Thailand is an amazing country based on the Buddhist religion. In every city, regardless of size, there is at least one temple that glorifies the teachings of the Buddha. At the same time, even in a small city, a temple can store relics sacred for the whole country. Religious buildings in cities are organically combined with modern buildings, while maintaining a single style that attracts thousands of tourists to the country.
There are few large cities in the country. In just two cities, the population exceeds one million people. It is noteworthy that most tourists go not only to the capital, but also to small resort towns - Pattaya and Phuket. The unusual culture and special atmosphere of life in small provinces attract independent travelers. They can be found in any city in Thailand, even the smallest.
The largest cities in Thailand
List of the largest cities in terms of population in the country.
Bangkok
The city of angels attracts tourists with Asian exoticism and modern entertainment. Historical sites, ancient temples and monasteries are concentrated on Rattanakosin Island. Office and administrative buildings, trendy restaurants and nightclubs are located in the city center in the Silom and Sukumvit districts. The Chinatown and the Indian Quarters are attractive and unusual areas.
Population - 5 676 648 people (2018).
Nonthaburi
The city is located just 20 km from the capital. Its peculiarity is a large number of water channels. Boat trips are popular with tourists. This is a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the city - it is surrounded by magnificent orchards. Among the sights of the city are the Sala Keoku sculpture park, the old town hall, the Fantasy Lagoon water park and the Ban Kwan Chang reserve.
Population - 1 246 295 people (2018).
Hat Yai
The ethnic composition of the city is unusual. Temples of the ethnic Chinese side by side with Confucian sanctuaries, Buddhism and Islam. The city often hosts colorful fairs where you can buy unique goods at affordable prices. There are also many massage parlors in the city, which offer erotic massage, and piquant performances are held at discos.
Population - 159 130 people (2014).
Chiang Mai
The city is located in the north of the country. Travelers love it, despite the lack of beaches by the sea. Accommodation in Chiang Mai is much cheaper than in the major cities of the country. It is interesting for both natural and architectural sights. The ancient temples of the city are Doi Suthep and Chiang Man, erected in the XII-XIV centuries. An interesting place is the night market on the water with handicrafts.
Population - 132 634 people (2014).
Surat Thani
Its location near a major seaport makes Surat Thani a major commercial center for the country. But it will also be of interest to travelers - the Khao Sok Reserve Park is known even outside the country. Its tropical jungle is inhabited by elephants, monkeys, tigers. There are many ancient Buddhist temples in the vicinity of the city; the artifacts of some temples reach the age of 1000 years.
Population - 130 703 people (2017).
Udon Thani
The small town is located on the border with Laos. It attracts tourists with its location. Travelers come here as a staging post for a couple of days to travel further to Laos. Two days is quite enough to explore the main attractions of the city - Prajak Lake with a parkland on the islands, the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center and the City Museum.
Population - 130,274 people (2017).
Nakhon Ratchasima
This city and the surrounding area are interesting for the heritage of the ancient Khmer culture. Its ruins are located in the Phimae, Phanom Runge and Mueang Tame districts. The most revered monument in the city itself is the statue of Tao Suranari. The city museum houses a collection of Buddha statues made in different styles. The shops of the city are famous for the highest quality silk products.
Population - 126 391 people (2019).
Khon Kaen
This city is more interesting for businessmen than for tourists. Tourists most often come here to the consulates of Laos and Vietnam to extend their visa. Of the sights, the 9-tier pagoda is noteworthy. It took 7 years to build it. The frescoes on the ground floor depict the founding of Khon Kaen City. The upper floors of the pagoda offer a beautiful view of the artificial lake.
Population - 115 928 people (2014).
Pattaya
One of the most popular resorts in the country. Lovers of exotic holidays, fans of the warm sea and beautiful coastline, connoisseurs of unusual Asian attractions come here. Nightlife in Pattaya is rich and varied - the most piquant discos take place on the famous Volkin Street. Popular spots include the Orchid Farm, Koh Lan Island and Nong Nooch Garden.
