Thailand – a land of golden temples, culinary delight and unique culture, is a must see destination for people who love the unique landscape and rich cultural qualities of Southeast Asia! Travel within Thailand is not only about the sights but also a unique culinary culture, festivals and adventures. Join me through this article to discover the must-try travel experiences in Thailand and essential tips for planning your journey.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
Thailand weather overview
Understanding Thailand weather is the first step to planning your trip. Located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, Thailand has 3 main seasons:
- Cool season (November – February): The most pleasant times to travel, with temperature from 18 to 30 degrees. This is also the peak season for trying the list of things to do in Thailand, from temple visits and to outdoor activities.
- Hot season (March – May): is when the temperature can rise to 35-40 degrees; especially in larger cities such as Bangkok. Although it can be extreme, take into account that Songkran – Thailand’s most famous water festival, takes place during this season.
- Rainy season (June – October): Although Thailand weather is wetter during these months, nature is at its greenest, and prices for services are much cheaper then in peak season. As a budget traveler, this can be a good time to visit the less crowded, more explore areas while having a chance to experience another side of Thailand weather.
Best time by region
Due to the diversity of Thailand weather, the best time to visit varies among regions.
Best time to travel to Thailand by region
In the North
The best time to travel to the Northern Thailand is from November to February when the cool climate is suitable for trekking activities and participating in the Loy Krathong festival – one of the oldest festivals in Thailand.
In the Centre
The period from November to February is also the golden time to start the journey to the central provinces and Bangkok in Thailand when the weather is very pleasant, suitable for experiences of visiting the city and ancient temples.
In the South
When traveling to Thailand, don’t forget to plan trips to some of the white sand beaches. You can choose to visit the Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi) from November to April, and the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui) from January to August and that’s perfectly acceptable.
Even if you’re confused with your planning, keep this seasonal overview in your pocket as you look for authentic Thai experiences! If you do it right, you will find a fantastic list of best things to do in Thailand including cultural experiences and natural wonders to explore.
Top 20+ Must-try Travel Experiences in Thailand
This list has all the activities, from street food tastings to temple visits, for first-time and experienced travelers to Thailand. For an authentic Thai experience, remember these highlights for your itinerary in order to truly have an unforgettable trip.
Northern region
Trekking and exploring the nature of the North
If you love Thailand adventure and unspoiled nature, trekking in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai will definitely be one of the most unforgettable experiences. The forest trails will lead you to hidden waterfalls or ethnic minority villages and Doi Inthanon peak – the roof of Thailand. In addition, the Golden Triangle is a famous destination to learn about the unique trading history and culture of the North.
>>> For travelers eager to combine northern wilderness with southern beach relaxation, consider this immersive 10-day Thailand adventure from Chiang Mai to Phuket tour to experience a complete contrast – jungles, culture and coaster paradise.
Kew Mae Pan natural trail – Doi Inthanon National Park
Mae Kampong – eco village near Chiang Mai
Just a short trip from Chiang Mai, Mae Kampong is a charming community village where you can stay in local homestays, sip mountain-grown tea and coffee, and enjoy slow-paced life among the hills. It’s an authentic Thai experience that combine nature with culture.
Mae Kampong village
Ride the Mae Hong Son Loop
For adventurous souls, renting a motorbike or cars and driving the Mae Hong Son Loop is a must. This scenic route winds through mountain, forests and valleys, leading to Pai and remote northern towns. It’s one of the most rewarding road trips in Thailand.
Doi Mae U Kho-Mae Hong Son Loop
Loy Krathong & Songkran Festival
Thailand is truly the land of festivals. Time your visit the right way, and you’ll be caught up in the incredible environment of the local people. Loy Krathong, which is in November, when thousands of flower lanterns are released in the river, is a sight to behold (especially when it sparkles in Chiang Mai). Then in April when Thailand weather is pleasant, Songkran is a whole new experience as the whole country is transformed into a massive water-splashing festival for the New Year. Both are amazing festivals in Thailand, and something that every tourist must experience at least once in their life.
Songkran Festival
>>> Visit Top 8 Best things to do at Songkran Festival in Thailand to explore more about the beauty and significance of the festival marking the Thai New Year.
