The Land of Smiles, Thailand is a paradise on Earth. I should know, I’ve pretty much lived here for the last 10 years.
Dotted with glittering temples jutting out of the lush-green forest canopies, the country has a rich cultural history. But visiting Thailand is not limited to temple exploration.
Limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea like ancient sentinels, longtail boats resting on reflective white sands, underwater theatrics of the coral reefs, and dreamy lakes & tranquil nature parks – Thailand is a treasure trove of vivid, ethereal, and fathomless natural beauty.
And for your mortal pleasures, the country offers delectable street food, unparalleled shopping, relaxing massage, and bestial Muay Thai, Muay Boran, & Muay Chaiya.
So, if visiting Thailand is on your wishlist, this rundown of the 10 very best things to do in Thailand will give you a headstart.
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Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Thailand:
- Khao Yai National Park
- Khao Sok National Park
- Street Food Tour (Chiang Mai)
- Elephant Nature Park
- The Grand Palace
- Thai Massage
- Muay Thai Fight
- Full Moon Party
- Floating Market
- Thai Cooking Class
Top 10 Very Best Things to do in Thailand
1. Find Peace at Khao Yai National Park
Nothing is more peaceful than Mother Nature cradling your withered soul on her lap. If that is what you desire, head over to the Khao Yai National Park, which happens to be Thailand’s first national park and one of the largest monsoon forests in Asia.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand is spread over 2,168 square kilometers and is home to over 300 bird species.
Laced with mountains, forests, and hiking trails, the park can give you glimpses of wild elephants, macaques, gibbons, bears, and deer.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the couple of picture-perfect and majestic waterfalls that can be easily accessed via a car.
2. Step Into the Unspoilt Khao Sok National Park
One of the most well-preserved and unspoiled places in southern Thailand is the Khao Sok National Park. At its heart is the famed Cheow Lan Lake with limestone cliffs protruding out of the still waters.
The lake is home to some unique flora and fauna that you can’t find elsewhere in Thailand.
One of the least-populated places in the country, the national park boasts picturesque landscapes.
The enchanting silence is occasionally stirred by the whooshing wind and the myriads of animal calls that only magnify the harmonious tranquility that blankets the area.
Pro Tip: Spend a night in a floating tent on the calm lake and you will never want to wake up from your dreamy slumber.
3. Go On a Delectable Street Food Tour
If you are in Thailand, eat street food, period. The best place to experience street food is Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
The city is a melting pot of international and local cultures and a popular hub for digital nomads. No wonder, people there look for cheap food.
The dozens and dozens of street food stalls in Chiang Mai cater to the needs of people with delicious street food that range from the popular and delicious local Khao Soi (my fave Thai dish) to steamed buns, stewed pork legs, crispy roasted ducks, and more.
Pro Tip: Try the local Khao Soi – for as little as 50baht (just over $1), you’ll get a bowl of fresh noodles, covered in the most amazing curry sauce with pork, or chicken and topped with crispy noodles, red onions & lime. Amazing!
4. Interact With the Gentle Giants at the Elephant Nature Park
Not just luscious Thai food, but even elephants are an integral part of Thai culture. The elephant is the National Animal of Thailand.
You can experience an unforgettable experience of mingling with these gentle giants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
A rescue and rehabilitation center and an elephant sanctuary, this place will give you ample opportunities to interact with rescue elephants that had a rough life.
Pro Tip: Enjoy a memorable stay at Elephant Hills – Thailand’s first luxury tented camps.
5. Visit The Grand Palace
Bangkok’s most recognizable tourist spot – the Grand Palace oozes gold-dripping splendor that exudes a romantic vibe when it is lit by the soft rays of the setting sun.
From 1782, the Grand Palace was the residence of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand). Not just the Grand Palace, but the surrounding buildings are equally breathtaking.
When you step into the precincts of the Grand Palace, you will step into a completely different chapter in time with Royal residences, civic buildings, and temples – all shaped using exotic traditional Thai architecture.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the nearby Wat Pho (home to Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha), Emerald Buddha, and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).
6. Experience a Quintessential Thai Massage
To truly experience Thai culture, you need to experience the quintessential Thai massage that involves a lot of cracking, slapping, pulling, and walking on your back.
You will be in for a surprise, but when it is all done, you will not only feel relaxed but also feel the blood rushing through your pulsating veins.
You can enjoy a relaxing traditional Thai massage for as little as $6 an hour, but in reputed parlors, the prices can go up to $15 an hour.
Pro Tip: Avoid massage scams in the name of happy endings. Yes, they exist but settle for an authentic Thai massage parlor that publicly displays the prices.
7. Witness a Brutal Muay Thai Fight
A visit to this country in south east Asia cannot be complete without witnessing a Muay Thai fight.
Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is Thailand’s national sport and as such there are fights and training centers across the country although Bangkok is the best place to watch a ring fight.
If you’re into something a little more brutal, watch a Muay Boran fight. It is not classed as a sport because it was born on a battlefield and is pretty deadly. Similar brutality persists with Muay Chaiya, which too, isn’t a ring sport.
If this floats your boat, a local guide can (maybe) arrange for entry in a school like Muay Sangha located 5 kilometers from the center of Chiang Mai.
Pro Tip: Head to the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok to watch a Muay Thai ring fight. You can also take a quick lesson if you want.
8. Vibe at a Full Moon Party
If you are a party animal, vibing at a Full Moon Party at Koh Pha-Ngan island is one of the top things to do in Thailand.
A Full Moon Party is an all-night dance party where you can enjoy exquisite Thai food and the famous Thai Bucket which serves your favorite drink mixed with coke and ice in a bucket.
In case you miss one of those Full Moon Parties that take place once a month, there are Half Moon Parties, which are still super fun but not as massive.
9. Visit the Floating Markets
When you visit Thailand, make it a point to witness the floating markets.
There are several such markets in Bangkok, but the most famous one is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market located 60 miles outside Bangkok.
Locals load their boats with fresh produce, handicrafts, spices, and various local souvenirs and sell them to other boat owners or people on the sidewalk.
Another popular floating market is the Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram which opens only in the afternoons.
Also, check out the Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market which is mostly frequented by the locals.
10. Take a Thai Cooking Class
