With so many adventures in Thailand, it’s challenging to decide what Thailand tours to book for your trip to Thailand. If you’re curious about what to do in Thailand, you’ve come to the right place! The capital of Bangkok receives the most visits, but there are many more things to see in Thailand during your next Southeast Asia Adventure Tour. This guide to the best things to do in Thailand features 10 must-do adventures in Thailand—let’s jump in!
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Top 10 Thailand Things to Do
1. Skydiving Over Rayong
If you’re someone who enjoys an adrenaline rush and taking to the skies, skydiving is the ideal activity for your Thailand trip. Thailand is an incredible place to experience skydiving as you dive off the coastal countryside in Rayong. The advantage of skydiving in Thailand is that you can go year-round since the average temperature between March and May is around 30 degrees Celsius.
2. Ziplining and the Flight of the Gibbon
If skydiving is too extreme for you, ziplining is one of the top Thailand things to do for the whole family. Thailand’s mountainous regions, including the forests of Chiang Mai, are ideal for single-person ziplining. The most popular package is the Flight of the Gibbon, which includes rock climbing and mountain biking. Since you’ll travel to the countryside, the experience of staying in a Thai village is an extra perk. Apart from Chang Mai, you can also zipline in Pattaya, Koh Phangan, and Bangkok.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Thailand Tours: Click here to check out the top Thailand tours
Best Thailand Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Thailand
Best Thailand Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Thailand
3. Surfing
Regarding exciting full day of adventures in Thailand, surfing can’t be missed. Bali, the Philippines, and the Australian coast are surfing hotspots in Southeast Asia, but Thailand has plenty of surfer-friendly beaches as well.
North of Phuket, in Khao Lak, you’ll find solid waves for surfing. Depending on the time of the year you plan your Thailand tour, Kalim, Kata, and Nai Harn are also worth exploring. If you’re not a fan of open waters, at least visit a wave pool in Bangkok.
4. Get a Mountain Bike
You can drive, trek, or sail, but cycling is one of the top things to do in Thailand to explore the countryside and cities. Biking enthusiasts should head to Chiang Mai, a cycling paradise where you can ride mountain bikes through mesmerizing forest terrain. In general, the whole of Southern Thailand is suitable for cycling tours.
The trails are challenging but offer beautiful views—you’ll have no trouble falling asleep at the end of the day! You’ll cycle around lakes, forests, and mountains while enjoying the rural backdrop. In Phuket, head to Koh Yao Noi to rent a mountain bike.
5. Take a Sea Kayaking Thailand Tour
Boarding a tourist boat can be stressful and overcrowded, so kayaking is a far better option to take Thailand trips down the coastline. For safety reasons, you should stay near the coastline and not head out to the open sea, which is a mistake many sea kayaking beginners make. Luckily, there are instructors in Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui, making this Thailand tour the perfect addition to any Krabi itinerary.
6. White Water Rafting in Northern Thailand
While sea kayaking is best for those who enjoy a balance between adventure and safety, white water rafting is a more extreme Thailand tour option. Although Thailand isn’t famous for fast-flowing rivers, its rapids range from level 1 to level 5.
Speed isn’t the best thing about white water rafting in places like Pai, Chiang Mai, and Chumpon—it’s the picturesque landscape of rainforests, wild animals, and bamboo camps. A typical rafting Thailand trip lasts between two to six hours, depending on the package you choose.
7. Trekking Through a Thai Jungle
We’ve mentioned Thailand’s rainforests and mountains so much you’ll probably be tempted to pick up a backpack and start trekking through them. You likely won’t be alone, as tour operators offer jungle Thailand tours that take visitors to climb mountain ridges and camp in rainforests. However, the beautiful Thai wilderness shouldn’t be experienced without a guide, as the weather conditions can be treacherous.
8. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Off the Coast of Thailand
Most tourists must decide whether to embark on snorkeling or scuba diving adventures in Thailand, but you should do both if time allows. Thailand is one of the many places worldwide where you can dive into marine life with a snorkel and a dive tank.
Numerous programs in the southern Phang-Nga Province will teach you how to dive like a pro. You’ll explore colorful reefs and swim with the colorful native fish. Open-water dives are another fun Thailand tour that the Malay Peninsula’s west coast offers.
9. Riding an ATV
A trip to Thailand is perfect for adrenaline junkies with a need for speed. There are many ATV group tours nationwide that take you through various terrains. From Phuket to Pattaya, you can rent an ATV and go for a ride that lasts from two to as long as 11 hours.
The best thing about joyriding an ATV through Thailand is that you’re constantly going up and down hills, which feels like a rollercoaster. If you plan your Thailand trip during the summer, don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses and apply sunscreen.
10. Cave Canoeing in Phuket
Take sea kayaking in Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay to the next level by getting a canoe to access the nearby grottos. A sturdy canoe will help you navigate the network of limestone caves, guided by a local for safety reasons. Some tours even include the guide paddling for you, which lets you fully enjoy the scenery.
Where to Stay During Thailand Trips
Now that you know what to do in Thailand, you’re probably wondering where to stay during your vacation. Here are some recommendations for cities and neighborhoods conveniently located near many of the top things to see in Thailand.
- Bangkok:
- Sukhumvit: A vibrant area with shopping malls, nightlife, and various accommodations.
- Silom: Known for its bustling business district, night markets, and proximity to cultural attractions.
- Khao San Road: Famous for its backpacker scene, budget accommodation, and lively atmosphere.
- Chiang Mai:
- Old City: Rich in history, with temples, markets, and various accommodation options.
- Nimmanhaemin: A trendy area with boutiques, cafes, and a youthful atmosphere.
- Phuket:
- Patong Beach: Known for its nightlife, beach activities, and various hotels and resorts.
- Kata and Karon Beaches: Quieter than Patong, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these options!
Hotel Wizpark Ratchada
Nama Hostel Chiangmai
Recenta Phuket Suanluang
Thailand Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Thailand?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Thailand which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Thailand on Amazon here.
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go to flight searching platforms.
🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?
I strongly recommend using 12Go or Bookaway. There are many transport options available such as train, bus, and ferry.
I would strongly advice against driving a car in Thailand but you can easily rent a scooter locally.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Thailand?
First and foremost check out all of the amazing Thailand tours Where Sidewalks End has. They are a small local company and they have some really special experiences.
For everything else I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals. However, Agoda is highly recommended in Thailand and it has the most selection.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Adventures in Thailand: Final Thoughts
Don’t forget to embark on these adventures in Thailand next time you plan a trip to Thailand! The country has thousands of years of rich history with many exciting and unique Thailand tours. With this guide to the best things to do in Thailand, you’re well-equipped to plan a fun and thrilling Thailand tour.
If you want to add some yoga to your Thailand trip, take a look at these blog posts: The 10 Best Thailand Yoga Retreat Options, Yoga in Thailand, and The Insider’s Guide to Yoga in Thailand.
Author Bio
Mark Anderson is a tech geek, blogger, and writer in his free time. He enjoys outdoor activities like camping, fishing, skiing, hiking, and surfing.
