Thailand is currently trending as a bucket list country to visit from Nigeria and I figured curating a list of things to do in Thailand would help future travelers a whole lot in narrowing down the adventures they decide on when they visit the country. From the outdoorsy traveler to the party animal, I’ve got you covered thanks to some of the suggestions I gathered from travelers that have also visited the beautiful country.
For Nigerians that need a visa to visit Thailand, definitely read this very, very detailed post I published not too long ago. HERE
Jungle Trek in Khao Sok
‘Most of us think about beaches when we think of Thailand, but Thailand has Jungle too and not just in the North!
Located in Southern Thailand in is Khao Sok National Park. A thick jungle with a man made lake which makes for a great day trip, and overnight stay, to see another part of Thailand.
On a Day Trip to Khao Sok you start off on a traditional Thai fish tail boat speeding along the lake with huge limestone cliffs surrounding you. After a swim to cool down in a secluded section of the lake that also has huts to stay in overnight if you’d prefer to do this, you’ll continue further into the Jungle in search of insects, monkeys and other animals before adventuring through a cave. This is not for the faint hearted but it is a lot of fun! The day will end by sailing back across the lake before returning to your accommodation.
This is a really fun and unique part of Thailand that is not as crowded as many other parts of the Country!’
Ellie Quinn Travel Blogger & Content Creator
The Wandering Quinn Blog – www.thewanderingquinn.com
Instagram – @thewanderingquinn
YouTube Channel – The Wandering Quinn
Go Diving in Phi Phi Island
Thailand
is a south-east Asian country that’s well known for its crystal blue
waters. What better way to experience this than being submerged for up
to one hour.
The dark blue waters surrounding Phi Phi island are renowned as some of the best diving that Thailand has to offer. Phi Phi Island is home to a diverse amount of marine life that make diving here unforgettable. Along with plenty of clusters of coral and caves to explore.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver looking for their next spot under the water to explore, or you’re new and looking to get certified, Phi Phi island is a divers paradise.
Ben
Related post: https://horizonunknown.com/amazing-phi-phi-diving-sites-and-who-to-go-with-thailand/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/horizonunknown/
Art in Paradise in Chiang Mai
I went to Chiang Mai with the sole intention of visiting an elephant sanctuary, which I did, and only after reaching there found out about the Art in Paradise.
Initially
I didn’t think it was worth going but I’m so glad I went. Art in
Paradise in Chiang Mai is not huge but it provides for a 2-hour fun time
for both children and adults (in particular those adults who miss their
childhood times and need to compensate it somehow).
All
the different parts of this 3D Museum offer lots of opportunities for
creativity in taking pictures that look real (pay attention to the
instructions to get the best shot but feel free to do as you please as
well).
A bit of friendly advice, please obey the rules and if it says “No shoes” it really means no shoes. It is for the benefit of all visitors.
Follow Lavdi
Webpage: http://kosovogirltravels.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/XKGirlTravels
Krabi Sunset cruise
While surfing the Net for things to do in Krabi, I found out there’s an expat Australian family living in Ao Nang and running the business of taking tourists on the sunset cruise experience. The opportunity I would never miss! The cruise started at 2 pm while during the daylight we sailed to the islands in front of Railay for snorkeling, swimming, jumping off the boat or just relaxing on a teak deck. All gear was provided including the use of kayaks and paddleboats. You could literally do as much as you like or as little.
The journey ended with sailing back towards the Railay Peninsular whilst watching the sunset over the sea and enjoying the yummiest Thai buffet. The final leg of the trip was a stop in the waters next to Pranang beach for adventurous people who wanted to experience swimming in the bio-luminescence in the dark- something you don’t get to see often!
I can honestly say that’s one of the best experiences we’ve had in Asia thanks to the crew for making the trip accommodating and fun for every one of us.
Alex Palombo – https://www.laskababytravel.com
Explore Ayutthaya Temples on a Bike
A quick day trip from Bangkok is Ayutthaya, a site with many beautiful and unique temples and ruins. Perhaps the best way to see them all in a day is to rent a bike to take you around the city. Bikes can be rented for less than $10 a day, and the conditions are great; the streets are wide and uncongested, so you can have a leisurely bike ride around while taking in the different ruins sites. Make sure to plan out your route; Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Mahathat are some of the stops you won’t want to miss.
