List of Popular Activities & Things to Do for Tourists in Thailand

Phang Nga Bay

A seductive and angelic bay flanked by Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, Phang Nga Bay is one of most scenic places to visit in Thailand. Here, the only thing you will feel like doing is to dive into the emerald-green water. Phang Nga Bay is a mere 95 kilometres from the aforementioned places and has a popular island called Khao Phing Kan also known as James Bond Island (as some part of the Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun was shot here).

One of the prominent scenes in the movie showed a glimpse of a sea stack called Ko Tapu, which now is quite famous amongst tourism. At the bay other attractions to see include aquatic grottoes, limestone caves where you can even kayak and explore the clastic rock ceilings.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

As the sun sets, the golden pagodas illuminate the city of Bangkok. A visit to Thailand’s capital without paying a visit to the Grand Palace is similar to that of not visiting Taj Mahal when in Agra. Tucked in the walled-in complex, the Grand Palace is a famous attraction that draws tourists from every corner.

Located on the bank of River Chao Phraya, the complex houses a series of halls, pavilions, wats and other buildings intermixed with sprawlinglawns, impressive courtyards and lustrous gardens. It offers a picturesque setting, perfect to take stunning photographs. The famous attraction in the vicinity is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it is located to the left as soon as you enter from the main Visetchaisri Gate.

Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Historical Park displays the ruins of once the largest cities in the world, Ayutthaya. What’s so interesting about this place is that it displays brilliant examples of Thai art and today, a section of this historical site is under UNESCO protection. The secured attractions in the Ayutthaya Historical Park include Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bopit and Wat Phra Ram.

Out of which, the famous place is Wat Mahathat, the main attraction here is the head of Buddha that protrudesout from the branches of a tree, this probably is the most photographed object in the park along with Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. Nonetheless, this restored city allows the visitors to experience a wide-range of Thai architectural styles enclosed with an array of fossils and wats giving an eclectic mix of feels.

Similan Islands, Phang Nga Province

The postcard perfect place of Thailand, Similan Islands, has a group of nine upwellings formed by hot magma and it is located off the coast of Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand. Every year, the island witnesses a melange of travellers and thrill seekers coming from all directions to partake in activities like diving and island hopping.

These islands boasts its rich coral reefs and underwater rock formations that offer divers a fascinating experience. Two mostly visited sites by divers are the East of Eden and Elephant Head Rock. Similan Islands are best visited during March when the water is clear and air is calm, it is then you get to witness colourful species of fish wiggling their tail fins amid turquoise waters surrounding the Similan Islands.

Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani Province

Immerse amid the natural beauty and rejuvenate in Thailand’s rainiest spot, Khao Sok National Park. This is one of the most visited places and it is home to the largest expanse of virgin forest. A visit here will baffle you with its stunning beauty; making you feel you are in a place anew. Its misty mountains that traverse through thick forest is a worthy sight to watch.

Khao Sok National Park is without a doubt a famous place to visit as here you do not only get to marvel the beauty of nature but also plunge in comfortable hotel beds at many top-notch accommodations flanking that forested property. It is here you will see some spectacular attractions along many activities such as jungle trekking, canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafting. There are other recreational activities as well like bird watching, boat tours and meeting Asiatic elephants.

Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai

Sukhothai Historical Park is one of Thailand’s most fascinating world heritage sites, it consists of a large complex that houses the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom of the 13th and 14th century. This historical attraction is located in northern Thailand and its walled-in park has a wide collection of nearly 200 sets of remains of the past that include 26 temples, royal palaces, large lakes, interesting wats and statues etc. In addition, the visitors can also visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum and learn about the Sukhothai culture.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi Province

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market vibrates with utter confusion yet it is widely visited by many travellers because of its uniqueness and colourful ambience. Selling all sorts of fruits and vegetables, there is no rest for the sellers wearing a traditional mo hom shirt and a straw hat.

The best way to explore this unique market is by hiring a boat taxi that will navigate you through a maze of narrow canals. Within Damnoen Saduak market, there are three sub markets, Ton Khem, Hia Kui and Khun Phitak out of which Ton Khem is the largest. It is filled with wondrous things, from delicious street food to traditional clothes and handmade ornaments. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is definitely a must visit place and the best time to visit to witness the business hours are from 7am to 9am.

Chiang Rai White Temple, Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai White Temple or Wat Rong Khun allures visitors by its breathtaking architectural beauty. At first glance, your heart will race against time seeing this fully white structure; the exterior is so perfectly designed, it more or less appears to look like a frozen temple. It has a curious design symbolizing life and death.

The premises has a bridge of “the cycle of rebirth” and below you can notice outreaching hands. Likewise, there are many statues and symbols each having meaning of its own and in order to truly understand the depth of Wat Rong Khun, a visit here is a must.

