emerald Buddha), is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The temple is home to the famous Emerald Buddha statue, thus its English name, which is carved from a single piece of jade and is considered the most sacred object in Thailand.

The Emerald Buddah

Visitors can admire the intricate details of the temple's architecture and learn about the history and significance of the Emerald Buddha. Remember to dress appropriately and remove your shoes before entering the temple.

Go Here With Sure

Select accommodation in Bangkok to suit your budget via SureConnect, Sure Travel’s dynamic online booking platform. Choose from budget to high-end hotels here.

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Top Thailand Attraction 3 | Vibey Beaches, Phuket

Thailand Phuket. Those are the first two words that people often say when thinking of The Land of Smiles, and for good reason. Phuket is known for its stunning beaches, and there are plenty to choose from. Patong Beach is the most popular and busiest, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of water sports and activities.

Explore Phuket via boat

For a quieter and more secluded beach experience, head to Kata Beach or Nai Harn Beach. And for those looking for a luxurious beach experience in Phuket, Thailand, check out the private beaches at some of the island's high-end resorts.

No matter which beach in Phuket you choose, you're sure to be surrounded by crystal-clear waters and breath-taking scenery, and you’ll always be spoilt for choice of things to do in Phuket.

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Sure Travel always has a range of excellent Thailand holiday packages that include Phuket, like this 7-night stay at the 4-star Khao Lak Merlin from R17,925 pps, an 8-night stay at the 4-star Katathani Phuket Beach Resort from R21,760 pps, a 7-night stay at the 4-star deluxe Diamond Cliff resort from R18,035 pps or a 7-night stay at the 5-star Sarojin Khao Lak Resort from R25,490 pps.

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Top Thailand Attraction 4 | The Old City, Chiang Mai

This ancient walled city in the mountainous area of northern Thailand is filled with temples, markets, and historical landmarks. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways to discover hidden gems like Wat Chedi Luang, a towering temple that dates back to the 14th century.

Silver Temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Don't miss the Sunday Night Market, where you can sample local street food and shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs. And for a bird's-eye view of the city, climb the stairs to the top of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple perched on a hill overlooking Chiang Mai.

Go Here With Sure

Select Thailand accommodation in Chiang Mai to suit your budget via SureConnect, Sure Travel’s dynamic online booking platform. Choose from budget options like the 3-star Tree Retro Tasala hotel from R250 pps, all the way up the star rankings to 5-star options like the dusitDt Chiang Mai from R1,500 pps. Select your accommodation on SureConnect here.

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Top Thailand Attraction 5 | The Ancient City, Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, located just a short distance from Bangkok, was once the capital of Thailand and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is filled with ancient ruins and temples, including Wat Mahathat, where you can see the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya, Thailand

Take a boat tour along the river to see the city from a different perspective, or rent a bike and explore the ruins on your own. Don't miss the nightly sound and light show at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which brings the history of Ayutthaya to life.

Go Here With Sure

Select a hotel in Ayutthaya, a short drive from Bangkok, according to your own budget via SureConnect, Sure Travel’s dynamic online booking platform. Choose from budget to high-end hotels here.

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Ready To Go?

Sure Travel always has a range of Thailand holiday packages for first-timers and repeat visitors, to suit every budget. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency for more info.

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