Choose from 178 Fun Things to Do in Thailand
ShowingFilter 161-178 of 178 listings.
Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam
Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam -- it's a mouthful that in English means "canal of two waters" "“ is a stunning natural paradise where crystal-clear freshwater springs meet saltwater mangrove forests. Located about 21 miles (34 kilometers) outside of the town of Krabi, Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam is lined with boardwalks, making it a photogenic place for nature walks beside and above the water. Wooden chairs placed throughout give guests a spot to stop and admire the views.
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the area is in a canoe. Rentals are available by the hour or the day, and from the park entrance, you can paddle all the way to the Andaman Sea.
Practical Info
Give yourself about an hour to wander the boardwalks or canoe through the canals. The park is open year round, but the waters are at their clearest during periods of low tide.
Address: Moo 2 Ban Nong Chik, Khao Khram Subdistrict, Thailand
From $ 74
Wiang Kum Kam
Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient “lost city” located on the banks of the Mae Ping River. It was founded in the 13th century by King Mangrai and was the royal capital prior to Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam was abandoned in the 16th century due to flooding, and was only rediscovered in 1984.
Wiang Kum Kam has been partly restored to its former glory and visitors can tour the ruins of ancient temples and see the carved stone tablets unearthed by archaeologists. Some of the sites have plaques with information in English and guides are available for hire.
Wiang Kum Kam has been partly restored to its former glory and visitors can tour the ruins of ancient temples and see the carved stone tablets unearthed by archaeologists. Some of the sites have plaques with information in English and guides are available for hire.
Practical Info
Wiang Kum Kam is located 5 kilometers southeast of Chiang Mai. It’s too far to walk from the city center, but makes for a pleasant bicycle ride. Alternatively, taxi and tuk-tuk drivers will be happy to take you there.
To get there from Chiang Mai, go south along Highway 106 (also known as the Chiang Mai – Lamphun Highway) for about 3 kilometers then look for the directional sign to the ruins.
To get there from Chiang Mai, go south along Highway 106 (also known as the Chiang Mai – Lamphun Highway) for about 3 kilometers then look for the directional sign to the ruins.
Address: Wiang Kum Kam, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 16
Sri Mariamman Temple
The rainbow colored Sri Mariamman Temple, also called Wat Khaek, sticks out like a colorful thumb on Silom Road in the heart of Bangkok's financial center. Founded by Tamil immigrants in 1827, the temple is the center of the city's Hindu community. Devoted followers, mostly Indian immigrants, come daily to pray and leave offerings of flowers and fruit to pay respect to the Tamil goddess Mariamman, or Mother Nature. Feel free to participate in making an offering and a priest almost always stationed inside will offer you a prayer. Although, the smoke of the incense and smell of flowers may tend to be overwhelming.
Although the shrine is not very big and will only take a few moments of your time, it is a great stop if you happen to be in the Silom business district. The elaborate temple is open to visitors, although be careful not to get in the way of the religious faithful, dress conservatively and refrain from snapping photos.
The shrine was also recently renovated, but still contains inside the statues of several Hindu gods and goddesses. Images of Maha Uma Devi, the Hindu goddess of mercy, are everywhere. In October crowds of devotees parade her holy images around the streets of Bangkok in celebration.
Although the shrine is not very big and will only take a few moments of your time, it is a great stop if you happen to be in the Silom business district. The elaborate temple is open to visitors, although be careful not to get in the way of the religious faithful, dress conservatively and refrain from snapping photos.
The shrine was also recently renovated, but still contains inside the statues of several Hindu gods and goddesses. Images of Maha Uma Devi, the Hindu goddess of mercy, are everywhere. In October crowds of devotees parade her holy images around the streets of Bangkok in celebration.
Address: Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Hours: Each Pooja has its own opening/closing times - all are open daily.
From $ 127
Banglamphu
The Banglamphu district of Bangkok is located to the east of Ko Rattanakosin. Amid its bustling wet markets and old-style shophouses, the Bangkok of yesteryear is still alive and well in certain parts of this region.
At the heart of the old-fashioned neighborhoods and bustling streets, a 24-meter tall structure, the Democracy Monument, dominates the busy Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Built to commemorate Thailand's 1932 revolution that led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, this was also the spot where many Thais were killed protesting against a military coup in 1992.
The surrounding Banglamphu area, which is also awash with temples, is well-known for one famous street in particular. Despite the nearby backstreets retaining an authentically Thai feel, not too far away is the world-famous backpacker haunt, Khao San Road. This is home to a lively travelers' scene, with a mass of budget accommodation, food and clothes stalls, and, of course, a range of bars and other nightlife spots.
