Choose from 24 Fun Things to Do in Gulf Of Thailand
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Hat Yai Magic Eye 3D Museum
The aptly named Magic Eye 3D Museum in Hat Yai isn’t your ordinary museum. You won’t find ancient relics or old paintings, nor are there placards detailing history or significance. Instead, the halls of this whimsical attraction are painted floor to ceiling with more than 100 scenes and murals that give the illusion of three dimensions, especially when captured through the lens of a camera.
It’s not so much a place to admire artwork; visitors are meant to step inside and become part of the paintings. Camera-toting visitors can strike a pose ascending a stairway to heaven amid clouds and hot air balloons, hanging precariously from a cliff face, meditating within an hour glass or riding a magic carpet through the deserts of Egypt.
While the Magic Eye 3D Museum is best experienced with friends, friendly staff members are around to help set up and snap the perfect picture. Sample photographs and foot signs guide visitors to the best posing positions.
Practical Info
Bring a pair of socks to wear in the museum, as you’ll have to remove your shoes before entering.
Address: 1408 Kanjanavanich Rd, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
Hours: Daily 9am to 9pm
Admission: 400 baht
From $ 13
Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
In 1976, up on one of the highest peaks of central Koh Samui, an old, local durian farmer decided to start a Magic Garden. At 77 years old, upon retiring from farming Thailand’s most popular and foul-smelling fruit, Nim Thongsuk started setting up a variety of Buddha statues on his family’s land and kept expanding the park until his death fourteen years later. Today, the Secret Buddha Garden is a popular tourist attraction and although it remains private, it can be accessed for a small fee.
The statues are set up in the midst of a lush jungle landscape, next to a waterfall and stream amongst Koh Samui’s native trees and flowers. Often, the statues are hidden amongst the foliage, with new discoveries to be made around every corner. The Buddhas, animals and deity figures are all hand carved, each with their own unique stone carvings and decorations. Some are arranged in groups, frozen in dance-like poses or with instruments in their laps, others stand alone, but they all tell tales from popular Buddhist folklore and mythology and they all have different meanings, which a guide will tell you about. On the way to the garden, as well as within the park itself, beautiful views over the island can be had and there are several viewpoints worth a visit.
Practical Info
As the location is fairly remote, getting to the Secret Buddha Garden takes about two hours and is a bit of a challenge. To get there, take the road directly opposite the Wat Khunaram temple near Lamai. The road is a very steep and bumpy dirt road and can only be accessed by a vehicle with a four-wheel drive.
Address: Koh Samui, Thailand
From $ 55
Koh Tan
In stark contrast to its famed northerly neighbor, tiny and sleepy Koh Tan tempts visitors with empty beaches and vehicle-less roads just three miles and a 15-minute boat ride south of Koh Samui’s southern tip. Koh Tan (also spelled Koh Taen) is sometimes also called Coral Island for its diversity of colorful hard and soft corals, and it often serves as a popular day-long escape for snorkel or kayak excursions through its clear inshore waters. Though the island doesn’t have quite the aquatic diversity of other more remote locations, it still affords excellent snorkeling, relatively empty beaches and navigable mangrove swamps all very close to a major tourist hub. Longboats make the crossing daily and usually stop at several unique coral spots around the island.
On land, Koh Tan spans only three square miles, and its population barely tops 30 people; their rustic lifestyle with limited electricity affords a glimpse of what much of Thai Island-living was like decades ago. Koh Tan also has a thriving population of monitor lizards, a boardwalk through a mangrove forest, a quaint local temple, a handful of local restaurants and a cluster of bungalow-style accommodations.
Practical Info
Full-day longboat snorkel tours now leave from points all around Koh Samui. Many tours also include a visit to neighboring Koh Mudsum. More elaborate options, including sunset cruises and even more luxurious Chinese junk sailing tours, are also becoming available as Koh Tan increases in popularity.
Address: Koh Tan, Thailand
From $ 46
Bang Saen Aquarium (Institute of Marine Science)
The Bang Saen Aquarium / Institute of Marine Science is housed within Burapha University at Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi. The institute is divided into three sections; the marine science museum, the aquarium, and a research laboratory. The center exists both for research purposes and as a place for students and visitors to learn about marine science.
