The 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Thailand
Published on: September 29th, 2017
Last updated: February 14th, 2025
In the heart of Southeast Asia lies Thailand, a country bursting with incredible places to go and things to do. From family adventures, foodie explorations, trips for two and honeymoons - there’s something for everyone: climb the limestone cliffs of Krabi, visit rural temples in Chiang Mai, go shopping in pulsating Bangkok or try snorkelling on Koh Samui.
At Jacada, we strongly feel that the most memorable experiences unravel the soul of the places you go. That's why we've asked our travel designers to handpick their favourite things to do in Thailand that introduce you to the local history, culture and customs for an enriching trip.
You'll meet with communities, experience their daily rituals and learn about their heritage. Discover ancient architecture with storied pasts before trekking lesser-travelled paths through mountains and jungles. And you'll love flitting between the Thai islands, finding white sand beaches that lie off the beaten track. Here are our best local experiences to add to your Thailand itinerary.
1. Explore The Grand Palace in Bangkok
Adventure through the maze of buildings, pavilions, gardens and courtyards that make up the official residence of the Kings of Siam in Bangkok. Within the palace complex lies Wat Phra Kaew, a temple which houses the famed Emerald Buddha that was carved from a single block of semi-precious green stone.
Feast your eyes upon the intricate interior of the Grand Palace Hall or visit the museum to learn more about the restoration of the Grand Palace. Your private guide will make sure to find hidden spots and quiet corners to fully immerse you in its history.
2. Try your hand at traditional cuisine in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers an abundance of culinary experiences for visitors to delve into the diverse world of Thai cuisine, from taking part in a cooking class at an organic farm and savouring street foods at night markets to discovering the foraged flavours of the Akha tribe’s cuisine. You’ll be able to learn about Thailand’s culinary history and taste traditional dishes, all within one city.
Most cooking classes in Chiang Mai begin with a visit to a local market, where you’ll learn how to choose the best ingredients. Then, you’ll enjoy a fully guided class with demonstrations before savouring the fruits of your labour. At the end of the class, you’re given a recipe booklet to recreate these dishes in your own kitchen.
3. Visit the floating markets of Bangkok
Rise early and traverse the narrow canals that lead to Bangkok’s lively Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in a long-tail boat. The best time to visit floating markets in Bangkok is in the morning when vendors jostle for trade with boats abrim with fresh fruits and vegetables. In between the action, look out for long boats selling street food, like fluffy coconut pancakes and mango sticky rice.
Not far from Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the Tha Kha Floating Market. Local traditions have been preserved here as residents bring their home-grown vegetables, giving you an authentic glimpse into rural life. You can also take a boat to paddle around the village and its colourful fruit orchards.
4. Go rock climbing in Krabi
Krabi, in southern Thailand, is a rock climber’s haven, home to terrain suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. The steep limestone cliffs jut dramatically out of the Andaman Sea, letting you marvel at sweeping views over the azure waters below.
Rai Leh, located east of Krabi, is defined by its white sand beaches and jagged limestone mountains. Your adventure begins on the journey to these colossal karsts, accessible only by boat. Rai Leh is often described as a climber’s utopia due to the hundreds, if not thousands, of routes waiting to be climbed.
5. Devour street food in Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is home to arguably some of the world’s best street food. A great way to visit as many stalls as possible is by taking a tuk-tuk tour around the city, flitting from one food stall to the next.
While Michelin stars are typically associated with high-end establishments, the Michelin Guide has also recognised the exceptional quality of some street food stalls in Bangkok, elevating them to a new level of prestige. Among them is Jay Fai, which has gained worldwide fame for its flavourful Thai dishes. Make sure to taste Jay Fai’s crab omelette and seafood drunken noodles.
6. Kayak on Phang Nga Bay
Take a kayaking tour in Phang Nga Bay located just off the coast of Phuket. You’ll paddle across emerald waters and past small islands carpeted in lush forests. You can also dive into hidden lagoons with the backdrop of limestone cliffs rising from the sea.
