Thailand has something for everyone. While this can be said for other countries as well, Thailand is special because of its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, picturesque mountains, breathtakingly lovely islands, and a relaxed way of life.
Thai food and the country’s tropical fruits are also famous worldwide. And, if this is not enough, Thailand also has elegant monuments and temples, the likes of which are hard to find elsewhere.
Our list of best things to do in Thailand will help you pursue the activity of your choice in the best way.
11 Best Things to do in Thailand
Island Hopping
- Best location: Phuket, Krabi
- Full day trip cost: ฿1500 ($45) by speedboat, ฿500 ($15) by normal boat.
- Best Time: All year round
Picture a country with a 2000-mile coastline, dotted with over 200 islands. Add to that, white sand beaches, crystal clear water, the perfect tropical climate and a range of sea related activities, and you’ll see why island hopping is one of the most exciting and fun-filled things to do in Thailand.
Although it is possible to explore some islands by yourself, it’s much more convenient to be part of a tour.
You’ll be taken to 2-3 picturesque islands where you can swim, snorkel (snorkels and life jackets are provided), take photographs, or simply sit back and watch the world go by. Fruits and water are provided on the boat, and a delicious lunch is served on one of the islands.
Hotel pick up and drop is included in the cost of your trip, making island hopping one of the most fun-filled and inexpensive ways to have a lovely time in Thailand.
Tips:
- Consider a long-tail boat option if available. Not only are they cheaper, but they are more relaxed and fun.
- If you decide to take the motorboat, take the anti-nausea pills you will be offered by your tour operators. The sea can get real choppy.
- Negotiate on the price. Even the price on brochures is inflated.
- Sit on the deck and carry sunscreen.
Trekking
- Best location: Chiang Mai (popular, therefore crowded), Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai and Nan
- Prices: ฿1000 – ฿2500 ($30 – $75) depending on the duration of the trek
- Best Time: Oct to Feb
The first few times we visited Thailand, we assumed, like many others, that outdoor activities in Thailand were mainly sea or city related. This is not the case at all. Trekking opportunities abound in the Northern and Western parts of the country.
Trekking trails lead you through exotic jungles and lush green mountains. Apart from the usual walking treks, getting to see the ‘Hill Tribe’ people, excursions on elephants and rafting are the occasional add-ons. Camping at stunning locations and watching the sunset from a summit make trekking a must do from the list of things to do in Thailand.
Keep in mind, however, that because trekking has become so popular in Thailand, finding obscure trails is difficult. Do your research. Consider a less touristy place like Mae Sariang for a quiet trek.
Tips:
- Only go with a reputed company. Trekking is very popular in Thailand and predictably there are many trekking companies with varying levels of reliability and competence. Ask around before picking a company.
- See our list of items to pack for a Trek in Thailand.
- Get inoculations against Hepatitis and have anti Malaria medicine.
- If you decide to go by yourself: remember that your mobile phone will only be good for photos, not to call for help. Ensure that someone knows where you are going and when you are expected to return.
Rock-Climbing
- Best location: Railay in Krabi & Chang Mai
- Prices: ฿1000 – ฿1500 ($30 – $45) (half day)
- Best Time: Nov to March (the dry season)
If you are passionate about rock-climbing, you must visit Railay – one of the world’s most famous climbing locations. The vertical limestone cliffs offer a number of bolted routes of varying difficulty. It’s as if the cliffs were specially built for climbing.
If you prefer to climb alone, you can hire full climbing gear from shops in Ao Nang, Railay and Ton Sai in Krabi. The equipment can be rented for ฿1000 – ฿1500 ($30 – $45) a day.
If you are looking to be away from the crowds, you can go to Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Noi is reachable from Railay by boat.
Overall, Railay is an absolutely amazing place, with lots to do. We can safely say that if you are a rock-climbing enthusiast, Railay is the place for you to visit. Even though it is more expensive than Krabi town, it is well worth it.
Tips:
- Get insurance.
- The International Medical Clinic at Ao Nang, phone +66 91 849 9914, is the nearest (good) hospital to Railay.
- If you are in North Thailand, Crazy Horse in Chiang Mai is a good option for rock-climbing.
Rafting:
- Best location: Chiang Mai, Pai & Nan. Available on the river Kwai, Mae Cham, Mae Taeng, Pai River, Khlong Song Phraek in Phang Nga
- Prices: ฿1200 – ฿1800 ($35 – $55)
- Best Time: November to February
Whether your preference is laidback drifting on gentle, well-behaved rivers, or the action packed white water version of badly behaved mountain streams, both are available in Thailand.
The technical basics: 6 levels of classification for flowing water, based on the difficulty of navigation are:
- Level 1: These are rivers with gently flowing water, definitely not frightening, but also fun.