Population - 115 840 people (2015).
Nakhon Si Thammarat
An ancient city in the south of the country. A vivid example of the city's cultural heritage is the Phra Maha That temple. It is a grandiose Sri Lankan-style structure. The city's shadow theater has been famous for a long time. In the workshop near the theater, you can buy figurines of the theater's puppets. There is a beautiful natural park in the vicinity of the city. It is spread around the mountain of the same name, which can be seen from anywhere in the city.
Population - 106 322 people (2014).
Nakhonsavan
Located near Lake Boraphet, at the confluence of two rivers - Ping and Nan. There is a large river port in the city. Water communication is the main transport route to other cities. The name of the city means "heavenly city". On one of the hills there is a statue of Buddha, which overlooks the entire city from the top. Most of the land around the city is occupied by agricultural land.
Population - 86 439 people (2014).
Sukhothai
The city consists of two districts - ancient Sukhothai and new Sukhothai. In the new part of the city there is a tourist infrastructure - hotels, cafes. In the ancient part, travelers go to inspect the ruins of the old city, which are several centuries old. The historical park has preserved about 40 temples, including the Khmer temple complex Wat Si Sawai.
Population - 80,000 people (2019).
Ubon Ratchathani
The city is rarely visited by tourists - there are few known attractions and a poorly developed tourist infrastructure. However, it is worth visiting Ubon Ratchathani during the festival in honor of the Buddhist holiday Asanha Bucha. In this city, it passes especially magnificently - along the main street there is a string of platforms with elaborately carved statues, surrounded by giant candles.
Population - 79,023 people (2014).
Nakhon Pathom
The main attraction of the small town is Phra Pathom Chedi. This 127-meter Buddhist stupa is not only the tallest in the world, but also one of the oldest. The first mention of it dates back to 675. Interesting places are the Khmer temple Phra Praton Chedi, the Bhikkhuni Monastery - Songkhammakalyani and the Saman-Chan palace complex, founded by King Vachiravudha.
Population - 78 599 people (2015).
Phuket
Island resort town. Its picturesque nature, beautiful and well-maintained beaches are appreciated by tourists from all over the world. The best parks for walking are Sapan Hin, Rama IX Park and Khao Rang. Phuket City has many original Chinese temples, the oldest of which is Pat Java, built over 200 years ago. Picturesque buildings that combine Portuguese and Chinese styles are located in the Old Quarter.
Population - 77 610 people (2014).
Chiang Rai
Many tourists come to Chiang Rai to see the White Temple. It is located 15 km from the city and is notable for its lacy, openwork architecture of dazzling white walls.In contrast to it, another landmark of the city looks unusual - the Black House or the House of Death. The buildings on its territory are built of black teak, the style of their construction is interesting and does not leave a depressing impression.
Population - 70 610 people (2014).
Phitsanulok
The city is located on the banks of the Nan River. The coastal park, laid out at the Akkathasaroth bridge, is very beautiful. The sacred landmark is the image of the Buddha at Wat Mahathat. The temple itself was built in the XIV century and during this time has collected an interesting collection of Buddha statues brought from different parts of the country. The folklore museum presents an exposition of ethnographic exhibits, which is called the best in the country.
Population - 66 106 people (2019).
Songkhla
This city is not so popular with tourists, but travelers who have visited it note the coziness and charm of its Old Town. The colored houses of narrow streets often have Chinese motifs in architecture or are decorated with modern graffiti. One of the city's majestic landmarks is the Wat Matchimavat Temple, built over 400 years ago.
Population - 63 834 people (2017).
Rayong
This seaside resort town is not as popular as Pattaya or Phuket. But it has white beaches with clear sea water, pristine nature, and due to the lesser popularity, rest in Rayong has a pleasant price affordability. One of the most beautiful places around the city is the island of Ko Samet. The mineral thermal springs of Rayong are also popular.
Population - 63 655 people (2015).
