From the Funan Kingdom as far back as 300 CE to the expansive Khmer Empire that flourished in the 10th century, there's no doubt about it, this region of Asia holds a massive wealth of history that is often overlooked by the rest of the world. Countless empires have risen and fallen on the lush soil of what is now modern-day Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Since I live in Thailand and have traveled far and wide across the country to explore its finest historical sites, I’ve decided to compile a comprehensive list of the most beautiful places to visit. This is for those who are curious to walk in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors and learn more about the rich history of this part of the world. So, if you're looking to discover some of Thailand's most remarkable historical sites, I’ve got you covered. Let’s begin, shall we?
Thailand's Most Beautiful Historical Sites Map
12 Most Beautiful Historical Sites to Visit
1. Sukhothai
We begin this list with Sukhothai, a seemingly small town in the lower northern part of Thailand that was once the first capital of Siam in the 13th century. Founded by the great King Ramkhamhaeng, it is considered the cradle of Thai civilization as we know and love it today.
This is the birthplace of all things traditional, from art to architectural styles, that can still be seen across the country today. There’s no better place to begin learning about the history of Thailand than in its first true ancient city. In Thai school, we were taught that Sukhothai was the first capital established by the Thai people after breaking away from the Khmer Empire toward the end of the 13th century.
Today, Sukhothai refers to the province that encompasses the area, but to see the ancient ruins and historical sites, you’ll need to head to the Sukhothai Historical Park, located about 15 minutes from Sukhothai City Center. Once there, you can rent a bike and explore the many well-preserved ancient structures, getting a real glimpse of what the Sukhothai Kingdom was like back in its glory days.
From Wat Maha That, the main and largest temple complex in Sukhothai Historical Park, to the 15-meter-high seated Buddha image at Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai’s well-preserved ancient sites are truly a sight to behold. You can easily spend around three days here, exploring the ruins, watching the sunset behind a Buddha statue, and soaking in the relaxed vibe of the old town before heading further north to cities like Chiang Mai and beyond.
2. Ayutthaya
Sukhothai isn't the only ancient site you can visit in Thailand. Ayutthaya, which is the more visited of the two due to its proximity to Bangkok (only about an hour's drive away), is another historical site filled with stunningly well-preserved ancient structures, many of which are even larger and more impressive than those in Sukhothai.
After Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, Ayutthaya was founded to the south not long after and quickly became a competing city. A few centuries later, Ayutthaya emerged victorious and became the capital of Siam, laying the foundation for the modern history of Thailand as we know it today.
In Ayutthaya Historical Park, you’ll find many monuments and temples built between the 16th and 18th centuries still standing, such as the spires of Wat Chai Watthanaram, the vast temple complex of Wat Maha That, and the white pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Due to its close proximity to Bangkok, Ayutthaya makes for a perfect weekend trip, whether you're in Thailand for just a few days or looking for a fun, short getaway from Bangkok. All you have to do is take the train to Ayutthaya, rent a bike, and you’ll be ready to explore this ancient city at your own pace.
3. Lopburi
Next up is Lopburi, a city best known for its unruly monkey population that lives in ancient ruins, sometimes terrorizing, sometimes entertaining anyone who passes by the city. It is located about 3 hours north from Bangkok and it is home to the stunning Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat, an ancient Khmer city located right at the center of Lopburi's old city area.
The history of Lopburi is truly fascinating, with roots that trace back even before the Khmer period. At that time, the area was ruled by the Lavo Kingdom, an ancient city-state that thrived during the Dvaravati period between the 6th and 11th centuries. It was considered one of the many Mon kingdoms that ruled the region before the rise of the Khmer Empire.
By the late 11th century, Lavo came under the influence of the Khmer Empire, which eventually incorporated it as part of their expanding territory. The ruins of Khmer-style architecture that you see in Lopburi today are a reflection of the vast Khmer influence over the area.
Over time, Lavo's prominence waned as neighboring regions, like Ayutthaya, grew in power, absorbing it into their kingdom, yet many of the remnants of Lavo’s history remain through archaeological sites and temples all over Lopburi. One such site located not too far from the main temple complex of Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat is Prang Sam Yod.
Prang Sam Yod itself is one of the oldest landmarks in Lopburi and, perhaps, one of the most well-known as well for its monkey craze. The ruin is still pretty much intact and shows just how similar the architecture around here is compared to the ones at Angkor Wat.