The museum is creatively arranged, featuring exhibitions on marine preservation and restoration, with information on ecology and examples of stuffed sea animals. As you might expect, the aquarium is the main place to view various live fish, with a tunnel revealing the big fish and a high tank showcasing swarms of smaller fish. It’s a modern aquarium with a real underwater environment divided into different ocean zones. Elsewhere, the laboratory is the main research center that allows the institute to make new discoveries about marine life.
A trip to the Bang Saen Aquarium can be combined with visiting other sights and attractions in the area on a half-day Pattaya discovery tour, including ‘Monkey Cliff’ plus Ang Sila, a small fishing community famous for its oyster farms and stonemason villages.
Insider’s Tip: Divers feed the giant groupers in the aquarium every day at 2:30pm, with an additional feeding time of 10:30am on weekends and public holidays.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach Bang Saen Aquarium by hiring a motorbike or taxi and heading along Highway No.3 until you reach Bang Saen. The institute is within the Burapha University compound on Long Had Bang Sean Road.
Address: Long Had Bang Sean Road, Chonburi, Thailand
Hours: 8:30am-5pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: Adult: 220 THB / Child: 120 THB
From $ 54
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Intricately sculpted knot gardens create a world of beauty at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Elephant and Thai cultural shows are held in these lovely botanical gardens, which include notable collections of palms and orchids. The elephants play football and basketball, and Thai dancers and actors re-enact historical events and Muay Thai boxing.
A resort adjoins the 240-hectare (600-acre) gardens, so if you run out of time you can easily spend the night here. There’s also a range of different cuisines to choose from at several restaurants.
Practical Info
The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a 25-minute taxi or minibus ride south of Pattaya.
Address: 34/1 Moo 7 Najomtien District, Pattaya 20250, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 8am - 6pm
Admission: THB400
From $ 34
Pattaya Floating Market
Traditional market buildings perched on stilts over the water offer a refreshingly different place to shop at the Pattaya Floating Market. The thatched huts are filled with stalls selling Thai handicrafts, delicious street food, and souvenirs.
The Mud House Village and Old Market have joined the attractions here, along with a woodcarving museum, flower fair, and agricultural demonstrations.
Dance troupes dressed in traditional finery regularly perform at the floating market, along with shell dancers and sea boxers.
Traditional boats ferry visitors around the market’s canals, past boat vendors selling Thai food from around the country. It’s an especially picturesque sight at dusk.
Practical Info
The Floating Market is south of Pattaya in the nearby Jomtien district. Beach buses run here regularly from downtown Pattaya.
Address: Th Sukhumvit, Pattaya 20150, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 8
Khao Sok National Park
The lowland jungles of Khao Sok National Park, one of the wettest areas in Thailand, are believed to be the oldest rain forests on the planet. While the Thai Islands are most famous for their stunning beaches, this 161,000-acre (65,154-hectare) park boasts spectacular limestone formations, small streams, waterfalls and dense greenery that provides a home for a dizzying biodiversity.
Famous animal residents include sambar deer, gibbon, sun bears, Malayan tapir, gaur, banteng, macaque, mouse deer, porcupine and some 200 species of birds. It’s also one of the few places in the world where you can spot the planet’s largest flower, the Raffesia.
While rain is a practical inevitability, it shouldn’t hold you back from the abundant outdoor adventures on offer in the park. Trekking, boat tours and night safaris are three of the most popular activities on the menu, but park visitors can also explore the region via caving, kayaking, zip-lining, tubing, bamboo rafting and birdwatching.
Practical Info
Flash flooding poses a risk at Khao Sok’s waterfalls and caves during the rainy season, so if you’re planning to visit these types of sites, it’s best to go with a guide.
Address: Surat Thani Province, Thailand
From $ 75
Koh Phangan
In a country famous around the globe for its beautiful islands, Koh Phangan is the quintessential easy-going beach bum’s paradise. More rustic than Koh Samui, much of the island caters to backpackers, hippies and budget travelers looking for affordable accommodations and a stretch of sand to sun on.
Had Rin, located on the island’s southeastern peninsula, has become famous for its monthly Full Moon Party, where upwards of 10,000 visitors descend upon Had Rin Nok Beach for a night of trance, dance and buckets of tropical libations. The popularity of these parties have inspired other smaller celebrations, like the Half Moon and Black Moon parties.