Ko Phi Phi, Krabi Provence

The island does not limit itself to swimming in its tranquil water, sunbathe on the white sand beaches or dive under to witness colourful marine life, Ko Phi Phi has much to offer than just the usual. The island is 38 km southwest of Krabi, and is a destination that is always on top of every beach lovers’ list. One of the main reasons to visit here is because of its lively nightlife.

Lazying around is never an option here, as the party people flood the beach after the sundown. Here, you can also learn or partake in water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking. Phi Phi is a group of islands and among the many; Ko Phi Phi Don is a permanent inhabitant island and is always crowded with locals and tourists. It is famous for stunning coral reefs, picturesque beaches and is also known as the location for the shooting of the movie, “The Beach” in the year 2000.

Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi Province

Encircled by mixed deciduous forests, Erawan National Park offers itself as an interesting place to visit. This tourist attraction is located in western Thailand and is filled with many interesting sites to keep one occupied inside the premises. Apart from going for a sneak peek of the wild mammals, reptiles and birds, one famous attraction is the Erawan waterfalls, named after the three-headed white elephant in Hindu mythology.

It is sited in the eastern side of the park. Other attractions you can find here are, Ta Duang Cave, Phartat Cave, Ta Duang Cave, Mi Cave, Wang Bah Dan Cave and Reua Cave. There are also various trekking trails in the park like Khao Hin Lan Pee Nature Trail and Mong Lay Dry Evergreen Forest Nature Trail.

Big Buddha, Phuket

The Big Buddha in Phuket, Thailand is one of the island’s most famous landmarks in Karon, Mueang District. It is a large marble statue of Buddha that sits atop Nakkerd Hills, overlooking the southern part of Phuket. The official name of the statue is “Phraphutthaming Mongkhol-akenagakhiri Buddha” (Happiness on top of Nakkerd Mountain in local language). The statue is 45 metres tall and 25 metres wide, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand.

There are around 94 steps to climb the base of the statue, which is made of white Burmese marble and surrounded by a plaza. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay, Kata Noi Bay, Kata Bay and Karon Beach when the sky is clear. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperature is cooler and there are fewer crowds. And, you should be dressed appropriately whenever you visit this religious place.

Koh Larn, Pattaya

Pattaya is one of the most crowded places in Thailand where you will find travellers from all across the world. But, there is one such place, which is situated about seven kilometres off the coast of Pattaya Beach and a great destination for those looking for a quick escape from the bustling city of Pattaya and enjoy some sun, sea, and sand. Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, is a small island, where you can reach within 45 minutes by ferry service. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving.

Koh Larn has a few smaller beaches and six main beaches where full facilities such as restaurants, public bathrooms, showers, etc are available. The restaurants serve delicious and fresh seafood where you can enjoy your food with the gentle sounds of the ocean. People can also spend the night in Koh Larn as there are several accommodation options available. Apart from experiencing the adventurous water sports activities, watching sunset or a fire show in the evening is another best thing to do here.

Khao Yai National Park

Situated around 180 km from Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand’s first and third largest national park. Located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province of Thailand, covering around 2,168 square kilometres area, the park is a nature lover’s paradise and a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the country. With its lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and an array of wildlife, Khao Yai offers a unique experience that is both adventurous and serene.

The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, gibbons, and black bears, which can be seen on one of the many guided tours. The park also offers several hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, and visitors can relax in one of the many hot springs after a long day of exploration. It is a part of Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes five protected areas. November to February, the winter months are the ideal time to visit this park.

Wat Tantayaphirom, Trang

Wat Tantayaphirom is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Trang, which is in the southern region of Thailand. The temple is a significant religious site for Buddhists in the area, and it is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate decorations.

The main attraction of the temple is the huge white and gold chedi. The chedi is believed to have a footprint of Buddha which attracts people from all over the country as well as the world. The temple is just 500 metres from Trang train station, the distance which you can easily walk. Having a local island tour to Emerald Cave Island or Marakot Island is another best thing to do here.

Surin

Surin is a beautiful city located in east-central Thailand, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the authentic Thai way of life and explore the country’s unique history and traditions.

One of the top attractions in Surin is the annual Elephant Roundup festival, which takes place in November. The festival is a celebration of the relationship between elephants and humans in the region and includes various events like elephant shows, parades, and traditional Thai dances. The event is held in Si Narong Stadium, which is referred to as the “world’s largest domestic elephant village” by the Tourism Authority of the country.

Visit the Karens at the Long Neck Villages of Thailand

Thailand is home to various tribes and one such tribe who dwells on the borders of Myanmar, Kayah State, southern Shan State, Ayeyarwady Region, Tanintharyi Region, Bago Division and in western Thailand, is worth a visit. Karen is a tribal group best recognized for their elongated necks and a visit to one such long neck villages will offer quite a unique experience to every traveller. They wear traditional brass rings around their necks and due to the heavy metal their shoulders are caged down making their neck appear long.