A lot of tourists like to come here to get photos of themselves with the monkeys. The monkeys are always on the lookout for food here, so if you want to take a photo with them, you will have to lure them out with food and prepare to get harassed by them for the photo.
If you're looking for a place to visit in Thailand that's packed with rich history, unique charm unlike anywhere else in the country, and plenty of fun things to do, I highly recommend visiting Lopburi. You can spend around 2 to 3 days exploring the city and its surroundings, making it the perfect weekend getaway from Bangkok!
4. Si Thep, Phetchabun
Si Thep Historical Park is a site rich in history located on the southern edge of Phetchabun, a province located between the north and northeast region of Thailand.
What's cool about Si Thep Historical Park? Well, for one, the site has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List only in 2023, which makes it the most recent site in Thailand to be inscribed, with the last one being in 1992. The history goes way back to the 5th Century CE, during the Dvaravati period, way before the rise of the Khmer Empire.
The site was built by the Dvaravati Empire between the 6th and 11th centuries, and it covers a large area of what is now the Si Thep town in Phetchabun. The historical site is split into 2 parts: the inner city part and the outer city part, each with significant attractions I highly recommend you check out.
Let’s start with the inner city, which is located here. The entrance fee is 120 THB per person and a vehicle fee of 20 THB for a motorbike and 50 THB for a car. Once inside, you can park your car and hop on a free tour cart that will take you around the historical site. The ride takes about an hour and offers a great overview of the area.
On the outer city, you will find Khao Klang Nok, one of Si Thep's finest historical sites, located 2 km north of the historical park itself. This is definitely the highlight of Si Thep for me, and the best part is it's free to enter!
At Khao Klang Nok, you'll find a massive square laterite base measuring approximately 64 × 64 meters and rising about 20 meters high. The structure features two stepped layers and a flat top, where a bell-shaped stupa likely once stood. Built during the Dvaravati era (8th–9th century CE), much of the monument remained buried under natural vegetation until excavations began in 2008. Restoration was completed around 2012.
This monument is truly massive, you have to see it to believe it. Right next to the site, there’s a small museum that explains the history of Khao Klang Nok and how it might have looked in its prime, complete with a model of the original bell-shaped stupa in all its glory.
This is one of Isaan's finest historical sites, so if you’re exploring the northeastern region of Isaan and would love to see an incredible historical sites that dated back before many of the historical sites I listed here, be sure to drop by and check out Si Thep Historical Park.
5. Phimai, Korat
Phimai Historical Park is one of the best-preserved examples of Khmer architectural style in Thailand. Located in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), it serves as the gateway to Isaan, the northeastern region of Thailand, where much of the Khmer Empire's influence still lingers to this day.
If you have visited Angkor Wat before, you might notice how closely this temple resembles it. Legends say that the construction of Angkor Wat was inspired by Phimai, which was built in the 11th century, a century before Angkor Wat was constructed. The similarity is striking, and you can truly appreciate it the moment you step inside its walls and gaze upon the magnificent prangs.
The architecture of Phimai Historical Park reflects just how much of a master craftsman the Khmer Empire was. As you explore the ruins, you will often notice their incredible craftsmanship in the decors above doors and gates, as well as the design of the prang towers. These carvings and sculptures often depict various Hindu mythological stories and deities, similar to those at Angkor Wat.
Although the historical park is not as big as other sites like Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, there is still quite a lot to see inside, so expect to spend at least an hour here before continuing to explore Korat. To get here, you can either catch a bus from Korat Bus Terminal or rent a car and drive there. It takes about 1 hour to reach Phimai from Korat's city center.
If you want to make the most out of your trip, you might want to consider visiting in November. Every first weekend of November every year, the city organizes Phimai Festival, a 5-day fantastical event that turns the quiet streets of Phimai into a time machine, where one can step in and relive the good old days with traditional performances, ancient markets, and more.
During the day of the festival, you will be able to witness the thrilling long-boat races that pit the locals against each other as they paddle down the river at full speed, trying to beat one another. The winner gets the Royal Cup!
Once the sun sets, the historical site transforms into a stage for magnificent light and sound shows, as well as performances often depicting the history and folklore of Phimai and this region of Thailand. You’ll witness beautifully choreographed apsara dances, with performers adorned in spectacular costumes and traditional attire. It’s truly a sight to behold.
