The 8 Best Things to do in Thailand from Iconic to Hidden Gems

BEST THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND

1. Visit Temple
2. Try Local Food
3. Join Festival
4. Chill at the Beach
5. Visit Local Market
6. Rafting
7. Caving
8. Wellness

1) Visit Temple

In case you didn’t know, Thailand is a buddhist-majority country. Although other religions such as Hinduism are also present in the country, you’ll find a huge number of buddhist temples - called Wat in Thai - throughout Thailand.

If you take a tour of Thailand, you’ll find just how valuable these wats are to Thai people. They not only consider it a sacred place of worship, but also as a place to stop by in times of worry and chat with a monk, and a place which is pure. Therefore, temples make up an essential part of the beloved country we call Thailand, and any trip to the country is incomplete if you don’t see these temples.

Visiting temples is interesting for both personal and communal reasons. Not only do they give you a chance to reflect and retreat, but also see the lifestyle of traditional Thai people.

In total, there are more than 40,000 temples in Thailand, Even though not all of them are functional today, there are some that have kept their importance alive and are very popular. The following are some popular wats in Thailand:

• Wat Rong Khun: Wat Rong Khun, or “the White Temple” in English, was once a temple, but it was taken over by a Thai artist in the 1990s who turned it into an exhilarating art gallery. Today, Wat Rong Khun stands as a completely white structure with beautiful carvings and stonework. You enter the usobot, or the main building of the temple through a bridge built over a pond. Wat Rong Khun is truly a sight to behold if you like both artistic and cultural displays
• Wat Arun: Wat Arun, or “Temple of Dawn” in English, is a Hindu temple that is very popular among travellers. Its spire is 70 metres tall and is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. The architecture consisting of Chinese porcelain flowers and glass mosaic will catch your eye and make you fall in love with the place!
• Wat Pho: Wat, also known as The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a huge temple within Bangkok that is famous for its huge Buddha statue. The statute, which is covered in gold leaf, has very interesting feet with mother of pearl engravings and many symbols. The place receives thousands of visitors who love to drop coins in the 108 bowls around the temple, believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. You should visit Wat Pho to reconnect with your spiritual self and have an amazing experience!
• Wat Phra Kaew: Wat Phra Kaew, or “The Emerald Temple” in English, is one of the holiest and most famous temples in Thailand. The name “Emerald Temple” comes from the glistening green emerald Buddha statue that remains inside the temple. On the temple’s entrance, you’ll also see two intriguing figures of yakshis or mythical demons who protect the temple.
• Wat Saket: War Saket is one of the oldest temples in Thailand. Its hidden location is an interesting thing as the temple is situated on the top of a hill. Due to this, you’ll find yourself in solitude when you visit Wat Saket. The place is perfect for some photography and some time alone.
• Wat Mahathat: Wat Mahathat, although currently in ruins,, is a stunning temple in Thailand where dozens of visitors come especially to see the Budda statue and other features. It is located in a historical park alongside other ruins.

2) Try Local Food

Thai cuisine is well-known all around the world, especially for the unusual ingredients oftentimes (read: insects). But one thing’s for certain, people all around the world love Thai food, and what’s better than trying it right where it’s from?

Trying Thai food is a must while in Thailand. This is because the authentic Thai flavor can only be found in Thailand and visitors get to know the major differences in the flavor back home. Thai food, especially street food, is also very cheap, making it affordable for many people.

Alongside having several high-end restaurants, Thailand has food stalls on regular streets serving up authentic Thai food. Many famous Thai dishes such as Pad Thai can be bought from street food vendors with ease.

The following are some Thai foods that you must try while in Thailand:

• Durian fruit
• Pad Thai
• Scorpion
• Crispy crickets (no one’s forcing you though)
• Ant salad
• Thai iced coffee
• Thai bucket

3) Join Festival

Festivals in Thailand are another major part of the Thai experience. These festivals feature many things, from cultural practices to religious rituals, and you should definitely become a part of at least one.

Thai festivals are very popular among tourists because they offer a view of the way Thai people like to celebrate. Also, the festivities, colors and celebrations make for a fun and enjoyable time.

The following are some popular Thai festivals:

• Songkran: Songkran is the Thai new year festival where it’s all about getting soaked! Being a very exciting festival, Songkran takes place from April 13 to April 15 and is best celebrated in Chiang Mai. People are seen squirting water at each other with their water guns.
• Loy Krathong: Loy Krathong on the lantern festival is a famous Thai festival in which Thai people gather near lakes and ponds and release rafts laden with flowers, candles and incense. It’s a beautiful evening and the lights and celebrations give a pleasant glow to the whole country.Loy Krathong is usually celebrated during the month of November.
• Bang Fai Phaya Nark: Bang Fai Phaya Nark or Naga Fireballs are a mysterious Thai phenomenon seen each year on the Mekong River. People believe that each year glowing spheres rise up into the sky from the Mekong River’s water, before disappearing. These balls are small and large in size.
• Yi Peng: Yi Peng comes under Loy Krathong but mainly refers to the lanterns that are released up into the sky each year at the fullmoon of the 12th lunar month every year. The golden and yellow lanterns light up the sky and make it very beautiful.

