Thailand is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime – not just because of the beautiful tropical nature, fascinating culture, and delicious food, but because there are so many bucket list experiences in Thailand that you can have!
From island hopping and partying under the full moon, to exploring ancient temples, floating markets and elephant sanctuaries, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Thailand!
And the ‘Land of Smiles’ is not just for backpackers – there’s attractions and activities that will interest all types of travellers and plenty of unique things to do in Thailand for couples and families with kids too.
Plus, it’s an easy, safe, and affordable country to explore with friendly people and amazing food – so it’s no wonder it’s the most popular destination in Southeast Asia.
But with so many beautiful places to visit and exciting experiences to be had it’s worth reading my Thailand travel guide and making a bucket list for Thailand so you don’t miss out on anything. I also recommend booking in your itinerary in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you are visiting Thailand during the busy peak season (Dec – Feb.)
So, if you’re planning a trip to this amazing country soon here’s my ultimate Thai bucket list of the best things to do in Thailand to inspire you and help you make the most of your trip to the Land of Smiles.
Pin Me! 😉
The Best Bucket List Experiences in Thailand
Go Island Hopping
Island hopping is something that is top of most travellers Thailand bucket list and for good reason – this tropical paradise is home to some of the world’s most stunning islands and it would almost be a crime not to explore at least a couple of them!
There’s over 1,400 islands in Thailand ranging from large resort islands, to rustic backpacker enclaves, and tiny rocky islets. You can stay on about 60 of Thailand’s islands, whilst others you can only visit on a day trip.
While some Thai islands have been developed for tourism and offer all the modern comforts for the perfect beach vacation, many islands are still uninhabited and are part of protected marine parks where you can experience the pristine natural beauty.
Thailand’s islands are pretty easy to explore by taking the local ferries, hiring a traditional long tail boat, or joining a day trip to whisk you away in a speedboat on an island hopping adventure – it’s a highlight of many trips to Thailand.
Unless you have unlimited time to spend in Thailand, I recommend picking one group of islands rather than trying to see them all. Either the Andaman islands (west coast) or the islands in the Gulf of Thailand (east coast) depending on the time of year you visit Thailand.
You can easily take many island hopping day trips from Phuket to explore spectacular places like Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, Koh Phi Phi, and many more.
The Phi Phi islands are one of the most popular destinations in Thailand because this is where you’ll find the famous Maya Bay where ‘The Beach’ movie was filmed, plus they are easy to reach from both Phuket and Krabi.
Krabi is also a great base for island hopping, don’t miss Railay beach and the 4 islands tour from Ao Nang where you’ll see some of the most beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea with their iconic dramatic limestone cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters.
Alternatively, another amazing island hopping route in the Gulf of Thailand takes in the ultimate tri-fector of Thai islands – the popular resort island of Koh Samui, the hippie and party paradise of Koh Phangan (Koh Pha Ngan) and the scuba diving hotspot of Koh Tao.
The most popular island hopping excursions to add to your bucket list include:
There’s also many less famous islands like Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and Koh Chang that are well worth exploring if you want to get more off the beaten track and avoid the crowds. Read my complete guide to island hopping in Thailand for more information.
Visit The Stunning Temples
Another absolute must on any trip to Thailand is to visit at least one Thai temple. And it’s not difficult because you’ll see these beautiful glittering golden Buddhist temples and monasteries all over Thailand
Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, is home to some of the most famous and dazzling golden temples in the world. They are a great place to marvel at the beautiful art and architecture and to learn more about Buddhism and Thai culture.
The best temples to visit in Bangkok include:
- Wat Phra Kaew – Also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This unbelievably elaborate temple is part of the Grand Palace and an absolute must see.
- Wat Pho – A historic temple near the Grand Palace home to a massive golden reclining buddha and a massage school
- Wat Arun – The temple of dawn rises above the Chao Phraya River and is the most iconic temple in Thailand
- Wat Saket – The Golden Mount has a serene atmosphere with amazing views over the city’s skyline.
