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There are so many epic things to do in Thailand you will be spoilt for choice no matter how long you are staying. Like most places in the world Thailand is changing very quickly and it is increasingly challenging to find fresh information in 2026. We have travelled in Thailand many times and over many years and have pulled together the best bits to help you plan the perfect trip.
With so many great things to do in Thailand we can only give you a taster of some of the highlights here. We have tried to include a range so that there is something for everyone. We have also tried to include all the practical bits too – locations, prices, and timings to help you plan your trip.
Many of our Things to do in Thailand are not location specific. So you can do them anywhere in Thailand. However we have also included SOME amazing things to do in Thailand that may be worth travelling for. With our list of Things to do in Thailand we have tried to cover all the bases so there is SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE – whether you are looking for something relaxing, something romantic, something to give you an adrenaline rush or something meaningful.
Don’t miss our TOP TIPS on how to travel Thailand on a budget
Planning a trip to Thailand?
We hope our SUPER detailed step by step itineraries can help you plan your trip and NOT miss the best things to do in Thailand….
- If you’re planning to visit Phuket check out our One week Phuket itinerary
- If you’re heading up north we also have an ultimate 10 day Chaing Mai itinerary
- Heading North? DON’T MISS our EPIC Pai Itinerary
If you’re looking for THE BEST natural beauty spots in Thailand don’t miss That Bangkok Life’s guide to the most beautiful places in Thailand.
Where to find the best Things to do in Thailand – getting to grips
Above: View point on Nang Yuan island (Koh Tao)
Before we share our top 10 things to do in Thailand, we want to help you get to grips with some of the best places in Thailand for different activities. This will help you choose an itinerary that offers all of the activities and experiences that you hope for. Here is a summary of the key destinations in Thailand and what each destination offers.
Koh Lipe island (Pronounced “Ko Lee pee”) – Best place for quiet serene island and beaches (south west Thailand)
Koh Tao island – Learning to dive for the best price
Koh Phangan island (pronounced “Ko Pan-nyang”) – Full moon party and beach nightlife
Phuket island (Pronounced “Pu-ket”) – holiday resorts, beaches, nightlife, surfing, watersports and island hopping
AoNang & Krabi town – Climbing and trekking – and island hopping
Phang Nga bay (pronounced “Fang-na”) – awesome islands, reef, snorkeling, kayaking and diving
Koh Sok island – National park, great for trekking, wildlife, treehouse stays, water bungalows
Bangkok city – markets, malls, temples, street food and transport hub
Ko Kut and Ko Mak islands – quiet beaches and an impressive waterfall (south east Thailand)
Khaosan road (Bangkok) – nightlife, bars, clubs, street food and markets (don’t miss our full guide to the best hotels in the Khaosan road area)
Chiang Mai city – ancient city walls, impressive night market, temples and boutique hotels. A great base to explore the north for trekking, wildlife and waterfalls.
Doi Inthanon national park – iconic twin pagodas, waterfalls and amazing scenery
Pai town – Romantic hill town, waterfalls, hot springs, caves, great coffee and night market
1 Learn to dive on Koh Tao
Learning to dive was one of my favourite things to do in Thailand. With clear warm waters, colourful fish and plenty of diving schools, Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and best places to learn to dive in Thailand. The basic course that qualifies you to dive is called the open water course and involves learning diving theory and also practicing in the water. The course is loads of fun and is designed to build your confidence and skill. There are lots of other exciting things to do in Koh Tao so you may want to stay a few days longer and explore.
Cost: This is one of the more expensive things to do in Thailand. You can find both PADI and SSI schools on Koh Tao. Open water courses start around 7,100 baht (160GBP or 200USD). You can also find courses that include accommodation for around 9,000 baht (200GBP or 250USD). Like most things in Thailand, the price may be negotiable, so if you’re looking for a cheaper price be willing to barter.
Location: There are many diving schools along the west coast of Koh Tao (Mae Haad bay). Pura Vida was one of the cheapest schools and is around a 5 minute walk north of the pier.
