Choose from 178 Fun Things to Do in Thailand
ShowingFilter 101-120 of 178 listings.
Phra Nang Beach
Part of a small peninsula located between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, Phra Nang Beach is one of the most scenic and picturesque beaches in the country. This short but broad strip of sand boasts that classic jawdropping beach scenery only found in Thailand, with pure white sand framed by limestone cliffs and lapped by calm waters that are ideal for swimming and
snorkeling.
This whole area is particularly popular with rock climbers, and even if you don’t join in, it’s fascinating to watch those who do climb up right from the beach. At the southern end of the beach is a giant limestone cliff that contains the famous PrincessCave, said to be the home of a mythical sea princess. Other activities to keep you amused while you admire the scenery include having a massage, enjoying a barbecue, hiking, sunbathing and, of course, going for a swim.
Just 20 minutes away from Ao Nang by longtail boat, fortunately Phra Nang Beach still lacks all the things that can quickly spoil a beach in the south of Thailand: noise, pollution, traffic, jetskis, and overzealous hawkers.
Practical Info
Phra Nang is part of the Railay Peninsula and is easily accessible via longtail boat from Ao Nang. Unless you pay to hire the whole boat, you’ll need to wait until it fills up before the driver will depart.
Address: Phra Nang Beach, Krabi 81000, Thailand
From $ 24
Patong Beach
Patong Beach may not offer travelers a true taste of Southeast Asia, but the kinetic energy of this popular destination has made it a favorite among westerners looking to party. Like the rest of Phuket, Patong is home to white sandy beaches, clear blue water and plenty of sun, making it an ideal spot to catch some rays. But bustling neon streets lined with crowded open-air discos and dozens of bars serving strong island drinks have made this a destination for the younger set looking to party long into the night.
Practical Info
Bangla Road is the hub for Patong nightlife. While it can be difficult to avoid the nightlife scene in Patong, the Simon Cabaret—the largest transvestite cabaret in all of Asia—and Bangla Boxing Stadium’s Muay Thai match ups offer alternatives to dancing and drinking the night away.
Address: Patong, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 6
Phi Phi Islands
From the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, the jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands rise majestically, giving way to white-sand beaches and lush green jungles further inland. Longtail boats putter between the islands, surrounded by the turquoise waters and colorful marine life.
Where to Go Around the Phi Phi Islands
Uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, whose beauty was brought to attention when Maya Bay starred in the 2000 film The Beach, is the smaller of the two main islands and boasts coral reefs abundant with tropical fish, making it a popular diving and swimming spot. There are no hotels on Phi Phi Leh, and camping is prohibited, meaning it’s only accessible by day trip.
Phi Phi Don is a thriving hub of activity—by day, a coastal paradise typified by bobbing longtail boats and sparkling white sand; by night, a beating, hedonistic heart with beaches that pulsate with loud music and fire parties. Ao Ton Sai, the island’s principal dock, houses a promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants fragrant with the aromas of Thai food. Activities such as snorkeling, rock climbing, Thai boxing, and cooking classes keep travelers entertained throughout their stay on Thailand’s Shangri-La.
How to Visit with Viator
The unbridled popularity of the Phi Phi Islands means that travelers enjoy a wide range of visiting options. Day trips are available from Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Krabi via either a speedboat or express ferry, and typically cover Phi Phi highlights such as Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and James Bond Island in Phang Nga National Park. Island tours generally include a helpful tour guide, hotel pickup and dropoff, a buffet lunch, and free time to enjoy some of Asia’s best beaches.
Best Ways to Enjoy Marine Life Around the Phi Phi Islands
Take a Phi Phi island tour by speed boat charter or cruise boat to spend time swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water. Island-hopping adventure tours also allow for exploring the underwater world around some of the area’s smaller islands.
Insider Tips
- If you want to avoid Ko Phi Phi Don’s increasingly popular party scene, head to the island’s more secluded eastern coast, where white-sand beaches play host to rustic bungalows and five-star resorts away from the revelers.
- For a more immersive experience, choose to visit the Phi Phi Islands as part of a three-night sailing cruise, or on a deluxe six-island tour that also takes in Koh Khai, Koh Yao, Mosquito Island, and Bamboo Island.
Address: Phuket, Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Royal Barges National Museum
Thailand is full of royal palaces and striking religious temples. But one of Bangkok’s most memorable highlights is the Royal Barges National Museum. This popular destination houses a fleet of ornately decorated, sleek and slender ships that were once the main mode of transportation for the royal family.