Street food experience
Thai street cuisine is well-known around the world for its deep flavor and incredibly cheap prices. While walking throughout Chiang Mai night market you can taste Khao Soi, a typical northern curry noodle dish, along with incredibly attractive dishes such as Pad Thai, Som Tum – papaya salad, mango sticky rice. If you’re wondering what to eat in Thailand, night markets are the best way to experience the country’s rich culinary identity. Trying local street food is truly one of the must-try things to do in Thailand for food lovers.
Thailand street food
>>> Read more at Top 10 Thai Desserts to Awaken Your Taste Buds to discover the list of delicious dishes not to be missed when traveling to Thailand.
Visit the elephant sanctuary
A humane experience in Thailand is to visit the elephant sanctuary – a humane elephant camp. While many elephant riding tourism experiences mistreat elephants and benefit from their labor and suffering, individuals visiting Elephant Nature Park and comparable experiences may learn about how elephants live and take souvenir photographs with them. The more sustainable tourism social enterprises like Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai offer experiences that help guests experience fun and also protect Thailand’s iconic animals.
Elephants Nature Park
Central region
Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital city has beautiful religious and historical buildings, one of which is likely most famous to tourists is the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). This area represents Thai architecture and culture with incredible gold decoration and is the home of the sacred Emerald Buddha. When you go to this site you will feel the connection between Buddhism and the spiritual life of the Thai people.
The Grand Palace
Explore the Bangkok floating market
Floating market is one of the unique cultural heritage scenes in Bangkok. You will be experiencing a exhilarating trading atmosphere on the water from the boats of fresh fruits, food and handicrafts.The famous floating markets are Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa. From this unique experience, you will taste food but on the same note give you an insight into the traditional culture of the local people.
Damnoen Sadual- Floating Market
Experience Muay Thai
Muay Thai is not only a traditional martial art, but also the pride of the Thai people. Visitors can rightly be taken to stadiums in Bangkok to witness the breathtaking matches or take basic classes to feel the body action or strength and flexibility of this art for themselves.
Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium
Ordinary Thai Massage
If you think of Thailand you think massage and in particular Thai massage as it is one of the most significant types of therapy in the world. It can be a combination of stretching and acupressure therapy that can provide relaxation to your body, keep blood circulation flowing and can also relieve tension, tiredness and stress.
Thai Massage
Take a Thai cooking class
Thai food has become one of the most respected cuisine in the world and taking part in a Thai cooking course is an excellent way to be a part of the local culture. You can participate in team cooking with a professional Thai chef learning about the traditional dishes such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Green Curry. Many classes also take students to find fresh ingredients from the market for their kitchen practice too. With any luck you’ll go home with some tips to create some Thai flavors in your own kitchen.
Thai Cooking Class
Do a Vipassana spiritual retreat
For travelers seeking inner peace, Thailand is one of the best places in the world to join a Vipassana meditation retreat. These silent retreats of 5 to 10 days usually found at temples and mediation centers around Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer a chance to disconnect from the outside world, be mindful, and study Buddhist teachings. With a quiet experience the retreat time should help cleanse the mind and heart with something very different than sightseeing and nightlife.
Vipassana Spiritual retreat center
Explore the historic city of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, is around an hour drive from Bangkok – anyone with even the slightest interest in history should not miss this. It was a kingdom for over 400 years, now is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the temples, buddhas and ancient ruins tell stories of all that beauty and chaos of a beautifully chaotic time of the kingdom of Siam.
Ancient ruins of Ayutthaya
Southern region
Be a part of legendary Full Moon Party – Koh Phangan
Thailand is well-known for its nightlife, and if you want to check out the best nightlife experience in Thailand, then the Full Moon festival in Koh Phangan is it! Every month thousands of backpackers join together on Haad Rin Beach to celebrate life with various forms of music and fire shows. This party experience is truly one of a kind under the night sky with palm trees and tropical beaches. Its one of the most popular festivals in Thailand to international tourists. If you’re into nightlife, one of the craziest things to do in Thailand is to join the legendary beach party.
Full Moon Party
Island and sea tourism
You can’t go wrong with southern Thailand’s beaches and islands, which are all beautiful. Some of those places, such as Phuket, have large and bustling resorts, with views of impressive steep limestone face cliffs like Krabi. Others like Koh Samui are more relaxed, while others still have a romantic appeal like Koh Phi Phi. You can do everything from boat rides, hopping from island to island, coral diving, kayaking or the just plain relaxing on the beautiful white sandy beaches.
