Choose from 178 Fun Things to Do in Thailand
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach - or Hat Chaweng - is Koh Samui’s most popular, longest and perhaps most lovely beach.
Clear blue-green sea, palm trees, coral reefs and lively nightlife come together to create a laid-back party atmosphere at Chaweng, the second biggest resort hub on the island.
Drinks are sold on the beach by passing vendors and there are water sports for every taste, from windsurfing to water skiing.
Dive operators run tours from Chaweng Beach, and this is where you’ll find most of the island’s nightclubs and bars. At beachfront restaurants you can dine right on the sand as the sun sets over the sea.
Practical Info
Chaweng Beach is on Koh Samui’s east coast.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
In addition, the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre serves as a venue for special exhibits and cultural events. Enquire with the staff about upcoming events like dance or music performances.
Practical Info
Bridge on the River Kwai
Due to illness, starvation and neglect, thousands of people lost their lives building the bridge and railway – you can visit the graves of nearly 7,000 POWs at the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Parts of the original bridge are now displayed in the War Museum here. You can walk along the restored railway bridge on foot or take a train specifically for tourists.
Practical Info
The Bridge on the River Kwai is in Kanchanaburi about 80 miles (130 km) west of Bangkok. Tours often depart directly from Kanchanaburi or from Bangkok Noi Railway Station.
Chalong Big Buddha
- The Chalong Big Buddha is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors.
- Entry to the Big Buddha is free, but donations are accepted.
- Make sure your knees and shoulders are covered during your visit; avoid beachwear.
- Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the temple at the Big Buddha.
- There’s a public restroom at the statue about halfway down the stairs.
Calypso Cabaret
Each show contains several fascinating acts, including that of Carmen Miranda, who rides ostriches on the stage while dancing in the bright lights, a very convincing Marilyn Monroe impersonator and the comedic styling of Geisha, who performs in Japanese, but is hilarious in any language.
The controversial nature of the event make perhaps do not make it ideal for family outings, but these highly professional shows bring lots of memorable moments, including from Korean songs of the Wondergirls and the fantastic and overwhelming finale—which we will not give away here.
Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya)
- If you’re exploring by day, bring sun protection and plenty of water.
- Chao Phraya Express boats can be identified by their orange, green, or yellow flags. Only the orange boat is open every day.
- The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, which can be identified by its blue flag, is usually less crowded—albeit more expensive—than the express boats.
- Some boats leave every five minutes, while others leave every 25 minutes; be sure to check the timetable of your boat before arriving.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is perhaps the city's most popular must-do attraction. The colorful mix of regular shops and stalls create a unique market buzz.
You’ll find everything for sale here, from ersatz designer brands to embroidered hill tribes textiles, lacquerware, silver jewelry, carvings, silks, ceramics and antiques.
The best range of antiques is on the second floor of the covered market building called the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, to the north of the busy intersection near a narrow cross street.
Practical Info
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is held in the eastern quarter of the city, on land bordered by the Mae Nam Ping River and its tributary.
The market’s busy heart focuses on the intersection of the streets Th Chang Khlan and Th Loi Kroh, but the stalls extend in every direction over several streets.
The market operates every night from sunset to midnight.
Bangrak
Practical Info
Burma Railway (Death Railway)
Practical Info
Bangkok Cruise Port
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Laem Chabang port has food kiosks, gift shops, a massage spa, and a visitor information center.
- With transfer times taking around two hours, full-day shore excursions can last up to 12 hours.
Bangkok National Museum
Inside you will find a truly enormous collection of treasures including paintings, sculptures, bronzes and prehistoric art from Thailand and other Asian countries. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to thoroughly cover the exhibits and may want to consider hiring a guide for a more targeted tour. Highlights include a replica funeral chariot hall, the Buddhaisawan chapel and the weapon galleries.
Chatuchak Market
A weekend visit to Chatuchak Market is an absolute must-do. The snack stalls at the market's entrance selling deep fried insects give you a taste (quite literally if you are game!) of the unique Thai treats that await you within.
Only open on the weekend, Chatuchak is Bangkok's largest and most fun weekend market. You'll need a full day here to navigate the entire place, which bursts with stalls selling everything from reptiles, puppies, exotic food and souvenirs, to fake designer clothes and real designer furniture.
Browsing at the market is a fantastic cultural experience but can be hot and exhausting. Start your day early and take advantage of the many bars and cafes within the market that are perfectly set up for people watching over a cold beverage.
Western food is available but it pays to be adventurous and try a bargain local lunch at one of the many food stalls.
Practical Info
Chatuchak market is in Chatuchak Park. Mochit BTS (Skytrain) leads directly to Chatuchak’s entrance. Chatuchak also has its own MRT (underground) station of the same name.
Chiang Saen
Practical Info:
Bangla Road
Bangla Road is also a popular drinking destination. Beer bars serving ice-cold Thai brews ice cold entice passersby with aircon and open tables filled with favorite board games. But perhaps Bangla Road is best known for its evening entertainment. Stop by Rock Hard—one of the street’s oldest institutions—for live go-go dancers, center-stage pole dancing and strong drinks, or grab a ticket to the popular Simon Cabaret in Patong’s Paradise Complex. The famous ladyboys put on one of the largest transvestite shows in all of Asia.
Practical Info
Chiang Dao Caves
Practical Info
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Practical Info
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Apart from the beaches, Koh Samui’s distinctive icon is the golden Big Buddha Temple - or Wat Phra Yai - visible above the red-tiled rooftops on the island’s north coast.
The 12 meter (40 foot) Buddha statue is visible from several kilometers away, and even from an airplane if you’re arriving or departing by air.
The temple, shops and restaurants cluster at the base of the statue, and ceremonial stairs lead up to the top for terrific island views.
Practical Info
The Big Buddha Temple is near the airport, on Koh Samui’s north-east coast.
The temple sits on a hill at the end of a causeway at the eastern end of Hat Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach).
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
- The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is a must-see for rum and cocktail aficionados.
- The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old.
- The distillery is wheelchair accessible.