Coolest Things to do in Thailand

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Thailand is one of the most exciting countries to visit. No matter what time of year you visit, or for how long, there is an infinite number of unforgettable and unique things to do in this magical country. Here’s what to do in Thailand.

Elephants in Chiang Mai

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Visiting the elephants in Thailand is definitely a must, but do some research first to ensure you are going to an ethical sanctuary. The Elephant Rescue Sanctuary in Chiang Mai takes in abused and mistreated elephants and retires them in comfort. Visiting this sanctuary is by far one of the best things to do in Thailand.

Riding elephants at the sanctuary are completely forbidden, but you can feed them, go into the river and bathe with them, as well as go on walks with your new big-eared friends. Start your tour at the poo park, where you will learn about how the dung is recycled. Trust us, it’s the start of an amazing adventure.

Thai Massage

You can’t go to Thailand and not experience one of the most famous things they are known for, a Thai Massage. On almost every street and in every market, there are massage parlours offering quick, or full-body massages.

Exploring one of the many massive markets Thailand can take a toll on your feet, and a quick 20-minute foot massage will get you back on your feet in no time at all.

Book a Thai massage here!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

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While you are still in Chiang Mai, the one thing you need to do is get up really early one morning, before the sunrise. Once you are awake, you should definitely take a hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise over the city.

Watching the sunrise in Thailand is one of the most beautiful things you will see anyway, but watching it while up high in the air makes it even more unforgettable. Enquire at your hotel about the trips and make it one of the first things you book, as it’s one of the top things to do in Thailand.

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay in Phuket is one of the most famous beach destinations in all of Thailand. With many limestone cliffs standing high above the water, it is a very unique and beautiful sight.

You can even see the famous James Bond Island, named after the character when part of the film The Man With The Golden Gun was filmed there.

Explore Phang Nga Bay on a longboat!

Snorkelling

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Thailand is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters in the world. A holiday here isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, and once you get there, snorkelling is a must. A snorkelling trip provides you with some of the most interesting things to see in Thailand.

Koh Tao is the go-to location for snorkelling, and there are many tours available to let you explore everything hidden underneath the water. The tours are very budget-friendly, and equipment is incredibly cheap to buy or rent.

Book a snorkelling tour here!

Floating Market

The Floating Market in Bangkok is another must-see hotspot. Spend the morning travelling up and down the river, eating, buying whatever your heart desires, and experiencing the city in an incredibly unique way.

The wooden boats will take you wherever you want to go and this is a perfect time to pick up some great souvenirs and gifts.

Temple Tours

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As a strongly Buddhist country, there are thousands of temples and shrines spread across the country, with hundreds of them found in the main cities. There are many of them that are incredibly unique and if you aren’t sure where they all are, you are going to miss some.

A temple tour is the best way to see and explore some of the best temples in the country. Whether you are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or any of the other major cities, you can book a temple tour and have a guided walk you through some of these magnificent structures. It’s one of the Thailand things to do you simply can’t miss out on.

Book a temple tour here!

Wat Pho

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the biggest temple complexes in Thailand. Home to the biggest collections of images of Buddha, the temple also houses the enormous Reclining Buddha.

The Reclining Buddha is 15m high and 46m long, and is one of the most exquisite statues in the country, the soles of the 3m high feet are adorned with mother-of-pearl.

Streets Food

Thailand is regarded as having some of the best street food in the world. No matter where you go or where you are, there are hordes of vendors selling anything your stomach desires. Frozen fruit and skewers of meat are common and absolutely delicious.

Even if you are stuck in traffic on one of the many highways and busy roads, there will still be vendors travelling up and down the street ready to offer you some refreshing pineapple or a hearty bowl of noodles.

Book a street food tour here!

Lotus Lake

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In the Northeast of Thailand, there is a spectacular surprise that you may miss if you didn’t know it existed. The north of the country is known for its wide expanses of rice fields, but hidden away amongst the tall elephant grass, is the Lotus Lake.

Lake Nong Han looks like it comes out of a fairy tale. Covered with thousands of lotus blossoms, this lake is a favourite for visitors during Valentine’s Day, but this unique lake is an absolute must-see Thai attraction.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road, located in central Bangkok, is party central. The many clubs, bars, restaurants and Ping Pong Show clubs turns this street into a hub for tourists and locals alike.

You can enjoy some local delicacies such as fried insects, or something more to your taste such as Pad Thai. Relax in one of the many bars and have a local beer or two, before going to a Ping Pong Show, a truly one of a kind show that you will need to see to believe it (not for the kids).

Wat Rong Khun

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Wat Rong Khun is one of many temples found in Thailand, but it is also one of the most unique temples. It is all white, designed to represent the purity of Buddha. Designed by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, there are some unusual murals to be found inside.

There are glass and mirrors on the outside of the temple, that reflect light in the most beautiful way. But, the best time to see the temple is at night, when the moonlight makes the temple look almost otherworldly and ethereal. If you’re looking for what to see in Thailand, this has got to be at the top of your list.

Fish Spa

In many of the markets, streets and hotels, you can experience a fish spa. All you have to do is sit for half an hour and the hundreds of small fish will eat any dead and dry skin off your feet.

It may sound a bit gross, but your feet will be left feeling brand new. If you can withstand the constant tickling, it can be an extremely relaxing experience.

Eat Insects

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As a country with the best street food in the world, there is never a shortage of something to delicious to find and eat. If you’re looking for a strange and unique thing to do in Thailand, keep reading. You can find everything from unusual fruits, noodles, meat skewers, and of course, insects.

Deep-fried locusts or scorpions can be found in almost every market and on every street corner. Considering they are incredibly tasty, don’t be put off by the legs or stingers. They may not all taste like chicken, but Thailand is the best place to explore food.

Join a Muay Thai Camp

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Many people may not think working out is the most fun thing to do while you are trying to relax on holiday, but since Thailand is home to Muay Thai, you do have the chance to join a training camp.

Thailand has produced some of the best Muay Thai fighters to ever live, and have also perfected the training methods, so joining the camp will give you a very tailored and unique experience. Plus, many of the fighters stay at the camp, giving you the chance to see how local Thai’s live. It’s for sure one of the must-do things in Thailand.

Full Moon Party

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The Full Moon Party, on Koh Phangan, is a party not to be missed. Celebrated every full moon, tourists and locals alike gather to dance and party the night away. Be prepared for a ton of people, great music, and an unforgettable experience.

Usually a party for the younger generations, it is open to anybody and everybody. There are many boats that Travel to Koh Phangan for the party, as well as the island itself has many hotels and places to stay if you want to enjoy the island after the party. The Full Moon Party is a must-do in Thailand.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival

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If you are in Thailand during November, the one thing you cannot miss is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. The festival usually takes place in mid-November in Chiang Mai and happens before the Festival of Lights, another must-see in Thailand.

Releasing the thousands of lanterns symbolises letting go of misfortune and bad luck from the previous year, and Buddhists believe making a wish when you release your lantern, will make your wish come true in the new year.

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Final Thoughts on Fun Things to Do in Thailand

Thailand is the home to spectacular scenery, incredible people, and some of the most unique experiences you will ever discover. Whether you are in the city, at the beach, or in the vast countryside, you will find something special to do.

Matt Davison
Matt has done marketing for travel and tourism for over a decade. His first love is SEO, with entrepreneurship hotter on its heels than a girlfriend. When he is not looking up flights back to his next destination, you can find him in the garden, making excuses to walk Rusty, strategizing with the team and tinkering on sites until the early morning.