Ultimate Thailand Bucket List: 28 Fun Things To Do In Thailand

Thailand is one of those countries you either LOVE or think it’s overrated. If you’ve heard the latter, you’ve heard wrong!

I had been dying to visit Thailand since I first got hit with the travel bug and I finally managed to get there on my Asia travels when I also visited Singapore and Malaysia.

Thailand is an incredibly beautiful country in Southeast Asia with an amazing variety of things to see and do. From Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city to Chiang Mai, the cultural heartland, there are so many places to explore, things you’ve never even imagined! Besides the culture, Thailand has some of the best food you’ll find on your travels.

But with so many options, how will you know where to start with your Thailand bucket list?

Well here’s your guide: I’ve compiled 28 must-see destinations for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for beaches or mountains, temples or waterfalls – there’s something for everyone on this list.

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A little bit about Thailand

Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles, is in Southeast Asia, bordering Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia and Cambodia. It has over 1400 islands, with miles and miles of beaches.

Over 90% of the population of Thailand are Buddhist, and the culture is infused with this religion. You’ll see shrines, statues and other Buddhist touches around every corner. Many sites to see in Thailand are places of worship such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Rong Khun.

The food in Thailand is amazing and you’ll never go hungry, especially with all the street food! Thai food is influenced by Indian and Chinese cultures. You’ll find all kinds of treats like pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles), tom yum kung (spicy shrimp soup) and som tam (green papaya salad).

How to get to Thailand

With six main international airports, this is how most people arrive into the country. Thai Airways is the national airline, with Bangkok Airways also offering international flights.

• Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Phuket International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport
• Hat Yai International Airport
• Don Mueang International Airport

If you’re visiting any of the bordering countries, you can travel by land – bus, train, car. When travelling around Asia by train (which is my favourite way to get around!), my go to is 12Go for train bookings.

And I always look for flights through as they tend to give the best flight deals.

How to get around Thailand

The quickest way to get around the country is by plane. It’s completely affordable and if you don’t have a lot of time there, it’s the best option. Thailand has 38 airports you can get from one to the other within a few hours.

If you’re on a tight budget, I would recommend taking the bus or train between cities. They can be extremely cheap depending on how far you travel. It’s also the more scenic route! You can even take an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – head out in the evening and wake up in a brand new place!

And then of course there’s travel by boat. Thailand island hopping is a must when in the country.

Where to stay

My Thailand bucket list takes you to various areas of the country and, as always, my recommendations include budget and more upscale accommodation options. The bonus in Thailand is that even the luxury accommodation is more affordable than most countries!

While I highly recommend staying on some of the islands if you can, the majority of visitors stick to these main areas:

Where to stay in Bangkok

For a bit of luxury: The is a 5-star hotel with state of the art facilities, including a pool set in luscious green surroundings, award winning restaurants and a spa providing relaxing massage therapies. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Bangkok.

To save the pennies: is a comfortable homestay that is perfect if you’re on a low budget. It’s just 1.2km walk from Bangkok National Museum. The highlight of this homestay has to be the beautiful serene gardens.

Something quirky: is set on the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by forest. You can sleep in open air treetop rooms or more covered two story apartments. The best thing about this place is you get free ice-cream every day!

Where to stay in Phuket

For a bit of luxury: is located right on Karon Beach and set in lush green gardens with direct access to the white sands. The property has its own restaurant and outdoor pool overlooking the beach which is perfect for relaxation!

To save the pennies: is centrally located and a fantastic place to meet other travelers. Dorm rooms are secure with personal lockers and the common areas include a shared kitchen shared lounge and outdoor terrace. If you’re looking for something a little cheaper and unique, this is the place to stay.

Something quirky: is decorated in unique Thai style. Located on the beach, this hotel is like something out of a Thai dreamland.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

For a bit of luxury: is a colonial-style building in an excellent location of Chiang Mai. Rooms are decorated with hand-crafted furniture and some of the features of the hotel include a spa, outdoor pool and restaurant.

To save the pennies: is situated in the heart of Chiang Mai and features accommodation with a shared lounge, a terrace and a shared kitchen. The staff at this homestay are incredibly friendly and guests rave about having a wonderful time.

Something quirky: is a beautiful wooden hotel in Chiang Mai town. It’s got outdoor seating on wooden decking, a quirky outdoor cafe and even outdoor bathtubs so you can bathe in nature!