Name: Renee Hyde
Blog: Renee the
pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/reneethewanderess/
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Doi Suthep Temple) in Chaing Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep looks over Chiang Mai and is definitely one of the best things to do in the city. It takes about an hour to reach the temple from Chiang Mai; you can do so by jumping in a Grab or private taxi or using one of the collective Songthaews that make the ascent each day.
It is a Theravada Buddhist temple that is believed to be built to house a part of the Buddha’s shoulder bone. It dates back to 1383, and in true Buddhist style it is very ornate, with lots of different parts to explore and photograph. There is also a great view over Chiang Mai City, where you can really appreciate how high up you are!
The best time to visit is in the morning, before the hoards of tourists – I took this advice so literally that I went straight after disembarking my train from Bangkok and I can attest that this hour is a magical time to explore.
Do not forget to take long pants and something to cover your shoulders –
Claire
Founder of http://www.clairesfootsteps.com/
Go Island Hopping – 4 Islands Tour
Riding the warm blue stretches of Thailand’s Andaman Sea in a longtail boat is a definite must when you are in the area of Krabi and Ao Nang. Actually, it is difficult to avoid using the distinctive boats moving about the area and yet it is still worth taking a tour out to some of the islands nearby. There are several options, but the 4 Island tour route offered by many companies is a great option for more sights in a day. Our tour stopped at several different island beaches including a lunch stop on the beach. Another stop let you walk back and forth between two tiny islands as the sandbar supporting you was being slowly swallowed by the tide. Remember a towel or two to claim your spot on the beach and to dry off after a warm swim, and of course sunscreen. Don’t expect to get really anything to yourself. There will a dozen boats or more at each stop and the islands are crawling with other tourists, but don’t let that disturb the sights. Towering rocks topped with jungle trees loom benevolently over warm water and sandy beaches. This is the tropical island Thailand you are probably thinking about.
By Andy Couch from Travel Made Simple
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/aligarland
Dive the Similan Islands while Living On a Boat
The Similan and Surin Islands are considered one of the top five dive locations in the world for good reason. The diving there is incredible. There are dozens of clown triggerfish, colorful parrot fish, leopard sharks, moray eels, and so many more species of fish that is impossible to name them all. Visibility is so good is almost like looking through air. I saw my first manta ray here – this enormous alien-like creature gliding out of the deep blue like a creature from the abyss was truly awe-inspiring. 
I have done almost 100 dives in six continents and this was, without a doubt, the best diving I’ve ever done. The islands are beautiful and the sunsets stunning. The islands are in the Andaman Sea, about 50 km off the west coast of Thailand’s mainland and because of their distance from the mainland, the only way to see them is a liveaboard. This is several days sent living aboard a boat, with a group of other divers, and the only goal is to dive and dive again. Two or three dives a day, plus night dives make this good value for money and an incredible experience for any SCUBA diver.
James Ian at Travel Collecting
https://www.pinterest.com/mytravelcollecting/
Doi Inthanon National Park
Escape to the pristine mountains in Northern Thailand. Doi Inthanon National Park is perfect for nature and history enthusiasts. Doi Inthanon is located in the Chiang Mai Province and is a two hours drive (104.8km) from the city, Chiang Mai. This National Park is named in honor of the King Inthawichayanon, one of the last kings of Chiang Mai. One of the king’s aims was to preserve the forests in the north of Thailand and his legacy is preserved within this park. A highlight of a trip to Doi Inthanon is visiting the impressive Royal Pagodas, these King and Queen temples are built on opposite hills with stunning gardens in between.
Doi Inthanon takes you to a different world exploring serene beauty. Another must at Doi Inthanon is to take advantage of the eco jungle trekking opportunities. A jungle trek will allow exploring the biodiversity, taking you on a journey through different climates and ecology through this gorgeous tropical forest. Doi Inthanon is apart of the Himalayan mountain range, allowing you to explore the foothills of the Himalayas! Also, within the park you can visit numerous waterfalls, Wachirathan falls is the most impressive in my opinion. Doi Inthanon is nicknamed the “roof of Thailand”, and a visit to this natural wonder is a must.