Travelers can examine the religious symbols that decorate the king’s personal barge and get up close with to the hand-carved Buddhas and pristine dugouts of these unique vessels. The largest ship stretches from 45 meters in length and takes 50 men to propel it through the city’s winding water channels. Travelers who visit in October and November may even get to see the boats set sail during the famous cloth-giving ceremony.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is accessible via motorcycle taxi or the Tha Saphan Phra Pin Klao ferry. It is located at Khlong Bangkok Noi and admission is 100 baht per person with additional fees for cameras and video.
Address: Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht
From $ 20
Phra Sumen Fort
Built in 1783 by King Rama I to help defend against naval invasions, Phra Sumen Fort sits on the banks of a river within Santi Chai Prakan park. The white, octagonal brick-and-stucco tower is one of only two of Bangkok’s original 14 city watchtowers still standing. The fort was named after Mt. Meru (Phra Sumen in Thai) from Hindu-Buddhist mythology.
Locals and visitors alike come to the park to enjoy cool breezes, river views and even the occasional riverside aerobics class in the early evening.
Practical Info
The entrance to the fort itself is blocked, but it’s possible to view the structure from the outside and enjoy the surrounding park.
Address: Phra Athit Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 5am-9pm
From $ 74
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
Old Phuket Town
The prominence of Phuket’s beaches and out islands mean that Old Phuket Town is often overlooked. Yet, it offers a wealth of 19th-century architectural delights and fantastic photo ops. Beside the latticed windows of Malay-style shop-front buildings on Soi Rommanee, Old Phuket Town boasts temples, museums, and restaurants.
The Basics
Due to the compact size of Old Phuket Town, the area lends itself well to walking tours and is easy to explore in a couple of hours. It's a popular choice for visitors with limited time. The majority of Phuket sightseeing tours combine a stop at Old Phuket Town with a visit to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most famous Buddhist temple, and the Karon Viewpoint. More in-depth tours of Old Phuket Town reveal the wet market and Chinpracha House (Baan Chinpracha).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Old Phuket Town is a must-see for travelers interested in colonial history and architecture.
- Don’t miss the Amulet Market for special Buddhist souvenirs.
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat if you’re planning to explore old town on foot.
- By day and night, old town takes on a different identity, so it’s worth visiting twice.
When to Get There
If you’re planning to explore Old Phuket Town on foot, its recommended to do so early in the morning, before the midday heat makes sightseeing uncomfortable. If you do need a break, Old Phuket Town has a plethora of cafes and bars that you can dip into for a cold drink. At night, Old Phuket Town’s bars come to life with live music and free-flowing drinks.
How to Get There
If you’re staying by the beach, you can take either public transport or a chartered taxi to old town. If you’re staying in one of the many nearby hotels, all attractions are within walking distance.
Culinary Delights in Old Phuket Town
Phuket’s vibrant mix of cultural influences means that its cuisine is as rich and varied as its architecture. A prime location beside the sea means it’s a great place to try seafood and classic southern Thai dishes such as tom som pla krabok, a hot and sour fish soup, and gaeng sataw, a combination of green beans and prawns.
Address: Phuket City, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Phahurat Market
Phahurat Market is located in the Little India area of Bangkok in the Phra Nakhon district of the city, which has a large Sikh community. Just a stone’s throw from Chinatown, visiting the market and its surrounding areas means a discovery of smells, sights, sounds, and tastes—a true feast for the senses.
The market is so named due to the main road that connects it, where stall and shop owners sell all manner of Indian-style clothing, jewelry, and food amid a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. These crowded lanes are mainly filled with swaths of fabrics, as well as ready-to-wear items of clothing. The area also extends along Chakrawat Road and further along Sampeng Lane, where neighboring restaurants offer a range of Indian cuisine to choose from.
The Phahurat Market is a popular and often crowded place, where visitors can wander around and soak up the atmosphere, stopping to haggle for some fine silks or to nibble on a delicious Indian snack from a street cart. This area is also home to the second-largest Sikh temple outside of India, with its huge golden dome dominating the skyline.
Practical Info
The Phahurat Market is situated behind Phahurat Road and is open daily from early in the morning until mid-afternoon. The easiest way to reach the market by public transport is to catch the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and then the take Chao Phraya Express Boat to Rajawongse Pier.
