Thailand is one of the most popular Southeast Asian countries for world travelers. Dreamy beaches and picturesque islands make for a perfect vacation. Destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phi Phi Islands, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket And Krabi is often included in Thailand travel itineraries. However, if you are planning to go for a long vacation in Thailand then it is a good idea to include some places near Thailand for adventure and go off the beaten track!
10 Fun Places Near Thailand!
Located within 250 km of the Thailand border, these places can be easily covered in a day or overnight trip. So get a multiple-entry visa to Thailand and see everything beyond Thai borders.
1. Vientiane, Laos
Unlike the bustling city of Bangkok, Vientiane moves at a much slower pace. This beautiful city has a French influence due to the French Inquisition and its historic quarter with colonial villas makes for a beautiful picture. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Thailand and tourists love the delightful cafes and temples. One of its most famous temples is Wat Si Saket and houses over 2,000 ceramic and silver images of the Buddha. You can go on a river cruise and spend a day leisurely exploring the tranquil city of Vientiane.
Nearest border crossing: Thanaleng Border Crossing
Distance from Thailand border: 20 km
Places to visit: Click download to save Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge MP3 YouTube Com
Read suggestions: 9 must-see Ayutthaya temples to experience the best of Thailand
2. Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is only a 75-minute boat ride away from Thailand, and this makes it one of the best places to visit near Thailand. The entire group of more than 99 islands of Langkawi has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status for their beautiful white sand beaches, tropical forests, waterfalls and natural wealth. Langkawi is also a duty-free zone making it a cheap destination to party, shop and live a life like paradise!
Nearest border crossing: Changwat Satun – Thai-Malaysian border
Distance from Thailand border: 48 kilometers from Kuala Perlis port for boat to Langkawi
Places to visit: Langkawi Cable Car, Cenang Beach, Payar Island, Temurun Waterfall
Must read: Malaysian Cuisine: 10 Dishes That Will Let You Taste The True Taste Of Malaysia!
3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is one of the best places to visit near Thailand. It is home to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 12th-century temple with its iconic architecture is a symbol of Cambodia, and its statues are seen throughout the country. As well as temples, the city has some of the best hotels, restaurants and spas, giving weary travelers a chance to enjoy history in relaxation!
Nearest border crossing: Poipet International Border
Distance from Thailand border: 152 km
Places to visit: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Banteay Srei
Read suggestions: Top experiences in Thailand that you absolutely cannot miss on your overseas holidays
4. Kulen Promthep Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia
Mostly a marshy area, the protected area of Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the Kulen Mountains, one of Cambodia’s most sacred sites. If you want to get relief from the tourist crowds and cities then this is one of the best places near Thailand. The Kulen Promtep Reserve was started to preserve the giant ibis, which is also the national bird of Cambodia. Regular nature tours and walks are organized by the local people of Tamatboy village.
Nearest border crossing: choam
Distance from Thailand border: 123 km
Places to visit: wildlife Sanctuary
Read suggestions: The 10 Most Popular Festivals in Cambodia: An Insight into Its Rich Culture
5. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Travelers who have tired of Thailand’s tourist circuit will love visiting the Perhentian Islands. The Perhentian Islands, located in Malaysian waters, are resort islands that are well developed for tourists, yet still retain the allure of tropical islands. An ideal destination for snorkeling and diving, the Perhentian Islands are one of the best places to visit near Thailand. Once you reach the white sands of Castile Island and dive into the clear waters, you won’t want to go back to reality!
Nearest border crossing: no lady
Distance from Thailand border: 28 km
Places to visit: Lighthouse Towers, Coral Bay, Castle Island, Range
6. Naypyidaw, Myanmar
Imagine a brand new capital city, where the infrastructure is new and everything is planned. This is what you can experience in Naypyidaw, one of the best places near Thailand! The capital of Myanmar was Yangon until the new capital came into existence in 2006. Although the city does not have much history, it is extremely well planned and has new tourist attractions and places of interest. If you want to know what a new city would look like then you should definitely go there!
Nearest border crossing: Wat Thai Watanaram
Places to visit: Uppatsanti Pagoda, Naypyidaw Zoological Garden, Gem Museum, National Herbal Park
Read suggestions: Burmese food guide: Know what and where to eat on your next Myanmar vacation!
