Your essential Thailand bucket list: everything to see, do and experience
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Thailand is easily one of the most fun countries in Southeast Asia to travel through, giving almost every type of traveller something to do. High energy cities with chic rooftop bars and underground speakeasies? Check. Ancient capitals with crumbling ruins and haunting history? Check. Pristine islands with white sand beaches and shimmering turquoise seas? Too many to count. With so much to do, it can be overwhelming knowing where to even begin. This guide brings together 25 bucket list things to do in Thailand, mixing iconic sights with cultural experiences and classic journeys that showcase the very best this country has to offer.
1. Watch the sunset at Wat Arun
Undoubtedly one of the best spots to watch the sunset in the whole of Bangkok, get here in the late afternoon to watch the setting sun begin to catch on the thousands of porcelain tiles which cover this temple. It sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, turning golden as the day draws to a close. Surely one of the most iconic and photogenic sights in Bangkok.
2. Eat your way through a Bangkok night market
It can be argued that you haven’t been to Bangkok if you haven’t taken a stroll through one of the city’s many night markets in search of street food. Smoke curls from woks, plastic stools spill onto pavements and Michelin guide recommendations can be found on almost every corner. This is where, arguably, the heart and soul of the city can be found. To get started, read our Guide to Street Food in Bangkok here.
3. Explore the canals of Bangkok
Beyond the main roads, Bangkok’s canals, also known as khlongs, reveal a different pace of life. These waterways were once the lifeblood of the city, serving as major routes for trade, defense and irrigation. A journey on a traditional boat through these canals gives you a window into life in Bangkok far away from the skyscrapers and rooftop bars. Wooden houses on stilts, children playing by the water and small temple shrines billowing incense show that the city’s origins as a major river port have not been forgotten.
4. Island hop around the Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand’s most recognisable landscapes, enshrined in films like The Beach and Man with a Golden Gun, and one of the most popular sights in the entire country. Jagged cliffs erupt from turquoise waters, sheltering hidden coves and white sand beaches. The harsh truth of mass tourism comes to a climax here, with saturated tours and the closure of Maya Bay each year to protect the ecosystem. Stay overnight if you can, to catch the islands at their most beautiful and quiet, and also help lessen the impact of crowded day trips.
5. Get lost in Chinatown, Bangkok
Bangkok’s Chinatown, centred around Yaowarat Road, is one of the city’s oldest and most densely packed neighbourhoods. By day, it’s a maze of gold shops, herbal pharmacies and narrow alleyways stacked with decades of trade. By night, it transforms into one of Bangkok’s most exciting food districts, where tables spill onto the street and the air fills with smoke and chatter. Here you can clearly see Bangkok’s Chinese heritage at its best, and its lasting influence on the city’s culture and cuisine. An absolute must visit when in the city.
6. Wander the old city of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s old city is like no other. Contained within a large square, the ramparts and walls of which you can still walk, you’ll find ancient temples sitting next door to vegan cafes and hipster roasteries. Rather than tick off sights, the old town is a maze of leafy lanes and winding avenues, where you’ll easily find your own slices of magic. If you’re here over a weekend, the Sunday Walking Street market is one of the largest and most famous in the whole of Thailand.
7. Take part in a monk chat in Chiang Mai
Monk chats are a way for tourists to engage directly with Buddhist monks. The monks get to practice their English (or other languages) and you get an insight into monastic life in an informal setting. The magnificent ruins of Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai are one of our favourite places for this. Expect conversions to range from daily life and routines to deeper dives about spirituality and Buddhism.
8. Swim in the waterfalls of Erawan National Park
Arguably the most beautiful waterfall in the country, Erawan’s multi-tiered waterfalls wind through dense forest, each level revealing a pool of milky turquoise water. A 3 hour drive from Bangkok, they are a much needed respite from city life, with hiking trails to explore through the lush jungle. Bring a picnic and spend the day splashing in the pools and sunbathing on the rocks.
9. Take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Rumbling through the countryside on an overnight train is one of Thailand’s most iconic experiences. Leave behind the city lights of Bangkok and make your way through rice fields and villages into the north of the country. Seats transform into sleeper berths and the world rolls past for 16 or so hours. Of course it’s slower than flying, and it’s not the most luxurious way to travel. But, that’s kind of the point. Read more on How to Catch the Overnight Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.
10. Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya
Once the powerful capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is now a collection of enormous crumbling temples and Buddha statues scattered across river islands. Hire a bicycle and spend the day exploring these ruins, which really give you a sense of the scale and grandeur of Thailand’s royal past. Make sure you visit Wat Mahathat, the site of a haunting Buddha’s face entangled in the roots of a giant banyan tree.
11. Eat seafood on the beach in Krabi
In Krabi, the more laid back sister to Phuket, dining can easily be a barefoot affair. Beachside restaurants grill freshly caught fish, prawns and squid just metres from the water – seafood really is the name of the game down here in the south of Thailand. Few things can beat sinking into a plastic chair that’s maybe just a little too small for you, wriggling your toes into the sand and dining on fresh snapper, washed down with an ice cold Chang beer.
12. Learn to cook Thai food from scratch
A good Thai cooking class demystifies one of the world’s most famous and popular cuisines. Almost all cities and towns have somewhere you can learn the flavours and cooking techniques behind your favourite Thai dishes, most of them including a visit to a local market to buy your ingredients first – an experience in itself.
13. Visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun is impossible to ignore, and the number 1 stop for most itineraries in this most northern city of Chiang Rai. Stark white and intricately detailed, it looks like something from a film set – a film set with dragons, twisting serpents and golden temples. It’s actually a modern temple, created as the ultimate offering to Buddha by the designer and architect.