In Phang Nga Bay, you’ll find Khao Phing Kan, famously known as the ‘James Bond Island’ given its appearance in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. You can kayak or sail to the rocky pinnacle, before savouring a seafood lunch at an oceanfront restaurant in Phuket.
7. Unearth the ruins of Ayutthaya
Not far from Bangkok, you’ll come across the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, an ancient city once one of the largest urban areas in the world. It’s known for its remnants of towers and monumental Buddhist monasteries, which you can explore on guided cycling tours within Ayutthaya’s age-old walls.
Step right into history when you stay at Sala Ayutthaya, one of our favourite hotels in the area. Perched on the riverbank of the Chao Phraya River, this stylish hotel will put you in the heart of Ayutthaya’s ruins, making it an ideal base for your historical adventure.
8. Snorkel in Ang Thong National Park
Discover the turquoise-hued home of whale sharks, green sea turtles and yellow-spotted trevallies on a snorkelling excursion in Ang Thong National Park. You can easily reach the park on a boat trip from Koh Samui.
Ang Thong National Park is a vast wonder studded with towering limestone pinnacles and dense jungles. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities here, where you can explore flourishing coral reefs and encounter an abundance of marine life.
9. See the striking White Temple in Chiang Rai
As a Buddhist country, temples are a crucial part of Thai tradition. So, it’s no surprise that we think a trip to Thailand is incomplete without visiting a temple or two. The region of Chiang Rai, located in the Golden Triangle, is home to one of Thailand’s most impressive temples: Wat Rong Khun, also called ‘The White Temple’.
As you admire the temple, you’ll notice how its white walls glitter in the sun, because of the lashings of glass in its plaster. Learn about the intricate details of its sculptures and the symbolism behind its extraordinary architecture.
10. Go hiking in Chiang Mai
The hilly northern region of Chiang Mai is considered one of the best hiking destinations in the world. You can hike through dense jungles to visit hill tribes before white-water rafting, mountain biking or ziplining over treetops on your return.
You can also trek from Chiang Mai up to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the convergence of the Ruak and the Mekong Rivers. En route, you’ll see ancient monuments as you hike through mountains, rice fields and forests.
11. Get off the beaten track on the white sand beaches of Koh Yao Noi
Uncover the natural treasures of the tropical island paradise of Koh Yao Noi, situated just far enough off the tourist trail for what feels like a totally exclusive experience. Those who prefer a slower pace can while away the hours on one of its powdery beaches. More active travellers can take a Thai kickboxing class, go rock climbing or head out cycling.
Stay at Six Senses Yao Noi, one of our Positive Impact Properties, where you can take your pick from ocean, beachfront or hideaway villas. These open out private infinity pools and terraces, perfect for soaking up the sun and al-fresco dining.
12. Learn about wild elephants in the Kui Buri National Park
Elephants have long been a part of Thai history, but they’ve sadly often been exploited for human gain. We believe it is essential to learn about ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand that prioritise their welfare.
Kui Buri National Park is a haven for observing wild animals in their natural habitat. Here you’ll witness elephants, bulls and other animals as they roam freely through the forest.
13. Take part in traditional crafts
Deep dive into Thailand’s cultural heritage through the craftsmanship of Thai artisans. Help keep traditions alive by participating in their ancient practices and learning about these generation-spanning techniques.
During your visit to Chiang Mai, you can learn the intricate skill behind silversmithing in the temple of Wat Srisuphan, which is built almost entirely using silver. In a workshop, you’ll see how ornate silverworks are made before crafting your own silver piece with the guidance of artisans.
14. Uncover Kanchanaburi's role in World War Two
Kanchanaburi, located in West Thailand, is known for its World War Two heritage. You can cruise the River Kwai with a historian and learn about the Death Railway, both built by prisoners of war and forced labourers, before visiting the war cemetery, home to the Kanchanaburi Memorial.