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

For a bit of luxury: The is a treat! You’ll get the celebrity treatment there. Situated in the centre of Chiang Rai, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, hot tubs and sun terrace while planning out your sightseeing.

To save the pennies: is a friendly sharing accommodation close to Saturday Night Walking Street. All rooms are airconditioned with shared bathroom. The common areas as cute and colourful.

Something quirky: is set in a scenic green area of Chiang Rai. It’s got beautiful wooden furniture and decks for enjoying the natural surroundings.

Where to stay in Krabi

For a bit of luxury: Rent your own villa with private pool at . It’s not everyday you get to stay in a private villa and although it may be at the higher end of your budget, it’s still pretty affordable! You can enjoy fishing, canoeing and bike riding around the area.

To save the pennies: is less than a 10 minute walk from Ao Nang beach, boasts private balconies, a fish pond and mountain views. it’s a great budget accommodation in Krabi.

Something quirky: has spectacular views from the room and is just steps away from the beach. While the rooms and prices are those of a hostel, you’ll feel like you’re in luxury accommodation with the outdoor pool and restaurant on site.

Important information

Do I need a visa – most nationalities do not need a visa if they plan to stay less than 30 days. If you stay more than 30 days without a visa, you’ll be fined! See the full visa requirements at Project Visa.

What’s the language – the official language of Thailand is Thai, although many speak English in the tourist areas. Learn a few local Thai phrases before you go.

• Hello: Sawatdii.
• How are you: Sabaaidii mai?
• Thank you: Khop kun.
• Goodbye: Bai
• Do you speak English: Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai
• What is your name: Kun chuu arai
• My name is…: Pŏm / Chán chuu…

What is the etiquette for vising temples – while temples in Thailand aren’t as strict as in some other Asian countries, be respectful! It’s best to cover your shoulders and knees, take off shoes and hats and cover any religious tattoos. Some other dos and don’ts are:

• Never take a selfie while your back is turned to a Buddha
• Turn your phone on silent
• Don’t point at a monk or statue of a Buddha
• Don’t be loud
• Show respect at all times

What’s the currency – The currency is the Thai baht. You’ll need this when buying from markets and smaller stalls. Some tourist areas accept US Dollars. In bigger stores, hotels and restaurants you can use your credit card.

Is Thailand safe – Thailand is incredibly safe! Compared to some other countries in Southeast Asia, it keeps crime low and does not have too much violence. However there are still precautions you can take to make sure you’re staying safe.

As with everywhere, always keep your wits about you, don’t give out personal information and be sure to have travel insurance before you travel (grab a free quote here).

When is the best time to visit Thailand – November to March are the best months to visit as the temperature is more manageable. May to October is the rainy season

What to pack for Thailand – Thailand has a tropical climate, so dress light and bring lots of sunscreen! Take lightweight clothes and shorts for hot weather, then add layers for entering temples. Don’t forget your insect repellant, sunglasses and swimming accessories to visit the many island beaches that Thailand has to offer!

How long should I stay in Thailand – Three weeks will give you time enough to visit all of the most popular spots in Thailand. Of course, if you have more time, you won’t get bored easily there!

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Let’s get into this…

28 things to add to your Thailand bucket list

1. Hike Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located mainly in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, around 180km from Bangkok. It’s one of Thailand’s first national parks and most famous nature spots.

It’s a stunning area, boasting waterfalls and jungle trails that will take you under the cover of lush forest foliage. I recommend spending at least one night camping here – you’ll wake up early to explore the trails before they get too hot.

2. Party under the full moon

You simple can’t visit Thailand without going to a full moon party. It’s a rite of passage! The beach party originated on the island of Koh Pha-ngan, a small island out from the west coast. It’s a popular area for both travelers and locals alike to celebrate the night with friends and dance until dawn.

As the name might give it away, the full moon party occurs on the night of, before or after a full moon. And it’s no secret why… with a long stretch of beach and beautiful views across the water, along with great music and delicious food; what better way is there to party?

3. Volunteer at Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai

The Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is located in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. They have rescued more than 200 elephants over the years, many of whom were freed from harsh working environments with health issues and even broken bones. They also home rescued dogs, cats and even buffalo!

Visitors can volunteer at the park for a day or longer, feeding them bananas and snacks and going for walks with them. The park is a great way to learn more about the endangered species that is the Asian elephant and bring awareness to the way they’re treated. Most of the elephants at ENP were mistreated, abused and even poisoned by their owners; and the park is set up to provide care for these animals and create a better life for them.