Address: Phahurat Road Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
From $ 20
Phromthep Cape
Situated at Phuket’s most southerly point, Promthep Cape (or Laem Promthep) is the rocky headland than juts out into the sea here, offering incredible views over the east and southeast of the island, particularly at sunset.
Promthep Cape is a popular spot with ample parking and a large open space on top of the hill from which to enjoy the views. There’s also an elephant shrine plus a lighthouse with historical maritime artifacts on display for those interested in the history of the area. If you go up to the viewing balcony of the lighthouse, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the surrounding islands – on a clear day, you can even make out the distinctive shapes of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Racha Yai, and Koh Racha Noi.
Every evening, tour buses and other vehicles arrive at Promthep Cape full of tourists and locals looking to catch the sunset. As a result, an inevitable series of stalls selling the usual tourist fare have been set up on the hill. After the rush at sunset, a sudden peace descends on the area, and those who like dining with a view can enjoy a peaceful dinner overlooking Nai Harn Beach at the Phromthep Cape Restaurant.
A trip up to Promthep Cape can be combined with visiting Phuket’s other viewpoints and attractions on a half-day Phuket city tour or a full-day island and city tour from Krabi. Those into their motorbikes will love exploring the island’s most scenic parts on a ‘big’ motorbike day trip.
Insider’s Tip: Promthep Cape gets extremely busy at sunset. If you want more privacy, take the fishermen’s trail down to the rocky peninsula that reaches out into the ocean. Here you can enjoy the sun descending into the sea in peace, but beware that the climb back up is somewhat challenging!
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach Promthep Cape by hiring a motorbike or taking a taxi and heading south from Rawai Beach.
Address: Promthep Cape, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 11
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
Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens
Created in 1992, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens are located in Amphoe Mae Rim in the Chiang Mai Province. A beautiful place burgeoning with exotic plant life, the facility conducts research and conserves Thailand’s extensive natural plant resources; it’s main purpose is not tourism, which means that there are fewer visitors here than in many locations in Chiang Mai. Named after Sirikit, who was Queen of Thailand in 1994, the queen donated considerable resources to bring the gardens to fruition.
The gardens cover more than 2,470 acres (1,000 hectares) and are best explored by foot. Follow the paths through huge collections of azaleas, rhododendrons and many other flowering plants. Though the grounds are extensive, the greenhouses are where the real treasures are, ranging from carnivorous plants and bromeliads to orchids and water lilies. Other structures emulate the feel of arid deserts or rain forests and have the flora to match.
Practical Info
The gardens are situated about 12.5 miles (20 km) from Chiang Mai in the Mae Sa area. The best way to get there is to charter a tuk tuk or other private transportation. The Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and cost 100 Thai baht ($3 USD) for an adult and 50 Thai baht ($1.50 USD) for children.
Address: Mae Rim, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults 100 Thai baht; children 50 Thai baht
From $ 33
Racha Island
Racha Island is, in fact, two islands—Racha Yai and Racha Noi—both known for their excellent snorkeling and diving. Whether for day-long underwater exploring trips or stays of a few days to relax on the unspoiled beaches, the southern Thai islands are popular with water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Basics
Around 20 miles (40 kilometers) south of Phuket, Racha Island is quintessential Thailand—white sand, turquoise ocean, and softly swaying palm trees. Racha Yai has a small number of resorts and bungalows, and is becoming a popular place to stay for visitors to Phuket, while Racha Noi is uninhabited. Both islands offer excellent diving offshore, and you can snorkel right from the beach on Racha Yai. Many travelers choose to visit the islands as part of an organized snorkeling, diving, or catamaran tour from Phuket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Racha Island is ideal for snorkelers, divers, and those looking for a quiet island escape from Phuket.
- Most tours leave Phuket in the morning to spend the day around both Racha Yai and Racha Noi.
- Snorkelers and divers can expect to see colorful corals and many types of tropical fish.
- If snorkeling or diving is not your thing, catamaran trips are also available.
- Many tours include lunch, refreshments, and water sports gear.
How to Get There
Racha Island, located south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, is accessible only by boat. Speedboats travel from Ao Chalong and Rawai on Phuket, or you can book a snorkeling, diving, or catamaran tour to access the islands.
When to Get There
High season in Phuket runs from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny. April and May can be very hot, and tropical rainstorms are possible from June to November. Some resorts and tour operators close up shop or run only limited services in the rainy season.