Koh Phangan isn’t just about beaches and partying, however. Secluded resort areas on the north and west coasts of the island feel worlds away from the din of Had Rin, and the interior of the island offers hiking trails and a series of yoga and meditation centers for travelers in search of a spiritual retreat. The waters off the coast of Koh Phangan have some of Thailand’s best dive sites, including Sail Rock.
Address: Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
From $ 37
Ang Thong National Marine Park
The 42 karst islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong) in southern Thailand comprise a picturesque seascape spanning more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometers). These limestone pinnacles harbor secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs, and caves, and are home to myriad birds, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife.
The Basics
Ang Thong National Park is a popular destination for Thailand visitors seeking a little adventure and a lot of nature. Tropical and dry evergreen forests of the interior area house oriental pied hornbills, little herons, crab-eating monkeys, and bats. In the shallow waters, sometimes you can find dolphins, whales, and otters. It’s said that the park inspired the backpacker utopia of Alex Garland’s The Beach.
Most travelers experience Ang Thong on single-day guided tours from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan to Wua Talap Island and its famous Emerald Lake. These guided tours are the way to go, and most day trips include lunch, snorkeling gear, park admission fees, and hotel transfers. Tour boats are often multi-story, open-air, 40- to 50-person crafts, but small private speedboats or luxury yachts are also available. If you wanting to see what’s under the surface, opt for snorkeling, sea kayaking, or scuba diving tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Choose between a group boat tour or a private excursion aboard a speedboat or luxury yacht.
- Full-day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui last upwards of eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Most tours provide water and snorkeling gear.
How to Get There
Ang Thong Marine Park is accessible only by boat. You can choose from a whole host of options, from big party boats to private boat charters.
When to Get There
The best months to visit the national park are between March and October, when the seas lie flat. The park closes completely during the height of the monsoons—between November and December each year. July and August tend to be the busiest months.
Sea Gypsies of the Ang Thong Islands
All but one of the 42 Ang Thong Islands are uninhabited. The one with a permanent community, Koh Paluay, is home to a traditional community of sea gypsies who still earn a living through traditional fishing methods.
Address: Th Chonwithi, Na Thon 84140, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 43
Coral Island
With crystal clear water and interminable stretches of fine white sand, Thailand’s Coral Island, or Koh Larn (Koh Lan), is paradise personified. About 4.5 miles (7 km) off the coast of Pattaya, Coral Island is a perfect day trip destination and a mecca for lovers of water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Popular Coral Island Activities & Things to Do
Coral Island caters to both island adventurers and those looking to relax. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to marvel at colorful fish, sea urchins, parrotfish, and sea sponges in the underwater world; kick things up a notch with a banana boat ride or parasailing experience; or simply sink your toes into the sand, enjoy a buffet lunch of freshly caught seafood, and work on getting the perfect sun tan.
How to Visit With Viator
Whether it’s to energize or exhilarate, Coral Island caters to the needs of every type of traveler. The majority of Coral Island tours depart from Pattaya Beach’s South Pier—the journey takes 15 minutes by speedboat. Tours typically include pickup from Pattaya hotels and a tour guide, as well as plenty of free time to explore Koh Larn’s six main golden beaches, all of which are flanked by seafood restaurants and offer opportunities for beach activities such as parasailing, water-skiing, and scuba diving in the green-blue waters. Opt for a private tour for the full experience.
Insider Tip
Before leaving Pattaya in favor of Coral Island’s blissful serenity, consider taking a city tour that stops by the Pattaya Floating Market, a visual feast of boats swelling with exotic produce, and the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, one of the city’s most popular attractions.
What Brings People to Coral Island
Travelers to Southeast Asia flock to these beautiful islands to escape the bustling crowds of mainland Thailand, recline on the white-sand beaches, and swim among a coral reef inhabited by diverse marine life. Although most tours are single-day options and beach bungalows on the island are more expensive than accommodations on the mainland, taking a Coral Island tour that includes an overnight stay allows you to take further advantage of the island’s idyllic beaches.