Practical Info
Ordinary buses serve Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. The Phra Athit River Express pier is also situated in Banglamphu, about a five-minute walk northeast from Khao San Road.
Address: Banglamphu District, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 65
Khlong Saen Saep
Stretching from west to east across Bangkok, Khlong Saen Saeb is a canal that begins in the Old City near the Mahakan Fortress, and runs all the way to Chachoengsao Province. Boat services travel through places like Phayathai, Pratunam, Chidlom, and Thonglor, providing a fast and inexpensive way to visit these central areas while avoiding Bangkok's notorious traffic.
While bordering on dangerously busy during rush hour, taking a Khlong Saen Saep boat outside of these busy times is convenient for shopping and sightseeing, and is especially useful for getting to and from Siam Square and other key places in the city. There are various temples, markets, traditional wooden houses, and ornate bridges along the route, and it is possible to walk or cycle along the banks in many places.
The Khlong Saen Saep boats are known for their haphazard service, and are often even dangerous in terms of boarding and alighting in busy periods. In this sense, they are perhaps not suitable for families with small children. If you're looking to explore the daily life and key sights that teem around Bangkok's canals in a more relaxed manner, there are plenty of canal tours to choose from; set out on bikes along the banks of the waterways, hop onto a rice barge or small teak boat, or get out of the city altogether on a countryside canal adventure.
Practical Info
Tickets for the Khlong Saen Saep boats are purchased onboard, and range from 10 to 20 bahts, depending on the distance. (Try to have small change to make life easier for everyone.) There are two lines serving the route: the western line, terminating at Wat Saket near the Khao San Road, and the eastern line, which finishes at Wat Si Bunrueang.
Did You Know? The 18-kilometer Khlong Saen Saep route is served by 100 boats with 40-50 seats each. The service carries around 60,000 passengers per day.
Address: Khlong Saen Saep, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Weekdays: 5:30am-8:30pm / Weekends: 5:30am-7pm
Admission: 10-20 THB
From $ 83
Wat Thaton
Wat Thaton is a sprawling Buddha temple complex located amid forested hills just a few kilometers from Thailand’s border with Myanmar. The hillside complex sits overlooking the village of Ban Thaton and the Mae Kok River and is built over nine levels, offering some stunning views over the beautiful rural setting. The site houses a school for monks, as well as a drug rehabilitation programme and a hill tribe support unit.
Each station within the temple complex has its own Buddha images and stupas, plus views either north towards Myanmar or east across Thaton. Level one features a statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, while level three features a laughing Chinese Buddha and a white seated Buddha. Level four has a center for teaching vipassana meditation with a huge seated Buddha image and a seven-headed serpent on its roof. Level eight boasts the colorful and richly decorated Chedi Kaew, or Crystal pagoda, which is visible from miles around, and there's a supersized golden standing Buddha with a begging bowl on level nine.
Wat Thaton can be explored as part of a full-day excursion from Chiang Mai that also includes a visit to a hill tribe village and a river cruise along the Mae Kok River.
Practical Info
The journey to Wat Thaton from Chiang Mai takes around three to four hours. The site is spread out over 160 acres, which is extensive if you want to explore it all, so don’t forget to take some comfortable walking shoes.
Did You Know? If arriving from Chiang Rai, you can take the boat upriver to Thaton. It can take around five hours (timings vary based on the season and condition of the boat), but it’s a scenic way to make the trip.
Address: Ban Thaton, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 188
Wat Umong
This Buddhist temple near Doi Suthep mountain is also known as the “Tunnel Temple,” both for its unique network of underground tunnels and its location in the forest. There is a large stupa to visit, as well as “talking trees,” which feature words of wisdom in both Thai and English. Monks here live in a very natural setting, among deer and ponds full of fish and turtles.
Stroll the temple grounds under trees and across trails, or explore the underground tunnels, featuring many shrines to Buddha. It is said that the tunnels, dug underneath an artificial mound, were created to keep a highly regarded monk who was prone to wandering from getting too far from the temple. It was later abandoned, adding to its ancient, wooded feel—but today several monks live on the site. Its tranquil environment makes it a popular spot for meditation.
Practical Info
Wat Umong is situated in the forest outside of Chiang Mai, but its peaceful natural surroundings warrant a visit. It is located about a mile (2 km) from the city, and the best way to get there is via taxi or tuk tuk. The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m.