But Bangkok’s temples are just the tip of the iceberg! Every temple in Thailand is different and unique so don’t stop at one. You’ll find the most ancient and unique temples in northern Thailand, but equally you’ll find beautiful temples on the islands too.
The old city of Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of interesting temples and one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai is to simply wander around the old town temple hopping.
The top 3 temples you must visit in Chiang Mai are:
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – a famous golden temple perched on a lush mountainside overlooking the city,
- Wat Phra Singh – the most opulent temple in Chiang Mai
- Wat Chedi Luang – home to a ruined stupa and a ‘monk chat’ program where you can ask monks questions about their life and about Buddhism while they get to practice their English.
Further north, the city of Chiang Rai has some unique and colourful modern temples to discover. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is a unique, artistic and modern temple that is one of my all time favourite temples in the world (and I’ve seen ALOT!)
And the islands are not devoid of culture and spirituality either! If you visit Phuket, make sure to see Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha, and in Koh Samui don’t miss Wat Phra Yai and the unique Wat Plai Leam with it’s 18 armed Guan Yin statue.
Visiting the stunning temples is one of the best free things to do in Thailand, as there is usually no charge to enter and they are very welcoming to tourists. Just make sure to act and dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees, and removing your shoes when visiting these sacred sites.
If you’re interested in learning more about Thai culture and Buddhism I recommend taking a temple tour with a knowledgeable local guide (or even a former monk) who can provide insight into the significance and symbolism of each temple.
The best Thai temple tours to add to your bucket list include:
Have An Ethical Elephant Encounter
This next one can be a bit controversial, but having an elephant encounter is still one of the most popular things to do in Thailand and is on most traveller’s bucket lists. The best elephant sanctuaries are found in northern Thailand, but not all elephant camps are ethical.
Visiting an elephant sanctuary is one of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai. Meeting these gentle giants is a humbling, heart warming and unforgettable experience, but it needs to be done in the right way to avoid harming the wonderful elephants. (Read more here about why you shouldn’t ride elephants.)
Before you visit any elephant sanctuary in Thailand it’s important to do your research and choose a responsible and ethical sanctuary like Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai and Phuket Elephant Sanctuary that prioritize the well-being of these majestic creatures and don’t allow elephant riding, bathing, or other unnatural interactions.
Enjoy The Paradise Beaches
Thailand is a tropical paradise with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so no trip would be complete without a beach day – lying on the white sand beaches, swimming in the clear turquoise waters, and sitting under the palm trees sipping on a fresh young coconut – it’s heaven!
Beach lovers are truly spoilt for choice as there are literally hundreds of stunning beaches in Thailand (far too many to mention then all here) from action packed, lively beaches with water sports, beach bars and hotels, to remote, pristine palm fringed beaches in protected national parks that feel like your own slice of paradise – there’s no shortage of beaches in Thailand!
Popular island destinations like Phuket or Koh Samui are the go to hotspots for an easy beach holiday without sacrificing modern comforts and have plenty of beaches to choose from.
If you want a truly relaxing beach vacation I recommend looking beyond the most popular beaches like Patong beach in Phuket and Chaweng beach in Koh Samui which can be crowded and noisy. Read my guides on where to stay and find the best beach to suit you.
And if you want to get off the beaten path and discover quieter, undeveloped beaches head to the national marine parks or to smaller islands like Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe. There’s so many amazing beaches the hardest part is choosing! Here’s more on the best beaches in Thailand to help narrow it down!
Experience A Night Market
No visit to Thailand is complete without experiencing a bustling night market. Once the heat of the day subsides Thailand’s night markets come to life with irresistible street food, bargain shopping, live music and a vibrant and fun atmosphere.
Night markets are the ideal place to enjoy a spot of shopping or a cheap dinner accompanied by a cold beer and some entertainment, or just for a cultural experience. Luckily, night markets or “walking streets” as they are sometimes called, are held in literally every town in Thailand so you’ll never be far away from one.
