9 Epic Places In Thailand Every Local Is Proud Of

Meaningful travel experiences happen when tourists are able to explore a country like a local. With so many tourist hot spots luring in travelers, it can be difficult to decipher which attractions are off the beaten path. Be a traveler instead of a tourist by visiting one of these nine places in Thailand every local is proud of.

1. New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium

Stadium, Sports Center

Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and many of the country’s most well-known fighters have become family names. Muay Thai in Thailand is what football is to the United States: people cannot get enough of it. This is why one of the most epic places every local is proud of is the New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, particularly after receiving its recent makeover. Muay Thai matches are considered sacred, and many Thais gather to cheer on the fighters.

2. National Museum Bangkok

Museum

Thais are extremely proud of their past. Having never been conquered by foreign powers for an extended period of time, locals delight in sharing their history and putting on display what it is that makes something Thai. A great example of all things Thai is the National Museum Bangkok. It is one of the largest and in-depth museums in all of Southeast Asia, displaying Thai artifacts and relics that showcase the best of the country’s art, culture, and history.

3. Erawan Shrine

Shrine

No other attraction in Thailand seemingly retains such a good balance of both Thai and foreign visitors than the Erawan Shrine. The sparkling Brahman shrine sits at the busy Ratchaprasong intersection, enticing even the busiest of city-goers to stop and admire its beauty. Though many would dub it as a tourist hot spot, the grounds in which the shrine sits are often made up entirely of locals. It is believed those who visit will receive good luck, and Thais will light incense and bring colorful marigolds as offerings to the statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, which sits within the shrine.

5. Ancient Ruins of Ayutthaya

Ruins

Also found in the city of Ayutthaya are the ancient remains of what used to be the capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350, the city was later destroyed by the Burmese. It remained in power for many years, however, as it was a major international trading port and welcomed many merchants. The city today is home to the remains of the capital, many of which took more than 100 years to build. In 1991, these ruins were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Thais are proud to have been able to restore and preserve these amazing relics.

6. Khao Yai National Park

Natural Feature, Park, Hiking Trail

The second UNESCO World Heritage Site on our list is the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, which the Khao Yai National Park is part of. Though there are many national parks in Thailand, this one carries special significance in that it was the first ever national park to be established in the Kingdom. It is home to many elephants, Thailand’s national animal. It remains a popular getaway destination for foreigners and Thais alike. Visitors frequent the park to hike, birdwatch, or simply relax.

7. Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Park

Boasting of having some of the largest and highest falls in all of Thailand is the Thi Lo Su Waterfall. Its powerful falls are fueled by the Mae Klong River, with the waterfall coming in at about 450-meters wide and 250-meters tall. Regardless of size, the falls themselves truly encompasses all that is beautiful about the country’s northern region, with the water cutting through the surrounding lush jungle.

8. Sukhothai Historical Park

Park, Ruins

Visitors to Sukhothai Historical Park should prepare to be dazzled. The ancient city was the first capital of Thailand and is filled with stunning archaeological relics of what used to be. It thrived until about 1378, and the time in which it flourished is known as the golden age. The city accomplished many things under the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng, for example, creating the Thai alphabet.

9. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

While there are plenty of temples across the country Thais are proud of, many of these religious structures are constantly flooded with tourists. The temples remain important structures of course, but they seemingly become less exceptional when there is hardly has any leg room to explore. This is not the case at Wat Pha Sorn Kaew in Petchabun. Otherwise known as the Temple on a High Glass Cliff, the temple opened in 2004 and has been luring in visitors slowly but surely. Tourist infrastructure has yet to be completed, making it a difficult endeavor for visitors to actually get to. Because of this, the temple grounds, made up of millions of colorful mosaic tiles, remains a bit off the beaten path.

Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, 95 หมู่ 7 บ้านทางแดง, ต.แคมป์สน อ.เขาค้อ, Phetchabun, Thailand, +66 084 494 1262

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.