Things To Do
in Thailand
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its breathtaking landscapes, which range from lush jungles and pristine beaches to vibrant cities like Bangkok, renowned for its ornate temples and bustling street markets. It has a rich cultural heritage, with Buddhism playing a central role in its traditions, festivals, and architecture, exemplified by the majestic Grand Palace and the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya.
Thai cuisine, characterized by its bold flavors and aromatic spices, is celebrated worldwide, offering a diverse array of dishes that cater to every palate, from the famous Pad Thai to the fiery Som Tam.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Marvel at the intricate architecture and rich history of these iconic landmarks.
Head to Wat Pho to see the famous reclining Buddha. Enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the temple for a refreshing experience.
Stroll along the vibrant streets of Khao San Road. Enjoy street food and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Relax on Patong Beach and soak up the sun. Take a dip in the clear waters to start your tropical adventure.
Get adventurous with water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing. Explore the local market for some souvenirs.
Enjoy a beachfront dinner with fresh seafood. Watch the sunset with a refreshing cocktail in hand.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and islands
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Delicious and diverse cuisine
- Affordable cost of living
- Warm and welcoming locals
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options
- Great opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures
- Traffic congestion in major cities
- Pollution in urban areas
- Language barrier for non-Thai speakers
- Political instability in certain regions
- Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes
- Tourist scams and safety concerns in some areas
- Limited healthcare facilities in rural areas
Best Activities in Thailand
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of islands like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Samui.
Discover the lush jungles, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages in places like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Experience the vibrant marine life and coral reefs in popular diving spots such as the Similan Islands and Koh Lanta.
Tours
Uncover the best of Thailand with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Thailand
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its limestone cliffs and picturesque islands, offering stunning views and photo opportunities, especially at James Bond Island.
The Temple of Dawn in Bangkok provides a beautiful riverside view, especially during sunrise or sunset, perfect for photography.
Home to Thailand's highest peak, this park offers breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and the surrounding countryside.
Famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear waters, and rock climbing opportunities, providing many picturesque photo spots.
Food in Thailand
Thailand Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A stir-fried noodle dish with a perfect blend of flavors, commonly made with shrimp, tofu, or chicken and garnished with peanuts and lime. A must-try dish available throughout Thailand, but particularly famous in Bangkok's street food markets such as the Chinatown or Banglamphu districts.
Must-Try!
A spicy and sour shrimp soup infused with fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. This iconic dish can be savored at traditional Thai restaurants as well as street food stalls, with some of the best found in the night markets of Chiang Mai.
A classic Thai curry known for its aromatic green color and rich, creamy coconut milk base. It typically features tender pieces of meat or fish, Thai eggplant, and sweet basil. Visitors can enjoy authentic green curry at local restaurants and food stalls across Thailand.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Thailand better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in the world, offering an extensive array of street food ranging from grilled meats and seafood to traditional Thai desserts and exotic fruits. It's a paradise for food enthusiasts seeking diverse flavors and dishes from all regions of Thailand.
Famous for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide selection of street food, including the renowned Khao Soi (egg noodle curry soup) and various grilled skewers. This bustling night market is a great place to explore northern Thai street food specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to show respect for the Thai monarchy, as any form of disrespect is taken very seriously and can lead to legal consequences.
When greeting someone in Thailand, it is customary to perform the 'wai' which involves a slight bow with the palms pressed together. The wai shows respect and is used in various social situations.
When visiting temples or other religious sites, it is important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. This shows respect for the religious customs and beliefs in Thailand.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Thailand with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Thailand
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Thailand, and it is not expected in most situations. However, in tourist-heavy areas or high-end establishments, a service charge may be included in the bill. If you receive exceptional service, a small tip may be appreciated, but it is not mandatory.
In Thailand, cash is widely used for transactions, especially in local markets, street stalls, and small shops. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and to inquire about card acceptance before making a payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Thailand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with pleasant weather, less rain, and festivals like Loy Krathong and New Year's Eve.
Expect very high temperatures and occasional heat waves. Good for beach lovers and water activities.
Heavier rainfall, lush green landscapes, and fewer tourists. Good for budget travelers and experiencing traditional festivals like Songkran.
Thailand at Night
Hiking in Thailand
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Home to Thailand's highest peak, this park offers scenic trails, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints.
Famous for its emerald green ponds, the park features multiple hiking trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls.
Offers hiking trails with panoramic views of Chiang Mai and features the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple.
Known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes and extensive cave systems, it offers unique hiking opportunities.
Renowned for its rainforest and stunning limestone cliffs, the park offers numerous hiking trails for all levels.
An island park with hiking trails through rainforests, stunning coastal views, and opportunities to see wildlife.
Features hilly terrain with trails overlooking the beautiful Khao Laem Reservoir, offering a serene hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Thailand through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Thailand by plane.
The main international airport in Bangkok, Thailand, serving as a major hub for both tourist and international flights.
Another major airport in Bangkok, primarily serving low-cost carriers and domestic flights.
The largest airport in Northern Thailand, serving Chiang Mai and the surrounding regions.
The main airport serving the popular resort island of Phuket, connecting to various international destinations.
The largest airport in Southern Thailand, serving Hat Yai and nearby border regions.
An airport located in Krabi, it serves as a gateway to the Andaman Sea beaches and islands.
A unique airport located on Ko Samui, serving both domestic and international flights.
An airport located near Pattaya, serving as an alternative to Bangkok airports for travelers heading to the eastern seaboard.
A smaller airport serving the Sukhothai region, primarily for domestic flights.
An airport serving the Nakhon Si Thammarat province, mainly for domestic traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Thailand, accounting for about 75-80% of the population.
The largest minority group, representing approximately 10% of the population, with significant influence in commerce.
A significant ethnic minority in the southern provinces, making up about 3% of the population.
People of Lao descent, primarily found in the northeastern region known as Isan, constituting around 2-3% of the population.
The Khmer people, mainly in the eastern part of Thailand, represent around 1% of the population.
Includes various indigenous and hill tribes, such as Hmong, Karen, and Akha, making up the remaining percentage of the population.
The Soul of Thailand
Discover the essence of Thailand through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional martial art and national sport of Thailand, known as the 'Art of Eight Limbs' for its use of punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes.
The most popular team sport in Thailand, with numerous local leagues and a passionate following, including the national team.
A widely played racket sport in Thailand, with many players participating in both local competitions and international tournaments.
A popular team sport enjoyed at both recreational and competitive levels, including beach volleyball which has gained popularity in coastal areas.
Thailand is known for its beautiful golf courses, making it a popular sport for both locals and tourists.
While not as dominant as football, basketball has a strong following in Thailand, especially among the youth.
A traditional sport native to Southeast Asia, similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball and using feet, head, knees, and chest.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Thai restaurants and food stalls offer a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as Pad Thai with tofu, vegetable curries, and fresh spring rolls. In urban areas like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there are also dedicated vegetarian and vegan eateries that cater to specific dietary preferences.
While Thai cuisine heavily features rice as a staple, it's important to be cautious of certain sauces and seasonings that may contain gluten. Communicating your dietary needs clearly to the restaurant staff can help in ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience with gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Thailand with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Thailand.