If you choose to visit Phimai during the festival, you’ll have the chance to attend all the events and enjoy free access to Phimai Historical Park for the entire 5-day duration of the festival. It’s just one more reason to experience Phimai during this special time! Trust me, you’re going to love it!
6. Panom Rung, Buriram
Not too far from Phimai, you'll find Phanom Rung Historical Park, an impressive 10th–13th century Khmer temple complex located atop an extinct volcano in Buriram. It’s one of the most impressive and best-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, and one of Buriram's most visited attractions.
One of the coolest aspects about this temple is the fact that it was built in a way that aligns with the sun so that during the equinoxes, sunlight illuminates the main sanctuary through all 15 doorways, a phenomenon that draws quite a crowd of local tourists and photographers.
I was there during one of the equinoxes in April, when the sun aligns perfectly through the doorway at sunrise, and it was mayhem 😂. There were so many people all waiting to capture that perfect shot of the sun shining through the doorway. Thankfully, I managed to beat the crowd by running to the second portal, and snapped the photo before they arrived. Yay!
These events happen around twice a year for about 3 days each. Counting both the sunrise and sunset, you should be able to see it 4 times a year. Also, depending on whether you want to see it at sunrise or sunset, you will have to watch out for the announcement on the historical park official Facebook Page.
During these events, you might also have the chance to witness the Phanom Rung Festival, an epic 3-day celebration filled with activities such as ancient markets, parades, and traditional performances. Much like the festival at Phimai, this one is also full of spectacles, wonderful performances, and tons of street food you can enjoy.
If you happen to be here during the festival, you are in for quite a treat. The festival is often held for 3 days starting on a Friday night, where you can see the performers practice, and the real show will begin on Saturdays and Sundays.
7. Muang Tam, Buriram
There are quite a lot of historical sites in Buriram, thanks to its proximity to Angkor Wat, the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire. Out of all the Khmer temples I visited here, Prasat Muang Tam is one of my favorites. The historical site is located on the lower plain of Buriram, right in the center of a small town, which is how it got its name. Muang Tam means "lower town", a name given by the Thais who built settlements around the ruins.
Constructed during the late 10th to early 11th century, Prasat Muang Tam was dedicated primarily to the Hindu god Shiva, with some evidence suggesting the worship of Vishnu as well. The temple complex is built in the Baphuon architectural style, characterized by intricate carvings and detailed stonework.
The temple features a distinctive arrangement of five towers in two rows, a departure from the typical five-tower quincunx layout seen in other Khmer temples. Fun fact: this place is the only Khmer temple known to have four L-shaped ponds at each corner, which may have served both decorative and functional purposes.
The temple itself is surrounded by ponds where you can stroll around and enjoy the scenery without having to deal with the crowds like at Phanom Rung. I went there in the early morning after sunrise, and I had much of the place to myself.
If you're looking for an impressive Khmer temple to explore without the crowds, you're going to love Prasat Muang Tam. Buriram is worth spending at least 2 to 3 days in, which should give you enough time to see all the attractions the province has to offer. If you're looking for more things to do in Buriram, check out the full travel guide linked below!
8. Sadok Kok Thom, Sa Kaeo
Also in the Isaan region (Northeastern Thailand), you will find Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park, another one of Thailand's finest Khmer temple complexes located in the province of Sa Kaeo. Built in the 11th century during the Angkorian era, this temple stands out as the best-preserved of its kind. You can easily spend hours wandering its temple grounds and enjoying its peaceful surroundings.
As you enter the premises, you’ll walk along a beautiful path shaded by tall, graceful trees. At the end of the walkway, you’ll find the temple’s massive complex on your left, and on your right, a large man-made reservoir, once a vital water source for the community in days gone by.
Within the courtyard, there are two library buildings located on the northeast and southeast sides, which were likely used to store sacred scriptures. You can climb the central tower for a better view of the sanctuary from above.
Around the main complex, you’ll also find moats and ponds, features commonly seen in Khmer temples. I especially loved the northeastern corner, where two twin coconut trees are growing right at the edge of the temple. I mean, how often do you see coconut trees at a Khmer temple, right?
