Sara AmiraPristine tropical beaches, grandiose royal palaces and magnificent Buddhist temples. These are undeniably some of the best and most well-loved attractions Thailand has to offer. But have you already done it all and are searching for something different in the Land of Smiles? Other than these quintessential Thai attractions, experience the wonders of the world right here in Thailand!
Whether it’s Greece, Cambodia or Italy, here are seven places in Thailand that will transport you to other parts of the world!
1. Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya
Image credit: jipe7 (left), Simon Steinberger (right)
Wat Mahathat was built to enshrine relics of the Buddha and roughly translates to mean the “Monastery of the Great Relic”. Dating back to the 18th century, this ancient temple actually precedes the founding of Bangkok!
Image credit: Meneerke bloem
With vines and tree roots creeping their way around the temple grounds, you can’t help but notice the similarity between Wat Mahathat and the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The temple does in fact feature traditional Khmer architecture and during excavations of Wat Mahathat, structures almost identical to those in Angkor Wat were found.
Image credit: Paul Arps
In the past, Wat Mahathat was one of the most significant monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Besides housing relics of the Buddha, many royal ceremonies and celebrations were held here due to the close proximity to the Grand Palace. Today, the temple still retains its importance as the headquarters of the Mahanikai School of Buddhism, Thailand’s largest monastic order.
2. Palio Italian Village, Khao Yai
Image credit: xiquinhosilva (left), Pedro Lastra (right)
With cool temperatures and vineyards, Khao Yai is definitely the perfect place to bring a slice of Italy to Thailand. And Palio Village does just that! This Tuscan-themed shopping arcade spares no expense to bring the Italian town of Tuscany to life right here in the Land of Smiles.
The shops in Palio Village have been built in the style of the charming traditional buildings in Tuscany. Painted in cool terracotta hues and fitted with quintessentially European street lamps, there is no doubt that you can easily fool your friends into thinking that you’re vacationing in Italy!
Image credit: Richard442
Other than taking an endless number of pictures, you can also purchase local produce and other sustainable products in the village. From grape cakes produced with grapes from Khao Yai’s vineyards, gourmet chocolates that use milk from local dairy farms to bags crafted from recycled plastic, you can find bespoke products that will make a beautiful souvenir for your loved ones.
3. Swiss Sheep Farm, Hua Hin
Image credit: Swissvalley Hipresort (left), Skitterphoto (right)
Time and again, Switzerland tops the list of the most expensive countries in the world. If you still want to fulfil your Swiss countryside dreams, prance to your heart’s content at the Swiss Sheep Farm in Hua Hin without breaking the bank! This countryside farm wool definitely make you feel like you’re in the picturesque farmlands of Switzerland.
Image credit: Swissvalley Hipresort
As you hold out a bunch of grass, dozens of docile sheep will crowd around you to get their favourite snack. Be sure to snap pictures fast as the sheep gobble up their food in an instant! Other than sheep, get up close to other cute and cuddly animals such as bunnies, ponies and even alpacas.
The farm is also filled with European-themed photo ops, such as windmills, farm houses and telephone booths, that will transport you to Europe. There’s also a 3D gallery on the grounds where you can snap some trippy photos.
4. Strawberry Town, Rayong
Image credit: Brookside Valley Resort (left), Javier M. (right)
If you’ve always wanted to visit the narrow canal houses of Amsterdam but are put off by the thought of sitting on a 13-hour flight, head down to Strawberry Town instead! Located in Rayong, which is about an hour and a half drive away from Pattaya City, Strawberry Town brings Amsterdam’s quaint and iconic buildings closer to you!
Image credit: Brookside Valley Resort
While the town doesn’t actually have anything to do with strawberries, an experience there will is definitely sweet! Marvel at the candy coloured canal buildings or snap a photo at the windmill and pretend to be in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk!
For an even more memorable experience, don the traditional Dutch costume complete with Dutch wooden clogs. For the adventurous, the town even has a high-element course, fitted with activities such as zip-lining and sky riding that’ll get your heart pumping. You can even stay the night in one of the many accommodations, which include hotel rooms, villas and even caravans!
5. Santorini Park, Cha-Am
Image credit: Santorini Park Cha-Am (left), Tom Grimbert (right)
Santorini, Greece is probably on most travellers’ bucket lists and if you’ve yet to check that mark on your list, fulfil your wanderlust on a short getaway to Cha-Am.
Santorini Park is pretty darn close to the authentic version, with the stark white buildings with bright royal blue accents and snaking stone pathways. All that the park is missing is the cliff-top views of the ocean!
Image credit: Santorini Park Stay
As you wander around the stunning streets of the park, be sure to drop by some of the 140 shopping establishments in the area. With an array of fast food outlets, cute cafes and unique souvenir shops, you will be spoilt for choice while deciding what to eat and buy. There are even amusement park rides and carnival games at the park, making it an ideal family vacation destination.
6. Mor Hin Khao, Chaiyaphum
Image credit: Nawit science (left), Sally Wilson (right)
About 1.3 million people visit Stonehenge in England every year but if you want to visit a similar attraction without the crowds, Mor Hin Khao is where you need to head to. Aptly dubbed the “Stonehenge of Thailand”, it boasts a collection of stone monoliths and out-of-this-world natural rock formations within Phu Laenkha National Park.
Image credit: Yakuzakorat
While there are plenty of rock formations in the park, you can’t miss the 12-metre tall Sao Hin Ha Ton, also known as Five Rock Pillars. Myth has it that these rocks glow with an extraordinary white light during notable nights on the Buddhist calendar, such as on the full moon and the eighth and fifteenth day of the waxing moon.
The best time to visit Mor Hin Khao is during the winter months, from December to February, where the area is dotted with beautiful blossoms of wildflowers, further enhancing your scenic experience.
7. Sanam Chandra Palace, Nakhon Pathom
Image credit: กสิณธร ราชโอรส (left), Torsten Kellerman (right)
Did you know that you can live your fairytale dreams in Thailand? In Nakhon Pathom, which is about an hour’s drive away from Bangkok, lies a European-inspired castle which looks like it belongs in the pages of a storybook!
Constructed in 1907, the Sanam Chandra Palace is nestled among lush greenery and surrounded by serene lakes and ponds. Consisting of five buildings which feature European and Thai architectural styles, the iconic main building is the majestic yellow castle known as the Chaleemongkolasana Residence. Strongly resembling the Moritzburg Castle in Germany, the residence has a bedroom, living room and study room and although tourists are permitted to enter the castle, photo-taking is not allowed inside. All the more reason for you to visit the wonderful palace to take in its beauty – both inside and out – with your own eyes!
Image credit: Chusak50
Other than the attractions that are uniquely Thai, discover all that Thailand has to offer and be transported to other wonders of the world at these seven destinations. Who said you can’t have the best of both worlds?
For more information on places to explore in Thailand, visit Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) official website and their Facebook Page!
Brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand (Singapore Office).