Phi Phi Island
Scuba Diving in Koh Tao
Also known as the hub of diving in Thailand, Koh Tao is one of the most affordable locations in the world to get your PADI certificates. There are colorful reefs, pinnacles, and more marine life than you can see for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Scuba diving course in Koh Tao
Discover the Blue Lagoon of Hong Island
Koh Hong’s Blue Lagoon is a mystical lagoon that can only be accessed by a small passage through the limestone. Once you arrive, emerald waters are surrounded by towering cliffs, a stunning contrast to the busy beaches nearby.
Hong Island
Sleep in the jungle at Khao Sok
For nature lovers, Khao Sok National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience – spending a night in a hammock deep in the jungle. Surrounded by ancient rainforest, rivers and wildlife sounds, it’s perfect for those seeking authentic adventure.
Khao Sok National Park
Hike Dragon Crest Viewpoint in Krabi
If you want to see Krabi from above, hike up to Dragon Crest (Khao Ngon Nak). The trails takes you through lush forest before rewarding you with panoramic views over the Andaman Sea and limestone cliffs.
Dragon Crest Viewpoint
Experience local life at the night market
Southern Thailand has its share of night markets, in addition to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, mainly in Phuket and Krabi. Here you don’t need to think about what to eat in Thailand and can indulge in freshly prepared seafood dishes, where you watch them prepare it right in front of you, purchase handicraft souvenirs, and delight in the ambience of street music. The night market can serve as a dining option, purchases of souvenirs, and a location that provides a different eye on the culture and social life different from the beach and luxury resorts.
Phuket Night Market
>>> Check out our Explore Southern Thailand in 5 Days if you are looking for an authentic tour in Southern Thailand.
Volunteering in Soi Dog Foundation
For animal lovers, in addition to the amazing experience with the elephants at the elephant sanctuary, your time volunteering at the Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket will be a life-changing experience. The Soi Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization that rescues and cares for stray dogs and cats around Thailand. As a volunteer, most people come for a short-term stay, and spend time with dogs and cats and also helping directly with their rehabilitation and care. This is not only an incredibly worthwhile activity, but it might also be the most authentic Thai experience beyond the fabulous beaches and nightlife.
A rescue dog in Soi Dog Foundation
Thailand Travel Tips for First Time travelers
Visa and entry requirements
Before traveling to Thailand, you should find out information about visas because Thailand applies short-term visa exemption for some countries, check the validity of your passport (minimum 6 months) and understand the entry regulations.
In addition, don’t forget to prepare Thailand travel insurance for unexpected situations such as illness, lost luggage, or trip delays. a good insurance package will give you peace of mind throughout your journey
Transportation tips
There are many options for moving around the city such as BTS, MRT, Grab or tuk tuk. when choosing a taxi, you should ask the driver to turn on the meter. When traveling between regions, you can choose cheap domestic flights, trains or buses.
Money and budgeting
You should exchange money into Thai Baht, prepare cash for activities like shopping at markets, and for traveling. Knowing what to do in Thailand with your budget like choosing between night markets or high-end-dinning will help you enjoy the trip more. And if you plan your meals wisely, you’ll never run out of options when it comes to what to eat in Thailand — from affordable street food to luxurious fine dining.
Food and drink safety
If you are not familiar with the food in countries with rich cuisine like Thailand, you need to be meticulous in choosing dishes as well as street food locations. You should visit places that are crowded and have good reviews on review platforms.
Cultural etiquette
You should learn how to say Wai before coming to Thailand, respect religion and pay attention to your clothes when entering temples, shoulders and knees need to be covered. Please note that do not touch the heads of people here, even children because this action is considered disrespectful because Thai people believe the head is the most precious part of the body.
Safety and healthy tips
Thailand is a fairly safe place, but watch out for tuk tuk scams, gem scams, and always keep an eye on your things in crowded places. Consider bringing a few medicines like motion sickness, fever and allergy meds. You will definitely want to check Thailand weather reports each time before you leave for a destination as different regions have dramatically different climate and that it important for your overall physical health for the trip.
Thailand has everything for those interested in culture, food, scenery, or just chilling. Before you go, save the list of things to do in Thailand to experience the most of Thailand and undercover an unforgettable trip. From temples and festivals to street food stalls and island hopping, this must-try travel experiences in Thailand list will help you make the most amazing memories.
Read more:
