Things we can do in Thailand
It is not difficult to understand why Thailand is considered the most popular tourist destination in all of Southeast Asia. This country is known for its stunning beaches, historic temples, and the ultra-modern capital of Bangkok, so it is difficult to become bored when visiting.
As soon as you step off the airport until the minute you depart, you will be greeted by some of the friendliest, most genuine people you have ever encountered. The moniker "Land of Smiles" is aptly given to the country of Thailand.
Tourists may have a tough time deciding which of Thailand's numerous attractions and well-known sites to visit due to the country's extensive offering.
Hike through UNESCO-listed nature
The vastness and majesty of Thailand's national parks have earned them worldwide acclaim. You may also find excellent hiking and bike paths, as well as sites recognized by UNESCO.
Doi Inthanon National Park (which contains Thailand's highest peak), Khao Yai National Park (which contains one of Asia's largest monsoon forests and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sai Yok National Park (which contains a number of waterfalls, caves, and rare animals), and Khao Sok National Park are some of the national parks (considered the finest in southern Thailand).
The national parks of Thailand are wonderful, but that's not all the country has to offer when it comes to natural beauty. Think about checking out some of the most famous waterfalls in the area, which are famed for their magnitude and serenity. Khao Sai Dao Waterfall is a 16-tiered waterfall in Thailand that flows continuously throughout the year and features a wildlife refuge. With its seven cascading levels, Erawan Waterfall provides a number of refreshing swimming holes. When it comes to South-East Asian waterfalls, Thilosu Waterfall is widely regarded as the most stunning.
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Float on a floating market
It's the picture everyone wants to take: the colorful local products stacked high on rickety wooden boats at the floating market. Pick any market in Thailand—you'll be spoiled for choice—and go there early to beat the throng and score some great deals.
Located 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok on the road to Hua Hin/Cha-am, Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi is the most well-known of the floating markets. Samut Songkhram's Amphawa Floating Market is a hidden gem that's only open in the afternoons and is conveniently located close to a temple.
It wasn't until later that travelers started flocking to Bangkok to see the Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market. It retains its original charm and popularity amongst the neighborhood regulars. Try a variety of Thai fruits while you're there, from custard apples to yellow longans to the notoriously stinky durian.
Hop through some of the world's prettiest islands
Thailand has a coastline of more than 5,000 miles, all of which are begging to be explored. Explore as many islands and beaches as you can via a long-tail boat.
Check out Phang Nga Bay and the limestone cliffs in western Thailand. You can always tell who they are since they are constantly in the spotlight. It's also possible to go island hopping in the Andaman Sea, not far from Phuket and Krabi. Ko Phi Phi Lee and Ko Phi Phi Don are home to pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling.
Because of the clear water and lack of waves, kayaking is also a great option. Unlike on tourist boats or passenger ferries, you can go at your own leisure while you discover the islands. Islands in the Gulf of Thailand, like Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui, have some of the most beautiful coastlines in the region.
Enjoy an ethical elephant experience
A widely revered creature, the elephant serves as both the nation's emblem and the country's national animal. There are a wide variety of opportunities to interact with or work alongside animals across the country. Unfortunately, animal cruelty is a serious problem in certain elephant "sanctuaries." You should avoid visiting any facility where the elephants are forced to do stunts, for instance.
To our excellent fortune, there is no shortage of enjoyable else's experiences to be had. Your visit will contribute to the Elephant Nature Park's efforts to rehabilitate elephants who have been rescued. Try out the prestigious Elephant Hills; it's a comfortable tented camp, and it offers possibilities to interact with the animals. If you want to combine your elephant experience with luxury accommodation, here is the place to go.
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Visit the Golden Triangle
Locals refer to the location where the Mekong River and the Ruak River meet as Sop Ruak, but the rest of the world refers to it as the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is the point at which the countries of Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Thailand meet.
Even if you are standing on the side of the river in Thailand, you will be able to see Myanmar and Laos in the distance; however, if you want to get a better look, you need to rent a boat. You won't get lost because there are a lot of market booths, sculptures of Buddha and elephants, and a lot of signage to clarify that yes, in fact, this is the Golden Triangle.
The installations at the Hall of Opium in Golden Triangle Park provide a solid introduction to the local history and the effects of the industry, as well as the potency of the narcotic. Sop Ruak was historically recognized as a prominent opium-growing area.
Marvel at The Grand Palace, Bangkok
The Grand Palace and the majestic series of structures that surround it have been around for more than 200 years, and even today, it is likely the most well-known and easily recognizable location in all of Bangkok.
It is true that there are times when you get the impression that you are in a tourist trap, but the complex's rich history and opulent splendor are undeniable. Since 1782, it has served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand).
Be sure to check out the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho on your way out of the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is home to the largest reclining Buddha in all of Thailand. Another attraction that should not be missed is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. This temple is breathtaking from afar and fascinating up close, thanks to the intricate mosaic patterning that can be seen as you go to the top.
Observing the palace at sunset is an especially beautiful experience, but a very busy one. The Grand Palace is illuminated as the sky becomes darker, and the experience, despite the fact that you will probably still encounter throngs even later into the night, is a really romantic one.