14. Snorkel or dive in the waters of Koh Tao
Koh Tao is well-known as the best spot in the country for getting into the water. Calm seas and incredible visibility make it a gem for those who love snorkelling and diving. The dive spots near the island are world-class, with the chance to see whale sharks, leopard sharks, manta rays and hawksbill turtles. For those of you who prefer getting in the water without a tank, many reefs around the island are close to shore and home to a magnificent variety of colourful corals and fish, including parrot fish, angel fish and of course, turtles.
15. Experience a traditional Thai massage
Traditional Thai massage is a little different to any massage you might have had before. Rather than massaging oil into your body for relaxation, Thai massage uses pressure points, stretching and rhythmic movement to release tension in the body. Sessions can be a little more intense but the results are immediate! It’s not only a relief to travel weary bodies, but is also a deeply important part of Thai culture and spirituality.
16. Watch Muay Thai live
You might have seen Muay Thai matches on the screen, but really, Muay Thai is best understood in person. Each match begins with a ritual and music, after all, this is a martial art that’s rooted in tradition, discipline and respect. Even in smaller stadiums, the atmosphere is electric and contagious, as fighters use incredible skill and movement to battle. This is Thailand’s national sport, so expect the best of the best in big cities like Bangkok.
17. Visit a hill tribe village responsibly
Northern Thailand is home to many different hill tribe communities, each with distinct languages, traditions and crafts. These hill tribes have often had a difficult past, marginalised and oppressed and living beneath the poverty line. Still, they’ve managed to maintain their own cultures and religion in a fast modernising world. Visiting them gives you a glimpse into Thai life far away from the skyscrapers of Bangkok. However, exploitation of these tribes by tour companies is on the rise, so it’s important to find a company who provides respectful visits, often paying back directly into the community. For the best experience, read our Guide to Visiting the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand here.
18. Go wild at Songkran Festival, Bangkok
Songkran officially marks the Thai New Year and takes place every April, most famously in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. What began as a ritual of cleansing and renewal has evolved into a nationwide water fight, with streets closed to traffic and locals armed with buckets and water guns. Expect chaos, fun and soaked clothing, alongside temple visits and traditional ceremonies. It’s a wild, extremely Thai experience!
19. Release lanterns during Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
Yi Peng is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and evocative festivals. It’s held annually in northern Thailand, most famously in Chiang Mai, usually in November to coincide with the full moon. During the festival, thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, symbolising the letting go of misfortune and the welcoming of renewal. Streets, temples and riverbanks fill with ceremony and ritual, street food stalls line the roads and thousands come out to witness the sight as lanterns take off into the night sky like fireflies.
20. Slow down in Pai
Pai is a small mountain town in northern Thailand, located along the winding road between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Known for its bohemian, hippie vibe, Pai is for those looking to slow down a little. Spend your days here cafe hopping or exploring nearby waterfalls and viewpoints, before heading to the famous night market for delicious street food, crepes and handmade crafts. It’s one of the prettiest spots in Thailand, and somewhere that’s very easy to linger a while. If you do find yourself here, we’ve put together a list of the 17 Best Things to do in Pai to make the most of your time here.
21. Island Hop in Thailand’s South
Home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world, combined with an easy and cheap ferry network, island hopping in Thailand is one of the greatest experiences the country offers. In the Andaman Sea, you’ll find the bright lights and heady nightlife of Phuket, the dramatic limestone cliffs of Krabi, and remote, romantic islands that are made for Robinson Crusoe dreams. In the Gulf of Thailand, you’ll find the barefoot luxe haven of Koh Samui, the diving mecca of Koh Tao and the infamous Koh Phangan, home to Thailand’s raucous full moon parties. To save you time, we’ve put together the Ultimate Two Week Thai Island Hopping Itinerary here.
22. Visit Bangkok’s Famous Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak is Thailand’s most famous floating market, located in Ratchaburi province, around 90 minutes from Bangkok. Built along a network of narrow canals in the late 19th century, the market was once a key part of Thailand’s transport routes, used by locals to buy and sell everyday items. It’s not used by locals so much anymore, but get here before 9am and you’ll still see sellers paddling wooden boats piled high with fruit, noodles and snacks. The atmosphere is great and a window into a way of life that has almost disappeared.
23. Watch the sunset from a rooftop in Bangkok
Rooftop bars are an iconic feature of Bangkok’s nightlife, made possible by the city’s dense skyline, warm evenings and relaxed building height regulations. Make your way to one for sunset, order a cocktail and watch as the city lights twinkle like a million stars beneath you. Sky Bar at Lebua is famous for featuring in the film Hangover II, with other popular options including the luxe Vertigo at Banyan Tree and the slick Octave Rooftop Lounge. We’ve put together a list of our favourites for you to try, featuring the Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok.
24. Experience the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan
Held monthly on Haad Rin Beach on the island of Koh Phangan, the Full Moon Party is without doubt, one of Thailand’s most infamous and wild nightlife events. What began as a small gathering has grown into an all-night beach party drawing thousands of people. Expect music stages, fire shows, neon body paint, alcohol buckets and sunrise swims. It’s chaotic, high energy and best experienced at least once in your life. If you can’t make it for the full moon, or once a month isn’t enough for you, you can also find new moon parties and a black moon techno rave on the island.
25. Cruise the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok’s main artery, along the shores of which you’ll find skyscrapers next to ancient temples, historic neighbourhoods and local life. Public river ferries are cheap and frequent, while traditional long-tail boats provide tours into the smaller and historic canals branching off the main river. Luxury evening dinner cruises ply the water too, and no visit to the city of angels is complete without experiencing it from this legendary waterway.
