Imagine a country as diverse in its natural beauty as it is in its fascinating cultural heritage. Where one day you can explore uninhabited tropical islands and the next wander through centuries-old Buddhist temples.

That's exactly what awaits you in Thailand, the land of smiles – a place so spectacular that a single visit is never enough and you could spend a lifetime traveling from beach to village to city, constantly discovering something new that will amaze you.

In today's travel world, where we all document our experiences via social media, it's only natural to want to capture the best moments of our adventures and share them with friends and family.

On our last trip to Thailand, we did exactly that and filled countless SD cards with photos and videos of our favorite places. And even after almost a year of traveling through Thailand, we're still discovering many new subjects.

If you're planning a trip to Thailand (and let's be honest, now is the perfect time to book your flight!), get inspired by our 7 best Instagram moments and find the places you should visit – turning your Instagram profile into a wanderlust-fueled bucket list!

Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint – Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Samui

Sometimes you have to work to get the perfect Instagram photo, and the Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint in Ang Thong Marine Park is a perfect example of this.

Just a short boat ride from Koh Samui lies the spectacular island of Koh Wua Ta Lap, one of the most beautiful places in the Gulf of Thailand. Lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and the magnificent Emerald Sea attract thousands of nature lovers every year.

However, the true crown jewel of the island is located at the end of a steep climb at the Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint.

Don't be put off by the hundreds of steps. The view from the summit is absolutely worth the effort, as you will be rewarded with one of the most magical panoramas in Southeast Asia.

Phuket Old Town – Phuket

Phuket is best known for its white sandy beaches and award-winning resorts, but did you know it also has a beautiful historic city?

You should leave the coast and explore Phuket's old town, with its colorful collection of 19th-century Sino-Portuguese style houses and shops.

Strolling through the narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, and there are countless restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and even ice cream parlors to keep you occupied while you admire the Peranakan architecture.

Stop in front of your favorite brightly colored house and take some Instagram-worthy photos! You'll get extra points if you match your outfit.

Floating rafts – Cheow Lan Lake

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most rugged places in Thailand, where a wealth of wildlife roams the mountains, from oxen and elephants to tigers.

As wild as it may be, a visit is still possible, and the most popular place to see is Cheow Lan Lake, the man-made reservoir known especially for its limestone islands and unique accommodations.

Here you can spend the night in a floating bamboo raft house, where you literally sleep on the lake in a simple but comfortable room that is only accessible by boat.

There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunrise while gently rocking in your own floating hotel cabin, listening to the sounds of rocking gibbons and singing hornbills.

Koh Yao Noi

If you throw a dart at a map of southern Thailand, you'll almost certainly land on a tropical island that looks like it inspired countless postcards emblazoned with "I wish you were here." Koh Yao Noi, just 45 minutes from Phuket, is no exception.

This traditional and tranquil place is the smaller sister of nearby Koh Yao Yai, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with beautiful Instagram-worthy scenes!

Hop into a longtail boat and head out to sea to find your own secluded beach, or simply explore the fishing villages and soak up the authentic atmosphere. Wherever you go, you're guaranteed to take more photos and videos than you could ever capture with your smartphone.

The temples of Chiang Mai

Thailand has more to offer than just beaches (and delicious food). The Land of Smiles is also home to some of Asia's most fascinating cultural monuments.

Chiang Mai, Thailand's spiritual center in the north of the country, is full of Buddhist temples that will take your breath away.

You could spend months visiting every single temple in Chiang Mai, but if you want to see the most photogenic places in one day, you should visit Doi Suthep, Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok.

End your temple tour with a visit to Wat Phra Singh in the old city, which offers a sensational experience at sunset when the lights of the complex are switched on.

Wat Arun – Bangkok

No trip to Thailand is complete without spending a few days experiencing all the fantastic things Bangkok has to offer.

This vibrant metropolis is truly one of the most interesting capital cities in the world, and no matter what your interests are, you will certainly find plenty of photo opportunities during your trip.

When it comes to temples and royal residences, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are among the most beautiful sights. Our personal tip for a unique Instagram photo from Bangkok: Visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, on the other side of the river.

With a bit of luck, you might even see a few monks in their flowing orange robes climbing the steep steps. Selfies aren't necessary here – Wat Arun will give you tips on what to photograph.

Elephant Hills – Khao Sok National Park

We saved the best for last in our list of the 7 most beautiful Instagram moments from our last trip to Thailand – spending time with rescued elephants!

The elephant is the national symbol of Thailand, and one never forgets the moment when one first saw it up close.

Thankfully, elephant riding for tourism is coming to an end. Therefore, visiting a reputable sanctuary is the best way to spend time with these majestic animals. Thailand now has a number of responsible and sustainable elephant sanctuaries, and one of the best is Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park.

Elephant Hills is home to twelve female elephants rescued from the logging and entertainment industries. They were brought to the expansive grounds to recover and spend their retirement under the care of experienced mahouts, for whom their well-being and health are paramount.

Visit Elephant Hills on one of their exclusive safaris, where you can learn all about the Asian elephant, prepare food for the animals, and watch the happy elephants roaming around. It is truly an unforgettable experience.

About the authors: NOMADasauras

Alesha and Jarryd are the founders of NOMADasaurus, Australia's largest adventure travel blog. Since 2008, they have been traveling the world together, searching for unique cultures, adventures, and destinations. They document their experiences through text, photos, and videos. You can follow their journey on their website, Instagram, and YouTube.