A-Z Activities in Thailand
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is an ancient Thai city just outside of Bangkok. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of Thailand (then referred to as Siam), the first being Sukhothai. In its heyday, due to its prime, central location between the surrounding countries, Ayutthaya was arguably the trade capital of the world. Merchants travelled far and wide to reach this haven. Then, in 1767, the burmese invaded the amazing city and burned it to the ground leaving behind only a few ruins to give travelers an idea of what the monumentally impressive city must have once looked like. Recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, Ayutthaya is easily visited on a day tour from Bangkok.
Bangkok
Welcome to the booming metropolis and capital city of Thailand: Bangkok. Bangkok is a delight for travelers from all backgrounds. Full of ancient temples and palaces, Bangkok is the perfect place for a history buff. If you’re looking for good shopping and souvenirs, look no further than Bangkok’s bustling marketplaces, street stalls, and shopping centers. Bangkok is a dream come true for foodies, whether you are looking for delicious street food or high-end Thai cuisine. And if you are a backpacker looking to meet fellow travelers and share a few cocktails, Khao San Road is the place for you. With an area of over 1500 square kilometers and a population of over 8 million, there is plenty to explore in Bangkok and travelers will never be bored.
Beaches
A trip to Thailand is not complete without visiting some of the beautiful white sand beaches on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Make your friends back home very jealous as you relax with a cocktail and a good book and work on your tan.
Cooking classes
Cooking classes can be found throughout Thailand and can be an excellent way to learn about the delicious flavors that make up your favorite Thai dishes. It is also a good chance to maneuver the busy markets with a local as many chefs take their students to the market to collect the ingredients they will use in their lesson.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is considered to be the northern capital of Thailand and is an escape from the frenetic and hectic Bangkok. The city was the original seat of the Lanna Kingdom and tends to be a very calm and laid-back place, popular with travelers and sightseers. Famous for its incredible markets, delectable food and lush, mountainous landscape, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas. Even just walking through the streets, visitors will realize that the city is a much more authentically Thai experience than its counterpart, Bangkok.
Diving
For thrill-seekers, Thailand offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. Most of the diving sites are located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of southern Thailand. However, Ko Tao on the opposite coast in the Gulf of Thailand is also an excellent place for divers. There will be many chances to see sharks and other large species of fish and the best coral is located in the Andaman Sea.
Elephant sanctuaries
Three of the most reputable elephant sanctuaries in Thailand are the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, and Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary outside the village of Baan Tuel. At all three of these sanctuaries, the safety and happiness of the elephants is a priority and guests will have the chance to feed and bathe the elephants. Guests will also learn how to interact with the amazing creatures as a mahout, a Thai elephant trainer.
Floating markets
There are five floating markets in the areas surrounding Bangkok. The most popular one is Damnoen Floating Market. The best way to visit the floating markets is to book a guided tour. You will wake up very early in the morning and ride out of Bangkok in an air-conditioned minibus for about an hour before arriving at the floating markets. When you have arrived, guests will climb in a long tail boat and take a 20 minute boat ride before they reach the market and begin drifting through the many stalls. Enjoy bartering with the many vendors and just enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds all around. Although the floating markets have become more of a tourist attraction than a local market, it is still an amazing experience and a nice morning away from hectic Bangkok.
Festivals
Thailand is so rich in culture and history. One of the most amazing things to experience while you are there are the many national festivals that occur annually. Depending on the time of year that you visit, look at which festivals are occurring at different locations throughout the country. Some of the most famous festivals include Songkran, a water festival that celebrates the Thai New Year, and the beautiful spectacle of Loi Krathong which occurs at a different time every year.
Grand Palace
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is the most popular landmark in the city. It’s stunning architecture and elaborate design make it a must-see for all tourists visiting the city. Built in 1782 as home to the Thai King, the Royal court, and the administrative seat of government, vast amounts of Bangkok’s political and governmental history lie in the walls of the Grand Palace. Most impressively, within the complex, lies the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaeo Morakot — home to Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture.