Time: Courses typically take 3-4 days but some schools do offer shorter courses
Top tips: Many private fan rooms can be found for 500 baht (11.00GBP or 15.00USD) and up. Nice and more expensive resorts can be found along the seafront. It is possible to find accommodation on arrival but your options may be limited. Cheapest accommodation is 300 baht (7.00GBP or 10.00USD) but it books up quickly.
2 Take in the vibe of Khaosan road
This is one of the most iconic classic things to do in Thailand.
Thai people are fantastic at tuning into backpacking culture and putting on an epic party. By day Khaosan road has a relaxed vibe. You can stroll around the area, find places to eat and drink or even get a massage (250 baht, 5.00GBP or 7.00USD for an hour). By night you can explore the Khaosan road night market. You can also enjoy clubs, bars and restaurants late into the night. If you want to try something new try fried insects (around 50 baht or 1GBP, 1.30USD). Alternatively you can get dreadlocks, braids or a tattoo. Khaosan road definitely needs to be on your list of things to do in Thailand.
Cost: It is free to walk around the area. Food is slightly more expensive than other places around Thailand. Locals are generally unwilling to barter but it’s always worth a try.
Location: Central bangkok (accessible by bus, tuk tuk or taxi)
Time: It’s worth spending at least one night on Khao San road.
Top tips: Book accommodation in advance as hostels can fill up quick here- especially budget places.
3 Enjoy fresh Pad Thai on the street
No list of things to do in Thailand would be complete without food. Pad Thai is a delicious dish made from fried noodles, veggies, egg and seafood. It is often sold from small street side stalls and made freshly before your eyes. It can seem crazy seeing your food cooked outside on the street side but it is cheap and delicious. You should always make your own decision about food hygiene but we haven’t had any problems with the street food in Thailand (yet!)
Cost: 50 baht + extra for egg / seafood (1.00 GBP or 1.30 USD)
Location: Many places around Thailand. Just look for little cafes or street vendors.
Time: You may be able to find some vendors open in the morning. Other places seem to open during the afternoon and evenings.
Top tips: Don’t miss the condiments, they really make the dish pickled chillies, lime, sugar, peanuts and sweet chilli sauce.
4 Explore Pai by bike
This may be one of the most memorable and dreamy things to do in Thailand. Pai is a small, beautiful and romantic town situated amongst rolling hills in the picturesque north Thailand. There are so many things to do in Pai and the surrounding areas you may never want to leave. Most travellers who visit Pai don’t feel like they have long enough to spend there. YOU can even stay in a KAYAKING HOTEL in Pai!!!
One of the best ways to explore Pai and the surrounding area is to rent a motorbike and head for the hills. You can see elephants, waterfalls, the Pai land split, temples, an impressive sunset canyon, epic viewpoints, amazing caves and relax in hot springs. The streets of Pai are adorned with boutique, kitsch, vintage style hippy coffee shops and cafes. Walking street also has a gorgeous night market selling an array of street food and clothing. This is probably one of the most memorable things to do in Thailand.
If you are not comfortable renting a motorbike you can also rent push bikes or book tours in Pai.
Be aware that the Lum Nam Pai wildlife sanctuary now has a ONE DAY ticket for 200 baht per person that gives you access to most of the main attractions for only one day. The one day ticket includes: Pam Bok waterfall, Doi Mieng viewpoint and Sai Ngam hot spring river. It also covers some attractions further afield: Trekking above the Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint (you can actually visit the view point without a ticket, but to trek further up the hill you now need a ticket), Tham Lod Cave (but you also need to pay for a guide and boat depending in the time of year), Nam Bor Pee sink hole, Mae La Na cave, Susa waterfall and the Luk Khao Lam view point.
Cost: 100 baht (2.00GBP or 2.50USD) for one day. Check out Aya Services on walking street for the best prices + 200 baht per person for tickets to various attractions around Pai (The Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary one day ticket)
Location: There are many bike rental places in Pai town centre. Aya services is very central and is on the main walking street.
Time: 1 – 2 days.
Top tips: Some of the attractions in the area cannot be accessed by bike so you will need to park up and trek. It is advisable to bring suitable clothing and plenty of water.
