This is a post in my new “Awesome Photos” series. Also check out 22 Awesome Photos of Italy and 23 Awesome Photos of the United Kingdom!
As many of you might know, I spent about 3 weeks traveling around Thailand at the beginning of this year. I by no means saw ALL of the country, but I did get a taste of some of the most popular destinations in the Land of Smiles while I was there.
It's a place that I most definitely want to return to someday.
But, for now, these photos will have to suffice to transport me (and you) back there:
Golden Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
On top of a mountain that overlooks the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai sits Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Covered in rich reds and reflective golds, this temple was definitely one of the most eye-catching I visited in Thailand. It's also VERY popular, though, so I would suggest visiting as early in the morning as you possibly can!
Pranang Cave Beach
Often referred to as the most beautiful beach in Thailand, this beach on the Railay peninsula certainly made an impression on me. The longtail boats, the turquoise water, and the tall limestone islands made for some of my favorite Thailand photos.
Details at Wat Pho
Located near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Wat Pho is known for its giant Reclining Buddha. But the temple is actually large and sprawling. I loved the intricate details on these stupas.
Elephant eye
I spent one week of my time in Thailand volunteering at Elephant Nature Park in the northern part of the country. There, I got to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures and develop a deeper love and appreciation for them — and to learn what they suffer through in other parts of Thailand.
Bamboo Island
Looking for fine sand and clear turquoise water? Look no further than tiny Bamboo Island (and head to the opposite end of the island from the swimming beach for views like this).
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is absolutely stunning. The opulent details here are well worth seeing.
Monks collecting alms in Chiang Mai
Every morning, monks descend from the mountain to collect offerings in the city of Chiang Mai. While I felt slightly weird participating in a ritual that was not my own, I did learn a lot about the lives of monks.
Riding in a longtail boat
When staying in Ao Nang or Krabi, the only way to get to the Railay peninsula is by longtail boat. I had no qualms about this mode of transport, however. The cliffs we buzzed by were so impressive.
Tranquil Wat Pha Lat
Hidden in the jungle on the side of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai lies Wat Pha Lat. This tranquil temple was just about empty when I was there, and so much more beautiful because of it.
Prayer ribbons
I spied these colorful prayer ribbons at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Not that this temple NEEDS more color to make it beautiful, but I really liked them.
Snorkeling the Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands on Thailand's Andaman coast were devastated 10 years ago by a tsunami. Thankfully, the are recovering nicely. We saw plenty of colorful fish while snorkeling in this beautiful bay.
Monkey Beach
I actually hated visiting Monkey Beach — tourists were giving the poor animals bags of potato chips and cans of Coca-Cola, which made me sick to my stomach. I was just as scandalized at the monkey in this photo looks.
Beachy sunset
There's no denying it – even on a perfectly clear day, Thailand can produce some gorgeous sunsets. Then again, is a beach sunset EVER bad?
Golden buddhas
A glimpse at some small golden buddhas for people to pray to at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Elephant Nature Park
I mentioned before that I volunteered at an elephant sanctuary while in Thailand. There, I learned about the fascinating family and social structures that elephants form. Here's a family group at ENP made up of abused and rescued elephants.
Maya Bay
Even though this bay is now usually crowded with tourists who want to see where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed the movie “The Beach,” it's still kind of worth going to see anyway.
Hidden jungle temple
Here's another shot from Wat Pha Lat on the mountainside in Chiang Mai. I love how peaceful it looks.
Relaxing on Koh Lanta
I spent my last few days in Thailand chilling on the beach in Koh Lanta. I spoiled myself at a nice resort, and barely did anything other than swim and read. It was amazing.
Grand Palace in Bangkok
Thailand's royalty lives in a sprawling palace complex in Bangkok. It's a bit over-the-top, to be honest, but I'm still glad I went to see it.
Kayaking in Krabi
One of the coolest things I did while on the coast was going kayaking through some of the canyons and mangrove forests just outside of Krabi.
Longtail boats lined up
This is a typical scene at the beach on Railay — longtail boats lined up to ferry tourists to and from the mainland.
Grand Palace guard
I sure wouldn't want to mess with this guy… he guards one of the entrances to the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Limestone cliffs
Railay is known for its limestone cliffs — especially popular with rock climbers. I didn't do any climbing myself, but I took plenty of photos.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Whether you want to do some serious shopping or just experience some of the chaos that characterizes Bangkok, a trip to the Chatuchak Weekend Market is an absolute must. You can literally find anything and everything here.
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Which photo makes you want to go to Thailand the most?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
[…] This is a post in my new “Awesome Photos” series. Also check out 22 Awesome Photos of Italy, 23 Awesome Photos of the United Kingdom, and 24 Awesome Photos of Thailand! […]
Thailand is such a popular place to travel! I love these pictures. They are beautiful and definitely represent what an amazing place Thailand is!
Thanks so much, Dana! I think Thailand lives up to the hype – it’s definitely somewhere I know I’ll visit again.
Earlier this year we spent a couple of months in Thailand and had a great (though hot!) time. Phi Phi Island might be our favorite place in the world. Absolutely stunning!
Thailand is pretty great (if really hot). I definitely want to go back and do more island hopping sometime!
Thailand, such a hot spot for travellers. Your images look fantastic, I can see why
Thanks, Rebecca! And yes, Thailand is definitely popular for a reason!
Thailand has been a dream of mine for years, and these photos make me want to jump on a place right now! If all going as planned, I should be there within a year or so!
Awesome, Hannah! It’s always nice to have something to look forward to!
I spent few days at Elephant Nature Park, it was magical. I also loved Phuket, the beaches has been cleaned up by security staff.
Please avoid all elephant activities in all elephant farm in Thailand. Elephant Nature Park is the only safe heaven for elephants in captivity. Elephants can also be seen in one of many national parks in Thailand, like in Khao Sok near Phuket and Krabi and in Khao Yai near Bangkok.
Yes, I agree! I wrote another post on my site telling people why they shouldn’t ride elephants or go anywhere where animals are forced to “perform” something.
you really make me think of going to Thailand more and more often! 😉 if I finally book flights there it will be all your fault! 😉
Haha! I will gladly take the blame for that. 😉
Yay, I’m happy to see you went to the Elephant Nature Park as wells, it’s such a cool place. Wonderful photos!
ENP was definitely the highlight of my trip to Asia. In fact, it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had on my travels, period!
Great pics! Definitely planning a trip to Thailand for the not too distant future.
Thanks! And I hope you enjoy Thailand when you finally make it there!
The grand palace guard looks awesome. I love the intricate detailing that Thai statues have.
I really need to get back to Thailand with my fancy camera. All my photos from 2011 are on a particularly rubbish point-and-shoot and they suck!
Haha, I feel the same way about NZ! I’m so excited to go back later this year with a nice camera!
But yes, the details on some of the temples in Thailand is pretty incredible!
Thailand looks magnificent. I should be there by the end of the year!
I really enjoyed it (although it was sooooo hot haha). I’d definitely like to go back someday and see more of it!
I absolutely love the elephant eye picture!
Thanks! That one’s one of my favorites, too.
Love that elephant. Such a noble beast or even dinosaur relic.
They are seriously cool animals!
OK where is Bamboo Island – I need to go there
Haha, it’s a teeny tiny island in the Phi Phi Islands. I went there on a day tour where we visited a handful of islands.