This is practiced by the ladies of the tribe and has been carried out from generations. The tribals believe that the brass ringscan protect the ladies wearing the neck piece if a tiger attacks. If you happen to be in Chiang Mai, pay a visit to the Baan Tong Luang Village, here, you can find five tribes exhibiting villages. You can buy handmade souvenirs, take multiple pictures with the tribal people and also interact with them.

Experience the Thai-Burma Railway

The infamous death railway despite having a series of unfortunate events during World War II, it holds a solitary yet alluring ambience. The Thai-Burma Railway, if we roll back to its history, it was built to link Thailand to Myanmar for easy access to transport weapons, soldiers and equipments.

Today however, this tracks has become a tourist attraction, and it whistles from Nong Pladuk railway station about 50 km from Bangkok to Nam Tok railway station. The rail moves towards northwest to Kanchanaburi where you will cross another infamous wooden bridge over the River Kwai. The ride is not the end of the tour, on reaching Nam Tok, you can visit the Hellfire Pass, it is here many of the prisoners and Asian workers lost their lives.

Rock Climb at Railay

One of the most picturesque areas in the country, Railay is located in the Krabi Province. This place is everything to a thrill seeker, it has a collection of beautiful sea stacks, which are perfect for rock climbing. It has a number of rock climbing routes that you can venture, the feeling it offers is overwhelming, and thus, it calls all adventure thirsty travellers. Railay also boasts several other water activitiessuch as snorkeling and diving. One can also go for exploring a series of caves located around the island.

Shake Your Booty in the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin

Gather your friends for a night to remember at Haad Rin’s infamous full moon party. The party takes place on the beach in Koh Phangan Island on every full moon night and it constantly vibrates with a mix of travellers from all over the world. One can definitely have the best time or moment of their life with a wide spectrum of music ranging from reggae to trance and drum to bass.

A little bird told me, no glass items are used since most of the party goers prefer to dance bare but a flip flop or sneakers if worn might be of great service to your feet. The closest islands to Koh Phangan are Koh Samui and Koh Tao thus, the ferry rides remain cheaper and convenient.

Shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market

The largest of its kind, Chatuchak Weekend Market also known as JJ Market houses varieties of stalls selling ‘all that you can get’ items. In fact, some even say, it is the largest market in the world. Chatuchak Weekend Market has more than 8,000 stalls that display items for sale ranging from clothes to antiques to furnitures. No wonder, it attracts a lot of visitors on daily basis, more than 200,000 people to be precise, but it’s not just shopping it is known for, Chatuchak Weekend Market also has a wide array of restaurants serving delicious and rare Thai dishes.

Take a stroll in Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Perhaps a perfect place to hangout with a bunch of friends, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a shoppers’ paradise. The market has an alley of various stalls equipped with many imported products, handicrafts, clothing and arts. A collection of brand name and designer goods are sold, be it original or fake but the real deal is the super cheap price.

Inside the complex, you will also find shopping arcades and other restaurants and cafes such as Starbucks, McDonalds and Burger King as well as street vendors selling local Thai food. If you have ever visited Delhi’s famous Sarojini Market, the feel and thrill Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar offer is quite similar.

Flyboard at Koh Samui

Koh Samui is another exciting destination that is often packed by tourists during peak season. Here, apart from mere relaxing on the beaches, you can partake in some water activities for instance, flyboard. The feel the sport offers is beyond comparison, you can plunge and fly up the sky through the help of flyboard that is connected by a long hose to a watercraft. If you want to get the thrill, visit Koh Samui the second largest island of Thailand for some ultimate flyboard experience.

Volunteer in the Elephant Nature Park

Try something different this holiday by volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park. This natural habitat is set in Chiang Mai province about 60km from the city, and the rehabilitation center for elephants will definitely lift your spirit high. You can visit here to help and volunteer healing, bathing and feeding the giants of animal kingdom.

Have a Thai Massage in Bangkok

In Thailand, a massage is a necessity, it acts like a therapy to relax your muscles. It not only helps you loosen up but also helps hydrate your body and stress out your worries even if it is for a moment. Thai massage is all about that, and while in the capital, Bangkok, you have to visit some of the below mentions to get some real Thai treatment.

Asia Herb Association gives you a rejuvenating treatment; Wat Pho Traditional Thai Massage offers a traditional massage; Health Land is more or less like a small hospital to cure joints and give massage treatments. And of course, if you want to enjoy massage for a cause, you can always hop for a Massage by the Blind. It is said that blind masseurs are more in tune and connected with your body and they give fine relaxing experience, in order to help the blind find employment, a visit here is a must.

Experience Khon Performance

Relive the past through Khon which is a genre of dance drama of Thailand, here, you can witness the dances based on the Ramayana. It is unlike any other typical drama you see, this theatre performance is filled with vibrancy, colour, masked dances that are choreographed to perfection.