Places like temples, floating markets, and national parks are the best places to visit in Thailand for first timers. Thailand is one of the top choices for travellers around the world to come, especially for backpackers. Not only the friendly and helpful locals, you can enjoy the great scenery of nature in the country known as The Land of White Elephants. Moreover, great food and many unique souvenirs can be found around Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Visiting a country for first-timers might be confusing, so we have compiled some best places to visit only for you!

Thailand is known for the majority of locals with the Buddha religion. That is the reason why many temples can be found around the city. Not only as a place to pray, you can go to the temples to enjoy the authentic view of it. If you are lucky enough, you can watch some ceremonies held in the temples. Not to mention that most of these temples are still managed by the monks.

1. The Grand Palace

Majestic buildings with gold ornaments that will get you mesmerised are all over this temple. You can see the authenticness of Thailand temples in The Grand Palace, not like any other temple you will find. This temple is also considered an icon of Thailand as it was once the king’s residence and a place of administrative government. As of now, The Grand Palace is used to conduct royal family ceremonies and state banquets. Also, for visitors who do not speak Thai, they provide tour guides who can speak English, if you want some explanation about the temple.

2. Wat Phra Kaew

Located within the magnificent Grand Palace complex in the centre of Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is the most revered Theravada Buddhist temple in the country. It is known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in English. It is considered the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand and an important venue for religious celebrations and royal ceremonies. Not only a place of worship, you will be amazed by the architectural beauty and stunning ornaments of Wat Phra Kaew. It is also home to a very famous Buddha statue, Phra Kaew Morakot (Emerald Buddha) made of nephrite.

3. Wat Pho

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the oldest temple in Bangkok and the largest in Thailand. Being one of the top temple tourist destinations in Thailand, this temple has more than 1,000 Buddha statues. The most famous Buddha statue is the 46-metre-long giant Buddha statue in a reclining position, hence the name Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple complex is a centre of public learning and is decorated with diagrams and inscriptions on various knowledge written by scholar monks from the palace. Known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, several recipes for traditional Thai medicines are still preserved today at Wat Pho.

In addition to shopping centres, you should try visiting the floating markets in Thailand. You can find a complete range of products at a fairly low price. Here are some recommendations for floating markets that you can visit while in Thailand.

1. Khlong Lat Mayom

This floating market is popular with the locals. Delicious and authentic Thai food is also the charm of this market. Boat noodles, kanom jeen (cold rice noodles) and hoi tod (oyster omelette) are worth trying. Each portion is priced at around AUD 2, making it suitable for those on a budget. A variety of fruits are sold at this floating market, but the most common are fresh mangoes and papayas. Apart from the boat vendors, there is also a covered market with stalls selling cheap clothes, home decorations and fresh flowers.

2. Taling Chan

Taling Chan Floating Market is only 4 km from Khlong Lat Mayom and is a small market located close to Bangkok's city centre. At this market, the food is more of an attraction than the merchandise. You won't find a wide variety of trinkets at Taling Chan Floating Market, but you will find a wide selection of delicious Thai street food. Popular dishes to try here include boiled blue crab, pork meatballs and Thai basil fried tempura. The market is quite small so it doesn't take long for you to wander around.

3. Damnoen Saduak

Known as the oldest floating market in Thailand, until now, many locals and foreign tourists come here every day. Damnoen Saduak sells a variety of food, fruits, and snacks such as mango sticky rice. But don't worry, some stalls also sell souvenirs for you to take home. If you order some food, it will be made right in front of you with fresh ingredients. Walking around the market while enjoying the food is something you can't possibly miss there.

The many tourist destinations above certainly cannot be missed. Choose at least one of these destinations and have an unforgettable travelling experience. There are still many best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers that can be explored. You can book attraction tickets and tour packages at Traveloka. Are you ready for your holiday? Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight and hotels. Visit Traveloka for more information!