5 Find a bargain at the markets
If you are looking for things to do in Thailand don’t miss the amazing markets. If you want to experience the heartbeat of a culture, get lost in a local market. You will experience a delightful array of colours, sounds and interesting smells. Asian markets are a sensory overload in the best possible way. But Thailand is also known for its fantastic night markets that tend to be targeted at tourists. There is a huge range of products so it is easy to find something unique. Product quality is hit and miss.
Some products last for ages and others fall apart within a day or two. Here are a few suggestions to give you a taste of what is available:
- Khaosan road in Bangkok: Great experience but not as cheap as other markets. You can find hippy clothing, knock offs, accessories, sunglasses and some items of questionable legality.
- MBK indoor market in Bangkok: Good prices with a huge range of products including clothing, beauty products, electricals, and things for your home.
- Chiang Mai night market: Saturday and Sunday evening there is a lovely night market along Rachadamnoen road (through the old city). Stalls spill out into the surrounding streets and temples. Lovely clothes, bags, gifts and plenty of tasty street food. In Chiang Mai you can also find some epic night food markets around the old town walls. In particular don’t miss the night market and morning market at Chiang Mai gate (Pratu Chiang Mai ประตูเชียงใหม่) on the south wall of the old city.
Cost: Markets are free to wander. When you are deciding how much you are willing to pay for a product it is worth remembering that there is no quality assurance and sellers will generally not accept returns if there is a problem with the product.
Location: Most tourist spots will have night markets aimed at tourists. Most towns in Thailand also have local markets too.
Time: 1-3 hours
Top tips: As much as I love Chinese people, their willingness to pay the first price that is asked for has made it very difficult to barter in some markets.
6 Stay in a hot tub suite with a view
If you’re looking for ROMANTIC things to do in Thailand then you’ll be excited to know that there are a lot of resorts in Thailand that offer private pools and hot tubs. ONE of our personal favs was a resort with a special hot tub and view.
This really does have to be one of the most romantic and memorable things to do in Thailand. Relaxing in your own private hot tub with a view of the remarkable John Suwan Cape in Koh Tao. You are LOOKING for the Family Sea View Suite at Koh Tao Paradise Zone Resort.
This really comes highly recommended on our list of things to do in Thailand so BOOK early to avoid disappointment.
7 Explore paradise island hopping
DON’T MISS OUR EPIC GUIDE for everything you need to know about island hopping trips of the Phang Nga bay including the iconic James Bond island.
This is one of the most iconic and serene things to do in Thailand. You can take island hopping trips of the iconic Phang Nga bay from either Ao Nang (near Krabi) or from Phuket. Island hopping trips tend to be a little cheaper from Ao Nang.
Island hopping trips are a great way to make friends, swim and sunbathe. Island hopping trips often stop at several islands, they generally include food and or one or two snorkeling stops. They may even include some delightfully quirky Thai style entertainment on the boat. Here a few of the options to give you a taste:
- Hong island for great snorkeling. It is possible to do this trip in a traditional Thai long tail boat (500-700 baht trip + 300 baht national park fee).
- Phi Phi and surrounding islands to see stunning sea karst cliffs (800-1000 baht + 400 baht national park fee)
- For sunset tour including dinner and snorkelling (750 baht)
- Sea Kayaking trips to the sea caves. No national park fees (600-700 baht for half day trips)
Cost: Prices range from 600-1,500 baht (13-33 GBP or 18-45 USD) for group tours depending on the length of the trip and the itinerary. Some operators have popped up offering much more expensive tours. If you are based in Phuket check out Two Sisters Travel.
Location: Island hopping tours can be arranged in Krabi, Aonang and Phuket. There are many tour agents and hostels often book trips. It may be worth checking a few places to get the best price if you are on a budget.
Time: Most trips are day trips or can be done in a morning or afternoon. You can generally book tours one day in advance. October-April high season- the weather is more likely to be sunny. May-September is rainy season.
Top tips: They will also normally provide snorkeling gear but check this when you book the trip. Bring sun cream, swimming stuff and a towel.
