Thailand provides what you need if you want to balance energetic adventures with relaxing activities while on vacation. Thailand offers a variety of activities, including Muay Thai training, cycling through historical sites, playing golf on one of the country’s championship courses, and diving at some of the top places in Asia.
The nation welcomes millions of daring visitors each year. Of fact, this is hardly a coincidence; Thailand offers so many opportunities that even travelers like us, who have experienced a lot of it, are far from claiming to have done it all. Therefore, we made this fantastic list of the top outdoor activities in Thailand.
The Best 15 Activities in Thailand you can do
- Canoeing & Kayaking
- Rock climbing at Tonsai Beach
- Festivals in Thailand
- Snorkeling
- Explore the Gulf of Thailand
- Rock climbing
- Bamboo rafting
- Scuba diving
- Elephant riding
- Thai cuisine
- Shopping in Thailand
- Culture and heritage in Thailand
- Water activities in Thailand
- Jumping in Thailand
- Surfing in Thailand
- Cycling in Thailand
- Golf in Thailand
- Muay Thai
- Yoga and Pilates
- Spectator sports
Canoeing & Kayaking
You should think about canoeing or kayaking if you want to be wrapped in a serene environment of pristine trees and the mirror-clear river. Canoeing is an eco-tourist activity that lets you get in shape while taking in the scenery. Phang Nga Bay is among the most well-liked sea kayaking and canoeing locations in southern Thailand because of its abundance of limestone rocks, caves, and lagoons.
Rock climbing at Tonsai Beach
The beaches of Railay in the province of Krabi are among the most beautiful in all of Thailand. Rock climbers from all over the world love to scale the spectacular limestone cliffs that rise hundreds of meters above the lake. Adventuresome hikers searching for a little more of a challenge or those interested in learning rock climbing are particularly fond of Ton Sai Beach. Go Deep Sea Soloing is a type of solo rock climbing that entails scaling rocks above the water without a rope or taking private lessons on the beach. If you find yourself remaining here for longer than a week, don’t be shocked.
Festivals in Thailand
In Thailand, some events are an experience in and of themselves. The Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is exceptionally joyous and is celebrated for three to seven days in April. Locals and foreigners alternately saturate each other with water for a while as a manner of celebrating the beginning of a new astrological phase. The only way to escape being permanently soaked during this period is to stay indoors. If you go outside, expect to be repeatedly shot with water cannons or have buckets of water dumped over you. Otherwise, enjoy yourself and the celebrations.
Snorkeling
In the Andaman Sea, snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular pastimes. Around its various islands, there are several fascinating snorkeling locations. Snorkeling is a fantastic way for those who love the ocean but struggle to swim to take in the amazing marine life. Several popular snorkeling locations include Laem Ka Beach, Laem Sing Beach, Coral Island, and Similan Islands are all in Phuket. Phi Phi islands and Ko Lanta in Krabi. And Islands of the Surin Ko Tao, Ko Tachai Surat Thani in Phang-nga.
Explore the Gulf of Thailand
The Gulf is the place to go if you’re seeking for more leisurely activities in Thailand. The region, which is on the country’s east coast, draws tourists who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. Additionally, the region has unparalleled beauty. The beaches and bays around the Gulf of Thailand are unlike any other places in the world due to the brilliant blue oceans, vibrant reefs, and brilliant white sand.
Pattaya is only a couple of hours away from Bangkok. Visitors can spend many hours engaging in thrilling water sports and leisure pursuits in this seaside town. Go to Hua Hin if you’d rather be somewhere calm. You can experience the pure bliss of a peaceful retreat here.
Rock climbing
The southern region of Thailand is home to a large number of rock-climbing locations, all of which provide routes for both novice and experienced climbers. The majority of climbing is concentrated on the Krabi province beaches of East Railay, Ton Sai, and Phra Nang, where there are numerous routes that are conveniently accessible from lodging. The most well-liked location for rock climbing is Railay Beach, which is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs. Many companies offer affordable opportunities for beginners to experience a climb with instruction and equipment.
Bamboo rafting
The Surat Thani province’s Khao Sok National Park is a spectacular location. It has a clear river, limestone mountains, stunning lakes, thrilling caverns, and an old rainforest. The Sok River is the ideal location for a bamboo raft trip. It’s a wonderful, tranquil way to take in the lovely river views surrounded by greenery. You can relax and allow a native paddler to take you to admire the stunning view of the river and the lush tropical jungle. You can’t help but go into the cool, clear water to go swimming since it is so inviting.
Scuba diving
Getting your PADI Scuba diving certification in Thailand is about as simple as going to your neighborhood grocery store. Courses are available everywhere and are especially affordable and well-liked on Koh Tao.
You can obtain your certificate in four days by taking the PADI Open Water course alongside like-minded individuals. The price is around 10,000 baht, and it includes theory lectures, tests, pool training, technical training, and four dives in open water, where you can go as deep as 18 meters. Dinner on the beach and the presentation of diplomas mark the joyous conclusion of the course. On Koh Tao, Ban’s Diving Resort is particularly well known.