As mentioned previously in my posts, I am very much against the use of elephants for entertainment. They were not built to carry people, walk on hot roads or be chained up. I did extensive research in learning how ENP cares for and nurses abused elephants back to health. That is the reason they are the only elephant sanctuary I am recommending in Thailand. Many others are not in fact sanctuaries and are only interested in being a tourist attraction.

4. Explore Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple)

Wat Rong Khun (also known as the White Temple) is one of Northern Thailand’s main attractions. The renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat undertook to rebuild it, but due to a lack of funds, he used his own money (around 1 million Thai baht). The project is not expected to be finished until 2070!

It’s an incredible feat of architecture and art, which is why it has become so popular. A visit to this temple gives you a great insight into Buddhist culture in Thailand and it’s unlike any other temple you’ll have seen before.

5. Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple)

Also located Chiang Rai, interestingly the architect of the Blue Temple was an apprentice of Chalermchai Kositpipat’s who rebuilt the White Temple.

This temple is also known as the ‘Temple of the Dancing Tiger’ as tigers were said to have roamed over the site before the Blue Temple was built. The temple combines traditional Buddhist ideals with contemporary Thai architecture.

The distinctive blue hue of the Blue Temple is immediately recognised for its spectacular sapphire colour. The walls, roof, and surrounding sculptures are all painted in this beautiful sapphire colour, which is associated with purity, knowledge, and a lack of materialism by Buddhists.

Inside, you’ll find an incredible kaleidoscope of patterns and blue colours. In the centre is a white statue of Buddha – of course this too looks blue because of the reflection in the room.

While you may have seen temples before on your travels, this Blue Temple is something incredibly different!

6. Swim in the Emerald Pool, Krabi

The Emerald Pool, also known as Sa Morakot, is a natural spring water pool situated in the middle of a jungle in Krabi. It was named for the way its stunning turquoise / emerald water which cascades from streams running down the hill.

The Emerald Pool should be on everyone’s Thailand Bucket List! Get there early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the incredible serene surroundings.

7. Climb the Bua Tong Waterfall

Just a 90 minute drive from Chiang Mai in Sri Lanna National Forest is Bua Tong Waterfall. This unique natural wonder is also known as the Sticky Waterfall because you can climb up the rocks without slipping!

These rocks feel more like a hard sponge rather than your usual slippery waterfall rocks because of a mineral deposit left behind by the calcium rich water. You can get some amazing shots climbing up the rocks, without any fear of slipping.

Have a picnic while you’re there. There are many places selling food and drink (you just can’t bring any of this up the waterfall itself).

8. Ride the overnight train

If you’re headed from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa), I highly recommend taking the sleeper train that runs through the night. It’s a great adventure and you don’t waste any time exploring having to travel during the day.

It costs just about $30 for the standard class and your seating will be converted into bunks shortly after departure. There’s a dining cart where you can get meals, snacks and drinks and meet other passengers.

If you prefer your own space, you can rent an entire First Class cabin for yourself or adjoining cabins if you’re travelling as a group. You can even order food directly to your cabin!

You can book your train tickets with 12GoAsia.

9. Explore Phang Nga National Park

Phang Nga National Park or Phang Nga Bay is an incredibly beautiful area to explore and can’t be missed from your Thailand bucket list. You’ll find beaches, mangroves, limestone cliffs and more. You can go fishing or rock climbing and there are even caves to discover!

While you’re in Phang Nga Bay, you can visit James Bond Island which is a beautiful limestone rock jutting out of the sea. So called James Bond Island because it was the shooting location for some of The Man With The Golden Gun’s iconic scenes.

Take a boat tour around the 40 or so islands in the area and explore caves and lagoons.

10. Attend a festival

Thailand sure know how to do festivals! No matter when you’re there, you’re bound to come across one. You should definitely aim to attend one of the most famous festivals when there.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February – witness the street of Chiang Mai explode with colour when dancers, marching bands and floats, adorned with floral sculptures in the shapes of elephants, temples, Buddhas and more Thai icons, take to the streets.

Songkran Water Festival in April – this is your chance to be a kid again! Bring out your inner child at the world’s largest water fight to celebrate Thai New Year. Pouring water on statues and images of Buddha is a Buddhist tradition said to symbolise purification. So during Songkran, both young and old take to the streets with water guns, water bombs and buckets to soak up the celebrations.

The Ghost Festival in June – the Ghost Festival, or Phi Ka Khon Festival as it’s more commonly known is similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead. The festival is all about dancing and partying so hard that you’ll wake the dead!

