UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand

Thailand is home to six of the 1,154 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Three of them are World Heritage Sites and the other three are Natural World Heritage Sites. The first entry on the list was in 1991 and the last entry so far was in 2021. More and more World Heritage Sites are being added to UNESCO's Red List, but fortunately no site in Thailand is one of them yet.

Historical city of Ayutthaya

The Historical City of Ayutthaya was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. In 1991 it was added to the list. The city was founded in 1350 and was the second capital of the Siamese kingdom until the 18th century. In 1767 it was attacked and destroyed by the Burmese army. It was never rebuilt. The remains, characterized by relic towers (also called prang) and huge monasteries, give only an idea of the past beauty.

Historical city of Sukhothai and related historical cities

The Historic City of Sukhothai and associated historic cities was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the same year as the Historic City of Ayutthaya. It was the capital of the first kingdom of Siam from the 13th to the 14th century. The city illustrates the beginnings of Thai architecture. Sukahothai and its towns are characteristic of the first period of Siamese art and architecture, language and literature, religion and legal codification, which gave rise to the first Thai state.

Wildlife Sanctuaries Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng

The first UNESCO World Heritage Site was added to the list in 1991 and it was the Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries. The protected areas cover more than 600,000 hectares along the border with Myanmar. They contain examples of nearly all forest types found in continental South Asia. They are also home to a variety of animal species, including 77 percent of large mammals such as elephants and tigers, 50 percent of large birds, and 33 percent of terrestrial vertebrates found in the region.

Archaeological site of Ban Chiang

In 1992, the most important prehistoric settlement discovered in Southeast Asia to date was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Ban Chiang Archaeological Site marks an important stage in human social, cultural and technological evolution. The site presents the earliest evidence of agriculture in the area and the production and use of metals. It was discovered in 1966 and has been excavated ever since. Its remains are being studied by Thai and international scholars.

Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex

In 2005, the Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex became part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. It stretches over 230 kilometers between Ta Phraya National Park on the Cambodian border to the east and Khao Yai National Park to the west. The natural site is home to more than 800 species of animals. Endangered species also find a protective home in the forest complex. The sector contains noteworthy and important tropical forest ecosystems that can provide a habitat for the long-term survival of these species.

Forest complex Kaeng Krachan

The last UNESCO World Heritage Site to date was added to the list in 2021. The Kaeng Krachan forest complex is located on the Thai side of the Tenasserim mountain range. The area is at the intersection of the animal and plant worlds of the Himalayan Mountains, Indochina and Sumatra and is home to a rich diversity of species. The area also overlaps with two important bird sanctuaries. The forest complex is home to a number of globally endangered plant and animal species, as well as endangered species such as the Asian giant tortoise and Asian elephant.

Now the wanderlust has certainly grabbed you, you are ready to pack your bags and travel to the beautiful Asian country? Then come with us to Thailand and experience the country off the beaten tourist track and get to know the culture and the landscape with your own eyes.

Or would you like to learn more about Thailand and other countries? Then have a look at our Magazine and get inspired for your next travel destination.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for insights into our travels and more travel inspiration to follow.