Top Things to Do in Thailand: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Thailand is that dream holiday destination everyone talks about! From Bangkok's golden temples shimmering in the sun and Phuket's paradise beaches perfect for some relaxation, to picture-postcard islands like Phi Phi or Koh Samui and the more authentic Chiang Mai in the north, Thailand is a true little slice of paradise on earth!

In this comprehensive guide, Trip.com tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about Thailand: the must-visit cities, the activities that are truly worth the trip, where to find the best street food, and all our top tips for making the most of your stay at the best prices, whatever the season or your travel style. Right, let's get started!

🎫 Popular Things to Do in Thailand at Great Prices

• ⛵ Chao Phraya River ⭐ From £5.27 - Bangkok River Cruise
• 👑 The Grand Palace, Bangkok ⭐ From £11.71 - Royal Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha
• 🐘 Elephant Care Park Phuket ⭐ From £13.32 - Ethical elephant encounters
• 🦁 Safari World Bangkok ⭐ From £23.89 - Safari and animal shows
• 🎭 Simon Cabaret Phuket 🌈 From £18.74 - Stunning cabaret show

💡Did you know? Thailand has never been colonised (unlike all its neighbours)! The country's name actually means "Land of the Free", and you can really feel that spirit when you're there. There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples in the country, and nearly 40 million tourists visit every year!

📅 What to Do in Thailand Based on Your Stay

As with any holiday, the amount of time you spend there will naturally influence the activities and destinations you can explore in Thailand.

Whether you have just one week to explore or three weeks of well-deserved holiday, here are our recommendations for every type of traveller. Even with just a week, you can see the highlights if you're well-organised!

🌴 Must-Visit Cities in Thailand

Every Thai city truly has its own unique personality. Bangkok is pure urban intensity, Chiang Mai offers the zen vibes of the North, Phuket is all about parties and beaches, and Krabi is where you'll find raw, untouched nature. Here’s what you need to know to help you choose:

Bangkok: Thailand's most impressive city

Bangkok needs no introduction; it is Thailand’s iconic capital, a city of striking contrasts. From its shimmering golden temples and the Grand Palace to Wat Pho, with its 46-metre-long gold-leaf Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), with its 82-metre central spire decorated with thousands of porcelain fragments, the city offers a rich cultural diversity that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity.

Which neighbourhoods should you prioritise?

• Head to Khao San Road if you're looking for that backpacker vibe with bars at every turn (you can smell the beer and Pad Thai at all hours!)
• Sukhumvit if you prefer chic rooftops and massive shopping centres.
• And finally, head to Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) in the evening for the best street food of your life!

Phuket: Beaches, Nightlife, and Great Vibes

Phuket is the big hitter of Thai tourism. The island boasts beaches to suit every type of traveller and tourist.

Patong Beach? Think 24/7 party vibes, bars on every corner, music blaring, and jet skis whizzing by every two minutes. If you’re looking for total peace and quiet, you might want to give this one a miss. But if you love a lively atmosphere and meeting new people, you’re going to love it!

If you prefer quieter beaches in heavenly settings, Phuket has many treasures for you to discover! Among them are Kata and Karon. Families often favour these spots for their crystal-clear water, which remains shallow for several metres, and their soothing sense of calm.

Chiang Mai: the gentle charm of the North

Chiang Mai is the complete opposite of Bangkok! The pace is slower here, travellers take their time, and the city is much less polluted too. The city boasts over 300 temples (yes, 300!) with stories that are just as fascinating. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched at the top of the mountain, offers breathtaking views of the entire city stretching out below.

The absolute must-do? Strolling through the Old Town on foot or hiring a bike. There are temples every 100 metres, little cafes with Wi-Fi to relax in, and on Sunday evenings, the Sunday Walking Street transforms the entire centre into a pedestrian zone. Local crafts, street performances, and street food everywhere: a truly magical atmosphere!

Koh Samui: Island of the Gulf

Koh Samui is the island in the Gulf of Thailand (on the opposite side to Phuket and Krabi). It’s a little less touristy and a touch more expensive, but it offers a more relaxed vibe and some truly breathtaking resorts.

What makes the island so special? You can spot the famous 12-metre golden Big Buddha from most parts of the island. It’s perched on a tiny islet connected by a causeway, and it’s an absolute must-visit!

From Koh Samui, you can easily head over to Koh Tao for some diving (it’s one of the best spots to get your PADI) or to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party if you’re in the mood for a party.

Pattaya: Bangkok's ultimate seaside escape

Finally, Pattaya is located just a two-hour drive from Bangkok. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for Bangkok locals. The city has developed around tourism, most notably Walking Street, which is the hub of the city's vibrant nightlife.