Elephant riding
Try elephant trekking if you’re ever in Thailand, where there are tons of them. The jumbos will carry you on their backs while you traverse the jungle, cross creeks, and climb hills. There are many locations where you can do elephant trekking, although the majority of elephant camps are in the north. Both Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani and Khao Lak – Lamru National Park in Phang-nga are suggested destinations in the south. In any case, the province of Phuket is home to numerous elephant camps that also provide elephant trekking.
Thai cuisine
Thailand’s cuisine doesn’t require much of an introduction. Due to the abundance of diverse flavours and scents, it is enjoyed all over the world and seems impossible to resist. The majority of recipes incorporate seafood from freshwater sources such as fish, river prawns, shrimp, and crabs. The most widely used ingredients are coconut milk and palm sugar. Pad thai, tom yum, som tam, ba mee nam, and pork satay are some of the most well-known and essential Thai dishes.
Shopping in Thailand
One of the best pastimes in Thailand is shopping. Thailand has everything you might possibly need, from trinkets to shoes to clothing to pets. Your shopping experience will be worthwhile because of the variety of markets available, including street markets, night markets, rail markets, and malls. MBK, Central World, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon, Pratunam or Platinum Mall, and Chatuchak Market are among the top locations for shopping.
Culture and heritage in Thailand
Thailand is home to numerous magnificent temples, statues, and structures, including five UNESCO world heritage sites: The Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, the Historic City of Ayutthaya, the Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and the Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries. You can admire its historical and cultural heritage practically everywhere you go, and you don’t have to go far to come upon a religious artefact or prehistoric archaeological remnants.
Water activities in Thailand
The sandy stretches in the south are the ideal area to escape city life because Thailand is recognized for its stunning beaches. Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Phang Ngan are well-known islands in the east, while Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi are treasures in the west. If you like swimming, free diving, snorkeling, and scuba diving, go to the islands and take in the aquatic life. You’ll be astounded by the visibility and coral’s vibrant colours. You might also want to attempt water skiing, white water rafting, or sailing while you’re still in your swimwear.
Jumping in Thailand
There are many locations where you can leap out of a plane at 4,000 meters in the air. However, Thai Sky Adventures offers skydiving above Pattaya if you’re searching for a thrill during your Thai vacation. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it previously makes no difference. The employees are fluent in English, and the business follows western-style safety requirements. Sadly, they follow western pricing practices. You could easily spend 10,000 Thai Baht on one leap. The experience, though, is invaluable.
Surfing in Thailand
The beaches in western Phuket are empty from April to November. Surin Beach is the only one appropriate for more experienced surfers than Kalim Beach, Kamala Beach, Kata Beach, Nai Harn Beach, and other surfing locations. To have a perfect experience, you can go surfing on the beach or enrol in private instruction.
Cycling in Thailand
The entire family may stay active while simultaneously exploring more of Thailand by cycling. Although not all of Thailand’s roads are appropriate for cycling, there are some excellent possibilities for cyclists who want to take advantage of the country’s peaceful lanes and picturesque splendour. One of the most excellent methods to tour the historical parks in Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Si Satchanalai is by renting a bike.
Golf in Thailand
Thailand has more than 300 golf courses, and players from all over the world come here to play the top-notch courses. Golfers can base themselves at the beach resorts of Hua Hin and Pattaya and enjoy the abundance of adjacent courses. Additionally, both venues benefit from a wide variety of good lodging options and a wealth of attractions and activities for the course. The famous Honda LPGA tour event, held in Pattaya, attracts some of the best female golfers in the world, including two local standouts: Ariya “May” Jutanugarn and her sister Moriya “Mo” Jutanugarn.
Muay Thai
Thailand’s national sport is Thai boxing, also referred to as Muay Thai. The sport has a long history in the nation, going back to the days when troops utilized it as a kind of unarmed conflict. The sport is so deeply established in Thai culture that March 17 is set aside each year to honour it as National Muay Thai Day. The majority of Thai cities and tourist destinations offer at least one Muay Thai gym where visitors can train for a daily fee. A Muay Thai workout is a great aerobic workout that has the added benefit of making you fit without getting hit.
Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates fans should consider visiting Thailand. The founder of the specialized travel agency Healing Holidays, Frances Geoghegan, offers a variety of suggestions. Take a yoga class at Samahita or enrol in a pilates bootcamp at Absolute Sanctuary on Ko Samui. Increase your level of fitness while you’re in Phuket at Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort. Treat yourself to a low-cost traditional Thai massage as part of an overall strategy to maintain your fitness and health.
Spectator sports
There are important events to anticipate all year long if you enjoy sports but would prefer to watch the pros do their thing than participate yourself. For the Moto GP, motorcycle enthusiasts should travel to Buriram in northeast Thailand. Here in 2019, Marc Marquez clinched the World Championship. Additionally, the Bang Saen street track in Chonburi, close to Pattaya, organizes an annual race.