Hiking
Treks are plentiful in Thailand. While many of them are located in Chiang Mai Province, it is also worth looking at the trekking tours available in Chiang Rai, Mae Sariang, Nan, and Umphang. Regardless of location, travelers will undoubtedly enjoy the lush green scenery and the incredibly panoramas that these tours have to offer.
Islands
The most famous islands in Thailand are Koh Pangan and Koh Samui, however there are a number of other islands off the coastlines of the country. Visit these islands and their beautiful white sand beaches with crystal blue waters, incredible trekking adventures, gorgeous views, and plenty of chances to just relax in the sun.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is another easy day trip from Bangkok. Located in the west of Thailand, approx. 123 km from Bangkok, this city has great historical significance. Take a day or two to travel to Kanchanaburi and visit famous sites like the Bridge over the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass, and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. All three attractions give travelers deep insight into the environment and experiences gone through by allied prisoners of war in Kanchanaburi during the Second World War.
Long tail boat rides
Whether you are navigating through the floating markets outside of Bangkok or meandering along the Mekong, a ride in a traditional long tail boat is something that every visitor to Thailand must experience.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is a combat sport that uses stand-up striking as well as a number of clinching techniques. The sport requires great amounts of physical and mental discipline and training. The sport is also known as “the art of eight limbs” because it is characterized by the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins in order to utilize all parts of the body in this fighting technique. There are boxcamps all throughout Thailand that offer lessons to travelers interested in learning this amazing form of combat.
Markets
Thailand is full of busy marketplaces, an aspect of daily life in Thailand that makes it incredibly unique. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs at the floating markets in Bangkok, shopping for food for your cooking class, or simply wandering around and looking for an authentic Thai experience, the markets throughout the country cannot and should not be missed.
National parks
Thailand’s countless number of national parks are wonderful places to experience the different wildlife and plantlife in this part of the world. Some of the most popular national parks include Erawan National Park, Khao Yai National Park, Khao Sok National Park, and Phang Nga Bay.
Phuket
Although Phuket has become another of the many tourist-havens in Thailand, the island was originally sought after by money-hungry merchants from all over the world. These influences from the outside are noticeably today as you walk through the streets. From Sino-Portuguese architecture to Chinese Taoist shrines, the province has fused influences from far and wide to create a unique little paradise in the Andaman Sea. No trip to Phuket is complete without visiting the beautiful white sand beaches and snorkeling through the famed Phang Nga Bay.
Railay Beach
Railay is a small peninsula between Krabi and Ao Nang. In order to reach Railay, one must take a boat due to the towering limestone cliffs that cut off access to the mainland. Famous for rock-climbing, the area is also known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere. It is easy to find affordable accommodation (not always true on Thailand’s coastlines). Ton Sai is popular with climbers and backpackers while the more glamorous side of the peninsula is found in West Railay. Many of the shops and restaurants are located on the East Railay boardwalk.
Snorkeling
Experience the incredible marine life in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand on a snorkeling tour. The best coral reefs are located in the Andaman Sea and five of the best places to snorkel in Thailand are Ko Surin, Ko Similan, Ko Lipe, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Tao and Ko Talu.
Tree house living
Live amongst the birds for a few nights in one of Thailand’s treehouse resorts. Enjoy the sounds of nature and the gentle breeze coming through your window at Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort, Khao Sok Treehouse Resort, or Bangkok Treehouse.
Yoga retreats
Experience your true self through the act of practicing yoga. Thailand offers many luxury yoga retreats throughout the country. Take classes with professional yoga instructors, soak up the knowledge, enjoy massages and facials, and learn about the many different detoxing techniques used by practitioners of alternative medicine throughout the region. A yoga retreat is a great way to treat yourself to some quality relaxation and build up some energy before continuing on your journey.
Zipline
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, enjoy a tree-top tour by zipline! Most zipline tours in Thailand are located in the mountainous northern region of the country, although there are some located in the south as well. Zip through the trees and learn about the different species of birdlife, wildlife, and plantlife in the region you are traveling through.
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