By Kelly Edgar.
https://wanderlustbykelleyy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kelleyyny/
Cooking Class in Chiang Mai
Thailand is iconic for its cuisine and exotic flavours. From delicious pad thai noodles to mouth-watering curries, it is a popular choice among foodies from all over the world. If you entertain a love affair with food, expand your Thai culinary experience beyond tasting dishes from one street food stall to the next and sign up for a cooking class. It is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in a new culture while learning the recipes of your favourite Thai dishes. Chiang Mai, in the north of the country, is the top place to sample some of Thailand’s most delicious specialties. As part of the activity, you’ll visit a local market where the instructor explains the different spices and fresh ingredients used in Thai cuisine. After you arrive at the cooking school, each participant selects what they will prepare from a selection of various appetizers, soups, fried noodles, stir-fries, curries (and curry paste made from scratch) as well as traditional desserts. Make sure to go on an empty stomach because you’ll roll out the place after the feast you’ll have cooked for yourself. As a bonus, you’ll also receive a cookbook to help you recreate your favourite dishes when you return home.
Author: Safia Dodard
Website: Nomad Junkies
URL: https://nomadjunkies.com/en/13-countries-visit-35-a-day/
Social media: www.instagram.com/nomadjunkies
Chiang Mai flower festival
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place in February each year in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The main event is a parade of brightly coloured floats, covered in flowers, that winds its way through the streets of Chiang Mai. You’ll see flower queens in jewel-bright outfits and dancers and musicians in traditional dress. There’s a festival vibe and lots of amazing street food on offer. The parade ends in a beautiful park, where you can check out and take photos of all the floats, plus see flower competitions and displays.
I recommend taking in the procession from a coffee shop or restaurant on the road that surrounds Chiang Mai’s old town — or head straight to Suan Buak Haad park on the Saturday afternoon to catch the displays.
Maire
Blog Name: Temples and Treehouses
Blog post URL: https://templesandtreehouses.com/15-photos-to-inspire-you-to-visit-the-chiang-mai-flower-festival/
Explore the Beaches of Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a relatively small noodle-shaped island. Still, it has 11 beaches, all running along the Western shore of the island. One of them is called the Long Beach and it’s, without surprise, the longest one of them all. 🙂
But once in Koh Lanta, I encourage you to hop on a scooter or a tuk tuk and discover at least half of the island’s beaches. The further South you go, the more pristine the beaches become.
My absolute favorite is Bamboo Bay Beach, known locally as Ao Mai Pai Beach, in the very South. The sand there is nearly white, it’s lined by coconut trees and there’s usually hardly anyone around, despite a few resorts in the vicinity.
social media: https://instagram.com/travelgeekery
Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Thailand you can’t miss kayaking amongst the islands of Phang Nga Bay and visiting James Bond Island. Phang Nga Bay is famous for its tall limestone cliffs, mangrove forests and secluded caves and lagoons.
You can reach it on a day trip from Phuket, but once there the best way to explore the hidden bays is by kayak since it allows you to go through narrow passages that a normal boat would not fit through. Make sure to pay a visit also to Khao Phin Kan, more commonly known as James Bond Island, since it featured in a 1974 James Bond movie.
Greta – https://gretastravels.com/thailand-10-day-itinerary/
Visit Elephants in the Wild in Northern Thailand
Many people hope to see elephants in Thailand, as they have been a major tourist attraction for many years. Once travelers were limited to attending elephant camps and viewing captive animals, who performed or took them for rides. But those attractions are slowly dying out as people realise how unethical they are, and instead many better alternatives are becoming available.
We chose to support the Mahouts Elephant Foundation, who take guests into the jungle to see rescued elephants living naturally there. We stayed in a small village and hiked into the forest until we found the elephants, and spent a wonderful day observing them foraging and playing happily together. It was amazing! They are curious and funny and constantly hungry, and each has their own distinct personality.
It was so much better than seeing them sad and lonely in a work camp, or riding them and getting no understanding of how happy elephants live. They are magnificent, intelligent creatures who don’t deserve the brutal treatment they get to be made to perform or take people for rides. We highly recommend seeing them in the wild, and supporting organizations who are taking them there. The Mahouts Foundation has the bonus of connecting guests to a community through their homestay program, so visiting elephants to live naturally also supports real people to make a decent living.
