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Top 31 Things to Do in Thailand for the Best Thai Experience
Read all about things to do in Thailand. Discover all the best beaches, important temples, natural parks, and fun activities and tours.
There are always fun things to do in Thailand, no matter what season you decide to visit. It’s only a matter of packing properly for Thailand. During the summer, you can cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea or explore this island paradise. When autumn arrives, the streets of Chiang Mai are filled with vibrant colors and festivals, celebrating the end of the rainy season.
Winter is the perfect time to explore bustling Bangkok, with its floating markets and imposing golden temples. On the other hand, spring opens the door to nature in all its splendor in the northern mountains, especially in Pai, where the hills are dazzling green.
Here, you will find a list of beaches, islands, natural parks, museums, temples, and many fun activities and tours to discover in this dream destination.
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Explore the Amazing Beaches in Thailand
The beaches in Thailand are the most famous attractions for tourists. They are your top choice of things to do in Thailand. Here are some fantastic beaches you should not miss out on – each more beautiful than the last one.
1. Railay Beach, Krabi
Only accessible by boat, Railay Beach is a dream getaway in Krabi. Its imposing limestone cliffs surround the beach, making it ideal for rock climbing. However, if you prefer a more relaxed activity, you can simply lie on the white sand and enjoy the views. Near the beach, you’ll find several restaurants and bungalow-style accommodations for the night.
2. Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe
On Koh Lipe, Sunrise Beach is a wonder to behold and a perfect place for diving enthusiasts, thanks to its rich coral reefs full of marine life. The beach is renowned for its stunning sunrises and soft sand. At night, the area comes alive with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
3. Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan
Haad Rin on Koh Phangan is famous for being the location of the iconic Full Moon Party. But beyond the parties, it offers a beautiful white sand beach and clear waters perfect for swimming. If you visit the island when it is not the holiday season, you will find an oasis of tranquility and the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Thailand in all its splendor.
4. Patong Beach, Phuket
Patong Beach stretches along the Bangla Road in Phuket. This is not a place to rest and relax but to explore the vibrant day and night life of Phuket. The beach has white sands and clear waters, and it is packed with shipping options that range from street vendors to shopping malls. It is a place of entertainment, dining, and beach activities.
5. Kata Beach, Phuket
If you are visiting Thailand during the monsoon season and love surfing, Kata Beach has all your favorite things to do in Thailand. It boasts a laid-back atmosphere, lush greenery, and breathtaking viewpoints. It won’t leave you disappointed, even if you are looking for a night of fine dining after a day of snorkeling and surfing.
6. Maya Bay Beach, Koh Phi Phi
If you want some Hollywood magic, head to Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi. This beach became famous after being the setting for the movie The Beach. Although the beach has been closed for conservation for a few years, there are boat tours that will take you around so you can enjoy its beauty from the water.
7. Freedom Beach, Phuket
Phuket is full of hustle and bustle, and Freedom Beach is your perfect escape. It is accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, so not many people go there as much as they do on other beaches. It is a secluded beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, with rich marine life near the shore.
8. Banana Beach, Coral Island
This is yet another on the long list of white sand beaches in Thailand. It got its name due to its interesting, curved shape. It is located in Koh Hey, just 10 km from Phuket Island. This is one of those serene beaches that people choose to escape from the crowds and touristy places. If you are in the mood for a more serene environment, this is the place for you.
National Parks to Explore in Thailand
Thailand’s national parks are a natural beauty and biodiversity treasure trove, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife. From towering mountains and lush rainforests to stunning waterfalls and pristine beaches, these parks are a dream for those who come to Thailand for hiking, bird-watching, or simply soaking in the serene environment. Nature enthusiasts have a lot of things to do in Thailand, and exploring these national parks is high on their list.
9. Doi Inthanon National Park
This national park is located in northern Thailand. It is where Doi Inthanon is located—Thailand’s highest peak, boasting 2,565 meters. The park features surreal waterfalls like Wachirathan and Mae Ya, lush forests, and hiking trails. Bird watchers will love the opportunity to observe rare bird species. The park also includes the King and Queen Pagodas, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
10. Khao Yai National Park
One of the oldest national parks in the country is located in central Thailand. Due to its amazingly diverse flora and fauna, Khao Yai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From evergreen forests to grasslands, from elephants to gibbons and other stunning wildlife, it has it all. It is also the home of spectacular waterfalls Haew Narok and Haew Suwat.
11. Khao Sok National Park
As you go down to southern Thailand, you can visit the Khao Sok National Park. This national park is the most well-known for its stunning Sheow Lan Lake. It has amazingly diverse wildlife roaming its forests, such as elephants, tigers, and more. Another rarity of this park is the giant refflesia flower.
Besides the wonderful hiking trails and kayaking on the lake, nature lovers can also go for cave exploration. The park features several intriguing caves, such as Nam Talu Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
12. Erawan National Park
Western Thailand boasts the Erawan National Park, named after the Erawan waterfall, which resembles the mythical three-headed elephant Erawan.