Go off-the-beaten-track in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, a city in the hills of northern Thailand, is a favorite destination for everyone from seasoned travelers to backpackers on their first trip to South-East Asia to digital nomads.
Stunning temples, or "wats," can be found almost wherever in Thailand, so visitors need not worry about being deprived of the classics. Don't miss the elaborate Buddhist temple Wat Ban Den, located about 50 kilometers to the north, or the grandiose complex at Wat Ket Karam on the River Ping.
Baan Kang Wat Artist Village tucked away in the Doi Suthep hills just outside of the city's Old Town, is the perfect place to pick up some local handicrafts and get a taste of the city's artistic side. Chiang Mai, a city in the mountains of northern Thailand, is a favorite among seasoned travelers, backpackers on their first trip to Southeast Asia, and digital nomads.
If you're looking for classic architecture, you won't be disappointed with the abundance of magnificent wats (temples) in this region. Don't miss the elaborate Buddhist monastery Wat Ban Den, located about 50 kilometers to the north, or the grandiose complex at Wat Ket Karam on the River Ping.
Explore the city's artistic side and shop for handmade goods in Baan Kang Wat Artist Village, a community of artists hidden away in the Doi Suthep hills outside the city's Old Town.
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Hop til you drop, wherever you go
There are shops and markets around every corner, both on the ground and in the air. One of the largest and most popular flea markets in Thailand is Chatuchak (JJ Mall) in Bangkok, which is open every Saturday and Sunday. The Asiatique Night Market, which opens at 4 o'clock every day, is another popular destination for city people.
If you're making the trip up to Chiang Mai from the south, you should definitely check out the nightly Night Bazaar. The Wualai Walking Street Market is a weekly flea market that takes place just outside the city limits on Saturdays beginning at 2 p.m. Souvenirs produced by locals, tasty street foods, and maybe even a hidden treasure or two await but shop smart to save money.
Local handicrafts, wooden carvings, silverware, silks, pottery, and furniture are common in the marketplaces and shops in northern Thailand. A popular night market may also be found in Nakhon Ratchasima's Korat.
Best places you must explore in Thailand
Patong Beach, Phuket
There is a general agreement that Patong Beach is the most popular beach in Thailand due to its unique and unforgettable vibe. Due to its white sand, long stretch of coastline, and gentle waves, as well as the proximity of numerous hotels, stores, and restaurants, this beach turns out to be a quite lively place.
Patong Beach is the longest beach on the island of Phuket and is also the most entertaining due to the abundance of nightlife and water sports available (including jet skis, banana boats, and paragliding, to name a few). The beach is a perfect illustration of the idea of the "exotic east" and the perception of that idea, drawing large crowds of people who come to view and feel the brilliant and colorful atmosphere.
Similan Islands
Image Koh Phi Phi Ley before it became renowned thanks to the movie "The Beach," only it was smaller, more isolated, and more beautiful. Imagine the euphoria that would come if nine such miracles were connected. Nine! Located in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are a group of nine islands numbered from north to south. Koh Miang (often referred to as "number four") and Koh Similan (the largest island) are the only inhabited ones, however, the others all have clear blue waters excellent for snorkeling among undisturbed coral reefs (number eight). The most popular destination is Koh Tachai, a little island to the north of the national park known for its soft white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Richelieu Rock is a popular diving area and whale shark sanctuary near the border with Burma (February-April is the best time to spot them). Whatever your destination may be, you'll need a boat to get there. Day tours and liveaboards leave from the port of Khao Lak, about an hour's drive north of Phuket. In the other direction from the beach, the town consists solely of eating and sleeping establishments (QCumber is a must for nutritious breakfasts and Thai curries). (The Similan Islands are off-limits to travelers from May until October.)
Klong Muang Beach, Krabi
Every day of the week, hundreds of tourists descend onto Ao Nang, the largest mainland beach town in Krabi. Klong Muang, the most northern beach town in Thailand, is like a different planet and has some of the best sand in the country.
From the adjoining village of Klong Muang, travel time to the seaside town of Ao Nang is only around 10 minutes. It's a less bustling port town with fewer places to stay and eat along the water. Klong Muang is the Puerto Morelos of Krabi, while Ao Nang is the Playa del Carmen of the island. You can truly unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet. This beach is absolutely stunning, with its 1.5 kilometers of golden sand and turquoise ocean. The sand is flat and shiny at low tide, making it ideal for strolling. In fact, the far island is so close that you could almost walk out to it through the bush and reach there in less than an hour.
During the day, Klong Huang Beach is quiet and almost deserted. It's the complete antithesis of Ao Nang, with a laid-back vibe during the day and a bustling nightlife thanks to the abundance of coastal restaurants.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao, or "Turtle Island," is a popular destination in Thailand due to its abundance of quiet beaches, lantern-lit restaurants, and scuba diving centers. Scuba diving is a major draw for vacationers. There are numerous dive shops on the island, making costs extremely competitive. If this is your first-time scuba diving, you should get your Open Water Diver certification from a reputable organization like PADI or SSI. This requires four days of diving to accomplish in the ocean. Nowadays, if you don't have the time (or motivation) to commit to a complete course, you can still dive to a depth of 12 meters without certification on a one-day Discovery Dive offered by most dive shops. There are hundreds of boats that set sail every day, and certified divers can take advantage of them or enroll in one of the numerous specialized courses available, such as night diving, wreck diving, shark diving, or Nitrox diving. Phoenix Divers, established in 2002, is now widely regarded as one of the best dive shops in Koh Tao. The teachers offer a wide variety of languages to choose from, and there are even programs specifically designed for children.
Even if you don't dive, Koh Tao has much to offer visitors; the island has an enticing vibe and a lively nightlife (including the rare full moon party), though it's a bit classier than neighboring Koh Pha Ngan.
Lamai Beach, Samui
You'll find the most exotic scenery and stunning sights at Samui's Lamai Beach, which is also significantly calmer (though not by much) than any other beach on the island. However, other Samui beaches are more likely to be packed during the peak season. Southeast of Samui's town of Lamai is the island's second-largest beach, Lamai Beach.
This beach is popular with partygoers because of the concentration of huge resorts in its middle and the presence of clubs that frequently blast music. When compared to other types of businesses, lodging and dining places, as well as pubs and nightclubs, have much more reasonable prices. As you wander the market, you'll come across vendors selling grilled corn, fruits, and chicken.
The Sunday Street market is a popular place to go for cheap street cuisine, cheap clothing, cheap drinks, and live music when the sun goes down at the beach. Jet skiing and visiting Coco Splash, Samui's only water park, which offers activities for kids while their parents relax, are two of the island's most popular pastimes.
Koh Lipe
Imagine how secluded and stunning Koh Phi Phi Ley would have been before the events of "The Beach." Imagine a network of nine such magical miniatures, all interconnected in your mind's eye. Nine! The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands in the Andaman Sea that form a national park. All of them feature beautiful turquoise waters for snorkeling and scuba diving, but only Koh Similan, the largest island, and Koh Miang, the fourth-largest island (also known as "number four"), are worth visiting due to their white sand beaches and simple bamboo bungalows (number eight).
Most people visit Koh Tachai because it is the closest to the national park and boasts the nicest, most sparkling beach. Scuba divers and whale shark watchers go to Richelieu Rock, a world-famous dive site located in close proximity to the Burmese border (February-April is the best time to spot them). If you want to go anyplace, you'll have to have a boat. About an hour's drive north of Phuket, Khao Lak serves as the departure point for day trips and liveaboards to the islands. The town has everything you could possibly need, from eateries (QCumber is a must for hearty breakfasts and Thai curries) to hotels (all of which are set back from the beach). Between the months of May and October, the Similan Islands are closed to tourists.
Kata Beach, Phuket
Kata Beach, being a short distance from Patong, offers a calmer option. Kata may not have the hustle and bustle of Patong, but it makes up for it with beautiful palm trees, a warm sea, and breathtaking vistas.
Along this stretch of shore, you won't find any hotels, resorts, or other tourist trappings. Because the surf is so good here, though, the location is frequented by extreme sports enthusiasts even when it is not high season. However, if you're interested in snorkeling or any other form of water sport, you'll want to be at the beach. Kata is a popular tourist destination due to its attractive location, clear blue waters, and powdery white sand.
Railay
Although the stunning karst cliffs are sometimes referred to as "Krabi climbing," they are actually located on the outskirts of the city, between the beaches of Railay East, Railay West, and Ton Sai. Having dozens of routes established for sport climbers, the sea cliffs at Railay make for an excellent climbing playground. One of the most famous experiences in Thailand can be had here, with its picture-perfect white sand beaches, jungle excursions, affordable beach hut lodgings, and easy access by longtail boat.
Khao Sok National Park
Limestone peaks that plunge precipitously into deep, green lakes. Waterfalls and rushing rivers that eventually empty into refreshing pools at the base of wooded valleys. One of Thailand's most beautiful national parks, home to wild tigers, elephants, and gibbons. You can stay in any number of different jungle lodges, and native guides will take you on wildlife safaris, canoe rides, and hikes of varying lengths through the jungle. Some of Thailand's finest beaches can be found within an hour's drive, between the areas of Khao Lak and Phuket.
Koh Samet
It's a three-hour drive from Bangkok and a 45-minute ferry ride from Ban Phe Pier, but you'll be glad you made the trip and won't want to leave. Located in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand, tiny Samet Island has everything a snowbird might want in a winter getaway: powdery white sands, clear warm waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that sets it different from more popular destinations like Phuket. Hat Sai Kaew (Crystal Sand Beach) is a hive of activity, with banana boats and a slew of exciting resorts. In contrast, in places like Ao Yuan, Ao Wai, and Ao Pakarang (Thai for "Coral Bay"), you'll feel as though time has slowed down to the pace of a swaying hammock. Enjoy an ice-cold Singha while you wait for the sizzling prawn meals that can keep you occupied for hours.