Top-Rated Things to do or Explore in Thailand
There are so many things
to do in Thailand that any list would be incomplete. These top things to do
will give you some of the most popular ideas for what to do and this might help
you decide how to spend the most of your stay in the “Land of Smile”.
Tour Bangkok's Wats - One of the best ways to get a feel for the Thai
way of life is to take a tour of Bangkok's Wats (Buddhist temples). You will no
doubt be entranced by the architecture and artful creations as much as by the
spirituality beheld within. No Thailand travel tour is complete without a visit
to the Emerald Buddha.
Cruise the "River
of Kings" - Simply by taking
a riverboat cruise down the River of Kings, you can get an incredible education
in the history and lore of the region. In Thailand, the river is a source of
life and it's clearly evident as you witness riverside life and culture in its
entire splendor.
Take a memorable train trip across the
notorious River
Kwai Bridge at Kanchanaburi.
The world-famous Bridge Over River Kwai is a long-standing reminder of the POWs
who lost their lives in World War II, and it can be an emotional visit. No
visit to the bridge is complete without also visiting the war museum nearby to
get a sense of the achievement and the tragedy of the time.
Get to know Northern Thailand better, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son by trekking, riding an elephant or rafting through this spectacular region. Check
out the Golden Triangle,
where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
Try Snorkeling - with unbelievable views both above and below the
water, taking a Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Trip at Koh Samui will
leave you breathless (in a good way!). Bright colors surround you as you dive
below the crystal waters. Between the coral and the playful fish, you'll
appreciate the brilliant hues and the ebb and flow of underwater life. Leave
the comforts of your hotel behind
and take a dive into the beautiful waters of the country.
Take part in a Thai Holiday. You can see a different side of the Thai people
and you’ll enjoy a lot too. There are many to choose from:
Loy Krathong
(night of the full moon in November), Celebrated everywhere.
Songkran,Thai
new years, is also very fun (april 13-15th) Celebrated everywhere.
The king's
birthday (December 5th), Celebrated in Krung
Tep.
The Rocket
Festival (2nd week of May) Celebrated in the North-East.
The Vegetarian
Festival (late September to early October) celebrated in Trang and Phuket.
Explore Caves by Canoe - These caves and "Hongs" were
previously undiscovered until 1990. Along with a guide, traverse the hidden
waterways past centuries old stalactites until you reach the secluded Thailand
beaches where you can stop for a swim in the warm water.
Visit a National Park or two (or 10) -Thailand has one of the best National Parks systems in the world.
There are over 70 National Parks in Thailand, with everything you can imagine,
Waterfalls, Mountains, elephants, Tropical fish, Caves, all kinds of birds and
much more. They are fun, cheap and you generally don't need any special gear to
go most places.
Treat yourself to a Thai massage and you'll never regret it.
Although a traditional Thai massage can be a little harsh for many people if
you're not used to it, but it's definitely a great way to de-stress your body.
If you're not into the less-than-gentle manipulations, then try a foot massage
instead.
Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market in
Bangkok - The largest outdoor market in
Asia, Chatuchak Market has more than 14,000 stalls and sells everything from
clothing to shoes, animals to furniture, flowers to food, books to jewelry.
It's all at Chatuchak (known as J.J. by the locals) and, as bartering is not
only recommended but required, the prices are cheap too. Next to Mo Chit sky
train station, you can't miss it, especially because there'll be 200,000 other
people there.
Shop at the Floating
Markets - Outside
of Bangkok, you can ride a long-tail riverboat down the river to the Floating
Market, where vendors have their wares for sale on hundreds of Thai canoes. As
far as Thailand
transportation, or how to get around the country is concerned, this is a real treat.
Everything from sweets, meats, vegetables and fruits are on display in a
dizzying array of appealing colors and scents. It's like no market you've ever
visited before.
The Bangkok Night life and
restaurants are just amazing. The stunning Thai cuisine is worth
exploring and sampling as there's so much variety to choose from. With plenty
of entertainment to suit every possible taste, style and preference, there is
so much to explore and enjoy here that you'll be returning to your hotel in the
early hours of the morning.
Watch Muay Thai (Thai kick-boxing) match; this traditional sport can be seen every day
of the year at the major stadiums in both Bangkok and the provinces. Thai
boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively
music.
Try Thai cooking at one of
many cookery schools. Learn how to blend the many herbs and spices that provide
the unique flavors of Thai food.