8 Relax to a Thai massage
With so many things to do in Thailand don’t forget to slow down and relax. If you go for a Thai massage you will quickly learn that small Thai women are much stronger than they look. You will normally start by getting changed into some comfy bright coloured PJs. They sometimes use wet towels to clean and refresh you. After this you will be bent, twisted, pulled, pushed and manipulated into positions that you never believed possible. Expect to be slapped, rubbed and squeezed. This may sound pretty traumatic, but when Thai massage is done well it is both a relaxing and invigorating experience. The Thai technique seems to be highly in tune with the body and is a great way to recover if you have been doing a lot of walking.
Cost: Expect to pay around 200 baht for an hour (4.50GBP or around 6.00USD)
Location: This massage places can be found in most towns and tourist hotspots
Time: 1 hour
Top tips: Don’t go for a massage if you have sunburn!
9 Learn to cook delicious Thai food
If you are looking for cultured things to do in Thailand consider a cooking course.
Thai food has a reputation for being fresh, healthy and absolutely delicious! No wonder it is often expensive if you buy it outside Thailand. So, being taught to cook amazing Thai food, by Thai chefs is an opportunity not to miss if you are a foodie like me. Chiang Mai has several cooking schools. MaMaNoi offer courses for a very competitive price. The teachers and staff very fun and friendly.
Cost: Advertised for 800 baht (16GBP or 20USD) for half a day but some agents may be willing to sell for 600 baht.
Location: You can book courses through agents and hostels around Chiang Mai or contact them directly.
Time: Half a day
Top tips: Check what is including when you book. The cost normally includes pick up and drop off, a visit to a local market, a recipe book, ingredients and best of all you get to enjoy the food at the end.
10 Get a rush with adventure sports
There are also lots of things to do in Thailand for adrenaline junkies. As a rule of thumb, the north of the country (around Chiang Mai) is great for mountain and jungle adventures like mountain biking, white water rafting, canopy courses, zip lining and much more.
Don’t miss our guide on Ziplining in Chiang Mai
The south of the country (especially the islands) is best for coastal adventures like climbing, surfing and sea kayaking. What’s more, you don’t generally need to pre-book adventure activities, just rock up and pay at the source.
Cost: Depends on the activity and season. Prices are generally cheaper than western prices and may be negotiable on booking.
Location: Various locations around Thailand
Time: Depends on the activity. Things range from an hour or two to a whole day.
Top tips: Check that the activity is covered by your travel insurance. If not, it is worth checking if the organisers provide their own insurance cover for the activity.
11 See fire dancing on the beach
If you are in the south of Thailand – this comes high on our list of Things to do in Thailand.
The beaches of the south islands are warm, beautiful and have a fantastic nightlife. Along the beaches of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao you can witness incredible world class fire performances. Fire dancing is genuinely as epic as it sounds. Expect to see fire poi, fire sticks, fire juggling. The poi spin so fast that the light merges into circles and reflects off the sea making for an almost hypnotic, mesmerising spectacle.
Cost: Fire dancing performances are FREE to watch though they may be affiliated with a particular bar and you may be expected to buy drinks if you want to take a seat
Location: Islands in the south of Thailand. They are connected by ferries that depart from Don Sak Sakon port on the East coast of South Thailand (70km east of Surat Thani)
- Koh Samui- Lamai beach
- Koh Phangan- Haad Rin beach (Hat rin Beach)
- Koh Tao- Mae Haad beach
Time: Performances are normally from sunset and into the night
Top tips: If you are keen to find a good show ask around in bars along the beachfront
12 Explore breathtaking caves
Caves may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of things to do in Thailand but some of the caves in Thailand are genuinely impressive. The tropical conditions and limestone rock make the landscape ideal for the slow formation of giant subterranean caverns and rivers. Some caves are easy to access and others require some intrepid travel.
If you are in the Pai region check out the Tham lod cave. This cave involves a boat trip through a huge cavern and exploring smaller passages and caverns that branch of from the main cavern. You finally emerge from a giant opening downstream of where you entered the cave.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the cave. Some are free. Others will cost as much as 200 baht or more.
