Thailand is a country of temples, green jungles, and tropical islands with amazing beaches chosen by many tourists each year.
You’re planning to visit Thailand during your next trip and you want to know what to do in this beautiful country ? So let’s dive into the 14 best things to do in Thailand:
- Go Island hopping
- Book a traditional Thai massage
- Explore an Elephant Nature Park
- Visit the City of Ayutthaya
- Taste Thai street food
- Take a Thai cooking class
- Battle with water during Songkran
- Visit the Grand Palace
- Chill by the lake in Khao Sok National Park
- Explore a Night Market
- Navigate through a Floating Market
- Enjoy Railay Beach
- Watch the sunset from a Sky bar
- Visit Big Buddha
Go Island hopping
Thailand has hundreds of islands to choose from. So where to start?
Just pick the top Thai island in your travel bucket list and start planning on island hopping from there. Here are the best islands to visit in Thailand to help you deciding where to go.
I would say that my favorite island is Koh Tao. If you’re into diving, you can expect a colourful array of coral reefs and marine life including turtles.
If you’re visiting Thailand during the rainy season, just head to Koh Tao, Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, where weather conditions are the best from around February to September.
Book a traditional Thai massage
Thai massages are famous all around the world. Don’t imagine them to be like your relaxing massages with oils.
The Thai style of massage is unique as it stretches your body as well as working on your bodies pressure points. It has been linked to health benefits including boosting energy and eliminate stress.
Usually a Thai massage costs between $6USD to $10USD an hour on average. And every small town and city have many massage salons.
Explore an Elephant Nature Park
Asian elephants have played an important role in Thai culture for centuries. There were elephant attractions offering harmful activities for elephant and dangerous for tourists.
Many of them have ceased their activities on a global call and have transitioned to observation-only experiences. Like Elephant Nature Park, located outside of Chiang Mai, which rescues and rehabilitates elephants.
Of all the best things to do in Thailand, it also educational as it’ll teach you the importance of looking after the elephants.
If you go to Khao Yai National Park and you’re lucky enough, you can spot wild Elephant. The park is located a few hours from Bangkok.
Visit the City of Ayutthaya
Originally the capital of Thailand when it was built in 1350, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya definitely needs to be on your Thailand bucket-list.
People often forget that Thailand is a country with a long and interesting history because of it’s natural beauty.
Just wander around the ruins of the city preserved in the historical park to fully enjoy the beauty of Ayutthaya.
Taste Thai street food
The best way to experience Thai culture is by trying Thai food. Especially Thai street food. So grab your chopsticks and go exploring!
From Pad Thai, Som Tam (papaya salad) to grilled meats and aromatic curries, Thai cuisine has so much to offer.
The cost of eating outsite is so low compared to cooking at home. It explains why Thai food is rarely cooked at home.
I think Bangkok is the best place to fully enjoy the Thai street food experience. One of the best tips I can give you to eat at a good place is to follow the locals to see where they are eating.
Take a Thai cooking class
From street-food stalls, to great restaurants, you’ve understood that food is an important part of Thailand’s culture.
You can take a Thai cooking class in almost all the best places to visit in Thailand.
It’s a different but fun way to get a grasp to the flavours and ingredients that go into Thai cuisine. And you can even make the dishes you learn when you go home.
Battle with water during Songkran
The Songkran Festival or Thailand traditional New Year is one of the best things to do in Thailand. It is known worldwide for its legendary water fights.
It generally takes place from the 13th to 15th April. And contrary to what you may think, the best place to celebrate Songkran is Chiang Mai.
Take part in the friendly water fights and embrace the wonderful chaos. Make sure to wear clothes you’re not attached to though!
Visit the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace (or Royal Palace) is the most famous and one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
Established in 1782, this ceremonial residence of the Kings of Thailand, includes more than 100 buildings, palaces, and pavilions.
Take your time and wonder around all the places the Grand Palace has to offer.
Entry to the Grand Palace costs 500THB or US$14.60.
You can find more information at the official website.
Chill by the lake in Khao Sok National Park
There are many things you can do in Thailand and if you like hiking, then head to Khao Sok National Park. You’ll be able to enjoy pretty waterfalls and caves.
The park is home to a wide variety of animals including bears, deers, cats and if you’re really lucky wild elephants and tigers.
Khao Sok National Park is over 160 million years old, and the rainforest is considered older and more diverse than the Amazon forest.
Be sure not to forget to pack your sandals and insect repellent from your Thailand packing list.
Explore a Night Market
Almost all cities in Thailand have their night markets. They’re great places to go shopping, grab dinner and experience Thai street food and much more.
The night markets in Bangkok (Chatuchak Market) and in Chiang Mai (Chang Klan Road) are some of the best in Thailand.
The best time to enjoy your experience at a night market is during the week-ends (Saturday and Sunday). Be careful to watch your belongings as they attract pickpockets, especially in Bangkok.
Navigate through a Floating Market
Why simply walk through a market when you have the option of floating through instead? Jump in a boat and go exploring! It is probably one of the most unique activities, and best things to do in Thailand.
There are many floating markets in Thailand, but the Damnoen Saduak floating market is the biggest and most famous one. It is located 100km outside of Bangkok but definitely worth the traveling time.
The market is full of fresh fruit and cooked foods, so make sure not to eat before exploring the area!
Enjoy Railay Beach
Imagine big limestone karsts rise up in front of white-sand beaches with turquoise water, welcome to Railay Beach.
Located in the south of Thailand, in Krabi (known for its incredible seashores), it is only accessible by boat. But the extra effort to get there is definitely worth it!
It is a place appreciated by couples. You can spend your evenings in the quiet beach bars enjoying some cocktails whilst watching the sunset.
Railay is also one of the best rock-climbing destination. With some of the best instructors in Thailand, it offers climbs for every level and proficiency.
Watch the sunset from a Sky bar
Sunsets on the beach are awesome but watching the sunset from one of Bangkok’s Sky bars is even better.
There are so many Sky bars in Bangkok and the most famous is probably the Lebu State Tower Sky Bar – the one from Hangover part 2. But be prepared to pay, the average drink is $20USD and there are rules for clothing: no jeans or flip-flops.
Most of the time, Sky bars don’t have a strict dress code and have happy hour from 5 to 7 pm with two for one drinks.
Visit Big Buddha
Big Buddha temple is visible from the distance. Almost anywhere in Southern Phuket, you should be able to spot it, with its 45m tall.
It stands on the hill and its a quite a hike or 15 minutes drive. Views from the top are amazing and it’s definitely worth to go there just after opening prior to the buses with tourists.
Be sure to dress appropriately, as you will not be admitted.