At the entrance of the historical park, you will also find a well-curated museum, all about telling the history of Sadok Kok Thom. Artifacts discovered here, like the Sdok Kok Thom inscription, a 340-line text carved in 1053 CE. This inscription provides a detailed genealogy of Khmer kings and outlines the religious and political history of the empire, making it a crucial source for understanding the Khmer civilization.
The museum also lists all the ancient historical sites discovered in Thailand, and I’ve got to say, after years of exploring far and wide across the country, I’ve been to every single one on the list. I was so proud, haha 😁! In fact, it was this very display that inspired me to write this article in the first place, to help anyone interested in learning more about Thailand’s unique history and walking in the footsteps of our ancestors.
The best part about this historical park is that the entry is free. I was definitely caught by surprise when I asked them how much for the ticket, and they said it's free! If you like an awesome Khmer temple you can explore at your own leisure, be sure to visit Sadok Kok Thom.
9. Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, Si Saket
Still in the Isaan region, this time in Si Saket, another historical temple you might want to check out is Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, one of the largest, best-preserved, and most revered archaeological complexes in the province. The temple was originally built in the 11th century as a Hindu shrine but was later converted into a Buddhist temple during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, the same ruler who commissioned Angkor Wat.
What’s cool about this temple is that after the ruins were rediscovered, a modern temple was built around them. The site remains an active place of worship to this day, while the ancient Khmer structures have been preserved and protected within these modern temple walls.
It’s rare to see ancient Khmer temples still integrated into daily religious life like this. Most Khmer ruins are either swallowed by the jungle or turned into historical parks for tourists.
This one is a little different, as the surrounding area is still used as an active temple ground, which means you don't have to pay to access the temple. There are also many other stunning structures, albeit modern ones, that create a beautiful contrast between the old and the new, something I haven't seen anywhere else but here.
You can spend some time exploring the old Khmer ruins, but before you leave, be sure to check out some of the newer structures as well. I especially love the stunning seated Buddha images, perfectly aligned in layers, it’s quite a sight to behold.
10. Kamphaeng Phet
Kamphaeng Phet, a historical city that rivals those of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai, is a city in the lower northern part of Thailand. The name of the city literally translates to "The Wall of Diamond" due to the fact that the city and its formidable fortification were used as an outpost to defend against invaders from the north during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya reigns in the 13th - 15th Century.
Due to its long history as one of the most formidable fortified outposts in Siamese history, the remnants of those days can still be seen in Kamphaeng Phet today, and one of the most well-preserved historical sites here is Wat Phra Kaeo, the largest of them all.
The temple was built in the 15th century at the center of Kamphaeng Phet and comprises a principal chedi, a dozen subsidiary chedis, a few assembly halls, and a number of well-preserved large Buddha images. One of my favorite features of this temple is the assembly hall with 3 huge Ayutthayan era Buddha images - 2 are seated and one is lying down. It reminded me of one of the stages in the old NES Street Fighter game, but on a smaller scale.
Within the old town, you will also find another temple located on the eastern side of the area called Wat Phra That. Wat Phra That is another temple built in the 15th century with the main principal chedi in the Sukhothai-style bell-shaped structure, and some of the subsidiary chedis, as well as an assembly hall, still remain.
Not too far from these two temples, you will also find Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, a protected area full of small but stunning collections of temples you can explore with a bike. The whole area is well shaded throughout the day, which makes it an awesome place to explore during the day.
Some of my favorite temples here are Wat Phra Non, which translates to The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Si Ariyabot, a large temple complex with several Buddha images in four postures: walking, standing, sitting, and reclining, and Wat Chang Rob, a temple surrounded by elephant statues at its base.
I think Kamphaeng Phet and its city can be considered an open-air museum, with countless ancient sites scattered throughout the modern-day city, just waiting to be discovered. If you're planning to drive north to Chiang Mai, be sure to stop by and explore Kamphaeng Phet along the way.
11. Si Satchanalai
Si Satchanalai, founded in 1250, is the twin ancient city to Sukhothai, filled with impressive ruins and temples that few people know about. While most travelers visit Sukhothai, they often overlook Si Satchanalai, even though it’s only about 55 km away. If you're looking to get off the beaten path, this ancient city makes for a perfect day trip from Sukhothai.
One of the first attractions you’ll encounter in Si Satchanalai is Wat Phra Sri, one of the oldest temples in the area that is still active today. Officially known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, the temple was built in the 13th century when the region was under the control of the Khmer Empire, a fact reflected in its Prang-style architecture.