Location: Most caves are located in the north of Thailand. The Tham Lod cave is 50km north west of Pai
Time: Again this depends on the cave and travel time. A good cave trip normally takes around half a day.
Top tips: Bring good footwear (e.g. trainers) and your own torch
13 Unleash your inner beast with Thai boxing
If you’re looking for challenging and physical things to do in Thailand consider taking a Muay Thai class.
Thai boxing is a great way to get fit, learn a new skill and let’s be honest release that pent up aggression. The Thai lads are absolutely badass when it comes to training and competing in Thai boxing. Training programs normally include fitness training, technique training, sparring and may include competitions. If you’re looking for things to do in Thailand – there are many Muay Thai schools around the country.
Cost: Expect to pay around 3,500 baht for a week (70.00GBP or 100USD)
Location: Many places around Thailand. Phuket is popular. Bangkok (e.g. near Khaosan road), Chiang Mai, Koh Tao all have places to train.
Time: You could take a single lesson for a few hours or longer courses can go on as long as you like.
Top tips: If you wish to do a short course you can generally borrow kit from the school you train with. If you are planning to do a longer course you may wish to buy your own kit, which can normally be done cheaply in Thailand.
14 Connect with animals and wildlife
No list of things to do in Thailand would be complete without a mention of the animals and wildlife here. Tigers, elephants, bears, tapirs, cute monkeys, butterflies, creepy crawlies and much more. Thailand has a rich abundance of wildlife. If you spend some time in Thailand’s beautiful national parks you are bound to see a wide array of creatures. Thailand also have many sanctuaries and farms where you can get close to the animals.
Sadly elephants cannot live safely in the wild in Thailand. Furthermore, many elephants have become part of agricultural communities in Thailand. The good news is that many elephant sanctuaries in Thailand are becoming very ethical and prioritising the elephants’ wellbeing over tourism. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary are a good ethical sanctuary who have sites around Thailand including Phuket and Chiang Mai.
Cost: You can see many animals for FREE in Thailand. Elephant sanctuaries tend to be quiet expensive with experiences starting at around 1,500 baht (30 GBP or $40)
Location: Khao Sok national park, Koh Yai national park are both great places to connect with wildlife. Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas are also great for wildlife and sanctuaries.
Time: If you are keen to spot animals in the wild it is worth spending a few days in the national parks. You can visit sanctuaries for a morning or afternoon.
Top tips: If you visit animals in captivity it is worth doing your research to check that the animals are well cared for.
15 Go Paragliding in Phuket
This is not only one of the BEST things to do in Thailand – it may be one of the best things to do full stop! In Fact we love this one so much we have published a guide on Paragliding in Phuket.
If you’re are looking for adventurous and exhilarating things to do in Thailand paragliding in Phuket is a MUST DO! Paragliding experiences can be done at the stunning Black Rock viewpoint on the south tip of Phuket. There is something truly magical about soaring over the steep jungle hills overlooking the ocean and watching eagles catching the thermals. After around 10 – 20 minutes you will glide down to a beach for a thrilling landing.
If you want to beauty without the adrenaline rush then check out our GUIDE on Trekking at Black Rock Phuket.
Cost: Around 4,000 – 5,000 baht (£80 – £100 or $100 – $130) depending on which package you pick.
Location: Phuket (Black Rock viewpoint)
Time: 1 -2 hours for the whole experience (good weather required so being flexible is important)
Top tips: Don’t worry about bringing a camera. They have a 360 and will film it for you. They can take a small handful of valuables in the paraglider.
16 Stay in a hotel with elephants
THIS is one of our TOP PICK things to do in Thailand
Don’t miss the Chai Lai Orchid Hotel with elephants near Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. This is a creative, innovative and ethical elephant project that supports locals, women rescued from trafficking and provides a happy, safe and caring home for elephants. You can also have breakfast with elephants at Chai Lai Orchid.
This may be one of the most memorable and meaningful things to do in Thailand. You will also be surprised to find out how cheap it is to stay here.