If you haven’t been to at least one night market – you haven’t really been to Thailand! Bangkok has numerous night markets, one of the most famous is Patpong Night Market but Asiatique The Riverfront is a classier, more family friendly option. It’s a unique open air shopping and entertainment complex located in a 19th-century warehouse along the Chao Phraya River with over 1,500 shops and restaurants to explore and a ferris wheel.
Another great option is Talad Rot Fai Market, also known as the Srinagarindra Train Night Market. This quirky night market has a cool, funky vibe and sells everything vintage and retro.
Some of the best night markets in Thailand are found in Chiang Mai. The Sunday Walking Street Market takes over the old town once a week, but you can also visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar any evening for souvenir shopping, street food snacking and entertainment.
If you’re visiting the islands the markets are your best bet for cheap food and souvenirs. Phuket Old Town has a lively Sunday walking street market while one of the best things to do in Koh Samui is to browse the quirky stalls and eat tasty Thai snacks at the lovely Fisherman’s Village night market.
Ride In A Tuk Tuk
Tuk-tuks are Thailand’s ubiquitous 3 wheeled taxis – yes they are kinda touristy but riding in one is quite an experience and something you should try at least once.
You don’t find so many tuk-tuks on the islands, but you can flag one down pretty much anywhere in Bangkok. However, the tuk-tuk drivers are infamous for overcharging unsuspecting tourists so always make sure you negotiate and agree on the fare before hopping in.
Bangkok’s tuk-tuks come in all manner of unique designs, vibrant colors, and some have on-board party music and disco lights! Make sure to hold on tight – it can be quite a thrilling ride!
One of the best ways to experience riding in this iconic vehicle is by taking a tuk tuk tour of Bangkok. It’s a fun way to get to know the city – perfect for first time visitors or anyone short on time. It’s best to take a tuk tuk tour in the late afternoon or evening once the heat of the day subsides.
In the evening the city really comes alive, the street markets start sizzling with delicious food while famous sights like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Chinatown are all lit up so it’s the best time to explore.
Discover Bangkok’s Waterways
Bangkok is known as “Venice of the East” because of its unique network of ancient waterways, rivers and canals which were the main transportation routes before the roads were built. So if you want to understand the Thai capital you’ll need to get out on the water.
There’s plenty of ways to experience Bangkok’s waterways whatever your budget, whether you hop onto the the local ferry, take a river cruise, or join a canal tour, you’ll be rewarded with a unique sightseeing experience that is much, much more pleasurable than sitting in Bangkok’s traffic – that’s why you shouldn’t miss this off your Thailand bucket list.
A good place to start is on the Chao Phraya River – Bangkok’s main waterway. During the day time you can jump on to the Chao Phraya Express Boat or take the hop on hop off Chao Praya Tourist Boat for a budget-friendly DIY river cruise.
It’s really interesting to see how the city’s skyline transforms from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers and waterfront malls as you move along the river, and you can stop off to explore the sights along the way. In fact, it’s one of my favourite things to do in Bangkok.
The tourist boat is very affordable and has an open air top deck so you can see the sights better, but piling in with the locals on the express boat is also an interesting experience in itself. Bangkok’s local ferries are also a great way to get to the older parts of Bangkok, like Khao San Road, that are not connected by the modern BTS skytrain or metro.
One of the most popular activities in Thailand is taking dinner cruise along Bangkok’s main waterway at night. On the Chao Phraya River Cruise you’ll see many iconic landmarks and temples including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Rama VIII Bridge spectacularly illuminated as you float by. These river cruises usually include a buffet dinner, live music and entertainment and make a nice evening activity.
If you want to get off the beaten track and explore hidden gems in Bangkok you could go on a canal tour (or klong tour.) You’ll travel on a colorful traditional long-tail boat through the smaller canals (or klongs) of Bangkok where you’ll see the authentic way of life of the locals who live along the river banks in traditional wooden stilt houses.