Much like other Khmer temples, you can climb up to the top of the Prang and view the surrounding area from above. There are also several old ruins worth checking out, such as Phra That Mutao, the remains of an old large pagoda which is believed to be of Mon origin.
From Wat Phra Sri, it's only about a 20-minute bike ride away until you arrive at Si Satchanalai Historical Park where you will find a collection of stunning old temples and ruins from the Khmer period. One of the best ones is Wat Khok Singkharam, a well-preserved temple with 3 pagodas as well as the remains of an old assembly hall.
Another awesome temple you will encounter first in the park is Wat Nang Phaya, which was built in the 15th century during the early Ayutthaya reign of the area. One of the highlights here is the fact that you can still see Ayutthayan-style stucco reliefs standing on the side of the temple's wall.
The amount of detail preserved here is staggering and something that is not as easy to find on a temple this old. Within the temple wall, you will also find the well-preserved bell-shaped Sri Lankan Singhalese-style pagoda and the assembly hall, which show how Sri Lanka and Siam influenced each other over the years.
One of the most impressive and largest temple complexes with a ton of well-preserved pagodas you will find here is Wat Chedi Chet Thaew, translating to The Temple of Seven Rows of Pagodas. It was built in the 14th Century during the rise of Sukhothai Kingdom and comprises of one large pagoda at the center, an assembly hall, and 32 subordinate pagodas, giving the temple its name.
Wat Chedi Chet Taew was built in the first half of the 14th century during the Sukhothai reign of the area. The temple comprises one large pagoda at the center, an assembly hall, and 32 subordinate pagodas, giving the temple its name.
Another temple you shouldn't miss while you explore Si Satchanalai is Wat Chang Lom, which is translated to "Temple Surrounded by Elephants", located deeper inside the park, northwest of Wat Chedi Chet Thaew. This is undoubtedly my favorite temple of the bunch.
If you’re visiting Sukhothai, be sure to drop by Si Satchanalai. Spend a day exploring its often-overlooked historical park and enjoy a much quieter, more peaceful experience. You’ll hardly find any tourists here, and after the crowds in Sukhothai, you’re going to love how much more relaxing it is here!
12. Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai
After spending so much time in Isaan, let's head all the way to the north, in the province of Chiang Rai, where you will find Chiang Saen, an ancient walled city located on the bank of the Mekong River, by the border between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. It is full of old ruins and rich history that you have probably never heard of.
When you think of an ancient city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is probably the first city that comes to your mind. But did you know that before Chiang Mai was established in the late 13th Century, its founder and the first king of the Lanna Kingdom, King Mengrai, was actually the last ruler of the Ngoenyang Kingdom, where Chiang Saen was its capital city.
He ruled Chiang Saen for 31 years before he founded a new capital city called Chiang Mai and made the city his seat of power for his new kingdom, Lanna. With such a rich history, Chiang Saen is home to some truly stunning ruins that can still be seen today.
One of the most prominent historical sites in the walled city of Chiang Saen is Wat Pa Sak Historical Park, where you will find a 12.5-meter-high, well-preserved stupa built in the classic style of Lanna. It features similarities to the temples found in Lamphun (Hariphunchai Kingdom).
Another well-preserved ruin located not too far from Wat Pa Sak Historical Park is Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang, home to the ancient main stupa of Chiang Saen town, which is the largest in the city, hence the name Chedi Luang. It is similar to the massive main stupa you saw in Chiang Mai.
There are also other smaller ruins around Chiang Saen that are worth a visit, such as the headless Buddha image at Wat Athi Ton Kaeo Historic Site and Wat Roi Kho.
When you are in Chiang Saen, be sure to rent a bike and go around town to discover all of these old ruins scattered around the walled city. There are quite a few that aren't on the map, so let the inner Indiana Jones in you shine!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
- Looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Hidden Gems to Visit in Thailand.
- Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
- Wondering when is the best time to visit Thailand? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
- Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
- Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok. Here is a One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
- Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
- For more things to do in Bangkok, check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
- Wondering which temples are worth visiting in Bangkok? Check out: 10 BEST Temples to Visit in Bangkok.
- There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
- One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Central Thailand, or Southern Thailand?
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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