Things to do in Thailand [Updated 2024]

Thailand is a tropical paradise, blessed with the bounties of nature and the conveniences of the modern world. Thailand’s wide fabric is adorned with a myriad of travel experiences, which keeps its visitors coming back for more. Whether it’s the sun-kissed seashores, thriving markets, dazzling cityscapes, or exhilarating nightlife, Thailand is one of the favourite destinations of many tourists. To top that off, one gets the kind and warm hospitality of Thai people. There is something for every kind of traveller in Thailand. In this guide, we’ll look at the best things to do in Thailand and how to make the most of your Thai travel.

Suggested Read: Phuket in June and Thailand Shopping Guide: What To Buy And Where In Thailand

Things to do in Thailand with Family

1. Explore Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak, or locally known as JJ Market, is one of the biggest street markets in the world. Sprawled across 35 acres of land, this market is a one-stop shopping solution for all. One can find a total of 27 sections, each dedicated to a different set of items such as clothing, arts and crafts, pets, books, electronic gadgets, plants, furniture, household decor, etc., with a total of 15000 stalls. Make sure to carry cash and your own carry-on bags. The Friday wholesale market opens from 6 p.m. until midnight, and on Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.

2. Take a Tuk Tuk Tour

Fast, cheap and convenient for covering short distances, the image of colourful tuk tuks are synonymous with Thai travel. Whether you want to take a quick ride towards a famous tourist spot in Thailand or want to hop back and forth between markets and hotels, a tuk tuk ride would make your city commute easy and breezy. However, the only catch is that sometimes these drivers might quote an exorbitant price to foreigners. Hence, the only tip you need while navigating your way as a tourist is to haggle down the tuk tuk fare. The common fare is anywhere between 50 THB to 100 THB.

3. Watch a Cabaret Show

Your trip to Thailand is incomplete without watching a cabaret show, which is performed by talented ladyboys. The cabaret shows in Thailand display powerhouse performances of comedy, dance, acrobats, and singing, all rolled into one. The sound, the lights, and the exuberant costumes of the performers are captivating. A typical runtime for a cabaret show is about 70 minutes. The most popular cabaret shows in Thailand are Alcazar Cabaret, Tiffany’s Cabaret, and the Simon Cabaret show.

4. Visit the Big Buddha in Phuket

A marvellous structure and an iconic landmark in Phuket, the Big Buddha is a major attraction in Thailand. The statue is 45 metres tall, and one of the biggest statues in Thailand. Situated on Nakkerd Hill, just under 10 km from Kata, reaching it involves navigating a 6km uphill road. The panoramic view from this point is truly awe-inspiring, offering a breathtaking experience. And with good timing, you may also be fortunate enough to witness a gorgeous sunset, adding an extra layer of beauty to the visit.

5. Attend the Songkran Festival

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand during March and May, you can get a chance to experience one of the biggest celebrations in Thailand, i.e., Songkran (the Thai New Year), which is celebrated in April. In earlier days, the festival was celebrated when people splashed water on each other to wash away past sins and get ready for new beginnings. But now, in modern times, the splashing water has turned into water gun fights where both locals and foreigners take part.

6. Travel to the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is an important landmark in Thailand’s travel tapestry. The landmarks cover a hilly area where the borders of three countries—Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar—meet. Located on the northern side of Thailand, travellers often take a bus tour from Chiang Rai and witness the picturesque views of lush hinterlands, villages, and flourishing fields. One can also partake in river boating at the junction of the rivers. Overall, it’s a remarkable tourist sight and worthy of photography.

Things to do in Thailand for Couples

7. Attend a Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan

Thailand is well known for its full moon festivals, which are primarily held in Koh Phangan. And as the name suggests, these parties are held on every full moon night of every month. What started off as the “spur of the moment thing” between a bunch of friends is now a long-held tradition in Koh Phangan. Being a part of a full moon party is one of the main activities that many people want to tick off the “things to do in Thailand” list. The party is a riot of neon colours, body paint, dancing, and alcohol buckets. You can book a visit to Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan and experience the party frenzy unfolding in front of your eyes.

8. Admire Bangkok’s Skyline from a Rooftop Bar

Experience the enchanting view of Bangkok’s skyline from a sky bar while relishing lavish ambiance, delightful food, and refreshing cocktails. Positioned at the top of the city’s skyscrapers, these sky bars are perfect for couples to spend a romantic evening. It is also ideal for a group of friends to hang out and make memories. Most of these bars are open from late evening until midnight. Take advantage of the special hours where you can avail discounts on drinks and foods. A tip: Some of the Sky Bars may have a dress code, so make sure you dress to impress.

