Thailand is truly vast, offering an endless number of activities to enjoy. From immersing yourself in the rich cultural and historical monuments, to diving into thrilling adventures and exploring gorgeous natural landscapes, the country has something for everyone. Moreover, you can savour mouth-watering local cuisine, making it a paradise for food lovers. All in all, you will never run out of things to do in Thailand.
Here we have listed out the top activities that you can do when you visit Thailand. We’ve covered experiences like exploring famous temples, parks, waterfalls and some best activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing and more.
Immerse in Thai Culture & Spirituality
In Bangkok: Bangkok is popular because of its historical and cultural significance. There you will find endless number of temples in Bangkok, but the most popular temples are:
Wat Phra Kaew
Also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of the revered temples in the Golden Palace. This place holds many religious ceremonies that one can participate in. You can also learn about the Ramakian epic which is inspired from the Ramayana.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace has a complex of buildings and was the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. Here you can visit the sacred Temple of the Emerald which has the Emerald Buddha image made from a single jade stone.
Marvel at Wat Arun
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is best known for its towering prang, or spire, which stands at 70 meters tall. So you can climb the central prang. Although it is a difficult climb, the top will give a beautiful view of the Chao Phraya River.
Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and also one of the best Bangkok religious sites. It is well known for being the home for the 46 metre reclining Buddha and is covered in gold leaf.It is popular for the traditional Thai massage so do not skip to take the massage and relax.
In Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai all fall under the belt of Northern Thailand. Some of the places to explore in Northern Thailand are:
Be Awed by the White Temple
Wat Rong Khun is also known as the white temple. It is located in Pa O Don Chai, Mueang District, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. Famous for having the white exterior and intricate design in the interior, you can participate in the sound and light show at the Chiang Rai Clock Tower.
Discover the Blue Temple
It is known for its vibrant sapphire hues and intricate details. Moreover, the Blue Temple is located in Rong Suea Ten village, Rim Kok district. At the temple, you can explore the beautiful temple grounds and also take some good pictures to capture the experience.
Ascend to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)
Situated in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, it is a famous Buddhist temple. Moreover, the temple is considered to be pious and holy by most Thai people. In addition, you can marvel at the gorgeous view of Chiang Mai city right from the temple grounds. You must visit this temple during your holiday in Thailand.
Learn to Cook Authentic Thai Cuisine
There are a number of places in Thailand where you can take cooking classes and try to upskill your culinary skill. You will be enchanted by the chefs in Thailand who wear numerous caps and how meticulously they prepare the meal with full dedication. But before trying your hands in cooking Thai food, do visit the local market to get the ingredients.
Experience a Traditional Thai Massage
End your day with a traditional Thai massage that is rejuvenating and you will feel relaxed after a long day at the beach. The Thai massage are quite affordable and are available at every stop in Thailand.
Attend a Thai Festival
There are many peak festival that is celebrated in Thailand like the:
Songkran
This festival is celebrated in the month of April. During this time, joyful water fights take place, as it is believed that splashing water helps wash away all the negative energy from the body.
Loy Krathong
This festival is generally celebrated in the month of November. Here the lanterns are released into the air removing all bad luck.
Embrace Adventure & Nature
Island Hopping & Beach Bliss
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
If you are bored lounging on the sand you can try snorkeling and Scuba diving. Some of the best places to do Snorkeling are Koh Tao, Koh Lipe, and the Similian island. For Scuba diving the best spot will be Koh Tao and the Similan Islands.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Paddle through stunning limestone caves and hidden lagoons. Some of the best places for kayaking and Canoeing are in Krabi (Ao Thalane, Hong Islands) or Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island).
Relax on Beaches
From the lively shores of Patong (Phuket) to the tranquil sands of Railay (Krabi) or the secluded coves of Koh Lanta, you can relax on the beaches. These beaches are conducive to reflection and calmness.
Jungle Trekking & Waterfalls
Explore National Parks
Wander through Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is the third largest park in Thailand where you will find tourists from all across the world. Located mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Khao Yai extends into Prachinburi, Saraburi, and Nakhon Nayok provinces. Moreover, you can enjoy a variety of activities in Khao Yai National Park, such as hiking, birdwatching, and even going out for a night safari.
Discover Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park has seven layers of waterfall with beautiful emerald green ponds. You can do a number of activities in the park like hiking, swimming in the waterfall, exploring the park’s caves and spotting different creatures in the park. You can also enjoy Erawan Waterfall is a stunning seven-tiered waterfall located in Erawan National Park.
Chase Waterfalls
Enjoy Mae Ya Waterfall
Mae Ya Waterfall is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, located in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai. Moreover, it is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it a perfect spot for a nature-filled day trip. The entry fee for the national park is 300 Baht (around ₹720) for adults. The waterfall is about 40 km from Chom Thong and 70 km from Chiang Mai city.
Explore Thi Lo Su Waterfall
The park has seven layers of waterfall with beautiful emerald green ponds. You can do a number of activities in the park like hiking, swimming in the waterfall, exploring the park’s caves and spotting different creatures in the park.
There are many beautiful waterfalls in Thailand that you can explore, such as the Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi, among others. At these waterfalls, you can swim in the natural pool, relax by the water, and even hike to the higher levels of the falls for a more adventurous experience.
Indulge in Food & Shopping
Savor Street Food
To savour the best food in Thailand head to the bustling street market of Thailand. Some of the famous street markets in Thailand are Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) in Bangkok, Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai), and the Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok). The chefs in these restaurants are adept in making Traditional Thai cuisines that will leave you wanting for more. You can try the local delicacies like Pad See Ew, Mango Sticky Rice, Satay, and various curries.
Shopping in Thailand
Buy some best things before leaving Thailand. Head to the colourful and Vibrant floating markets in Thailand like the Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, Taling Chan, and Bang Nam Phueng. Shop the local souvenir and other stuff that are sold in the market. Bargaining is a must in these local market otherwise you will be wiped out of your money.