How to Get There
To get from Pattaya to Coral Island, you can only travel by boat. Therefore, you must first arrive in Pattaya city before heading out on a boat ride west to the island. Bangkok is about 90 miles (150 km) northwest of Pattaya Bay, and convenient transfer services are available from Bangkok hotels and the city’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The journey to Pattaya takes approximately two hours by road.
Address: Highway 3, Pattaya, Gulf of Thailand 20260, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 16
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).
Address: Highway 4171, Hat Bang Rak 84140, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Pattaya Water Park
Get ready to get wet and cool off at Pattaya Water Park. Multiple giant water slides zigzag and spill into the water, and the winding whirlpool is the perfect place for a more relaxing glide through the surf.
There are tube rides for younger kids, shade huts for relaxing and a choice of swimming pools. The water park is circled by a wild roller coaster and amusement park with its plunging Tower Shot ride and Sky Shuttle.
While you’re here, take the lift to the 54th floor of the resort for fabulous views and a buffet lunch at the revolving restaurant.
Pattaya Water Park is 5 km (3 miles) south of Pattaya in Jomtien, a 10-minute trip by car, taxi or minibus.
Address: 345 Th Jomtien, Pattaya 20150, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 37
Mini Siam
Opened in 1985, Pattaya’s Mini Siam features almost 100 miniature models of iconic landmarks and sites from across the the world, built on a scale of 1:25.
The attraction is divided into two areas to represent Asia and the rest of the world. Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in Paris are divided by small waterways representing the world’s oceans, where Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and the domes of St. Petersburg’s Church sit between the Sydney Opera House and New York’s Statue of Liberty.
Mini Siam not only takes visitors around the world, but also on a journey through Thailand’s rich history, from the ancient Kingdoms of Lanna, to modern infrastructures such as the Hualamphong Train Station in Bangkok. Of course, popular Buddhist sites such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha also take pride of place.
Practical Info
Mini Siam is located on the eastern side of Sukhumvit Road, directly opposite the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. The entrance road to Mini Siam also leads to the Siam Karting go-kart track.
Address: 387 Moo 6, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya 20150, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 7am-10pm
Admission: 300 THB
From $ 9
Na Muang Waterfall
The cool sound of water tumbling down a rocky cliff face and into a pool greets you at Na Muang Falls.
Nestled amongst the island's central mountains, the falls have two tiers: a lower stretch easily reached by foot and a higher tier that’s best reached by hiking or riding on elephant back. The lower tier of falls is suitable for swimming.
The road to the lower falls is lined with food stalls and souvenir vendors, and elephant handlers offer their animals for rides to the top tier.
Practical Info
Na Mua Falls is in the south of Koh Samui, 3 km (1.5 miles) inland from the coastal resorts.
The falls are just off the road connecting Ban Huan Thanon and Na Thon.
Address: Highway 4169, Ban Huan Thanon 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 31
Koh Talu Island
Koh Talu is a privately-owned island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s around a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland town of Bangsaphan, and approximately three hours from Hau Hin. The island is a popular day trip due to its pristine beaches lined with palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and tropical wilderness inland.
Koh Talu’s shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling, and it’s the closest place to Hua Hin for scuba diving, with reasonable depths and good visibility. Further inland, a wild tropical rainforest covers the landscape of the island, with some fantastic opportunities for trekking. There is only one resort on the island, and it offers activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, and sailing in addition to beach and garden bungalow accommodation.
Koh Talu is also home to a sea turtle conservation programme, where turtle eggs are harvested and nurtured before being released into the ocean when they’re nine months old.
Practical Info
Full and half-day trips to Koh Talu can be arranged from either Hua Hin or Bangsaphan. If looking for a quiet escape, avoid visiting the island at the weekend when it can become exceptionally busy.
Address: 111/1 Moo 10, Koh Talu, Bangsaphan, Gulf of Thailand 77170, Thailand
From $ 89
Koh Nang Yuan Island
In many ways, Koh Nang Yuan is the paradisiacal location most people imagine when they think of Thailand. Consisting of three tree-topped islands adjoined by a tan-colored sandbar beach, Koh Nang Yuan is one of the most sought after destinations in all of Thailand. The best part? Unlike nearby Koh Samui or Koh Tao, accommodation options are extremely limited on the island, meaning the crowds remain relatively sparse as well.