From Emma Walmsley
Small footprints, big adventures
Floating Market Tour in Bangkok
It’s a crowded place but sometimes, crowds frequent the best spots. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located outside Bangkok and from the center of Bangkok, it takes about 2 hours to reach there. Arrive early when it’s less crowded. I suggest you see the Maeklong Railway Market first, at around 9 AM when a train passes by. Then proceed to the floating market. Around 10 AM, the floating market comes to life, but not overcrowded yet. You will see a plethora of vendors on their rowing boats selling a number of Thai snacks. Try Khanom Bueang. They are the Thai version of pancakes, only crispier. I also had
Zinara – www.natnzin.com
Mae Hong Son Loop
The Mae Hong Son Loop is the perfect option for those seeking adventure, culture 
Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Doi Inthanon
There are several options to complete the loop (including local
Miguel
My blog: https://www.travelsauro.com
www.facebook.com/travelsauro/
www.instagram.com/travelsauro
Get a traditional Sak Yant tattoo
One of the most meaningful experiences a traveler can have in Thailand is to be blessed with a traditional Sak Yant tattoo. These sacred tattoos are not a souvenir and should only be worn
Lola – www.Instagram.com/MissFilatelista
For information on getting your own traditional sak yant tattoo, see a longer article by Lola HERE
Longtail Boat Ride From Thathon To Chiang Rai
Thathon is a tiny village on the banks of the Kok River in Northern Thailand. By road, it will take 3 hrs to reach Chiang Rai, but with numerous twists and turns through the mountains and you’ll be lucky to hold your lunch!A far more pleasant and adventurous way to get to Chiang Rai is by longtail boat on the Kok River, which also takes about 3hrs. There is a public boat that runs daily at 12:30 for 350Baht or you can hire a private boat for 2300Baht. From May – July, there is not enough water in the river for the public boat to run, but the private boats are still very happy to run.The trip is exhilarating and you’ll find yourself flying through rapids and dodging boulders while waving at local kids swimming in the river and shepherds tending to their flocks. The scenery is stunning and the stop at the local tribal village will give you a glimpse into how the villagers live. Buying a cooldrink or a bracelet goes a long way to assisting these beautiful people.
Jeanne Malherbe – https://learningtobreatheabroad.com/thaton-to-chiang-rai-longtailboat/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learningtobreatheabroad/
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festivals
Every year around the full moon in November Thailand celebrates two festivals Yi Peng and Loy Krathong.
Loy Krathong is widely celebrated and can be found throughout much of the country. However Yi Peng is mainly found up north in the city of Chiang Mai.
Loy Krathong is the evening when people pay respect to the goddess of water. Floating baskets made a banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense are floated on rivers and lakes. Including a lock of your hair or a nail clipping is said to help burn away the old you.
Yi Peng also known as the festival of lights is mainly celebrated in Chiang Mai. As part of a 3 day festival coinciding with Loy Krathong, homes are decorated in coulourful lanterns and they are also released into the sky.
The release of the lanterns and Krathongs in Buddhism symbolizes the letting go of grudges and bad feelings from the past year. It is encouraged to make a wish as you let your lantern go.
Tsareena – https://mancgirlmissing.com
Full Moon Party
For a party loving traveler, experiencing the Full Party is Thailand is an absolute MUST!
It is absolutely touristy, with way too many people everywhere dancing, sipping on bucket sized drinks and bars spread out on the beach playing their own music from night till dawn. This party is not for the faint-hearted.
In the words of Dave from Jones Around The World –
No trip to Thailand is complete without spending all night partying on the beach on Koh Phangan during the infamous Full Moon Party.
It’s one of the best parties in all of Southeast Asia, and will certainly be an experience you’ll never forget! It’s simply tons of fun to get dressed all up in neon, get glow in the dark paint designs on your face and body, and drink copious amounts of alcohol out of “buckets”. There is music pumping all night long on the beach, but it only counts as a successful full moon experience if you make it to sunrise and howl at the sun as it comes up! I’ve been to four different full moon parties now, and I still can’t wait for my next one!
Dave from Jones Around The World | Instagram