From $ 72
Siam Square
Located in the heart of Bangkok, shopaholics will be in their element in Siam Square. An open-air shopping complex surrounded by huge malls and alleyways lined with street stalls and small boutiques, Siam is a baffling contrast of creativity and commercialism. The area, which runs from Rama 1 Road down to Chulalongkorn University and from Phayathai Road to Henri Dunant, is particularly popular among students and expats.
Towering over the square are a number of five-star hotels, as well as the city's major shopping malls: Siam Center, Siam Discovery, MBK and Siam Paragon. Siam Square One, a seven-story mall that takes up almost half of the market area, is the most recent addition. All of the venues feature the famous designer outlets and department stores that make Bangkok something of a shopping mecca.
Siam Square's dining offerings are as eclectic and contrasting as its shopping, with an array of international restaurants and cafes filling the malls and local Thai food served from the streets outside. For a unique way to visit the area, take a Bangkok city tour that incorporates visits to the capital's major sights via various modes of public transport.
Practical Info
Siam Square is the most central neighborhood in Bangkok and can be easily reached by both the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line of the BTS Skytrain, with the most obvious point of entry being Siam Station. If you're staying on Khao San Road, however, you can get the Saen Saep Express boat to Siam Square instead.
Address: Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 83
Mae Sai Valley
The northernmost town in Thailand, and one of the few official crossings to Myanmar, Mae Sai is an ideal starting point for tours of the Golden Triangle.
The Mae Sai Valley is in Chiang Rai province, and the busy border town at its heart is in a hilly location on cliffs bordering the Mae Nam Sai river.
Take a walk around the hilly town to visit Wat Phra That Doi Wao for views into Myanmar from the temple.
Being a busy border town, Mae Sai has plenty of accommodation, food stalls and restaurants. Shops here sell Burmese lacquerware, gems and jade.
Practical Info
The Mae Sai Valley is in the northern Thailand province of Chiang Rai, on the Myanmar border.
Mae Sai is 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai and 4 to 5 hours from Chiang Mai by bus.
Address: Highway 1, Mae Sai 57130, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 75
Koh Kradan
Just south of bustling Ko Lanta is the picturesque Thai island of Koh Kradan. Most of the island is a national park"”perfect for hikers"”and the 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) of sandy beach offer visitors a serene place to relax. Plus Koh Kradan is surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, great for divers and snorkelers.
The Basics
The remote island of Koh Kradan is part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park, controlled by the Thai government. The island is ideal for visitors who want to soak up the sun on coral sand beaches, and enjoy the beautiful fauna and flora of the island and surrounding waters. Most full-day tours to Koh Kradan leave from Ko Lanta and also visit the nearby islands of Koh Chuak, Koh Mook, and Koh Ngai.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Koh Kradan is a must-visit for nature lovers and underwater wildlife enthusiasts.
- Tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off on Ko Lanta as well as lunch and snorkeling gear.
- There are no ATMs or medical clinics on remote Koh Kradan.
- There are fewer than 10 resorts on the island, ranging from budget rooms to luxury bungalows.
How to Get There
Koh Kradan is located off the western coast of Thailand in the Trang province. The only way to access Koh Kradan is by boat. From the mainland, take the ferry from Trang's Hat Yao Pier to Koh Kradan. Ferry service also operates from Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan, as do full-day tours.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Koh Kradan"”and Thailand in general"”is during the dry season, November to April. During the rainy season, from May to October, most of the resorts on Koh Kradan and the other Trang islands are closed and tourism activity is limited.
Underwater Weddings
The opportunity to get married underwater is a rare one, but every year Koh Kradan hosts subaqueous wedding ceremonies around Valentine's Day. Scuba diving couples are whisked out to sea, partake in a traditional blessing ceremony, and then head under the surface with a representative of the district office to tie the knot. Only qualified divers may take part in the underwater weddings, and newlyweds leave with a waterproof marriage certificate.
Address: Thailand
From $ 47
Mahasawat Canal
The Basics
Khlong Maha Sawat in Thailand, it is a khlong that starts from Khlong Lad Bang Kruai (tip phase of Khlong Bangkok Noi) near Wat Chaiyaphruek Mala, flowing through a demarcation line between Nonthaburi's Bang Kruai with Taling Chan and Thawi Watthana of suburb Bangkok, then flows through mostly area of Phutthamonthon and meet to Tha Chin River at Tambon Ngio Rai in Nakhon Pathom's Nakhon Chai Si. Total distance is 28 km (about 17 mi). Moreover, it is also known as Khlong Chaiyaphruek
Regarded as one of the oldest khlongs in Thailand, because it was canalized since the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) to be a shortcut to travel to worship Phra Pathom Chedi[1]. At present, Khlong Maha Sawat is a well-known as agritourism destination. Villagers on both sides still maintain the traditional way of life, they still use natural water to bathe, drink and use as the main route for traffic.