Samut Sakhon
Located near the mouth of the Ta Chin River. You can get from the capital of the country to Samut Sakhon by rail, the trip will take about an hour. The largest market in the city is located near the railway station. It is known for its large selection of fish and seafood, both fresh and dried, dried or smoked. At the same time, prices for products are several times lower than in large cities.
Population - 63 252 people (2015).
Yala
This small town is landlocked. Despite this, thousands of tourists come here every year for the pigeon festival. The city has several beautiful parks with artificial and natural ponds. The area around the city is very picturesque. The pristine nature will not leave any traveler indifferent. Among the natural monuments are waterfalls and caves.
Population - 61 250 people (2014).
Saraburi
The cultural heritage of the city is made up of centuries-old temples. One of them, the temple Wat Phra Phutthabat, is inscribed on the coat of arms of the province. It was built in the 17th century. The local population believes that the footprint of the Buddha has been preserved in it since ancient times. Other attractions include the Crocodile Farm, Ptai Hai Bird Garden, Phu Khae Botanical Garden, Zoo and Tham Si Vilai Cave.
Population - 60 809 people (2019).
Trang
A small provincial town where only independent travelers come. Most often, tourists flock to the city for the Vegetarian Festival in October. The city's tour desks offer trips to the scenic natural sites around the city. The program of excursions includes rafting, visiting waterfalls and caves, trekking in the jungle to the top of the mountain.
Population - 60 591 people (2014).
Hua hin
The city is located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. Hua Hin is often called the pearl of the country because of its beautiful beaches and azure clear sea. Rest in this city is very different from rest in Pattaya or Phuket. Hua Hin is perfect for a relaxing and peaceful family vacation. There are many elite hotels in the city, a large number of entertainments for vacationers of any age.
Population - 59 369 people (2014).
Lampang
Located in the north of the country in the valley of the Vang River among the high hills. The river has divided the city into historical and modern parts. Many buildings from the Burmese period have survived in the old part of the city. An example of Lannes art is the temple Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. You can watch the performances of elephants, as well as ride them in the Center for the Protection of these amazing animals.
Population - 59 369 people (2014).
Mahasarakham
A provincial town rarely visited by tourists. It is considered a major educational center due to the large number of schools and colleges located in it, as well as the Rayabhat University. The plains around the city are covered with rice fields. Kaeng Lang Chan Lake is a great place for outdoor recreation. To store the relics of the Buddha, a three-level Phrathat Nadun was built.
Population - 51,276 people (2019).
Ratbury
The history of the city is rich, the age of monuments and temples in it reaches 1000 years. Many ancient exhibits are collected in the archaeological museum of the city. The nature around Rathbury is capable of surprising even sophisticated travelers. There are many beautiful lakes among the mountains and hills. The length of one of the Khao Bin caves in the rocks of the mountains is 300 meters. On the way to it, there are wild monkeys.
Population - 35 470 people (2019).
Chonburi
It is often called the orchard city. After all, Chonburi grows the largest amount of fruits in the country. Among the interesting places in the city, it is worth highlighting the Wat Yai Intraram temple with ancient frescoes on the walls. You can view the city from above from the Monkey Mountain. It offers a beautiful panoramic view. The mountain is home to many wild monkeys who gladly accept treats from tourists.
Population - 29 961 people (2014).
Chanthaburi
The city is not rich in famous sights, but it deserves the attention of tourists due to its architectural appearance. At the end of the 19th century, the province was occupied by the French. During this time, many old houses built in the Chinese style acquired the features of the French colonial style. The mix of styles gives the houses a unique and unique look.
Population - 23 835 people (2014).
Mae Hong Son
Located in the northwest of the country in a mountain valley. Travelers are attracted here by the opportunity for outdoor activities and wonderful landscapes. Wildlife surrounds the city. Most boarding houses and holiday homes are not comfortable hotels that many tourists are used to. But the picturesque nature around allows you to forget about the imperfect tourist infrastructure and enjoy your vacation.
Population - 6 526 people (2014).
