Top things to do during your trip to Thailand

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and looking for recommendations on the best places to visit and activities to enjoy to make your journey unforgettable? Here is a non-exhaustive overview of what makes Thailand such a unique destination.

If you don’t mind crowds, a visit to Bangkok is essential. The capital’s streets are always brimming with life, particularly in areas like Chinatown or the Chatuchak Market. Culinary enthusiasts will have every opportunity to sample authentic Thai street food or even enroll in cooking classes to master the local cuisine.

At its core, it is a country boasting numerous natural and cultural assets, complemented by a population that is consistently extremely friendly and welcoming, and who will be delighted to guide you through the discovering the wonders of Thailand.

However, it is primarily for its Buddhist temples and sumptuous, richly decorated palaces that this Asian metropolis is a must-visit destination. A great way to admire these landmarks—such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (home to the 45-meter-long Reclining Buddha), or Wat Arun (widely regarded as the most impressive of all the temples)—is to take a cruise along one of the city’s many canals; the views from a comfortable long-tail boat are truly breathtaking. And if you enjoy exploring by water, do not hesitate to cross the Chao Phraya River by boat.

If you are looking for a place to unwind, Lumpini Park and its 58 hectares of greenery is the recommended spot to relax. Nestled among Bangkok’s massive skyscrapers, it features beautiful pathways perfect for a stroll and plenty of peaceful spaces to lounge in tranquility. For those seeking more activity, the park offers opportunities for running, cycling, and even rowing on the artificial lake at its heart.

Thailand is much more than just its capital; further north, nestled in the mountains, you will find the city of Chiang Mai, which is home to numerous ancient ruins and Buddhist temples (the entire Thai territory boasts at least 30,000 temples). For the more adventurous, a climb up the 300 steps of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep awaits, a temple notable for its gold-covered structure. Another remarkable temple not to be missed is Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest, which houses a famous crystal Buddha. The city is also renowned for its water park and its Grand Canyon, where swimming is permitted. It is also the perfect destination for the unforgettable experience of watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon.

For more nature-oriented experiences, you can choose to trek through Thailand’s lush landscapes, spend a full day with elephants at one of the many ethical sanctuaries, or simply soak in the beauty of the beaches and vistas offered by islands such as Ao Nang, Koh Nang Yuan, and Koh Phangan. The latter is renowned not only for its monthly full-moon parties but also for its restaurant, Secret Mountain, which offers a unique vantage point over the Thai coast. Finally, after all these adventures, there is no better way to unwind than with a traditional Thai massage—a moment of pure bliss that perfectly balances vitality and relaxation.

For more information on various travel destinations, you can also consult our travel magazine Magvoyage.com.