Visitors can cruise by the long-tail boat to see the scenery and agricultural gardens throughout the route. And participate in collecting lotus or visit the fruit garden of locals to watch the orchard and mixed farming with seasonal fruits. Also, visit the paddy fields.
Nowadays, Khlong Maha Sawat is very popular place with tourists both Thais and foreigners, especially Japanese on the weekend.
From $ 24
Wat Khlong Thom Museum
This museum within the grounds of the Wat Khlong Thom temple in Krabi displays artifacts unearthed during excavations carried out behind the wat.
Bronze tools, beads and stone ornaments form the majority of the exhibits, dating back to perhaps 5,000 years ago.
The beads are a particularly significant part of the collection, made of glass and stone. Roman coins have also been found here, along with pottery and ceramic shards.
Practical Info
The Wat Khlong Thom Museum is on the Phetchakasem Highway heading east of Krabi towards Trang, in the district of Khlong Thom.
Address: Phetchakasem Highway, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 8:30am - 11am and 1pm - 5pm
Admission: Free
From $ 51
Aow Leuk Beach
Travelers looking for seclusion and solitude on Koh Tao, one of Thailand's most popular islands don't have it easy. But on the southeastern side of the island, between the Sai Daeng Beach to the north and the Tanote Beach to the south lies the 200 meter long Aow Leuk beach. This stretch of sand is difficult to reach, and because of that, the tourist crowds stay away. Aow Leuk offers crystal clear waters and the peace and serenity necessary to forget everyday life and recover from stress. The bay is shallow, surrounded by the islands typical, fine white sand and big boulders and due to the low depths, is a protected site and a great place for snorkeling and training dives to see luminous butterflyfish, blue angelfish and parrotfish among the corals.
The beach prides itself on being very clean and it is accordingly not allowed to bring your own picnic. But there are a few small, family-run bungalows and a restaurant, so you won't have to worry about basic necessities, such as food, drinks or snorkel-rentals while still being well away from the crowds.
Practical Info
Aow Leuk Beach can be reached from other parts of the island by a bumpy, rough dirt road. The distance from the main town Mae Haad is only about 5 kilometers, but the pickup taxis still take about half an hour for the trip. If you don't plan on staying the night, make sure to arrange for a pickup time with the driver to get back into town.
Address: Koh Tao, Thailand
From $ 88
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is an ancient Buddhist temple situated to the southeast of Ayutthaya. It was built in 1357 by King Uthong to house returning monks who had gone to study practical Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
In 1592, King Naresuan built the temple’s iconic bell-shaped chedi after a victory over Burma. This towering chedi can be seen from far and wide and features a platform offering wonderful views of the temple site and city beyond. Wat Yai Chai Mongkol was then destroyed by the Burmese in the mid-18th century, and was only rebuilt to its former glory in 1957.
The temple’s beautifully manicured gardens make this one of Ayutthaya’s most scenic and photogenic temple complexes. Perhaps the biggest attraction for most visitors however is the seven-meter reclining Buddha located near its entrance, which lays claim to being one of the largest outdoor reclining Buddha statues in Thailand.
Practical Info
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon sits across the Pridithamrong Bridge to the southeast of the city of Ayutthaya. A visit here can be conveniently combined with a trip to Wat Phanan Choeng.
Address: 40/3 Moo 3 Tambon Wat Klong Plu, Ayutthaya, Central Thailand 13000, Thailand
Hours: 8am-5pm daily
Admission: 50 Baht
From $ 28
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium
For a fun day out with the family head to the Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium. The zoo is home to over 400 species of animals including tigers, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, penguins, and koalas, but the crowd favorite is certainly the pair of giant pandas on loan from China. Visitors also have the opportunity to interact with the zoo animals during feeding sessions and performances.
The Chiang Mai Aquarium opened in 2008 and is more modern than the zoo. More than 25,000 fish are on display including species native to Thailand like giant Mekong catfish, barracuda, moray eels, and jellyfish. Don't forget to take a walk through the aquarium's 133 meter underwater tunnel "“ officially the longest in the world "“ surrounded by sharks and stingrays.
The Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium grounds are quite expansive and you can save yourself a lot of walking by taking the zoo tram or monorail between the exhibits.