4) Chill at the Beach

Thai beaches are clean, soothing and amazing. Visiting these beaches can elevate your experience in Thailand and you should definitely give them a try. These beaches are usually crowded for these very reasons and you’ll likely see other tourists just like you.

People love Thai beaches because of the many activities you can do there. From snorkelling to scuba diving, to having beachside parties, Thai beaches will give you an experience of a lifetime.

5) Visit Local Market

And is any trip complete without shopping? It’s not! Shopping in Thailand’s local markets can involve either visiting street markets, or even floating markets where trade takes place on boats. Local markets in Thailand are quite interesting because they offer a lot of variety at low prices.

Visitors love shopping in Thailand due to not only the cheap rates, but also the colors and environments of these markets.

The following are some famous street markets in Thailand:

• Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street
• Yaowarat
• Phuket Walking Street
• Chatuchak
• Cicada Walking Street

On the other hand, the concept of floating markets is a bit different. You hop onto a boat and the person who helps move your boat takes you along the water where you can find all kinds of goods on the banks. You may then instruct the driver to stop wherever you want and buy whatever you want. Isn’t that fun?

The following are some famous floating markets in Thailand:

• Amphawa Floating Market
• Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

6) Rafting

The large number of water bodies in Thailand means you can do most activities that require water. This includes rafting which is popular among many travellers. Safety equipment is provided to you and you row your raft across the unruly water the way you want.

Travellers enjoy rafting in Thailand because it involves adventure. It’s a non-traditional activity too so the ones who are a bit daring like to go for it. You should definitely try rafting in Thailand if you identify as an adventure seeker!

Here are the 2 top places to raft within Thailand:

• Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi is one of the best Thai places for rafting because of the high level of adventure it offers. Instead of traditional rafts, there are bamboo rafts in Kanchanaburi! These rafts are most difficult to control and navigate, but are perfect for the more experienced rafters.
• Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai, with its 6 miles long Mae Taeng river, is the perfect Thai place for some rafting. Although traditional rafts are used, this gives the chance to beginner and medium level rafters to enjoy the sport. You can raft next to the lush green forests and other beautiful scenery, taking the experience to the next level.

7) Caving

You should try caving because it’s a unique experience travellers usually like to gain. The caves are accessible to tourists easily and this makes it a must that you visit.

The following are some popular caves open to tourists in Thailand:

• Tham Khao Luang: Tham Khao Luang cave is a cave-temple open to tourists at certain times during each day. It remains open from 7am to 7pm and you can visit anytime in between to see the elaborate temple built inside the cave. Overall, it’s a new experience to visit caves such as Tham Khao Luang.
• Phraya Nakhon Cave: Phraya Nakhon Cave is one of the most serene and beautiful caves in Thailand. It’s situated only 45 minutes away from the south of Hua Hin. One of the cave’s 2 chambers lets sunshine pour in, while the other contains the Kuha Karuhas pavilion. They both are quite beautiful.
• Tham Lum Khao Ngu Aka: Tham Lum Khao Ngu Aka Cave is a stunning Thai cave, and has the world’s tallest cave column right inside it. Although the cave has quite an old inside, it’s still very beautiful to see.

8) Wellness

Once you’re done with all the adventure and all the wandering, won’t you love the perfect relaxing stay at a spa, receiving a massage the Thai way, sipping on a cocktail, getting all your tiredness pulled away?

Well, a Thai massage might shake you up a bit, but it’s the most relaxing thing ever! Thai massages consist of lots of smacking and hitting, and even the masseuse literally walking all over you, but you turn out more energized than you’ve ever been. A Thai massage is different from other massages in that it doesn’t involve as much oil-rubbing and gentle-touching!

Other forms of wellness activities include yoga. You can do yoga at Thai gyms, or at special yoga centres. Moreover, yoga is also a common practice in Buddhism and you may be able to do it in temples. It may be the perfect stretch and twist after a long day of travelling.

Luxury spas are another great thing about the Thai wellness industry. These spas offer the most soothing services including facials, manicures, pedicures and much more to get you all tidied up and rejuvenated!

Cookery classes are yet another simple yet fun activity. You may learn the recipes of your favorite Thai dishes by experts and find a new love for all things cooking.