We enjoyed this Bangkok canal tour which explores the canals of Thonburi where you’ll see traditional teak houses on stilts, a cute riverside artist’s village, and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen – a magnificent temple that is home to the biggest golden Buddha in Bangkok!
Try The Street Food
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Thai culture is through its cuisine and street life. Trying the street food is an unmissable bucket list activity in Thailand – it just can’t be emulated in a restaurant setting.
Bangkok, and especially the Chinatown area, is famous for its street food. The best way to experience the tastiest local dishes (without worrying about getting sick!) is by checking out where the locals eat or by taking a street food tour.
Bangkok’s street food tours take you to the best street food vendors and stalls in the city, where you can try a variety of delicious dishes. It’s a great activity to do on your first time in Thailand as you’ll find out which Thai dishes are your favorites as well as getting to know more about the city and Thai culture.
This award winning Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour was designed by a chef and is lead by an expert food guide. You’ll explore the streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown while indulging in over 15 tastings of top dishes like Thai curries, noodles, chicken satay and more.
Experience A Floating Market
Floating markets are one of the most famous attractions in Thailand, so it’s something that’s on many people’s bucket list. Whilst they are not as common in everyday life as they once were, as modern malls have replaced most of the traditional floating markets, there are still some that you can experience.
When you visit a floating market you’ll ride in a small, traditional boat around the canals and see vendors selling fresh fruits, traditional Thai snacks and souvenirs from small boats and jetties. Whilst they are pretty touristy and you’ll need to haggle to get a decent price, Thailand’s floating markets are a unique experience that you won’t find quite the same anywhere else.
The largest and most visited floating markets in Thailand are Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa which are located near Bangkok. They are a little out of the city center and have both become popular tourist attractions but are still well worth adding to your bucket list itinerary.
This half-day small group floating market and railway market tour visits both Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Mae klong railway market where you can witness vendors quickly packing up their goods as a train passes through so you get to have two unique bucket list experiences in one trip!
Admire The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is Thailand’s most famous tourist attraction – and for good reason – it is a spectacular, mind-blowing sight that will give you an important insight into Thai royalty, history and culture.
It’s a sprawling and elaborate complex of royal residences, temples, pavilions, courtyards, and offices that dates back to 1782 and is still the official residence of the Thai royal family.
The monarchy is extremely important to the Thai people and the Grand Palace is the most important royal historical and religious site of the modern era of Thailand.
The undisputed highlight is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) a literally dazzling sight dripping with gold that houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha.
Together, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are the most iconic and important cultural sights in the country so you don’t want to miss this from your Bangkok itinerary. Be aware that there is a dress code and some scams to be aware of so read my guide to the Grand Palace first to plan your visit.
Have A Drink On Khao San Road
The Thai capital’s nightlife is legendary – the city really comes alive after dark and there’s something for everyone – it’s not just about bars and ping pong shows!
One unique experience not to miss is having a drink on the infamous Khao San Road. This lively street is the centre of Thailand’s backpacker scene so it’s a great place to meet other travelers. Khao San Road is lined with bars and nightclubs offering cheap drinks and a buzzing atmosphere and full of stalls and street vendors selling everything from buckets of alcohol to scorpions on sticks and elephant pants.
Whether you’re a backpacker or not checking out Khao San road should be on your Thailand bucket list. This is also a good area to stay in Bangkok for backpackers and budget travellers, but I recommend staying on the quieter streets nearby instead of Khao San Road itself if you actually want to get some sleep!
Dance At The Full Moon Party
If you’re a backpacker or a party animal then dancing under the full moon on a Thai island at the legendary full moon party is something you don’t want to miss.
The original and most popular full moon party can be found at Haad Rin beach on the island of Koh Phangan. Once every four weeks thousands of revellers don neon t-shirts and decorate themselves with glow-in-the-dark paint, fill buckets with alcohol, and party their way up and down the beach that is lined with bars blasting out all kinds of music until sunrise.
If you want to experience the full moon party make sure you book your transport and accommodation on Koh Phangan well in advance as this otherwise laidback island paradise becomes super busy during this time.