9. Rejuvenate with a Thai Massage

A Thai massage is the perfect way to banish that jet lag or shrug off that travel fatigue. This massage includes stretching your hands and legs to relieve stress and tension from your muscles. Thai massages are unique and famous all over the world for inculcating yogic and natural practices and elements for healing and rejuvenation.

10. Be a part of a Dinner Cruise

If you are going on a Thailand honeymoon, take advantage of the dinner cruise that runs on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Spending a romantic evening on a dinner cruise is one of the best things to do in Thailand for couples. Book an advance table and get ready to be serenaded by live music performances, delightful menus, and exotic cocktails served to you. Admire the gleaming nightscapes and landmarks of Bangkok as the cruise glides over the river. You get an approximate two hours on this dinner cruise, and the approximate price is anywhere between 900 THB and 2000 THB. Luxury dinner cruise options might even go higher, which may include pick-up and drop-off.

11. Take a Thai Cooking Class

This might be an offbeat experience amidst all the typical things to do in Thailand, but taking a Thai cooking class can elevate your authentic Thai experience. Learn from trained cooks about the know-how of Thai cuisine. In this master class, you will learn about staple ingredients like Thai spices, chilies, oils, and herbs used in Thai cooking. It’s a great way to socialise and bond with people who share similar interests as you.

12. Admire the beauty of the White Temple, Chiang Rai

The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is one of the most famous Thai temples. The temple presents an insightful display of the arts about the teachings of Budhha and the concepts of heaven, hell, morality, human life, etc. The temple is an architectural marvel and is adorned with glittering silver mirrors. It is visited by many tourists throughout the year. To enter the temple, one has to cross the bridge symbolising the “cycle of rebirth” to enter the primary building, or the ubosot. The temple entrance fee is 100 THB for foreigners.

13. Visit the Famous Maya Bay beach

Maya Bay Beach has always been a beautiful part of Koh Phi Phi. But its claim to fame came after Leonadrdo Di Caprio’s film The Beach came out in 2000. The bay is encompassed by lofty limestone cliffs from three sides. The beach is a white sandy stretch of 200 m with crystal-clear cyan waters and underwater, which features vibrant corals and exotic fish and plants. The ideal time to visit Maya Bay Beach is between November and April. There are many long-tail boats, speedboats, and ferries that carry divers, beach hoppers, and snorkelers to this beach.

Adventurous Things to do in Thailand

14. Island hopping in Thailand

Thailand is home to a myriad of big and small islands, all adding to its tropical beauty. You can do island hopping via long-tail boats or ferry rides; select where you want to stop. Each island has its own unique charm. Right from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi and to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, island hopping gives you unique opportunities to explore adventurous sites, engage in cultural immersion, have diverse experiences, do water sports, and photograph your moments with your own flexibility.

15. Scuba Diving in Thailand

Thailand has many destinations that are known for exhilarating water sports such as scuba diving. Known for its pristine white beaches, aquamarine waters, and a healthy population of corals and fish, Thailand is a sought-after destination for scuba divers. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate, or an expert, there are many dive schools where you can learn and partake in this awe-inspiring water sport. The famous scuba diving sites in Thailand are Koh Larn, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Phi Phi, Hin Daeng, and Hin Mouang.

16. Hike towards Phi Phi viewpoint

The hike towards the Phi Phi viewpoint with nos. 3, 2, and 1 begins from Tonsai village. The first viewpoint, which starts from the bottom, is called viewpoint no. 3, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach there. Soak in the view, but keep moving up for better scenic views. There is a small kiosk from which you can buy tickets to the viewpoint. It’s 30 THB for viewpoint no. 3 and 20 THB for viewpoints no. 1 and 2. There are bars and food stalls along the way where you can stop and recharge yourself with some food and drinks. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by a stunning panoramic view that looks like a scene from a fairytale.

17. Discover Khao Sok National Park

Located within the Surat Thani province of Thailand, this rainforest stands as one of the most ancient on the planet. Abundant in a variety of plant and animal species, the park stands out as a prime location to encounter rare species of flora and fauna like the Rafflesia flower, hornbill birds, gibbons, and tigers. Marked by limestone cliffs, mountains, impressive sandstone, and mudstone formations, this region holds the distinction of being the wettest area in Thailand.

18. Go for Rock Climbing in Krabi

Thailand is a country blessed with massive limestone cliffs, which are perfect for rock climbing and clicking photos. A popular destination for rock climbing is Krabi. It has perhaps the best sites to do rock climbing in all of Thailand. If you are used to rock climbing, challenge yourself for something bigger, and if you’re a novice, there are many rock climbing schools that can help you take the lessons. The famous sites to do rock climbing in Krabi are: Ao Nang, Railay Beach, and Tonsai Village.

