I know I know, how can I possibly choose just 10 things that you MUST do while in Thailand, but trust me, these are unmissable. If you appreciate the outdoors and love getting off-the-beaten-path then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve also sprinkled in a few activities that allow you to participate in the colourful Thai culture, because lets be honest, you can’t travel to Thailand and not experience it.
Sea kayak in Phang Nga Bay
The best way to see Phang Nga Bay is by kayak. For one thing, you can’t reach the hidden lagoons any other way and secondly, it gets you as close as possible to the ‘out of this world’ landscapes and scenery.
You’ll be blown away as you navigate through narrow tunnels only to find yourself in a secret lagoon. The sound of the jungle absorbing you amongst the impressive limestone rocks. Spot the monkeys and watch the birds before leaving these secret places and travelling back through the caves to open water.
We did a whole day tour that took us to different caves, tunnels and lagoons. As well as Sea Kayaking we got to swim in some of the nicest, most vibrant water we’ve ever seen.
Hire a scooter and explore Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi can be circumnavigated in 45 minutes, making it the perfect island to hire a scooter. If you’ve never ridden one before, then now is your chance; the traffic is so light (fairly non-existent), it is the perfect place to learn. Find off-the-beaten-path swimming spots and hidden beaches that you’ll get all to yourself.
Remember to make sure your travel insurance includes scooter riding and wear a helmet. To learn more about why Koh Yao Noi is the best island in Phang Nga Bay go HERE.
Visit an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Rai
If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience where you can get up close and personal with elephants, while still prioritising ethical and conscious travel, then have I got a treat for you.
Elephant Peace Project is more than just a ‘fun day out’. It is truely a unique experience that brings awareness to the wellbeing and future of the Asian elephant, while teaching you about the history and ways of the Karen Hill Tribe. You will be touched by the gentleness and beauty of these incredible animals.
Spending time with elephants while in Thailand is of course a must-do. Just make sure you are wise about where you spend your money and which sanctuary you visit.
Wildlife spotting in Khao Sok National Park
One of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world, Khao Sok is home to elephants, bears, and leopards, as well as many different species of unique monkeys and birds.
We spent two nights staying on a floating bungalow at Khao Sok Lake in the middle of the jungle. Our private guide, who also happened to be a survival expert did a great job at a educating us on the flora and fauna.
We saw long and pig tail macaques, gibbons, buffalo, barking deer, scorpions and flocks of the incredible greater hornbill, which have a two meter wingspan! Unfortunately we didn’t see elephants but we saw a lot of recent evidence that they are around. We even saw recent markings of sun bears on the trees!
Cooking class in Chiang Mai
What better way to immerse yourself in a culture than learn how to cook their favourite dishes. Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School, in Chaing Mai, provides an intimate, hands on experience where your taste buds will explode and you’ll get to take what you can’t eat home.
The benefit of a more intimate class is that we were able to head to a local market before the lesson and buy fresh ingredients.
Watch the Sunrise from Phu Chi Fa
Spend the night in a tent before waking early and walking the short distance to the top of Phu Chi Fa. Located in northeast Thailand, Phu Chi Fa is popular among Thai locals for its incredible sunrises and the sea of mist that lifts from the valley below.
Phu Chi Fa is one of the many hidden secrets of Chiang Rai and worth at least a two night stay out on the Doi Pha Mon range.
Travel by night train to Bangkok
Not typically what you’d find on a top 10 list but how could I not include our night train experience. Sure it wasn’t the best sleep of our lives but what an adventure. It was a brilliant way to get from south Thailand to Bangkok.
You’ll get a good laugh out of the chaos of the Thai vendors who board at every stop and shout at everyone about what they’re trying to sell (no matter the time).
Walk up a sticky waterfall in Chiang Mai
You have to see this one to believe it. Bua Tong or sticky waterfall is one and a half hours drive from Chiang Mai. The limestone rocks are incredibly grippy meaning you can safely walk straight up the waterfall into the oncoming cascading water.
The water is stunningly clear coming from a bubbling spring at the top of the falls. You’ll spend at least half a day here but beware, your calves will burn!
Try the local cuisine at Tha Pae night markets, Chiang Mai
Held every Sunday, the Tha Pae walking street markets in Chaing Mai are huge! The line of market stalls extends nearly 1.5 kilometres. Of course the shopping and delicious street food is why most people go but if you’re feeling adventurous you can try some of the more unusual food on offer. Fancy eating a bug, pig brain or fish poo? Well here’s your chance!
Zipline in Chiang Mai
If you’re seeking adventure than head on over to Skyline Jungle Luge. Fly through the air on the worlds longest zipline, stretching nearly one kilometre long. At this point we’ve done a number of zip-lines around the world, but this is hands down our favourite. The team leading Skyline Adventures are extremely proficient meaning there’s no waiting around for your turn. Not only that but the actual ‘playtime’ is nearly two and a half hours long!
High above the rainforest floor, with breathtaking views of nothing but jungle it is an experience unlike any other. The only thing you’ll hear are the sounds of wildlife, interrupted by the sound of laughter and screams of delight.
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