Things to Do in Thailand

Covering 8 acres (3 hectares) of downtown Hua Hin, Vana Nava Water Jungle is one of Thailand’s largest water parks. In addition to around 20 slides and rides, some of which will thrill even adults, the park has a kids’ zone, food options, massage stations, and retail outlets. The adventure area features a ropes course, surf simulator, and climbing wall.

Easily one of Bangkok’s most visually striking landmarks, the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) towers over the Chao Phraya River. Its colorfully decorated spires are the star features—the temple’s central prang stands 260 feet (79 meters) tall and is intricately decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain.

With crystal clear water, plentiful coral reefs, and beautiful stretches of fine white sand, Thailand’s Coral Island (Koh Larn) is a veritable paradise. Take a day trip to this popular spot—about 4.5 miles (7 km) off the coast of Pattaya—to enjoy beaches and a variety of water sports, including scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nestled among Koh Samui’s central mountains, the Na Muang Waterfall has two tiers: a lower stretch that’s easily reachable and falls into a lovely natural pool, and a higher tier that requires a 30-minute hike. The falls are set among lush jungle surroundings, and access to the site is free.

Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) takes its name from the water’s vivid green color and is one of the most popular attractions in Thailand’s Trang islands. At first blush the cave looks like only a hole in a limestone cliff—but once you venture inside the dark entrance, a paradisiacal, sunny white beach appears.

Khao Sok National Park is a secluded pocket of southern Thailand that contains one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. The area is characterized by rugged limestone formations, dense greenery, and turquoise waters. The park also harbors a variety of wildlife, such as sambar deer, sun bears, Malayan tapirs, and 200 species of birds.

Rising 8,415 feet (2,565 meters) above sea level, Mt. Doi Inthanon, situated in the center of Doi Inthanon National Park, is Thailand’s tallest mountain. While many visitors strive to see the views from its summit, the surrounding forests, waterfalls, stupas—dome-shaped Buddhist shrines—and trails are just as impressive.

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.

The iconic Bridge on the River Kwai is part of the world’s collective historical memory. The site of many POW’s deaths during World War II, it is now the site of the JEATH War Museum and is close to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

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.

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, collectively known as Koh Phi Phi or Ko Phi Phi, surrounded by turquoise waters and colorful marine life.

One of the oldest, largest, and most revered temple complexes in Bangkok, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is a must-see for all visitors to the Thai capital. The central attraction of the temple complex is its namesake statue—the gold leaf covered reclining Buddha—but don't let it distract you from the site's other treasures, including its 95 pagodas, carved narrative panels, and opulent main altar.

Few markets couple ephemeral wares—fresh fruits, fish, foods, and colorful flower bouquets—with culture, chaos, and tradition like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. One of the largest and last remaining floating markets in Thailand, this authentic market has entranced travelers and photographers the world over with its vivid scenes of vendors offering goods from long-tailed boats on the sleepy green Damnoen Saduak canal.

The Hong Islands (Mu Ko Hong or Mu Koh Hong) are a group of rocky blips in the Andaman Sea, located just off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand. A popular day trip destination from Ao Nang or Krabi, the islands are fringed with rain forests, hidden lagoons, and white-sand beaches.