- Level 2: The beginning of fast flowing water, with waves up to half a man’s height.
- Level 3: Waves are up to 4 feet high, and water will often spill into your boat.
- Level 4: This is serious stuff. The fast flowing water is concentrated in a narrow passage, and the boat requires a high level of skilled handling.
- Level 5: The water flow is very fast and the boat twists and spins, and is very difficult to control.
- Level 6: These are the waterfalls, and very few people can handle them.
Thailand has opportunities for levels 1 to 4.
With spectacular scenery around every bend, white water rafting is a very popular activity in Thailand. All the above-mentioned destinations offer great rafting experiences – so make your selection not on the location, but on the difficulty level.
Tips:
- Check the safety levels of the company providing the white water rafting.
- Remember that July to Oct is the rainy season and the water of all rivers will be in spate.
Visit Thailand’s Temples
- Best location: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Pattaya
Even though Thailand has no official religion, it is one the most religious countries in the world. Approximately 95% of the population follow Buddhism.
People from all over the world come to Bangkok to visit Thailand’s most famous temples. In fact, one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok is to combine a visit to the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Enerald Buddha).
Chang Mai has over 300 wats including Wat Phra Singh, the Royal temple of the first grade, and the historic Wat Chedi Luang.
Our favourite Thailand temple is The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya. The beauty of the intricately carved Sanctuary of Truth is almost impossible to describe. It is an amazing work of art – you’ll have to see it to believe it.
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
- Best location: Bangkok, Phuket & Chiang Mai
- Best place to Train: Chuwattana Gym, Bangkok
- Training price: ฿1000 ($ 30) a day. This includes 5-6 hours of training along with a 30-min private class, accommodation and food!
- Best place to view a match: Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok & Lumphini Stadium, Bangkok
- Price to watch a match: Non-Thai’s have to pay up to ฿2000 ($60) to watch a match
Muay Thai, the National Sport of Thailand, is a scientific combination of grabs and strikes. Considered a dangerous sport, Thai boxing was banned in the 1920s, but it came back in 1937 with rules for making it a safer. It has now evolved into a popular spectator sport.
While watching a match is an experience, learning Muay Thai can be extremely demanding. There are hundred’s of training camps spread out over the country.
If you are looking to learn, Chuwattana gym in Bangkok comes highly recommended by our friend Momo. Momo has been travelling from France and London to Thailand for over a decade to learn Muay Thai. In Momo’s words, “you’ll learn more Muay Thai in Thailand in 2 months, than you can possibly learn in London or France in a year”. So if you are interested, Thailand is the best place to learn Muay Thai.
Tips:
- For details contact The International Muay Thai Federation at Pathumwan Stadium, 154 Rama Road, Bangkok or The Lumphini Stadium, Rama Four Road, Bangkok.
Diving & Snorkelling
- Best location for Diving: Koh Tao, Burma banks, Surin Islands, Koh Ma, Koh Lanta and Koh Chang
- Best location for Snorkelling: Islands near Krabi and Phuket.
- Best Time: Mid October to mid May.
Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Thailand. The brilliant coral reefs and near perfect water visibility conditions of the Andaman Sea, help rank Thailand as one of the world’s top destinations for viewing marine life.
If you are looking for snorkelling opportunities in Krabi or Phuket, consider Khao Lak and the Similan Islands. Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most peaceful resort destinations. It has spectacular corral reefs and is great for viewing sea life including sea turtles. The picture perfect Similan Islands are also ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Koh Tao in Samui is one of the best destinations for diving. Its Sail Rock is reached after a one and a half hour trip, but the effort is well worth it. Another great destination for watching marine life is Burma Banks, which lies about 40 miles Northwest of the Surin Islands. Divers can encounter Grey Sharks, Silvertip Sharks and Nurse Sharks, as they explore the submarine mountain which rises from the seabed almost all the way to the surface.
If you wish to avoid crowds, consider the Surin Islands. The waters surrounding the Richelieu rock offer a high possibility of spotting a Whale Shark.
Koh Lanta in Phang Nga Bay has two diving sites: Hing Daeng and Hin Muang, also known as Purple Rock. Divers may come across manta rays and whale sharks.
A slight variation from the normal diving sight is the King Cruiser wreck. This ship sank near Phuket in 1977 and its wreck has now become home for marine life and corals.
For those interested in watching Leopard Sharks along with other marine life, Shark Point (1.5 hours away from Phuket) is the perfect destination.
Tips:
- Before booking your travel, check to see if national parks and other diving areas are open – many are closed from May to October.
- New to diving? Koh Ma near Koh Phanan has a large variety of marine life and calm waters, making it perfect for novice divers.