See Phuket’s Big Buddha
For a photo opportunity extraordinaire, take a trip to see Phuket’s Big Buddha, a 150-foot-high (45-meter) statue sitting atop the Nakkerd Hills, close to Kata. The statue was constructed in 2004 and is made of concrete overlaid with glittering white jade marble. From the base of the Buddha you can enjoy panoramic views over the whole island.
Address: Racha Island, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 107
Oub Kham Museum
This private museum has an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand. The collection includes carved thrones, embroidered costumes, Buddha images, antique jewelry, and priceless items used by royalty like the oub kham – the golden bowl that the museum is named for. There are minimal signs, but the English-speaking tour guide will ensure you know the story behind each item.
Don’t forget to take a walk around the museum grounds which are resplendent with traditional Lanna architecture, statues, and fountains.
Practical Info:
The Oub Kham Museum is located about 1 kilometer outside of Chiang Rai on Nakhai Road near the Den Ha Market. The busy highway is not ideal for walking, so hire a tuk-tuk to take you here. The museum is open daily and the admission fee is payable in Thai currency.
Address: 81/1 Military Front Road, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Hours: Daily: 8am - 6pm
Admission: Adult: 300 baht, Child 200 baht
From $ 91
Phuket FantaSea Show
There's nothing subtle about Phuket FantaSea, a 140-acre (56-hectare) cultural theme park best known for its glitzy Las Vegas-style stage show.
Set in the Palace of the Elephants Theater, the family-friendly Fantasy of a Kingdom performance treats guests to a mythical story that combines traditional Thai dance, music and costumes with colorful special effects, magical illusions, pyrotechnics and dancing elephants. Hundreds of cast members showcase Thai culture on stage and charm the audience with circus acts, acrobatics and magic illusions. Guests can upgrade their experience to also include an international buffet dinner for a full night out.
Outside the theater, the PhantaSea theme park also features an enormous shopping village, multiple restaurants and a dizzying sea-themed arcade of neon lights and cartoon characters. To experience more of the park, travelers can take part in craft demonstrations, pose for photos in traditional Thai garb, ride an elephant or watch one of the vibrant cultural parades.
Practical Info
Phuket FantaSea is located north of Patong at Kamala Beach. Cameras are not allowed in the Palace of the Elephants Theater. Activities such as elephant rides and photo studio sessions have additional costs.
Address: 1 99 M3, Kamala Beach 076-385000, Thailand
Hours: Friday-Wednesday 5:30-11:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 650
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
Railay Beach
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and backed by thick forest, the interconnected fairy-tale beaches of Railay are accessible only by boat. The four beaches—Tonsai, Phra Nang, East Railay, and West Railay—offer powder-soft white sand, clear calm waters, and a decidedly bohemian vibe perfect for those looking to get away from it all.
The Basics
While the talcum-soft sand is certainly a compelling reason to visit Railay Beach—visitors can easily find day trips by longtail boat from Phuket and Ao Nang—the other big draw is the rock climbing here. It’s considered some of the best in Thailand, especially on the rocks around Railay East, and you don’t need any special experience to try it. Guided climbing tours cater to climbers of all ability levels, including newbies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Railay Beach is a must-visit for sun seekers and adventure travelers.
- Don’t forget to bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun protection for time on the beach.
- Excursions to Railay Beach can take anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to rock climb or hike to some of the area viewpoints.
- Purchase sunscreen, snacks, and drinks before you arrive, as prices tend to be higher in Railay.
- Be sure to keep your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags during the boat ride to Railay Beach.
- Island-hopping day tours that include Railay often stop at Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Tup Island.
How to Get There
Though on the mainland, Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, either from Krabi (90 minutes) or Ao Nang (15 minutes). There are no motorized vehicles in the area, but all the points of interest can be reached on foot.
When to Get There
For the best balance of good weather and sparser crowds, plan to visit in either May or October. The dry season falls between December and April, when the beaches become busy with day trippers. September is the wettest month in this region.
Other Attractions in Railay Beach
Aside from the soft sand and limestone rocks, Railay Beach has a couple of other notable points of interest. Just to the north of Railay East sits Phra Nang Cave, also called Diamond Cave, where visitors can follow a boardwalk past glittering cave formations. Phra Nang Shrine, located at the northern end of Phra Nang Beach, has become known for the collection of carved phalluses left there by local fisherman asking safe journeys of the drowned princess the beach is said to be named for.
Address: Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
From $ 24
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
Princess Mother Memorial Park
Work began on the Princess Mother Memorial Park in 1993, after King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in remembrance of his mother Srinagarindra, began plans to renovate the area around her childhood home in Thonburi.
