It's hard to summarize the diversity of travel to Thailand. Its capital, Bangkok, is a teeming metropolis with gilded temples and palaces, while the two coastlines, on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, have postcard-perfect beaches. In the mountainous interior, hill tribes live as they have for millennia. And wherever you travel in Thailand, there's the food: fresh seafood, countless curries, and noodle dishes so delicious you'll never want to return to your local Thai take-out. When you plan to visit Thailand, remember that there are three seasons: summer, winter, and rain. The rainy season runs from May until November in most of the country, meaning Thailand travel during that time will bring rainy days. In the South, however, the monsoonal rains fall from April to October along the Andaman Sea coastline and from September to December along the Gulf of Thailand coast. However, your most lasting impression will be the friendliness of the locals - calling Thailand the "land of smiles"; it may seem cliché, but it has a foundation in truth. Here are some things to do and places to visit in Thailand that have made my trip to Thailand unforgettable! You might want to try some of them out.
Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Watch an infamous Muay Thai fight, which is Thailand's national sport. Muay Thai or Thai boxing is a full-contact sport known as "the art of eight limbs" because fighters use their fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Almost all major cities in Thailand will have a ring; however, the best fights are in Bangkok. The best place to watch a Muay Thai fight in Bangkok is Lumpinee Stadium. You can even take Muay Thai lessons for really cheap.
Take a Street Food Tour
The best way to try Thai cuisine is to take a street food tour. The street food in Bangkok is the best place to do this. You'll get to sample everything at affordable prices and have a local guide explaining everything and what's in it. If you're spending one to two weeks in Thailand, try and do a street food tour the first few days of your trip, so you can learn some of your favorites early on.
Eat Some Bugs
It may be one of the most unusual things to do in Thailand, but eating an insect delicacy will make a terrific and exciting story once you get home. Just ignore the weird pincers or hard shells, and try to enjoy the taste of savory spicy locusts and sweet fried grasshoppers.
Eat Thai Street Food
From grilled meats to Som Tam (papaya salad) and Pad Thai, this Southeast Asian hub has many mouthwatering street food choices that guarantee to please your taste buds and gastronomic urges.
Climb Bangkok's Sathorn Unique Tower
Getting to the top of Sathorn Unique Tower is challenging, even if you're in tip-top shape. But once you're there, you'll get awe-inspiring views of Thailand's bustling and sprawling capital.
Take A Day Trip to Ayutthaya
A visit to Ayutthaya is something you must seriously consider as you create a travel itinerary and list down your things to do in Thailand. Listed in 1991 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya will treat you with its magnificent ruins and historical temples like the Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Phra si Sanphet.
“The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.”
- – Sir Richard Burton
Jungle trekking in Northern Thailand
With its lofty jungle mountains, Northern Thailand is truly a paradise for outdoor adventurists and trekking enthusiasts. Home to some of the best jungle trek destinations in Asia, Northern Thailand appeases outdoor enthusiasts with its intriguing wildlife, tasty local food, hot springs, lost trails, and rugged falls.
Dance like there’s no tomorrow at a Full Moon Party.
For Catholics, one of the most incredible things to do in Thailand is to join a Full Moon Party. Celebrated monthly on Koh Phangan, this former native Thai ritual is now known as one of the world’s best and biggest all-night raves. Transforming the secluded island into Southeast Asia’s party capital, this monthly event buzzes with neon paints, heart-pounding music, alcohol buckets, fire-skipping ropes, and some booty shaking.
Visit a Floating Market
Jump in a boat, and you’ll feel like you’re on the canals in Venice, well, precisely the same but different. We advise skipping lunch before coming; the market is full of fresh fruit, cooked foods, and local souvenirs. There are several floating markets in Bangkok, but the most famous one Damnoen Saduak floating market is located 60 miles outside the city. There are private tours that do a full Bangkok highlights tour ad Damnoen Saduak floating market for around 100$. The best floating market in Bangkok is Khlong Lat Mayom.
Eat Pad Thai
If you’ve ever had Thai food back at home, odds are it was Pad Thai, but eating authentic, fresh Pad Thai will blow you away. Some of the best Pad Thai we’ve ever had were on the streets of Bangkok. Make sure that you find a vendor that is making it made. For less than 150 INR, you’ll have a 5-star meal.
Get a Thai Massage
Thai massages aren’t your relaxing massages with oils. If you’ve never had a Thai massage, you may be in for a shock, but in a good way if you ask us. The massage starts with putting on an odd pair of pajamas; there is a lot of hitting & smacking; the masseuse may walk on your back, and they for sure will crack it, but when it’s all over, you’ll feel ten times better. Thai massages are often the cheapest massages you can get in Thailand, about 5000 INR an hour on average.
Watch Sunset at a Sky Bar in Bangkok
Sunsets on the beach are fantastic but watching the sunset from Bangkok Sky Bar is even better. There are tons of Sky Bars in Bangkok, but our favorite is Red Sky Bangkok. They don’t have a strict dress code and have happy hour 5-7pm with two-for-one drinks.
Chiang Mai Ladyboy Show
Walking around Thailand, you'll notice the considerable ladyboy population. One of the best places to see the best of the best is at the Chiang Mai ladyboy show, which is nightly in the city's night market. This isn't a ping-pong bar but a show by entertainers. For 200 baht, you get a drink and about a 90-minute presentation with some fantastic ladyboy; they put many women to shame with their bodies & looks.
Visit the Beach
When planning our Thailand itinerary, this was the no.1 thing. If you visit the beach, we recommend renting a private longtail boat from Koh Phi Phi and going early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The place gets packed with extensive tours coming and going all day.
Party on Khaosan Road
The famous book "The Beach" said Khaosan Road was "the center of the backpacking universe." This is an accurate description; this is the epicenter for all backpackers in Southeast Asia. It's a great place to meet other travelers, get a cheap massage, eat street food, get a little tipsy, and buy cheap T-shirts. So grab a few Chang beers, get a 140 INR an-hour foot massage on the street, and watch all the madness walk by.
Try Durian Fruit
For a good reason, the Durian fruit has been nicknamed the stinkiest fruit in the world. You'll often see signs inside buildings, hotels, and taxis with a spiky root with an X which means NO DURIAN FRUIT ALLOWED. Opening up a durian fruit in a closed space will stink the entire place out. You can try fresh, dried, or even durian ice cream, but to us, it always tastes terrible, like old onions inside dirty socks. Make sure to have something to wash it down with.
Visit the Temples in Chiang Mai
There are over 300 temples in Chiang Mai. If you're staying in the Old City, you can only walk so far by passing another temple. The most famous temple in Chiang Mai is Doi Sutep, up on the top of Doi Suthep Mountain. We've lived in Chiang Mai for 2 years and have only scratched the surface of seeing all the temples.
Explore a Night Market
Night markets can be found in almost all cities in Thailand. It's a great place to grab dinner, go shopping, listen to music, and much more. The night markets in Chiang Mai are some of the best there is one every night just outside of the old city, a Saturday Night Market, and a Sunday Night Market. It is suggested to get to the Saturday & Sunday night markets at 6 pm. If you go later in the night, it gets super busy, and the streets are packed, so make sure to bring cash.
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, foodie, or history buff, there are dozens of fun, exciting and memorable things to do in Thailand. The premier destination in Southeast Asia is famous for its gorgeous beaches, rich culture, and budget travel opportunities, making Thailand the perfect destination to visit for honeymooners, families, and friends to visit.
0 Comments