Thailand is a country full of long history, exotic places, beautiful seascapes, and mountain scapes. Here are five must-visit places, complete with distance and travel times to help plan your journey:Here are five must-visit places, complete with distance and travel times to help plan your journey:
1. Big Buddha, Phuket
About: The Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s significant and sacred religious structures. This is a very tall statue that stands at 45 metres tall and you can see it from many areas of the island, and if you look from the statue you can see over Phuket Town, Kata, and Karon beaches and much more.
Distance and Travel Time:
- From Phuket International Airport: ~40 km, ~1 hour by car
- From Patong Beach: ~20 km, ~45 minutes by car
2. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh
About: Maya Bay is incredibly picturesque and of coves, and steep walls rise to a height of 100 meters on three sides. Actually, it became a place of interest due to the film shot there “The Beach”.
Distance and Travel Time:
- From Phuket: ~50 km, ~1.5 hours by speedboat
- From Krabi: ~45 km, ~1 hour by speedboat
3. Bangkok
About: Thailand’s bustling capital city is known for its vibrant street life, cultural landmarks, and ornate temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew. Bangkok offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions.
Distance and Travel Time:
- From Suvarnabhumi Airport: ~30 km, ~45 minutes by car
- From Don Mueang Airport: ~25 km, ~40 minutes by car
4. Phi Phi Islands
About: The Phi Phi Islands are a group of islands known for their clear waters, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. They offer excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
Distance and Travel Time:
- From Phuket: ~45 km, ~1.5 hours by ferry
- From Krabi: ~40 km, ~1.5 hours by ferry
5. Railay Beach, Krabi
Railay beach is a very beautiful beach which is actually a small island that can be accessed only by boat there are cliffs that will take your breaths away, beautiful beaches that will make your hearts skip a beat and the best thing, there are no crowds everywhere you go. This is a very famous place for those who love to rock climbing and playing along the beach.
Distance and Travel Time:
- From Krabi Town: ~10 km, ~15 minutes by long-tail boat
- From Ao Nang: ~2 km, ~10 minutes by long-tail boat
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April.
- Transportation: For island visits, speedboats and ferries are common. Within cities, consider using local taxis, tuk-tuks, or ride-sharing services for convenience.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially when visiting temples. Dress modestly and be mindful of local practices.
These five destinations offer a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and adventure, making them essential stops on your Thai itinerary.