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7. Phou Khao Khoay, Laos
Just 40 kilometers from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is the Phou Khao Khoay National Biodiversity Conservation Area. It is one of the must-see places near Thailand and a wonderful place to visit in the jungle. The protected forest features stunning cliffs, river valleys and crystal clear rivers that flow into the Mekong River. The forest is also home to endangered white-cheeked gibbon monkeys, langurs and even green peacocks. You can stay in Vientiane and visit this place for a day trip.
Nearest border crossing: Thanaleng Border Crossing
Places to visit: Ecotourism Interpretation Center
Read suggestions: Laos Food: 10 Delicious Dishes You Must Try
8. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave. The iconic cave has been covered by National Geographic and the entire area has received UNESCO World Heritage status for its natural cave system. While Vietnam does not share its border with Thailand, it is only 270 kilometers from the Thai border, crossing into Laos. This is undoubtedly one of the most unique places to visit near Thailand!
Nearest border crossing: Nakhon Phanom
Places to visit: Vom Cave System, Son Doong Cave, Ruk Man Cave Phong Nha Cave
Read suggestions: 14 festivals in Vietnam that are all about glitz, glam and grandeur
9. George Town, Malaysia
The state of Penang in Malaysia is a mix of cultures and its capital, George Town, is at the center of it all. One of the best places near Krabi Thailand, it is the best place to stop for a weekend trip or as the first port of entry into Malaysia. There are plenty of sights to see before heading to the beach, from the 7-tier Buddhist pagoda to the Chinese clan house of Khao Kongsi.
Nearest border crossing: bukit kyu hitam
Places to visit: George Town, Kek Lok Si, Penang Hill, Penang National Park, Khoo Kongsi
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10. Mota, Laos
Pakse is a beautiful town in Laos and one of the most easily accessible places to visit near Thailand Airport. Pakse is only 130 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani International Airport in Thailand. The city of Laos emerged at the meeting point of the Mekong and Xie Don rivers and is a fertile region. It is an ideal place to enjoy rural landscapes, natural beauty away from the bustling cities and admire the French colonial architecture still present in the city buildings.
Nearest border crossing: Chong Mek Customs
Places to visit: Wat Phu, Bolaven Plateau, Si Phan Don, Phu Salao, Wat Luang
read ahead: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Southern Thailand for Your Next Tropical Vacation
This list of places near Thailand already has you dreaming of the ultimate Southeast Asian vacation, isn’t it? Book Thailand places near your Thailand trip with TourTravelHotels and we’ll help you plan the best vacation ever!
FAQs about places near Thailand
Which is the best place in Thailand?
Some of the most amazing places to visit in Thailand are: 1. Chiang Mai 2. Phuket 3. Krabi 4. Sukhothai 5. Phang Nga
Is it safe in Thailand?
Thailand is generally safe but it is always advisable to take some precautions when traveling to a foreign land. Avoid taking any favors or services from strangers.
Where should I go in Thailand?
Some of the most amazing tourist places in Thailand that you can visit on a day trip: 1. Ayutthaya Temple, Bangkok 2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 3. Mu Ko Chang National Park 4. Erawan Waterfall, Bangkok 5. Koh Lipe Beach
What is the best area to live in Thailand?
Some of the top places to stay in Thailand are Siam Square, Sukhumvit, Silom, Khao San and Chinatown.
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
The cool and dry season between November and April is the most ideal time to visit Thailand. Thailand’s climate varies from region to region, making it a destination all year round.
What is there to do in Thailand?
Exciting things to do in Thailand are: 1. Visit the Grand Palace 2. Have a Thai Massage 3. Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 4. Visit Koh Phi Phi 5. Visit Khao Yai National Park
What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?
September is usually the cheapest month to fly to Thailand as it is the shoulder season. During this period you can also get huge discounts on hotels.
How expensive is Thailand?
Thailand is not a very expensive place to visit. The most expensive part of your trip to Thailand will be your flight, excluding which, it will only cost you around Rs. ₹3000 per day including your food, travel and accommodation.
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