Monkey Buffet Festival in November – when I first read the name of this festival, I was all kinds of horrified! Why? Well let’s just say I know now that the buffet is FOR the monkeys and not the other way around! A huge spread of fruit and vegetables are laid out for the guests of honour (the monkey) at at 13th century temple in Lopburi.

Yi Peng and Loi Krathong Festivals in October/November – probably the most beautiful of festivals in Thailand, both Yi Peng and Loi Krathong – Thailand’s lantern festivals – occur on the same night in October or November during a full moon. Yi Peng sees thousands of lit lanterns take to the sky while Loi Krathong sends the lanterns floating down the river. It’s a spectacular peaceful event that is sure to be like nothing you’ve seen before. In 2016, 94% of the Loi Krathong lanterns were made of biodegradable materials and they have been working towards increasing this percentage in an effort to reduce waste.

11. Wander around the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre

If contemporary art is your thing, you must take a wander around the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre. Exhibitions of theatre, art, music design and film are held here by both Thai and international artists. Don’t forget to visit the ECOSHOP, one of Bangkok’s first stores dedicated to saving the environment!

12. Rock climb on Koh Phi Phi

If you’re looking for a challenging adventure, Phi Phi Island has some of the best rock climbing in Thailand. This is a great way to explore the beauty of nature while also experiencing some adrenaline-pumping excitement.

Climbing guides are readily available for hire on Phi Phi and whether you’re a beginner or more advanced rock climber, you can find what you’re looking for.

13. See the Big Buddha

Built in 2004 and dedicated to Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, the Big Buddha stands at 45 meters high on top of the Nakkerd Hills in Phuket and is definitely one for your Thailand bucket list. You can drive up to the Big Buddha, but if you’re up for an adventure take a hike instead!

Once you reach the top of the hill, there are 94 steps up to the Big Buddha. The panoramic views up there are spectacular – you can get a birds eye view of Phang Nga Bay, Kata Bay and Kata Noi Bay.

While there’s no specific dress code, there are many monks at the temple there and it’s important to be respectful. If you’re not dressed appropriately, don’t worry too much. There are security guards at the entrance who will provide sarongs free of charge to cover up.

14. Ride in a long tail boat

The long tail boats are the recognisable traditional Thai boats. They’re the best way of getting around the islands set amidst the stunning scenery. While you’ll find long tail boats on beaches all over Thailand, they’re particularly prevalent in Phuket and Phi Phi islands

Even if you don’t get to ride in one of these boats, you absolutely have to get the picture perfect shot of one.

15. Scuba dive off Koh Tao

To really get the most out of your holiday, you have to try scuba diving off Koh Tao. Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s top dive sites with great visibility all year round!

If you’re a beginner diver, don’t worry. There are many local dive schools offering PADI courses for beginners and they’ll be more than happy to get you out on the water where you’ll have the opportunity to discover shipwrecks, incredible coral formations and swim with sea snake and turtles.

16. Take a cooking class in Bangkok

Thailand is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine and there’s no better way to experience it than by taking a cooking class! There are plenty of local Thai cookery schools where you can learn how to make some of Thailand’s most famous dishes in a fun, hands-on way.

17. Discover Wat Phra Kaew

Take a water taxi across the Chao Phraya River to discover Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Situated on the same grounds as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew’s Emerald Buddha is surprisingly small in size and not in fact emerald colour. However, it’s still pretty impressive.

If you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll recognise the model of the ancient temple complex of Ankor Wat which is said to have been build under the order of King Rama IV as he wasn’t able to move the real Ankor Wat from Cambodia to Thailand!

Be sure to check out whether the temple is open before you make the trip as it’s closed to the public during religious activities.

18. Meet the Koh Panyee Villagers

Koh Panyee is a village built on stilts and sits on the water of Phang Nga Bay. The only way to get there is by boat.

The village was created around 200 years ago by three seafaring families who were looking for the best spot with lots of fish. As the years went on, more and more families joined them and there are now around 400 families living there!

When I visited, I couldn’t believe that they had built a ‘football pitch’ on the water too. Young boys were (incredibly skillfully) playing football. The ball hits the water, a boy jumps in after it and they start playing again.

It has everything your average village has – a school, hospital, stores, markets and some of the best seafood restaurants you’ll find in the country. This village is a must for your Thailand bucket list.