At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, you can view photographs of the railway construction. There’s also the JEATH war museum, a short walk from the River Kwai, which displays part of the original bridge after its bombing in 1944.
15. Experience Chiang Mai's distinct cultures
Home to many different hill tribes, Chiang Mai offers plenty of opportunities to learn about different cultures. In Doi Inthanon National Park the Karen villages, such as Ban Mae Klang Luang, create colourful, silk fabric using centuries old weaving techniques. Watch as experienced hands fly across the looms. Residents of the villages will demonstrate and explain their way of life, educating visitors, and helping the communities to preserve their heritage. And, by purchasing fabrics and other handcrafted items from makers, you’ll be supporting the village’s economic stability.
When in Chiang Mai, one of our favourite excursions includes the ancient city of Lampang, which still preserves its architecture from the 7th century. Marvel at age-old wooden temples and mansions, take some time to sample local delights and admire the gleaming gold and white mountaintop pagodas of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.
Responsible Tourism in Thailand
At Jacada, responsible travel that has a positive impact on the environment, climate and communities is at the core of everything we do. And, there are many ways you can contribute to sustainable tourism practices while you’re travelling.
You can choose to stay at properties from our Positive Impact Collection. A handpicked collection of hotels that exemplify sustainable practices and a commitment to responsible travel. In Thailand, you can stay at Six Senses Yao Noi, situated on Koh Yao Noi, whose initiatives focus on energy efficiency, responsible water and waste management, self-sufficiency and organic farming. The hotel also supports the restoration of mangroves, which play a crucial role in reducing the effects of climate change.
You can reduce environmental impact by selecting activities such as hiking, biking and snorkelling and support local communities through experiences that are respectful. Take part in these community-driven activities that support social, cultural and economic growth. Jacada partners with local businesses and guides, which means you’ll benefit from incredible expertise and local knowledge, while also contributing directly into communities.
Aligned with our commitment to animal welfare, we carefully select wildlife experiences that allow for respectful observation of animals in their natural environments. While Thailand is renowned for beautiful elephants, the historical context of human-elephant interactions is important to consider. We meticulously research and visit elephant sanctuaries, only working with not-for-profit facilities that prioritize animal welfare over any form of human entertainment.
Our helpful FAQs for visiting Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand depends on where you want to go, as the climate varies between the northern and southern parts of the country and its islands.
In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, November to February is a great time for sightseeing because of the drier and cooler weather. Clear weather in south Thailand, where you’ll find Khao Sok National Park, are the perfect conditions for spotting wildlife. Look out for elephants, tapirs, gibbons and hornbills.
When visiting Thailand’s eastern islands located in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, you can expect sun-soaked days from January to March with temperatures between 30°C (86°F) and 35°C (95°F).
The western islands in the Andaman Sea, like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Kood, typically see more rain than the eastern islands. To make the most of the beaches, head to the western islands during December and January, when there’s plenty of sunshine.
Yes, some nationalities will need a visa to go to Thailand. As a US, Canadian or UK passport holder, you can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa, whether you arrive overland or by plane. However, requirements can change at any time so we highly recommend checking with your local embassy for the most recent entry requirements. If you need a visa to go to Thailand, your travel designer will help guide you through the process.
Yes, you should be aware of cultural etiquette and practices when travelling in Thailand. You should familiarise yourself with the traditional wai greeting, which involves pressing your hands together in a prayer-like manner while gently bowing your head.
When visiting a temple or rural area, you should cover your shoulders and legs out of respect. You can also expect to remove your shoes when entering Thai houses and certain temples and palaces. If you’re invited into a local home for a meal, wait to be seated by your host and use your right hand to eat.
Be mindful when taking photos of people, and always ask for permission. You should also avoid touching anyone on the head. Thailand’s monarchy is considered sacred so they must be spoken about with the utmost respect.
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Whatever you want from your Thailand tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