Known by the Thai people as the Princess Mother, a museum within the park depicts stories of her life and a reconstruction of her old home. Two exhibition halls within the park are dedicated to the Princess Mother’s memorabilia and mementos. The first hall displays photographs chronicling her life, while the second hall contains items relating to her various projects, and even some of her personal belongings.
However, the majority of the park is dedicated to wide-open spaces, including a number of well-maintained gardens. There’s also a pavilion featuring a statue of the princess sheltered under a gazebo.
Practical Info
The Princess Mother Memorial Park is located within the Khlong San district of Bangkok, close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The easiest way to reach the park is to catch the Chaophraya River Express boat to the Memorial Bridge Pier. The park museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm and admission is free.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm.
From $ 48
Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
In a city and country known for its colorful markets, none stands out so vividly as Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market. Stalls feature local and imported fresh-cut flowers piled high: delicate orchids, bunches of colorful carnations, fragrant roses, lilies, forget-me-nots, and more. Vendors also sell flower arrangements and hand-strung garlands.
The Basics
The largest retail and wholesale floral market in Bangkok, Pak Khlong Talat can be visited independently or with a guide who can tell you about the flowers’ use as offerings at shrines and spirit houses. Combine a trip here with a long-tail boat cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or with a tour of Wat Arun and Wat Pho illuminated at night, sampling some street food along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Unlike most attractions, the bustling flower market is best experienced at its busiest time—around midnight.
- Wandering the narrow lanes of fragrant blooms is not for the faint of heart: the scent of jasmine and kaleidoscope of colors can overwhelm the senses, in the best way.
- Don’t forget your camera, comfy shoes, and a bit of extra cash for any purchases.
How to Get There
Pak Khlong Talat flower market sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River just south of Wat Pho, near Chinatown. You can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut), stop N6. From here it’s a 6-minute walk directly to the market located on Chakkraphet Road.
When to Get There
The market stays open 24 hours a day. In the late evening, new shipments of flowers arrive from the north of Thailand, and porters wheel crates of colorful wares through the stalls. This is an optimal time to visit, when fewer tourists are around and the shops are full of flowers.
Not Just a Flower Market
Pak Khlong Talat starts each day primarily as a vegetable and fruit market before giving way to flowers. Freshly cut flower bundles are often sold in packs of 50 or 100, but you can also purchase hand-strung garlands. After a look around, it’s an easy stroll to your choice of bars and cafes, many overlooking the river.
Address: Chak Phet Road, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 33
Phang Nga Bay
With limestone rock formations jutting out of the emerald green sea, Phang Nga Bay in Thailand is famous the world over for its natural beauty. Many visitors to Thailand will find themselves crossing the bay on the way to popular tourist spots, such as Phuket or Krabi, but this place deserves some dedicated exploration time of its own.
The Basics
With beaches, caves, lagoons, mangrove forests, and more, Phang Nga Bay is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island first captured popular attention when it was featured in the James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun.
Today, boat tours offer regular guided trips to Koh Tapu, the so-called “James Bond Island.” Kayaking tours—often with snorkeling included—are another popular way to explore the bay and its spectacular limestone karsts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boat trips and other tours visit the bay from several locations, including Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands.
- Boat, kayak, and snorkel tours are best suited for active travelers and families.
- Remember to wear suitable water-friendly footwear and bring plenty of sunscreen for boat or kayak excursions.
- Tours often provide a lunchtime meal and refreshments.
How to Get There
Officially part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, Phang Nga Bay is located in the Andaman Sea between the southern part of the Thai mainland in the east and the island of Phuket in the west. The easiest way to access the bay is by long-tail boat, speed boat, or kayak as part of a guided tour with round-trip transport provided. Passenger ferries also cross the bay.
When to Get There
Phang Nga Bay enjoys the best weather through the winter months of November–March. April and May are the hottest months of the year here when temperatures and humidity are both high. Rainy season—May to October—can see heavy rainfall.
Visit the Sea Gypsy Village of Koh Panyee
Built entirely from wooden stilts by Indonesian fishermen 200 years ago, the village of Koh Panyee—floating in the middle of the ocean next to towering limestone rocks—seems like something out of a storybook. A trip to the village offers a fascinating look at a totally unique way of life. Do take note that the village is a Muslim community, and dress modestly, if you’re planning to visit.
Address: Thailand
From $ 44