Top 15 Things To Do in Thailand

Cruise Bangkok's Waterways

See a different side of the capital

Bangkok is a city shaped by water, and some of its most interesting corners are best reached by boat. Step aboard a traditional long-tail boat and leave the traffic behind as you travel along the city’s network of khlongs, passing wooden houses, small temples and communities that still live alongside the waterways.

You might see children making their way home from school, locals going about their daily routines or boats carrying goods between riverside communities, offering another side of Bangkok that feels far removed from the skyscrapers and busy shopping districts.

You can also combine a canal trip with some of the city’s best-known sights, including Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. Go in the morning when the waterways are quieter, or towards the end of the day for sunset and as the heat begins to ease.

Head out on a Street Food Tour

Taste your way around Bangkok

Bangkok’s street food is best approached with an appetite. Rather than sitting down for one meal, either wander freely or take a tuk-tuk between different neighbourhoods and stop at local restaurants, street stalls and small food markets to try a selection of Thai specialities.

You could tuck into steaming bowls of noodles, grilled meats, fresh salads, spicy curries and freshly made desserts, while your guide explains the ingredients and regional influences behind each dish. Some of the most memorable places are often the simplest, with only a handful of tables filled with locals.

Going in the evening adds to the experience, when Bangkok’s streets fill with the sounds of cooking, chatting and traffic.

With so much to do in Bangkok alone, it’s a must for any Thailand holiday. It’s a great city for family holidays in Thailand with children of any age who are ready to explore.

Cycle Through Ayutthaya

Explore the ruins of Thailand's former capital

Just north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya’s ancient temples and crumbling stupas reveal the scale and importance of the former Siamese capital. The historic city flourished for centuries as a major trading centre before it was destroyed during the Burmese invasion in 1767.

The ruins are spread across a large area, making a bicycle a particularly enjoyable way to explore. Pedal between temple complexes, spot ancient Buddha images and the remains of royal buildings, and stop whenever something catches your eye. Wat Mahathat, with its famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree, is one of the most recognisable sights.

Go with a guide if you want to understand more about what you’re seeing. The stories behind the ruins, from Ayutthaya’s international trading links to the rise and fall of the kingdom, make the scattered remains much more meaningful than simply viewing them as ancient temples.

Swim Beneath Erawan's Waterfalls

Cool off in the pools of Erawan National Park

A visit to Erawan National Park gives you the chance to swap Kanchanaburi’s historical sights for forest trails and clear pools. The park’s famous waterfall descends through seven tiers, each with its own pool where swimming is possible.

The trail becomes progressively more challenging as you climb, so you don’t need to make it all the way to the top to enjoy the experience.

It’s easy to do the walk without a guide, but go early if you can, particularly if swimming is a priority. The lower pools are easier to reach and can become busy, but for those prepared to walk further, you are rewarded with quieter stretches of the waterfall.

Take the Overnight Train to Chiang Mai

Make the journey part of the adventure

Some of the best travel experiences happen between destinations, and the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a great example.

Settle in for the evening and by morning, you’ll be travelling through the countryside towards Chiang Mai, with the landscape changing as you reach the mountains of northern Thailand. It’s a relaxed alternative to flying.

The sleeper carriages are comfortable enough for the journey, with beds made up once the train gets moving. It isn’t luxury travel, and the bathroom is often shared, but that’s part of the experience. For anyone who is looking to experiencing a country rather than simply getting from A to B, it’s a memorable way to connect two very different parts of Thailand.

Chiang Mai is a popular spot with all tourists. Combined with its temples, street food delights and the unique boutique hotels in Thailand, it’s not hard to see why.

Spend Time with Elephants

Meet elephants in a responsible setting

There are a number of different sanctuaries and conservation projects for elephants in Thailand, but it’s important to choose carefully. The most responsible experiences focus on observing elephants and learning about their behaviour and welfare, rather than riding, performances or unnecessary interaction.

Depending on the experience, you could watch elephants feeding, bathing or moving through their surroundings while learning about their individual personalities and the challenges facing elephants in Thailand.

We recommend choosing experiences where elephant welfare comes first and where tourism provides a genuine benefit to the animals and the people caring for them. For families, it’s also an opportunity to learn about conservation in a way that feels engaging rather than like a formal lesson.

Stay on Cheow Lan Lake

Wake up among Khao Sok National Park's limestone karsts

Deep in Khao Sok National Park, Cheow Lan Lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, jungle and hidden coves. Spending a night in a floating raft house allows you to experience this dramatic landscape at its quietest and when the lake begins to settle.

Wake early and you’ll often find the water at its calmest, with mist hanging around the limestone peaks as the forest comes to life. Depending on your accommodation, you could head out by long-tail boat, kayak across the lake or take a guided walk into the surrounding rainforest.

Khao Sok is home to one of Thailand’s oldest rainforest ecosystems, and staying on the lake gives you more time to appreciate it than a short boat trip. It also makes a striking contrast to Thailand’s beaches, showing just how varied the country’s landscapes can be.

Go Island-Hopping in the Andaman Sea

Explore Thailand's tropical coastline

Thailand’s Andaman coast is dotted with islands, each with its own character. From the dramatic limestone scenery around Krabi to the quieter shores of Koh Yao Noi and the clear waters around Koh Lanta, travelling between islands lets you experience much more than a single beach resort.

Stop for a swim, snorkel above coral reefs or find a quieter stretch of sand for a picnic. You could spend the morning on the water before returning to your island in time for a late lunch, or make a full day of exploring several smaller islands.

The exact experience depends heavily on the season and where you stay, so it’s worth choosing your island base first and then building your boat trips around it. The Andaman coast also includes the Similan and Surin Islands, known for their marine life and clear waters, although access is seasonal.