But don’t fret if you can’t time your visit to coincide with the full moon period – there are other plenty of other parties on Koh Phangan throughout the month and on other islands too so you won’t miss out.
Other places for crazy nightlife on Thailand island’s include:
If you’re a bit older you might be wondering is the full moon party worth it? Here’s my experience.
Explore The National Parks
Thailand is not just about temples and beaches – it’s also home to 133 national parks and marine parks where the beautiful tropical natural beauty and unique wildlife is protected for future generations to enjoy.
The largest and oldest national park in Thailand is Khao Yai National Park, which was established in 1962 and is just a few hours drive from Bangkok. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to elephants, gibbons, monkeys and hornbills, hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, and the Haew Narok waterfall that was featured in the ‘The Beach‘ movie.
The easiest way to visit is by joining this Khao Yai NP day trip from Bangkok but you can also stay in eco lodges or a campsite within the park and explore at your own pace too.
There are national parks all over Thailand so why not add at least one to your bucket list for Thailand. More national parks worth exploring include:
- Doi Inthanon National Park – The highest peak in Thailand with stunning hiking trails, waterfalls and the famous twin pagodas. Easily explored on a day trip from Chiang Mai.
- Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani – Take a canoe trip down the Sok River and stay in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake for a once in a lifetime experience.
- Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi – Home to an amazing seven tiered waterfall and lush nature. Can be combined with visiting the River Kwai.
- Ang Thong Marine National Park – Stunning pristine islands in the Gulf of Thailand, perfect for an island hopping day trip from Koh Samui.
- Mu Koh Similan National Park – Paradise islands with amazing diving in the Andaman Sea.
Watch The Sunset From A Rooftop Bar
The Thai capital is home to some of the best rooftop bars in the world and the experience of enjoying a chilled beer or cocktail while soaking up the spectacular views as the sun sets over the city is worth adding to your bucket list.
There’s no shortage of rooftop bars in Bangkok, one of the most famous is the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, which was featured in the movie “The Hangover Part II”. Another option is the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit which is split over several levels.
The tallest building in Bangkok is the King Power Mahanakhon Tower. It has a rooftop bar on the 78th floor called “Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar” with a skywalk and a glass floor observation deck boasting amazing 360 degree views of the city.
Make sure to get there well before sunset for the best experience and, as many rooftop bars have a dress code, make sure you check and dress up for the occasion if required.
If you want a more budget conscious and casual rooftop bar experience in Bangkok then head to somewhere like Rocco on Khao San Road, a lively bar street popular with backpackers and budget travellers,.
Outside of Bangkok you can find some spectacular rooftop bars in places like Phuket (Baba Nest) and Koh Samui (The Roof, Air Bar) which offer birds-eye views over the sea.
Explore The Ruins Of Ayutthaya And Sukhothai
Thailand (formally known as Siam) has a really interesting history with some fascinating ancient ruins to explore.
The most impressive historical sights in Thailand are undoubtedly Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re interested in Thai history and culture, these are well worth adding to your list of must see places.
Sukhothai is often referred to as the birthplace of Siam and the cradle of Thai civilization. It’s located in central Thailand, approximately half way between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Sukhothai Historical Park contains some impressive ancient ruins, architecture and temples, including Wat Mahathat which features a large seated Buddha statue. The best way to explore the sprawling park is on a bicycle tour of Sukhothai with a knowledgeable local guide who will bring the historical sight to life.
Ayutthaya, an island city and wealthy, cosmopolitan trading port was the capital of Siam (before Bangkok.) It’s located only 1.5 hours from the modern capital city so it makes an easy day trip from Bangkok.
You can explore the ruins of the ancient city in the Ayutthaya Historical Park which still contains royal palaces and many impressive ancient temples like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Mahathat where you can see the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots. This small group Ayutthaya tour from Bangkok is the easiest way to explore the historical monuments with a local guide who brings them to life.
Learn How To Cook Thai Food
If you’re a foodie, or you just love Thai food, then why not add a Thai cooking class to your bucket list and forever up your cooking game.