19. Watch Muay Thai Boxing

Muay Thai boxing is one of the most popular combat sports in Thailand. Muay Thai is also known as the “Art of the Eight Limbs”. It uses a combination of striking, sweeps, and clinching methods to attack your opponents. Muay Thai boxing matches are regularly organised, and you can buy a ticket to a game and get in the local Thai spirit. The experience of watching a Muay Thai match is quite similar to watching MMA. And not only this, you can also get training lessons from a certified teacher and learn the basics of this art.

Other Activities to do in Thailand

20. Get a Sak Yant Tattoo

If you don’t mind getting inked, then a great way to solidify your memories of Thai travel is to get a traditional Thai tattoo. The Sak Yant tattoos are done by monks and have deep meanings and symbols behind them. You can get them in any big Thai city, such as Bangkok, Pattaya, or Phuket. And just like any other tattoo, it is going to hurt, but if you select the right place, you will be in safe hands.

21. Try the Durian Fruit

This fruit might not be everyone’s favourite due to its revolting stink, but it’s sure to be one of the quirky and unusual experiences you would want to miss in Thailand. Due to its overpowering smell, many people steer away from it; however, its flavours range from sweet to savoury and have a creamy texture. In short, this fruit, unique to its Southeast Asian origins, could be polarising. Would you be up for trying Durian on your Thai trip?

22. Experience the Train Market

You might have seen it on social media or perhaps caught a glimpse on TV—the Maeklong Train Market of Thailand. For some, it’s a regular, everyday activity, but for others, it’s a unique fascination. This is exactly how one experiences the scenes at the Maeklong Train Market. The market is located along the rail tracks. It’s a place where shop owners pack up their goods as a train approaches, signalling its passing through the market. As the train comes and goes, the hustle and bustle stops. And it resumes as if nothing happened. It’s an extraordinary sight you have to see to believe.

23. Buy Authentic Thai Products

On your Thailand trip, make sure to take home authentic Thai products such as Thai silk, Thai coconut oil, Thai silver, Thai spices and oils, gemstones, and Thai snacks. You can buy these products at night markets, floating markets, shopping malls, or even dedicated retail outlets. For example, Jim Thompson’s House is the best place to buy Thai silk, and if you’re looking to get gemstones, you can head to Mahesak Road or Siolim.

24. Explore Thailand’s Nightlife

Nightlife in Thailand is as bright as the sun shining on its coast during the day. Whether you want to go club hopping in Bangkok, explore the night markets such as Rot Fai Market and Phuket Weekend Market, or experience the night vibes in one of the many walking streets such as Phuket Walking Street or Pattaya Walking Street, Thailand never disappoints its guests.

25. Eat Thai Street Food

The best way to get into the spirit of Thai cuisine is to savour their lip-smacking street foods, ranging from sweet to savoury to sour and spicy. Street food in Thailand is extremely affordable, ranging from 30 THB to 100 THB. Whether you want to try the flavorful pad Thai noodles, the succulent fermented Thai sausage, or mango sticky rice, every dish has a unique taste. There are numerous stalls serving delicious foods in large portions, waiting to be devoured.

Thailand is full of excitement, thrilling adventures, scrumptious foods, and a plethora of natural sights. The Land of Smiles, as it is endearingly called, leaves an indelible impression on the minds of its visitors. We hope that this guide will help you pick up the best things to do in Thailand and add some of the activities to your own personal bucket list. Get ready for Thai adventure with Thailand tour packages and create memories of a lifetime.

FAQs

Q1. What activities can be done in Thailand?

On a trip to Thailand, one can engage in beach hopping, water sports, shopping, exploring Thailand nightlife and sampling lip smacking Thai street food.

Q2. What is Thailand best known for?

Thailand is best known for its tropical beauty, beaches, bays, lagoons, nightlife, buddhism, walking streets, ancient temples, flea markets, food and warm hospitality of its people. For more you can also read: What is Thailand famous for

Q3. Is 7 days enough for Thailand?

Seven days might be enough to cover major cities in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket or Krabi. But ultimately it depends on your personal travel goals and time you wish to spend in a particular place.

Q4. What is the best time to visit Thailand for island hopping?

The best time to visit Thailand for island hopping is from November to April. The temperature typically ranges from 26 degree celsius to 29 degree celsius.

Q5. Name some things to do in Thailand with friends.

Here are some activities you may enjoy in Thailand with friends:

• Exploring walking streets and night markets
• Participate in scuba diving or snorkelling together
• Watch a cabaret show
• Trekking and Hiking in Thailand
• Taking a bicycle tour of the city like Old Phuket or Chiang Rai

Q6. What are some adventurous activities to do in Thailand?

Adventurous activities to do in Thailand are:

• Skydiving
• Scuba Diving in Thailand
• Rock climbing
• Snorkelling
• ATV Ride
• Zipline
• Paragliding