Top 5 things to see in Thailand

Dan Collins is a traveller from Wales.  He also runs the popular travel blog "Adventures with Dan." If you're interested in more from Dan you can also check him out on Twitter.

Thailand has long been one of the backpacking hotspots of the world. Known for its exceedingly cheap accommodation, food, clothes and well, pretty much everything; it’s a backpacker's dream!

With so much to do and see in Thailand it’s pretty impossible to do them all in the same trip (unless you’re there for a while) but on a limited amount of time I’d highly recommend these five things as your “must do” while in Thailand.

Tiger Kingdom, Chiang Mai

It’s not every day that you get to snuggle with a baby tiger, play with a teenage tiger and then get into a cage with a fully grown tiger. But in Tiger Kingdom you get the chance to do just that.

Located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, Tiger Kingdom is fast becoming a popular tourist attraction where you’re able to get up close and personal with the tigers being cared for in the sanctuary. There are tiger handlers nearby at all times and strict rules have to be followed.  For any animal lover it is a must!

Baan Chang Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

Again for the animal lovers, Baan Chang gives you the chance to be an elephant carer for the day. Under the supervision of experts you’ll be taught how to care for the elephants, feed them, walk with them and then bathe them, all while learning valuable information on how these great animals live.

Baan Chang will come pick you up from wherever you are staying and drop you off after your experience too!

Koh Tao

One of the smallest islands off the coast of Thailand’s mainland, Koh Tao is home to some of the best diving sites in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef of course).

Gifted with so much natural beauty, Koh Tao is a place of pure rest and relaxation. You can spend your days learning to scuba dive in the crystal clear waters and then spend your nights in one of the waterfront bars relaxing on the sand while listening to some live entertainment.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

With its golden towers, mosaic buildings and giant stone statues, the Grand Palace is definitely a must see. Fairly cheap to enter, the palace offers a good day out to see some of the Thai architecture at its best.

Remember to wear long sleeved t-shirts and trouserts that cover your ankles or you won’t be allowed to enter.

Khao San Road, Bangkok

Home to the backpackers, Khao San has everything that you think of when you think of Thailand. There are temples dotted around the main area, massage parlours, Muay Thai boxing arenas, tuk-tuk ranks, and street vendors. Name it and they have it in Khao San!

It’s such an experience walking around this place that you just have to do it if you’re there. 

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