Thai cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and spices and taking a hands-on cooking class is a fun way to learn about Thai culture and cuisine while bringing home some new recipes and skills so you can recreate your favourite Thai dishes at home.
Thai cooking classes are offered in most popular destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui and often include a visit to the local market to select fresh ingredients first. Once back at the kitchen, you’ll learn to make classic local dishes like green curry, tom yum, pad thai, mango sticky rice and more.
One of the best places to do a cooking class is in Chiang Mai where you can visit an organic farm or hill tribe village. Here you’ll learn how to make popular dishes from scratch and get an insight northern Thai culture. This popular Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai is held on an organic farm in the countryside and gets rave reviews.
Explore The Underwater World
Thailand’s warm, tropical, crystal clear waters are home to rich, diverse and colourful marine life so exploring the underwater world should definitely be on your bucket list.
There are so many great snorkelling and scuba diving sites in Thailand, most notably the Phi Phi islands and the Similan islands in the Andaman Sea and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. These are some of the best spots for underwater exploration in the world.
Depending on the time of year and location, you can encounter some phenomenal marine life in Thailand, including sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and reef tip sharks and coral reefs home to dozens of tropical colourful fish.
If you’re new to scuba diving, Koh Tao is one of the best (and cheapest) places in the world to get your PADI certificate with prices for a 3 day PADI Open Water Course starting at only $300. If you just want to try out diving for the first time then you can go for a Discover Scuba Diving Experience or, if you prefer to snorkel, most islands in Thailand offer boat trips and snorkeling tours.
The best places for scuba diving and snorkeling in Thailand include:
- Koh Tao – A ‘Divers Paradise” in the Gulf of Thailand and a renowned dive training and snorkeling destination.
- Koh Phi Phi – Shallow tropical reefs of colorful fish, reef sharks, and underwater cliff deep dives.
- The Similian and Surin Islands – Remote and unspoilt dive sites in protected marine parks in the Andaman Sea.
Drive The Mae Hong Son Loop
Northern Thailand is home to some amazing scenery, diverse ethnic tribes and offbeat adventures and the best way to explore is with the freedom of your own wheels.
If you’re up for an epic motorbike adventure add the Mae Hong Son Loop to your bucket list. This scenic 600 kilometer journey passes through Northern Thailand’s lush mountains, valleys, and villages and has over 1,800 curves offering stunning views.
There are many places to hire motorbikes in Chiang Mai and I recommend allowing 3 – 7 days to drive the Mae Hong Son Loop, depending on how long you want to stop in the cute mountain towns like Pai, Mae Hong Son City and Mae Sariang along the way.
For safety reasons, it’s best if you are already confident riding a motorcycle before tackling this epic ride, and ride together with a friend. If you don’t want to go it alone you can join an organised trip like this Mae Hong Son Loop Motorbike Adventure who will arrange motorbike rental, accommodation and food so you can focus on enjoying the drive with new friends.
Relax With A Thai Massage
No trip to Thailand is complete without getting a traditional Thai massage. This ancient healing practice involves applying pressure and stretching the body to release tension and improve circulation, and is even recognised by UNESCO.
There is no shortage of spas and massage parlours all over the country offering traditional Thai massages and other therapies. Most spas also offer oil massage, foot massage, manicures and pedicures etc
Massages are available at all price points and comfort levels, from basic wooden beds on the roadside to deluxe spa retreats in paradisiacal surroundings, so whatever your budget you should experience at least one Thai massage in Thailand!
You’re never far away from a massage in Thailand. You can get a massage at the night market, at Wat Pho, home of the famous Reclining Buddha and the oldest massage school in Thailand, or even at the Women’s Correctional Institution in Chiang Mai.
Chat With A Monk And Learn To Meditate
As a Buddhist country, Thailand is a great place to learn about Buddhism and meditation. There are many temples and monasteries that offer the chance to chat with monks and meditation centers that teach the basics of Buddhism and meditation in English and welcome foreign visitors who can respect the rules. Many courses are residential and are offered on a donation basis.
