USD
The Top Things to Do in Thailand
Written by Annabel Fuller
Whether it’s a culinary adventure through neon-lit night markets in Bangkok or epic underwater experiences off Phuket, design your own Thailand adventure.
From brilliant beaches to big buddhas and sizzling street cuisine, Thailand is a powerhouse of colours, adventures, flavours and sounds. The ‘Land of Smiles’ has once-in-a-lifetime experiences in store for every type of traveller, but for first-time visitors, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are the best things to do in each of the most-visited regions.
Discover Thailand
Top things to do in Phuket
Splash around in a waterfall
Take the plunge into one of Thailand’s many waterfalls as part of this full-day adrenaline-filled adventure tour. Swing through the trees on a flying fox, scamper across rope bridges and hurtle down thunderous river rapids before discovering hidden valleys on a 30-minute ATV ride.
See marine life on a snorkelling trip to Phi Phi Island
Whether you swim, snorkel or dive, expect striking coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life in the waters off Phi Phi Island. Set off from Phuket for a full day of sugary white sands and kaleidoscopic underwater scenery.
Take a cooking class
The love language of Phuket is food, and there is no better way to experience the local cuisine than with a Thai cooking class. Select produce from a local market before getting hands-on with Thai culinary techniques under the guidance of a seasoned instructor.
Island hop around Krabi
When ticking off things to do in Phuket, an island-hopping day trip is a must. Cruise past the limestone karsts of the Andaman Sea en route to the spectacular Krabi, where mangrove forests, hidden lagoons and mysterious caves await. Return via Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Beach.
Get your culture fix in the Old Town
Roam Thalang Road’s endless stream of brilliantly coloured Sino-Portuguese buildings, pastel boutiques and street-food vendors on a private half-day tour. Be sure to pick up mango sticky rice and kanom krok (a crispy rice-flour pancake) to eat while perusing the ornate shophouses.
Top things to do in Bangkok
Taste Bangkok’s best street food
Do as the locals do and dig into Bangkok’s incredible street food. This guided experience will start with a boat ride to a hidden century-old food market, then return to the city centre for a taste of classics like fried tofu, toasted coconut, salted radish and grilled Thai sausages.
Shop ‘til you drop at Bangkok’s most unique markets
Dive into the vibrant energy of the Maeklong Railway Market, where you’ll witness the impressive coordination of vendors and shoppers swiftly making way for trains to pass through. If it’s a floating market that floats your boat, jump on a longtail boat and glide from stall to stall at Damnoen Saduak market.
Take a longtail boat to a grand temples
With more than 40,000 temples nestled in Thailand, choosing which ones to visit becomes a daunting task. For a unique temple experience, set sail on a longtail boat and glide to the leafy shores of the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Arun – two of Bangkok’s most visited sites.
Cycle around the bustling city backstreets
Pedal past UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, through narrow alleys and lush plantations, on a private, guided cycle tour of Bangkok’s hidden treasures. It’s the perfect way to see the buzzing markets and canals the city is famous for.
Top things to do in Khao Lak
Skim across emerald waters to James Bond Island
Canoe through hidden lagoons and caves as you pass beautiful limestone islands and dense mangrove forests on this full-day tour to James Bond Island. Take a dip in the shimmering Phang Nga Bay before stopping for a photo op on Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan.
Make a difference at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Spend a whole day exploring Khao Lak’s natural wonders by embarking on a bamboo rafting adventure along its scenic river. Check out Thai Mueang Beach National Park, then head to a conservation centre to meet sea turtles and discover fascinating facts about these remarkable creatures.
Explore Khao Lak like a local
For a fix of traditional architecture, cuisine and culture, be sure to visit Takua Pa — Khao Lak’s old town. Glimpse into the past as you stroll through the oldest parts of the city, encounter neighbourhood temples and visit a local school to hear school children sing hymns.
Marvel at the beauty of Buddhist architecture
Gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and traditional Thai culture with a visit to some of Khao Lak’s grandest temples. At the awe-inspiring Bang Riang Temple, Dragon Cave Temple and Suwankuha Temple, you’ll encounter limestone formations, Buddha statues, sacred pagodas and religious relics.
Top things to do in Koh Samui
Visit Wat Khao Hua Jook
Aside from spectacular coastlines, Koh Samui is renowned for its plentiful sacred sites and natural wonders. Visit remarkable sites of historical, cultural and religious significance on a full-day private tour to the ornately decorated Wat Khao Hua Jook temple, then wander amid the bubbling waterfalls and enchanting sculptures of nearby Tarnim Magic Garden.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Spice Up Your Life: 23 of Thailand’s Best Restaurants.