19. Explore Khao Sok National Park

If you’ve a passion for nature, Khao Sok National Park is a must. It’s situated in the south of the country and is one of the most visited places in Thailand. It has been called the most beautiful national park in the world and it’s easy to see why when you get there.

Khao Sok National Park is one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers opportunities to see some amazing flora and fauna and even if you don’t spot any wild animals, the experience of walking through the jungle and seeing these spectacular trees is unforgettable.

20. See the spectacular Erawan Falls

Erawan Falls is a beautiful place to visit if you want to see some stunning waterfalls. It’s part of Erawan National Park, close to the town of Kanchanaburi, to the west of Bangkok.

The falls are formed over seven tiers and each tier has a jungle trail you can explore, so be sure to bring your trekking shoes. Visitors can also take a dip in the waterfall. I recommend doing this after you’ve reached the 7th tier and are in need of cooling down.

21. Get a Thai Massage

Did you even go to Thailand if you didn’t get a Thai massage? It’s one of the best things to do in Thailand if you want to relax.

I recommend trying different places because I’ve found each have their own style and are great for completely different reasons. While some are really rigorous, others are so gentle it feels more like being pampered than massaging. I loved them all though!

22. Shop at the Floating markets

You might be wondering why you’d want to go shopping on boats? Well, there are floating markets in Thailand and they’re amazing! While they may not be as ‘off the beaten track’ as you prefer when travelling, the floating markets are still an incredible experience.

You’ll find street food selling Thai dishes, local fruit and vegetables and souvenirs to bring back home, all for a great bargain.

23. Learn meditation at Wat Mahathat

If you want to learn about Buddhism and meditation, Wat Mahathat is a great place to do it. It’s located in the city of Ayutthaya, 80km north of Bangkok and is said to be one of Ayutthaya’s oldest and most significant temples.

Wat Mahathat houses Thailand’s largest monastic order and is a major learning centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. While most lessons are in Thai, there are some programs in English.

24. Marvel at the Grand Palace

If you’re looking for places to visit in Bangkok, the Grand Palace should definitely be one of your bucket list things to see. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Bangkok and is an incredible structure which houses many important buildings within the complex.

The architecture is an incredible blend of both Thai and European and the complex is the spiritual heart of Thailand. You could spend a lot of time at the Grand Palace as the complex also houses other attractions, including Wat Phra Kaew (the Emerald Buddha).

25. Relax at Railay Beach

With all this exploring and adventure, you’re bound to need to add some chill time to your Thailand bucket list. That’s exactly what you can do at Railay Beach.

Railay Beach is a little spot of paradise between the island of Krabi and Ao Nang. It’s exactly what you need to rest and relax. The beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and the only way to reach the beach is via long tail boat.

If you want to add some water sports to your day, it’s a great place to go swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

26. Doi Inthanon National Park

Home to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai is also known as the ‘Roof of Thailand’ and is a great place to see some spectacular scenery.

If it’s a sunrise of sunset you’re after, then this is the place to head to. The park is famous for it’s viewpoints, waterfalls and hiking trails. There are around 500 bird species, 65 known mammals and 50 reptile species in the national park so keep your eyes and ears out!

27. Go Island hopping

If you want to see all the beauty the islands of Thailand have to offer, then island hopping is the way to go! There are so many islands scattered around Thailand’s waters.

The best place to base yourself for island hopping is either Phuket or Krabi . From here, you can explore the countless islands that surround them. And if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, then the smaller islands are perfect.

Full a full guide to Thailand island hopping check out my post: Thailand Island Hopping: A Guide to The Best Islands in the Land of Smiles.

28. Sleep overnight at Maya Bay

Dreaming of sleeping under the stars and swimming in glow in the dark waters? Then you need to do a Maya Bay sleepover!

Maya Bay rose to fame as the setting for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie ‘The Beach’. Because if this, it’s an extremely popular area during the day. But at night….

Kayak through sea caves, have a campfire on a desert island, swim with glow in the dark plankton and sleep on the top deck of a boat underneath the stars. It would be the perfect last thing to do on your Thailand bucket list, don’t you think?

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Ultimate Thailand Bucket List conclusion

The beauty of Thailand is almost too much to handle. You can find white sand beaches, lush jungles and waterfalls galore – it’s a paradise on earth.

When you visit this country for the first time (or if you’re lucky enough and come back), make sure that your bucket list includes these 28 must see things. 

I hope you found this Thailand bucket list useful. If you have any comments or suggestions to add to the list, let me know below.

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