If you’d just like to give meditation a try you can join a short drop in meditation session at a city temple, or if you’re looking for a more immersive experience there are several forest monasteries and Vipassana centers that run multi day meditation retreats (usually 10 days.) these courses are challenging but can be truly transformative.
Some of Thailand’s best meditation centers include:
Join A Yoga Or Wellness Retreat
In addition to meditation retreats with monks, Thailand is also home to some world class yoga and wellness centres. Whether you want to detox and lose weight, get fitter and more flexible, or seek a deeper spiritual experience, you’re sure to find a wellness retreat in Thailand that’s perfect for you.
If you’re seeking serenity the lush mountains of northern Thailand are ideal, or if you want to combine a wellness retreat with a beach vacation then you’re in luck as most islands are home to at least a couple of wellness retreats.
Phuket and Koh Samui are famous for their luxury wellness resorts and world class spas, while neighbouring Koh Phangan is becoming a popular yoga hub with numerous yoga studios and retreat centers offering a multitude of yoga practices and spiritual activities.
Some of Thailand’s best wellness retreats include:
- Wonderland Healing Center, Koh Phangan
- Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Koh Samui
- Hilltop Wellness Resort, Phuket
- Aleenta Retreat, Chiang Mai
See my guide to the best yoga and wellness retreats in Thailand for more.
Watch A Muay Thai Fight
Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is a traditional martial art that is deeply ingrained in Thai culture. There are plenty of opportunities to watch a Muay Thai fight, or even learn the sport yourself in one of the many Muay Thai gyms all over Thailand.
Watching a Muay Thai match is an exhilarating and unique cultural experience. The crowds are lively and the fighting can be lightning fast. One of the best places to watch Muay Thai matches is Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok which hosts matches on a regular basis.
If you’d like to try it out yourself you can have a private 1 on 1 Muay Thai lesson with a professional fighter before watching a match. If you are planning a longer stay you can join a Muay Thai camp and learn the art of Thai boxing yourself – even you don’t intend to fight it’s a great way to stay fit and make new friends.
Try Some Adventure Activities
If you find sunbathing boring and you’ve got some more adrenaline pumping activities on your bucket list then Thailand is a great place to start ticking them off!
There are so many fun, interesting and unique activities in Thailand that offer an unforgettable experience at more affordable prices than in other countries, whilst still keeping safety a priority.
For adrenaline junkies, Thailand has plenty of adventure activities including rock climbing, paragliding, white water rafting, bungee jumping, sky diving, scuba diving, jungle trekking, mountain biking, caving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, kitesurfing, and wakeboarding!
For a uniquely fun adventure activity, you can try Tipsy Tubing in Pai where you wizz down the river on an inflatable ring, while stopping off for drinks and snacks at two lively riverside bars along the way. ATV rides and ziplines are also popular and can be found in many of Thailand’s best bucket list destinations.
Whatever gets your heart thumping, these activities are a great way to explore Thailand’s stunning natural beauty while getting to experience some of the most thrilling outdoor pursuits known to humankind.
The easiest way to book adventure experiences online is with websites like Viator and Get Your Guide. You can read reviews so you know you are booking a good experience. Some hotels and local travel agents can also make the arrangements for you.
Explore The World’s Largest Open Air Museum
Even if you’re not a museum buff, you’ll want to add this unique museum in Bangkok to your bucket list!
The Thai capital has many world class museums where you can learn about the country’s interesting history and culutre in air conditioned comfort but my favorite museum in Bangkok is the amazing Ancient City Museum, also known as Muang Boran, the largest outdoor museum in the world!
Even if you’re not a museum fan, this is a must visit. The sprawling site features over 100 replicas of famous Thai landmarks, including temples, palaces, and shrines. It’s best to explore by bicycle or tram for a chance of seeing all the highlights in one day.