The park is a lush green forest home to elephants, deer, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, and various birds. Like Khao Sok, it boasts an exciting cave you can explore: Phra That Cave. There are numerous hiking trails, but the Waterfall trail is the most popular. It is only 1.5 km long and has a mild ascend, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Museums to Visit in Thailand
If you are an art, history, and culture lover, Thailand has plenty of fascinating museums that you should add to your list.
13. Bangkok National Museum
The National Museum of Bangkok, located on Na Phra That Street, is the largest in Southeast Asia and a must-see for any history lover. It houses many artifacts spanning Thailand’s history, from prehistoric times to the present. The museum is particularly well-known for its collection of Buddhist art.
- Prices: General – 5.80 USD
- Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 am until 4 pm.
14. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Bangkok
This museum in Bangkok offers a look at contemporary Thai art. MOCA, located in the Chatuchak district, exhibits works by Thailand’s most influential artists. In addition to the art exhibits, the building is a modern artwork.
- Prices: General – $7.25 USD
- Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 6 pm
15. Chiang Mai Museum
Located in the old town of Chiang Mai, this museum allows visitors to discover the history of northern Thailand. The museum features archaeological artifacts, historical photographs, and exhibits detailing the various ethnicities and cultures of the North.
- Prices: General– Free
- Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
16. Erawan Museum, Samut Prakan
Outside Bangkok, the Erawan Museum is famed for its giant three-headed elephant statue. Inside the elephant, you’ll find a series of exhibits detailing Buddhist cosmology, while the surrounding gardens are perfect for a relaxing walk.
- Prices: General– 11.60 USD
- Schedule: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We recommend you explore Travel Apps that will help you find museums and cultural plans to enjoy on your trip to Thailand.
Temples to Explore in Thailand
From golden temples to vibrant markets and stunning natural landscapes, there are a wide variety of places in Thailand that should be on your list.
17. Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok
Located in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the holiest religious sites in Thailand. Inside, you’ll find a Buddha statue meticulously carved from a single block of jade. Admission to the Grand Palace costs around $15 USD (500 THB).
18. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Bangkok
This iconic temple on the west coast of the Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok’s landmarks. In the middle of it is a 70-meter-tall tower (prang) with seashells and porcelain ornaments all over. This means that the dusk and dawn light reflect beautifully on its surface. The central tower also has steep steps that you can take to enjoy the fantastic scenery and a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River.
For foreign visitors, the entrance fee is 100 Thai Baht. You can visit it every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
19. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
To see this amazing temple, you must travel north to Chiang Mai. It is one of the most important temples in Thailand, located at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain, overlooking Chiang Mai. It is well-known for its epic golden chedi (a religious structure in Buddhism) and 306-step staircase with serpent sculptures. You can take the stairs to the top or even a tram.
The entrance fee for foreigners is 30 Thai Baht. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Fun Tours and Activities in Thailand
Thailand has something for everyone. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the relaxing Buddhist temples and pristine beaches, there’s something for all tastes. Thai islands are world-famous, and one of the activities many people enjoy is simple island hopping. Moreover, that is the reason why they visit Thailand in the first place.
However, if you want to do more than island hopping and actually immerse yourself in the Thai way of life and want to meet Thai people, hit the night markets, eat street food, and enjoy Thai massages.
20. Take a Thai Food Cooking Class
Who could resist a tasty Pad Thai? So why don’t you learn how to make it yourself – the Thai way? Such a great way to learn and understand the culinary culture of Thailand.
Whether in the metropolis of Bangkok or historic Chiang Mai, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Thai food, select fresh ingredients, and balance the unique flavors of Thai cuisine.
Classes usually include a visit to the local market and end with tasting your dishes. Prices vary depending on the length and location of the class, but usually, they are around $25-30 USD.
21. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary
Elephants are an essential part of Thai culture. You can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals in an ethical and sustainable environment at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.
The park is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants, and your visit will contribute to their mission. Here, the elephants are not ridden or forced to perform tricks.
They are simply allowed to be elephants. A full-day visit, which includes transportation from Chiang Mai, food, and the opportunity to feed and bathe the elephants, costs around $75 USD.
22. Participate in a Lantern Throwing Ceremony
Lantern-throwing ceremonies are a magical part of Thai culture. During the Loy Krathong Festival, held on the November full moon, thousands of lanterns light up the skies of Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. This makes Thailand one of the great destinations to visit in November.
This festival is an opportunity to release worries and make a wish for the future. Remember that the exact dates of the festival change every year, so it is important to check this information before your trip.
23. Tour the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
You will find a beautiful floating market in Damnoen Saduak, an hour from Bangkok. Here, you can observe the vendors in their traditional wooden boats, cruising the canals, and selling their goods. There is something for everyone, from fresh fruits and vegetables to freshly prepared noodle dishes.
