Things to do in Thailand. Thailand indeed is one of the top travel destinations in the world. This exotic country offers some of the most majestic beaches and stunning views. Its unique culture and traditions are worth experiencing, and the mouthwatering Thai cuisine will leave you speechless. There is so much to do and see; you will get lost on where to start when planning your travel itinerary to Thailand. Here are some of the most amazing things to do in Thailand.
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Explore the Capital
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It has so much historical and cultural heritage you can explore. The Grand Palace is one of the must-sees in Bangkok. A series of buildings dating back to 200 years ago served as the official residence in Thailand. Although the kings don’t live there anymore, it has remained as one of the most touristic sites in Bangkok.
Not far from the Grand Palace, you will see the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho, where the largest statue of reclining Buddha is. Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn beautifully lavished with mosaic detailing, is one of the most prominent sites you shouldn’t miss in Bangkok. It looks absolutely stunning from a distance, and when close to it, you can enjoy the incredible view of the city.
When in Bangkok, don’t skip the delicious local street food. You can as well visit one of the largest markets in the world called Chatuchak. There are around 8000 stalls where you will find absolutely everything; souvenirs, jewelry, electronics, clothes, etc.
It is also worth going on a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, which is the reason why Bangkok is very often called the “Venice of the East.” This beautiful river is flowing through the city and really is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Of course, never leave Bangkok without experiencing real Thai massage. There are many good quality spas in the city you can find to enjoy and relax.
Go on Island Hopping
Thailand is famous in the world, specifically for its gorgeous islands and wide beaches and coastlines. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore some of the most incredible islands in Thailand. On the west coast of Thailand is located Phang Nga Bay, which is known for its picture-perfect limestone rocks and turquoise waters. Phuket washed by the Andaman Sea can be a base point from where you can explore many tiny islands nearby.
Discover white-sand beaches of Phi Phi island, pure waters of Coral, and Ratcha islands. These islands are also ideal for watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The best island to stop by to discover the underwater life is Sumilon, where you can dive deep under the sea.
One of the pearls of Southeast Asia is Koh Rok, a majestic island with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The twin islands are washed by the Andaman Sea with all sorts of colorful fish and undersea plants. This is one of the best locations for family vacations in Thailand. The calm sea, white coast with powder sand, and the surrounding area is excellent for kids. Adventure lovers are welcome to even spend the night in tents by the shore.
See Thailand map at the end of the article.
Visit the Stunning Waterfalls of Thailand
Apart from the gorgeous beaches, mystic history, and delicious cuisine, Thailand also stands out with its breathtaking waterfalls. Erewan Waterfall is one of the most prominent ones. Located in Kanchanaburi Province, only 3 hours drive from Bangkok is one of the top places you should not miss when in Thailand. This waterfall has two sets, one of them is a long cascade with natural limestones, which has naturally created pools with some unique Waterworld.
The second fall is much wider and taller. It is one of the stunning views you will see in the world. It is even possible to pass behind the watery curtain. Erewan is a popular waterfall in Thailand where you can spend a weekend to swim and have fun. Another incredible waterfall is Thi Lor Su, located in central Thailand. It is one of the biggest waterfalls in Thailand and is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
In Thi Lor Su as well, you can swim in the pools beneath the falls and go trekking in the jungles behind it. Haew Narok is another magnificent waterfall located in the south of Thailand. This fierce fall drops around 150 meters through jungle cliffs and crashes down onto the rocks. You will certainly enjoy the natural sounds of this waterfall with its majestic surroundings.
Meet the Elephants
It is known to the world that the elephant is the national symbol of Thailand, and you can find so many ways to encounter them in different places in the country. The Elephant Nature Park, for instance, which is located outside of Chiang Mai, rehabilitates rescue elephants saved from cruelty. Here you can play with these exceptional animals and even spend the night in the park.
It is even possible to book luxury accommodation close to where elephants are. One of these places is Elephant Hills, which is a tented camp with chic hotel rooms close to the elephants you can interact with. This unique experience will guarantee incredible memories to take home with you. See Thailand map at the end of the article.
Thai Festivals
Thailand is a country of unique festivals and celebrations, a number of events you can participate in and feel the local ambiance and spirit. Most of the festivals are planned according to the lunar calendar, and the dates vary every year. Make sure to check the dates of the events taking place in the country during the time of your visit. One of the craziest festivals in Thailand is the Wonderfruit, which takes place in Pattaya. It is an eco-conscious art and music festival lasting four days in December.
Another fun activity in Thailand at Rocket Festival which takes place in Issan. This tradition has remained from pre-Buddhist times; the purpose is to worship the god of rain before the rice planting season. This festival typically happens in May during the full moon period. If you happen to plan your trip to Thailand in November, don’t miss the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai. Thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky right by the banks of Peng River.
There is also a parade and fireworks in this area taking place every year. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance since the hotels get booked fast because of these special occasions.
Thailand remains one of the most exotic Southeast Asian locations in the world and a top tourist destination. This stunning piece of land has so much to offer to its visitors that it’s hard to get bored here. There is something for everyone with various preferences.
When it comes to beach vacations, Thailand has some of the most incredible islands and shores you can spend your vacations at, with lots of water sports and beach activities. The picture-perfect waterfalls and jungles will steal your heart and make you want to stay. It goes without saying that you will definitely enjoy the local Thai cuisine and massages, which you can get in every corner of the main cities and touristic locations.
Don’t waste time; book your trip to Thailand and make sure to include the above-mentioned activities in your travel itinerary to make your trip even more memorable.
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