Most people come to Koh Nang Yuan on day trips from other nearby islands and snorkeling excursions as well as scuba dives are extremely popular. And although the quick day visits are available, you'd be doing yourself a great favor by coming to the island and spending a night or two. In the evenings and early mornings, you can almost have the entire beach to yourself. During the heart of the day, activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, and hiking are available. If you're looking for a place to get away and enjoy the side of Thailand everyone talks about, this is it. There are no vehicles on Koh Nang Yuan, nor are there crowds, or big hotel chains. This is a true getaway in a country in which such locations are becoming fewer and farther between.
Practical Info
You can come to Koh Nang Yuan via speedboats or catamarans from Koh Samui or Koh Tao. However, the cheapest way to get there is to hire out a longtail boat from the west side of Koh Tao. If you're making the long journey from Bangkok, it can be a bit more complicated. You'll need to either fly to Koh Samui and then transfer over, or take a train/bus combination to the ferry terminal on the mainland that reaches Koh Tao, then take then long boat to Koh Nang Yuan. Moreover, since the island is actually privately owned, guest must pay an entrance fee to visit and stay on Koh Nang Yuan.
Address: Koh Nang Yuan, Thailand
From $ 56
Pattaya Beach
The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of sand known as Pattaya Beach ranks among the area's liveliest beaches. The crescent-shaped coast remains lively day and night, with the party atmosphere of the bars and restaurants of Beach Road to one side and a host of water sports—wind surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boating—to the other. The popular beach also serves as a departure point for diving expeditions to Pattaya's offshore coral islands.
The Basics
While almost always busy, Pattaya Beach offers plenty of space and plenty to do, whether you prefer to lie out in the sun on a deck chair or get your adrenaline pumping with some form of aquatic adventure. The beach is divided into three zones; the northern end tends to be the quieter of the three, with things picking up through the central zone and into the south, where Pattaya's nightlife reaches its rowdy zenith.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pattaya Beach is a must for sun lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Relax on the sand or try out one of numerous water sports available at the beach.
- Don't forget to bring along a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Pattaya Beach is in U-Tapao, about 45 minutes outside of the city by road. Once in town, the beach is hard to miss. You can get there by local bus, taxi, or songthaew (a dark blue pickup truck converted into a bus).
When to Get There
Pattaya's tropical climate means just about any time is a good time to visit. The best weather falls between November and February, and this is also peak tourist season. Hot and humid weather from March to May makes cooling off at the beach an appealing idea. While the rainy season between June and October is the quietest time of year, heavy rainfall can put a damper on a day at the beach.
Other Beaches in Pattaya
Pattaya Beach is only one among many sandy escapes visitors have to choose from in this resort destination not far from Bangkok. Nearby Jomtien Beach is the place to go for windsurfing or kiteboarding lessons, while Naklua and Wong Amat beaches are better for swimming. Hop on a speed boat to offshore Coral Island to snorkel, parasail, or windsurf in the tranquil waters.
Address: Pattaya, Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
From $ 33
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai/Hin Ta)
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - or Hin Yai/Hin Ta - are rocky outcrops on Lamai Beach. Often photographed and commented on, the rocks bear an uncanny resemblance to male and female genitalia.
The rocks are set on a lovely stretch of beach, and create tranquil rock pools when the tide is in.
Practical Info
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - or Hin Yai/Hin Ta - are a little south along the sands of Lamai Beach, on Koh Samui’s southern east coast.
From the road, follow the trail lined with souvenir stalls to the rocks.
Address: Highway 4169, Hat Lamai 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 5
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.
Address: Highway 4169, Hat Chaweng 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 5
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach vies with Chaweng for title of Koh Samui’s prettiest beach, especially along its less coral-strewn southern stretches.
Less developed than Chaweng, and therefore more tranquil and relaxed, Lamai offers year-round swimming and the interesting formations of the granite Grandmother and Grandfather rocks.
It’s a good spot to look for resort accommodation and tasty restaurants on Koh Samui.
Practical Info
Lamai Beach is on Koh Samui’s southern east coast, around 10 km (6 mi) south of Chaweng Beach.
Address: Highway 4169, Hat Lamai 84140, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 70