The Chiang Mai Aquarium opened in 2008 and is more modern than the zoo. More than 25,000 fish are on display including species native to Thailand like giant Mekong catfish, barracuda, moray eels, and jellyfish. Don't forget to take a walk through the aquarium's 133 meter underwater tunnel "“ officially the longest in the world "“ surrounded by sharks and stingrays.
The Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium grounds are quite expansive and you can save yourself a lot of walking by taking the zoo tram or monorail between the exhibits.
Practical Info
The Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium are located west of the city center on Huay Kaew Road. They are open daily and separate admission fees apply for the zoo, panda exhibit, and aquarium. If you plan to visit them all, combination tickets are available at a slightly discounted price. Additional charges apply for parking, the zoo tram, and the zoo monorail.
Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: Adult: 100B, Child 50B; Panda Exhibit Adult: 100B, Child 50B
From $ 63
Madame Tussauds Bangkok
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is a good time anywhere, but where it is always fun to see the likeness of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the Bangkok branch also includes sculptures in the shape of some regional favorites.
Meet Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the Dalai Lama and Chairman Mao Zedong, among several other current and historical political figures, or if you are an arts and science buff, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and even the father of modern art in Thailand, Silpa Bhirasri, are on display. Among the museums large cache of wax pop stars, take your photo with Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber or shake hands with sports icons Muhammad Ali, Yao Ming or Serena Williams.
Madame Tussaud's in Bangkok is located on the 6th floor of the recently refurbished Siam Discovery in the heart of town.
Meet Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the Dalai Lama and Chairman Mao Zedong, among several other current and historical political figures, or if you are an arts and science buff, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and even the father of modern art in Thailand, Silpa Bhirasri, are on display. Among the museums large cache of wax pop stars, take your photo with Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber or shake hands with sports icons Muhammad Ali, Yao Ming or Serena Williams.
Madame Tussaud's in Bangkok is located on the 6th floor of the recently refurbished Siam Discovery in the heart of town.
Address: Siam Car Park, Rama I, Pathum Wan, Phathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
From $ 20
Wat Suwan Kuha
Step into the tropical forests of Phang Nga to visit one of southern Thailand’s most important temples, Wat Suwan Kuha. Commonly known as the Cave Temple, it sits inside a large cave complex and features many religious statues—the most prominent being the 50-foot (15-meter) golden reclining Buddha in the Tam Yai cave.
The Basics
Many tours to the Cave Temple leave from Krabi or Phuket and include visits to nearby islands, such as James Bond Island. You can come to pay your respects, feed the local monkeys, and explore the large caves. Other tours feature a number of outdoor activities to explore the jungle and Wat Suwan Kuha. If you want to learn more about Buddhism, hop on a tour of the Phang Nga temples and immerse yourself in Thai culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cave Temple is a must-see for those who want to travel off the beaten path.
- Guests generally spend about an hour exploring the cave system.
- Mischievous monkeys are known to reside in the area, so guard your belongings and any food you have with you.
- The only way to access the temple is via a small set of stairs, which makes it inaccessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Wat Suwan Kuha is located 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the town of Phang Nga. The easiest way to access the caves is through an organized tour from Krabi or Phuket. To explore on your own, you can rent a car and park in the spacious lot near the caves. The drive is about 1.5 hours from many of the popular areas in Phuket and Krabi.
When to Get There
The cave is busiest in late morning and early afternoon. The best time to visit Southern Thailand is during the dry season, between the months of November and April. Though this time is more crowded with tourists, there is significantly less rain.
Beyond Buddha
The Cave Temple holds much significance beyond the large reclining Buddha. This is the final resting place for a number of prominent leaders. The bones of the Na Takuathung family, who constructed the shrine, can be found in the chedi (stupa or pagoda). Also here, the initials of members of the royal family are etched into the cave walls from past visits.
Address: Phetkasem Road, Phang Nga, Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Thailand 82120, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot, which translates roughly to "the mountain with three hundred peaks," protects the largest wetlands area in Thailand, a freshwater marsh that comprises over a third of the national park's total area. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the park to explore its beaches, caves and marshlands, where an estimated 300 species of birds make their home for all or part of the year. Other park residents include crab-eating macaque, barking deer, Malayan pangolin, dusky leaf monkey, fishing cats, wild elephants and guar.
Apart from the wildlife, the park's most popular feature is Phraya Nakhon Cave, arguably one of the most spectacular caves in all of Southeast Asia. Its spectacular chamber houses a stunning gold and green pavilion "” a sight that few visitors to Thailand are lucky enough to see for themselves.
Practical Info
Mosquitos can be a nuisance in the park, particularly during the rainy season, so don't forget to bring bug spray.
Address: Thailand
From $ 127