For a better experience, try to arrive early in the morning when the floating markets are at their busiest and not yet overrun with tourist crowds. Market tours typically include transportation from Bangkok and a canal boat ride, which costs around $10-15 USD.
24. Visit the City of Ayutthaya
In the north of Bangkok, you’ll find the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The ruins, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer a fascinating insight into Thai history. You can explore them on your own or hire a tour guide.
Important things to see here are Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, impressive chedis, and the temple Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Many of the ruins are free, though some have an entrance fee of between 50 and 100 Thai Baht. The park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
25. Check Out the James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay
This island, officially known as Khao Phing Kan, is a famous tourist destination in Phang Nga Bay. James Bond Island gained international fame and its name after being featured in the 1974 Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
It is a part of Ao Phang Nga National Park of the Phang Nga Province, famous for its towering limestone cliffs and karsts. This is one of the great places to visit as a day trip from Phuket.
26. Enjoy Night Markets
You cannot leave Thailand without exploring their night markets, such as Hua Hin. These are the essential parts of the local culture and tradition, and you simply have to experience them. They are all about the food, crafts, souvenirs, and more. Among the most famous ones are:
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Rot Fai, Bangkok
- Walking Street, Pattaya
- Hua Hin Night Market
27. Get a Street Food Tour
Explore the vibrant street food culture in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, enjoying dishes like pad thai, mango sticky rice, and curry paste. Thai street food is a unique experience not to be missed. It is best to have a tour guide and be part of a group. First, the guide will give you all the best places and tastes. Moreover, they will know the safest options, as well. Secondly, tasting these things in a group is much more fun than on your own.
28. Relax with a Real Thai Massage
Relaxing with a real Thai massage is a must when visiting Thailand. Thai massage, known as “Nuad Thai,” is a traditional practice that combines acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. You can get this type of massage even while spending your day on one of the white sand beaches. Some beach bars in Thailand even have their resident masseuse.
29. Cruise the River Kwai
Cruising the River Kwai offers a unique journey through Thailand’s history and nature. It is a boat trip through the Kanchanaburi province. Known for the Death Railway and the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai, built during World War II, the cruise provides a deep dive into wartime history.
Along your route, you will enjoy lush jungles, dramatic cliffs, local villages, temples, and markets.
30. Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a martial art that takes special place in the cultural heritage of Thailand. It is a national sport that’s not for the faint of heart. It is quite a spectacle as it begins with a Wai Kru dance during which fighters pay respect to their trainers.
Major stadiums like Lumpinee and Rajadamnern in Bangkok are renowned for hosting top-tier Muay Thai fights.
31. Scuba Dive in the Andaman Sea
Scuba diving in the Andaman Sea offers an unforgettable underwater adventure for novices and experienced divers alike. The crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes.
Popular dive sites in the Andaman Sea include the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, and Koh Lanta (Ko Lanta), which are known for their exceptional visibility. On Koh Lanta, you can expect to spot manta rays, whale sharks, and colorful reef fish.
Tips to Enjoy Your Trip to Thailand
Thailand is a fascinating country with a great culture and a wide variety of experiences to offer. Thus, we have listed below some tips to fully enjoy your trip:
- Respect the local culture: Thailand is a Buddhist country and showing reverence at holy sites is essential. Please dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and remove your shoes before entering the temples. Also, the king and royal family are deeply respected in Thailand, and any disrespect towards them can bring about legal consequences.
- Internet connection: Stay connected during your trip. No matter why you are going to use the internet, it is very important to have it as your ally. The Holafly Thailand eSIM or the eSIM to travel Southeast Asia is a great option that will let you be online from the moment you land without worrying about roaming costs.
- Beware of the sun: The Thai sun can be strong, especially on the beaches. Remember to pack sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Local Currency: Although credit cards are accepted in many places in Thailand, they are useful for carrying cash to markets and smaller shops. You can withdraw Thai baht from local ATMs or exchange money at exchange houses.
FAQs about Things to Do in Thailand
If you are a nature lover, you will enjoy exploring stunning islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, national parks like Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon, or beautiful beaches like Railay and Patong. Those who want to immerse themselves in Thai culture will love visiting landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun and experiencing vibrant markets and street food tours in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. You can also enjoy a traditional Thai massage, take a Muay Thai boxing class, or participate in a Thai cooking class.
Thailand is most known for its stunning beaches, vibrant street food culture, and rich cultural heritage, including temples like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. The country’s islands, such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, offer paradise-like scenery. Thailand is also famous for its traditional Thai massage, bustling markets, and lively festivals like Loy Krathong. Its welcoming hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and diverse landscapes, from mountains to tropical beaches, make it a top travel destination.
First-timers should visit Bangkok for its vibrant markets and cultural landmarks. Phuket offers stunning beaches and lively nightlife. Koh Samui is perfect for its beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere. These destinations provide a great mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
