Romantic Thailand Vacation Ideas

1. Bat Caves of Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest national park in Thailand, located roughly 4 hours from Bangkok. Covering nearly 1,350 square miles of land, it’s home to a large variety of wildlife, but its bat caves have gained the most notoriety. Visitors from all over the world come to the park to witness for themselves the enthralling vision of thousands of bats emerging at twilight from the caves situated at the parks edge. It is quite the spectacle to witness: A cloud of immeasurable black shapes surge through the sky at dusk.

Hin Tung, 26000, Thailand, Phone: +66-8-60-92-65-29

2. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is the centerpiece of Bangkok’s Champs Elysees, situated on the end of Dusit’s wide, long Royal Plaza, a lush ceremonial boulevard. This impressive two-story white marble palace was created by renowned Italian architects, Annibale Rigott and Mario Tamango, and boasts neoclassical Renaissance architecture. Its ornate interiors serve as a prestigious locale used to hold state council meetings, impress visiting dignitaries, and host royal events. Additionally, the hall acts as a museum welcoming visitors to explore its elegant décor while viewing a few permanent exhibitions from the country’s national artists. Guided 30-mintue tours are available for those who want to gain knowledge on the building’s history.

71 Uthong Nai Alley, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand, Phone: +66-2-28-39-44-11

3. Elephant Kraal Ayutthaya

The Elephant Kraal Ayutthaya is the last remaining of its kind in Thailand, dating back to the 16th century, when these incredibly large mammals were essential components to trade and war. This peculiar structure was used by the Ayutthaya kingdom in order to trap wild elephants to be used by the Thai army; the entrapment ceremonies were held within the kraal, attended by the kings of the 16th century. As an invaluable commodity to the Thai people, elephants were herded into the kraal using a funnel in the back wall. The last round-up was conducted in 1903, and now visitors can tour the unusual space, which features a temple at its center.

74/1m.3 Tumbol Suanpik, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, Thailand, Phone: +66-8-06-68-77-27

4. Erawan Cascading Waterfalls and Caves

Located within Erawan National Park, the Erawan Cascading Waterfalls and Caves are a series of seven waterfalls that thunderously flow over gorgeous limestone terraces. They are the focal point of the national park and among the most majestic waterfalls in all of Thailand. Founded in 1975, the park received its name due to its resemblance to the mystical three-headed white elephant, which the uppermost area of the falls looks like. The national park is also home to a string of caves known as Phartat, Mi, Wang Bahdan, and Rua. Visitors are welcome to visit the park and hike along the waterfalls or swim in their pools.

Tambon Tha Kraden, 71250 Thailand, Phone: +66-0-34-57-42-22

5. Erawan Museum

The Erawan Museum is located in Bang Muang Mai and situated in one of the most peculiar places – inside a massive three-headed elephant. Visitors will begin their journey through gardens that are filled with statues of Thai’s mythical creatures before climbing an intricately carved stairway lined with opulent pillars that are three stories high. The interior showcases a beautiful stained-glass ceiling leading into one of the heads, which features ancient Buddha statues and a temple. Below the ground there is a museum displaying Thai pottery created by Lek Viriyaphant, the same person who built the Ancient Siam Park and the Sanctuary of Truth. The artist was dedicated to preserving Thai arts and cultures for future generations to enjoy.

99/9 Moo 1 Bangmuangmai, Samet Prakan, Bang Muang Mai, 10270 Thailand, Phone: +66-0-23-71-31-35

6. Giant Swing

The Giant Swing is 88 feet tall and overlooks Wat Suthat and additional surrounding buildings. It was originally constructed in 1784 under the guidance of King Rama I. For centuries it was used by young Thai men as a “slingshot to heaven,” and it was an integral element in annual swing ceremonies that symbolically reenacted components of Hindu origin tales. Teams of Thai men would wear elaborate headdresses and compete against one another by launching themselves into the air, from where they would have to use their teeth to catch a bag of coins tied to the top of a pole 82 feet or higher above ground.

Bamrung Muang Road, Phra Nakhon, 10200 Bangkok, Thailand, Phone: +66-8-86-16-52-97

7. Grand Palace

Situated in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is the former palace of royals from King Rama I to King Rama V, who ruled the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Today, the property is used to welcome the state’s guests, the king’s guests, and foreign dignitaries as well as a place where royal ceremonies are hosted. It is also the locale where the remains of kings and other prominent members of the royal family were located until their cremation. Visitors can tour the palace, which is sectioned off into two zones: The royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The former is divided into three primary areas, the Inner Court, the Middle Court, and the Outer Court.

1 Maha Rat Road, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10200 Thailand, Phone: +66-0-26-23-55-00

8. Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is a massive attraction covering nearly 2,000 acres of land and serves as the home of 8,000 animals from more than 300 species. It is most prominently known as the biggest tiger zoo in the Asia Pacific Region, featuring rare varieties such as white tigers. Some of the highlights of the zoo include animal shows that demonstrate the behaviors and living conditions of various wildlife and provide interactive close encounters with macaws, chimpanzees, otters, and eagles. Feeding Eld’s deer (one of 15 preserved wildlife species in Thailand), watching elephants swim, and taking night safaris are additional activities at the zoo.

235 Moo 7, Tambon Bang-Pra, Amphur Sriracha, Chonburi, 20110 Thailand, Phone: +66-03-83-18-44-44

9. Lotus Lake

The northeast region of Thailand is usually known for its rice farming, but the stunning wetlands of Lotus Lake, hidden among tall grass, are well worth a visit for their gorgeous bright pink lotus flowers. The best time for visitors to see this spectacle is during the cool season, December through February. Once there, tourists will take a wooden boat guided by a local fisherman or villager through the cleared elephant grasses to where a thick expanse of flamingo-pink lotus blooms suddenly emerge above the sparkling waters of the Lotus Lake. The wetlands are also home to roughly 80 species of birds, including the endangered purple heron, grey heron, and black kite.

10. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

Recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is visited by more than 5,000 people every day. Originally slated to be an orchard, the land was instead turned into ornamental gardens at the request of Mrs. Nongnooch Tansacha, who had admired the gardens she had visited on a trip abroad. The site was later developed to include accommodations, a swimming pool, a spa, and restaurants. Visitors can tour a variety of themed gardens, watch dance and Muay Thai boxing presentations, visit the automobile collection, and observe local wildlife at the mini-zoo, aquarium, and aviaries.

34/1 Moo 7 Najomtien District, Sattahip, Chonburi, 20250 Thailand, Phone: +66-0-38-23-80-61