📌Trip.com Insider Tip: The real secret to Pattaya isn't the city beach, but the island of Koh Larn, just a 30-minute ferry ride away. There, you'll find truly beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water – a real postcard-perfect paradise!

🎯 Top 4 Activities and Landmarks in Thailand

Now that you know more about the must-visit cities for your trip to Thailand, it’s time to discover the country’s top activities and highlights! Here are our recommendations and tips:

A sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Taking a boat trip on the Chao Phraya at sunset is the ultimate romantic activity in Bangkok! You’re out on the water as the city gradually lights up and the golden temples are reflected in the river… A truly timeless moment!

Most cruises feature a Thai buffet (including pad Thai, curry, Tom Yum, and tropical fruits) with live music and sometimes classical Thai dancers in traditional costumes.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok: An Iconic Landmark

As we mentioned earlier, the Grand Palace is a must-see landmark in Bangkok. Built in 1782 when Bangkok was established as the new capital, it served as the royal residence until 1925. Today, it's still used for official ceremonies.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), located within the Grand Palace grounds, houses Thailand's most sacred statue: a small, 66cm Buddha carved from jade. In a unique tradition, the King himself changes the statue's robes three times a year to mark the winter, summer, and rainy seasons.

Elephant Care Park Phuket: A unique way to get up close to elephants

Elephant Care Park in Phuket is one of those rare, truly ethical elephant experiences. There are no elephant rides here – just elephants living peacefully after being rescued from the tourism and logging industries.

You'll learn the story of every elephant, feed them the bananas and sugar cane they love so much, and then take a dip with them in a natural pond or river. Elephants LOVE the water and mud—it protects them from the sun and parasites.

Safari World Bangkok with the kids

Safari World is the ultimate destination for a family day out if you're travelling with children. Spanning 200 hectares, the park is divided into two distinct sections:

First up is the Safari Park, where you stay in your car (or hop on a park bus) and drive through various zones to see lounging lions, giraffes poking their heads through your window, zebras, bears, and tigers. The kids love it!

There’s also the Marine Park with its aquatic shows: dolphins, performing sea lions, parading elephants, and a bird show where parrots ride bicycles (yes, you read that right!).

☀️ Best Time to Visit Thailand

Thailand boasts a tropical climate, so it’s hot all year round! However, some periods are more pleasant than others, depending on what you’re looking for.

💡Our top tip: if you can choose your dates, aim for November to February. The weather is perfect (not too hot and no rain), the sea is calm for snorkelling and boat trips, and you'll avoid the scorching heat of March and April.

Bonus tip: try to visit during the Loy Krathong festival (usually in November) when thousands of floating lanterns light up the rivers and the sky – it’s absolutely stunning!

🚤 Day Trips from Major Cities

One of the highlights of Thailand is that distances are relatively manageable, meaning you can enjoy plenty of day trips without needing to stay overnight.

Ayutthaya from Bangkok (1h 30m)

Ayutthaya was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 to 1767, before the arrival of the Burmese. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage historical park, home to temple ruins that are simply magnificent.

You can hop on a train from Bangkok (a 1.5-hour trip for around 20 baht), take a speedier minivan, or join an organised tour that includes transport and a guide. Once you're there, rent a bike for just 50 baht a day to explore the temples at your own pace.

The Phi Phi Islands from Phuket or Krabi

The Phi Phi Islands are the one trip that everyone takes from Phuket or Krabi. Honestly, they're so stunning that it would be a real shame to miss out if the weather is on your side during your visit.

Maya Bay was made famous by the film "The Beach". You'll find turquoise waters so clear you can see right to the bottom at a depth of 10 metres, all surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs.

You can choose between speedboats (45 minutes from Phuket or 30 minutes from Krabi – pricier but much faster) or traditional ferries (a 2-hour trip that's more affordable but can get quite crowded). Organised tours typically include several stops: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon (a stunning lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs), Viking Cave, and some great snorkelling spots at Shark Point.

🍜 Street Food in Thailand: Best Places to Eat Like a Local

Visiting Thailand without trying the street food is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. It just wouldn't make sense, would it?

Thai people eat out all the time! Breakfast is often a bowl of noodles or mango sticky rice. For lunch, it’s a curry or a pad Thai. In the evening, it’s noodles once again. And at night, grilled skewers. Street food isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s the heart of local life.

📌 Top tip: the best places to grab some street food are the night markets. In Bangkok, head to Yaowarat Road in Chinatown. In Chiang Mai, try the Night Bazaar. In Phuket, check out the Sunday Market in Old Town.

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