Teach English
If you have the time, ability and inclination to teach English, Thailand has excellent opportunities for you. Teaching English (and volunteering in general) offers a chance to understand Thai culture and make a contribution to society. It can also give a purpose to those searching for one.
The benefits of teaching can also include a decent salary (starting at ฿30,000 ($1000) a month) and accommodation.
Generally, native English speakers are given preference. If you have prior English teaching experience and a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate, your prospects improve further.
The requirements for English teachers in Thailand are fluid. They vary by school and regional needs. Public and Government schools usually have more students in each class and salaries are lower. The advantage is that they have more vacancies and fewer requirements from applicants.
Private schools, on the other hand, have better remuneration packages and require higher qualifications from teachers. They also have fewer vacancies, but their hiring rules can also be flexible. They may take a candidate with fewer qualifications.
The Thai Government requirements to teach English (and for getting a permit to do so) are:
- A certified degree and transcript from a four-year college.
- Master’s degree if you are interested in pursuing a job in a university.
- A TOEIC score above 600 or IELTS score above 3 if you are from a non-native English speaking country.
- Non-immigrant B visa.
Tips:
- Documents you will require for a teaching (work) visa: original degree, original employment contract, passport, proof of Thailand address, and a notarised copy of your degree from your embassy or ministry of foreign affairs.
Stay at a Buddhist Monastery
- Best location: Chang Mai, Bangkok
For those looking for a break from it all – peace and quiet with absolutely no distractions, spending time in a Buddhist monastery might be the answer. Although monasteries accept anyone willing to open their minds to Buddhism, you need to be a Buddhist if you wish to stay for long or ordain.
Some monasteries in Bangkok award temporary ordination. If you are hoping to ordain in a forest monastery, Wat Pan Nanachat is a recommended option. Ordination at Wat Pan Nanachat is a year long process and free.
While the recommended duration to stay in a monastery is at least a month, we can’t say too much about this for now. We were considering spending time in a monastery in Mcloedganj, the home of the Dalai Lama, but it didn’t work out because of time constraints. We will write a page on this when we do.
Attend a Thai Cooking Class
- Best location: Chiang Mai, Bangkok
- Half-day class Cost: ฿1000 ($ 30) in Chiang Mai, ฿1300 ($ 40) in Bangkok.
If you enjoy cooking taking a Thai cooking class is a fun thing to do in Thailand. You can take a full or a half-day class.
Most classes are similar – you are taught how to prepare a soup, a curry and a stir-fry. At first, you get an introduction to local spices, herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients that are used to prepare the dish. You are then taken to a local market where your chef selects ingredients for the dishes. The chef then shows you how to prepare popular dishes, such as Tom Yum Soup, Green Curry and Pad Thai.
Another option for food lovers in Thailand is exploring the local street and fruit markets. A popular way to do so is visiting a floating market. The floating market in Pattaya, is one of the best floating markets in Thailand and the food there is authentic Thai food.
Visit the Walking Streets
- Best location: Walking Street in Pattaya, Soi Cowboy and Khaosan Road in Bangkok & Walking Street (Bangla Road) in Phuket
A walk down Thailand’s Walking Street (and other party destinations) can be an incredible experience. The neon lights and colour, music and noise, performers and people, food and odours, and everything else dazzles. Some find it bliss, others numbing.
But even if you are not into partying, you should consider visiting a walking street – at least once.
Tips:
- Open mindedness and a good sense of humour are a prerequisite to enjoying yourself.
- Be careful of scamsters.
- If you would rather party in a regular place, consider Thailand’s rooftop bars. Live performances by local Thai rock bands (in the bars) are praise worthy.
Get a Thai Massage
- Cost: ฿250 – ฿350 ($7 – $10) for a one-hour Thai massage
There is nothing quite as revitalising as getting a traditional Thai massage after an eventful day. A Thai massage is a little like yoga; it combines stretching and pressure points.
The theory is that the human body has 10 main lines, referred to as energy lines. A therapist rubs and pulls on these lines to loosen muscle and joints.
The result is an energising and balancing treatment, which leaves you in a state of sublime relaxation.
Tips:
- The experience can be painful, and the efficiency of the massage depends on the receivers relaxing and giving in to the pain.
- For courses consider the Wat Po School of Thai Massage, Bangkok, and the Massage School of Chang Mai.
Hopefully our list of best things to do in Thailand has covered your area of interest. Please let us know what you think in the comments section.
If you are prefer to first choose the place you’ll visit and then decide the activity, please visit our top destinations page. Here more on preparing for Thailand.
Wow, great activities you have shared. I love Island hopping and visiting Thailand temples. Recently been on Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda that has over 29 Islands including one “Punishment Island” in the middle of the lake.
Thanks for sharing. Cheers!!
Thanks Laki! Really enjoyed reading your blog as well. Punishment Island sounds exciting. Cheers!