Thailand is not just about its famous cuisines like Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry, but also the classic heritage sites that are situated amid the land of beaches and offer a glimpse of its culture, vibrant ethnicity, and a walk down the lane of how it came into existence. Whether you’re a history buff or not, these world heritage sites in Thailand will definitely blow your mind with the enticing tales behind their establishments. So, why just flip through the magazine pages or gaze at them online when the traveler in you can witness & experience it all for real?
Take a backseat, and start scrolling because we can vouch a visit to these classic places will surely make your Thailand trip one of its kind!
5 Famous World Heritage Sites in Thailand
These heritage sites in Thailand offer a sneak peek into the Thai culture and history, and must not be missed on your next trip. Here’s why!
1. Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Must Read: 10 Bizarre National Parks In Thailand For A Rare Encounter With The Wild
Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are two adjoining protected regions, which were declared as a World Heritage Site in Thailand by UNESCO in 1991. Covering a large area of 622,200 hectares, these places are interestingly home to multiple species like wild buffalo, black leopards, rhinoceros & wild bulls, and also to tribal people. And while there are only a few tourist spots that you can explore, you can take a permission by the Director of Wildlife Conservation Office in Bangkok & venture further into the wild or stay there for a night.
Opening Hours: NA
Entrance Fee: 200 THB or INR 420 for Adults; 100 THB or INR 210 for children
Location: Uthai Thani City, Thailand
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2. Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
Spread across 615, 500 hectares of land, it provides shelter to more than 800 species, including Asian elephants and Vogel’s pit viper. The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex comprises of five abutting protected areas-Ta Phraya National Park, Thap Lan National Park, Pang Sida National Park, Khao Yai National Park, and Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary. If you haven’t had enough of the wildlife experience in your local region, these national parks and wildlife sanctuary are the place to be, but only one at a time!
Opening Hours: NA
Entrance Fee: 400 THB per person or INR 855 approx. ; additional 20 THB or INR 43 approx. for motorbike or 50 THB INR 107 approx.for car.
Location: Saraburi, Thailand
3. Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
Suggested Read: 15 Things To Do In Hua Hin, Thailand’s Newest Adventure Hub
Dating back to as early as the 13th and 14th century, when the first Thai kingdom was in existence, it is believed that the Sukhothai Historical Park, Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, and Si Satchanalai Historical Park were built to preserve the remnants of the cities of Sukhothai Kingdom. Comprising of various temples and a good cultural insight, these parks are a must visit for the explorers who are fond of heritage sites.
Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Entrance Fee: 100 THB or INR 214 per person (additional cost for bicycle)
Location:
- Sukhothai National Park: Mueang Sukhothai National Park, Sukhothai Province
- Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park: Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet Province
- Si Satchanalai Historical Park: Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province.
4. Historic City of Ayutthaya
Founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1351 and later captured by the Burmese in 1569, the city of Ayutthaya holds a great significance in the history of Thailand. One gets to witness the much talked about Buddha Head entwined in the roots at the Wat Mahathat Temple, though there are no clear records as to how it landed there.
Opening Hours: NA
Entrance Fee: No Fee but the major temples inside charge around 50 THB or INR 107 per person
Location: Ayutthaya City, Thailand.
5. Ban Chiang Archeological Site
Suggested Read: 15 Spectacular Festivals In Thailand That Are All About Love, Lights, And Legacy!
Declared as a World Heritage Site in 1992 by UNESCO, this site is known for red painted pottery. The importance of the site lies in the fact that it depicts a proof of wet-rice agriculture, domestication of cattle and pigs along with the use and manufacture of metals. If you’re an art enthusiast, this world heritage site in Thailand is perfect for you to take a quick stroll.
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Entrance Fee: 150 THB or INR 320 per person
Location: Nong Han District, Udon Thani Province, Thailand
Other Thailand Heritage Sites That Can Get The UNESCO Status Too
Still looking for more? Well, here are a few other cultural sites in Thailand which have been proposed for the declaration as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.
1. Phimai Historical Park
One can definitely admire the Khmer architecture carved in the historical park of Phimai. Despite the fact that the Khmer were Hindu at the time, the temples situated here are Buddhist due to the Buddhist inhabitants. The park also consists of an art gallery displaying ancient Buddhist inscriptions, restored pieces of architecture, and small sculptures from the old times.
Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm every day
Entrance Fee: 40 THB or INR 85 per person
Location: Phimai Town, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand.
2. Kaeng Krachan National Park
Suggested Read: 15 Spectacular Festivals In Thailand That Are All About Love, Lights, And Legacy!
Ruddy Kingfisher, flavescent bulbul, and dusky leaf monkey are some of the beautiful species found in the national park amongst others. Spreading over a few districts, the borders are adjoining to Burma, catering to its biodiversity and a vast region of rain forest and Tenasserim Mountain range. If you’re planning to view this site with nature at its best, it would take approximately more than 3 hours to cover the main areas inside.
Opening Hours: 08:30 am to 04:30 pm
Entrance Fee: 300 THB or INR 641 for adults; 200 THB or INR 428 for children (additional charges for vehicle and overnight camp)
Location: Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces, Thailand
3. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
Not only is this park a must visit for its appealing prehistoric rock paintings, but also for the giant rock formations with gorgeous shrines surrounding the like. It is said that these rocks had originated from under the sea due to an erosion that occurred 50 million years ago. No doubt, it is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Opening Hours: 08:30 am to 04:30 pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Location: Ban Phue, Udon Thani Province, Thailand
4. Chiang Mai
Suggested Read: 10 Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai For A One-Of-Its-Kind Holiday Experience In Thailand!
Being one of the largest cities in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai overlooks the highest mountains and was also awarded the title of ‘Creative City’ by UNESCO in 2017. Be sure to check out its popular festivals such as Loi Krathong, Songkran, Chiang Mai Flower Festival, and the Inthakin festival which involve fun-filled activities.
Location: 700 km north of Bangkok, Thailand
5. Wat Phra That Phanom
This temple holds a great significance for Buddhists as it is believed to have been built on the place where Buddha’s breast bone was found. The unique facet lies in the 57 meters high Laotian style Chedi which was restored by the department of Fine Arts in 1941. The 110 kilos of gold at the top of this Chedi add to the beauty of the carefully carved architectural structures of the temple.
Opening Hours: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Location: Chayankun Road, That Phanom Subdistrict, That Phanom,Thailand
Further Read: 12 Tips For Backpacking In Thailand: A List Of Do’s & Don’ts
So, what are you thinking? Get your bags packed for an amazing trip to Thailand with TravelTriangle and don’t worry about a plan because we’ve got you covered!
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