The Ancient City isn’t like a traditional museum, it’s more like a whirlwind tour through Thailand’s most impressive sights and perfect if you want to get an overview but don’t have time to visit the rest of Thailand. You can also visit the Erawan Museum (famous for it’s 3 headed elephant) near the Ancient City Museum.
Thailand’s other top museums include:
- The National Museum, Bangkok
- The Museum Of Siam, Bangkok
- The Jim Thompson House, Bangkok
- The Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, Ayutthaya
- Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
- Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Chiang Mai
- Thailand’s History Museum, Nakhon Ratchasima
Cross The Bridge Over The River Kwai
Another bucket list item for history and film lovers is the Bridge over the River Kwai. The famous bridge was built by prisoners of war during World War II and became famous following the film of the same name (although the movie was actually filmed in Sri Lanka!)
Even so, the Bridge over the River Kwai is one of Thailand’s most important historical landmarks. It’s located in Kanchanaburi, a historically important town a few hours west of Bangkok which is surrounded by natural beauty which includes the beautiful Erawan National Park and its famous seven-tiered waterfall.
You can ride the train across the bridge and there are also several museums and memorials here, like the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, which commemorate the lives lost during the construction of the Death Railway.
If you’re short on time you can see the highlights of the region on this Kanchanaburi day trip from Bangkok or you can take a 2 day trip and stay in one of the fantastical floating raft houses on the River Kwai.
Celebrate Songkran or Loy Krathong
There are plenty of lively festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate Thailand’s rich culture and traditions and it’s worth timing your visit to coincide with one of these festivals if you want an unique experience.
One of the most famous festivals in Thailand is the Songkran Festival, which takes place in mid-April to celebrate the Thai New Year. Songkran festival is also known as the water festival because of the massive water fights, where locals and tourists take to the streets armed with buckets and water guns to soak each other with blessings. Joining in is a great way to beat the heat, just be careful with your cameras as you will get very wet!
Loy Krathong is another popular Thai festival that takes place in November. Known as the festival of lights and lanterns, it is all about paying respect to the water spirits, the harvest, and the moon. Loy Krathong or Yi Peng is best celebrated in Chiang Mai where lanterns are released into the sky and small, candlelit floats create a magical spectacle on the city’s rivers and canals. There are also plenty of cultural performances and street food stalls to enjoy during the festival. Make sure to book transport and accommodation in advance for these popular festivals.
Eat A 7-Eleven Toastie!
It’s no joke to call 7-Eleven a Thai cultural icon – there are over 14,500 7-Eleven’s in Thailand. These ubiquitous mini-markets can be found on almost every street in the cities, and in almost every town and village in the countryside.
While they carry all the usual corner shop staples, like bottled water, energy drinks, and 1000 varieties of shampoo, it’s the iced coffees and “ready meals” that bring customers back time and time again. Plus, the ice cold air conditioning is a welcome relief on a hot day exploring Thailand.
For around $1 you can pick up a ham and cheese toastie or a hot green curry with rice and many other simple dishes and they will heat it up for you in store. While they’re probably not the most nutritional of meals, there’s some secret recipe that makes them all very more-ish (addictive?).
Eat enough of them and you could earn enough store rewards to pick up a fashionable 7 Eleven t-shirt and proudly boast of your Thai culinary indulgence!
So What’s On Your Thailand Bucket List?
I hope this post has given you plenty of inspiration to create your own Thailand bucket list!
With this incredible mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences and exciting adventures whatever you’re into you’re sure to have an incredible time in Thailand.
This amazing country has so much to offer – whether you’re dreaming of island hopping and partying the night away or if you’d rather seek spiritualty in the lush jungles and ancient temples there are countless unique experiences to have and things to do in Thailand which is what keeps people returning year after year.
Just be aware that famous attractions and popular tourist destinations can get pretty busy in peak season – so I recommend including a balance of beaches and cities, famous tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences on your bucket list for Thailand so that you see both the touristy side and local side to this amazing country and to get the most out of your trip.
You might also want to check out some of my other Thailand travel blogs to help your plan your trip. Start with:
