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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand, also known as The Land of White Elephants, is a celebrated travel destination for those keen to experience its rich culinary landscapes, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. The country's cultural significance is so profound that even UNESCO has acknowledged its impact.
To date, Thailand is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Of these, three are categorized as natural attractions, and the other five are considered for their historic and cultural significance.
List of Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This article explores the eight designated locations of Thailand's UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with their ticket prices and opening hours as taken from various sources.
1. Phu Phrabat Historical Park (2024)
Ticket Prices: 20 - 100 THB
Opening Hours: Daily, from 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m. local time
In July 2024, Phu Phrabat was named one of Thailand's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, notably recognized for its standing stones known as ‘bai sima.’ As the best testament to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period, the site’s history can be traced way back to centuries ago, when prehistoric humans occupied the area on Phu Phra Bat mountain.
While the ancient civilization site is bound to draw visitors for its uniquely built sturdy rock formations, public transport accommodation may be difficult, so visitors are advised to rent a car to reach the destination.
2. Si Thep Ancient Town (2023)
Ticket Prices: 100 THB
Opening Hours: Daily, from 08:00 a.m. to 04:30 p.m. local time
Located in Phetchabun Province, Si Thep Ancient Town is largely associated with other cultural sites, Khao Klang Nok and Khao Thamorrat Cave Ancient Monument. Historically, three of them share the same timeline dating back to over 1,500 years ago.
It’s reported that human settlements and residences were discovered around the surrounding area of Si Thep Ancient Town. To date, the Dvaravati culture has continued to prevail within the area, illustrating its heavy cultural significance.
3. Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex (2021)
Ticket Prices: 60 - 300 THB
Opening Hours: 06:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. local time
Kaeng Krachan, stretched along the Tenasserim mountain range, is noted for its large domination of semi-evergreen/dry evergreen and moist evergreen forests. Its location, which overlaps with cross-roads between the Himalayan, Indochina, and Sumatran faunal and floral realms, offers ample habitation for critically endangered faunas like Asiatic Wild Dog, Banteng, Asian Elephant, Elongated Tortoise, and Asian Giant Tortoise.
4. Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (2005)
Ticket Prices: 40 - 400 THB
Opening Hours: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. local time
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is an internationally acknowledged conservation reserve primarily for carrying substantial tropical forest ecosystems, which can provide a viable habitat for more than 800 species of fauna. Among the vast array of notable animals are 112 mammal species, 200 reptile and amphibian species, as well as the 392 bird species.
5. Ban Chiang Archeological Sites (1992)
Ticket Prices: 30 - 150 THB
Opening Hours: Daily, from 09:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. local time
First discovered in 1996, The Ban Chiang Archaeological Site demonstrated early evidence of Southeast Asia’s foremost settled agrarian occupations, with highlighted proofs being wet rice agriculture, ceramic manufacture, and the associated technological complex of domesticated farm animals.
Since its discovery, the site has been extensively studied by both Thai and international scholars, revealing that Ban Chiang dates back to 1,495 BC.
6. Ayutthaya Historical Park (1991)
Ticket Prices: free
Opening Hours: Daily, from 08:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m. local time
Ayutthaya Historical Park has become a tourist destination due to its close proximity to Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok. Before it was listed as UNESCO's History City of Ayutthaya, the ancient empire was considered a regional powerhouse where it acted as one of the most important trading hubs of Asia between 1350 and 1767.
Today, the site houses numerous Buddhist temples featuring religious arts and artifacts from the 14th to 18th centuries.
7. Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries (1991)
Ticket Prices: 10 - 200 THB
Opening Hours: Daily, from 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m. local time
Encompassing 622,200 hectares, the property combines two different sanctuaries, Thung Yai Naresuan and Huai Kha Khang, stretching over more than 600,000 hectares along the Myanmar border.
This massive conservation area is home to a diverse array of animals, including 77% of the large mammals, 50% of the large birds, and 33% of the land vertebrates.
8. Sukhothai Historical Park (1991)
Ticket Prices: from 100 THB
Opening Hours: Daily, from 6:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m. local time
Rounding up the list of Thailand's UNESCO World Heritage Sites is Sukhothai Historical Park, where the kingdom’s most prominent temples were built among glittering reservoirs. At its peak during the 13th century, this majestic structure stood as the Royal Palace, serving as the political and religious center of Sukhothai.
Editor’s Choice: 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia, From Temples to Lizards Island
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