Five Unique Things to do in Thailand
It’s hard to believe that we were in Thailand last year at this time. It truly feels like a lifetime ago that we were re-visiting one of our favourite countries. Since that time we took part in the Mongol Rally where we drove through 13 countries from England to Mongolia, travelled to Jordan, hopped over to Mexico twice, spent six weeks in New Zealand, hung out in Cairo and took a couple of jaunts to the Caribbean. So needless to say, Thailand feels very far away.
Things to do in Thailand
Since it is cold outside in many parts of the world and we’re visiting another cold climate at the moment – Antarctica, we thought we’d give you a little escape from winter and share our favourite things to do in Thailand. We’ve been quite a few times and last year we had the chance to add a few new activities to our list thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Smiling Albino; an original, boutique travel company hosting adventures in Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Tibet.
So sit back and relax and plan your next vacation to Thailand, you won’t regret it.
1. Sea Kayak in Krabi
View of lagoon from a sea cave
Sea Kayaking with the original sea kayak company of Thailand, John Gray Sea Canoe is one of our favourite things to do in Thailand. John Gray himself pioneered the sea kayaking business in Thailand bringing his expertise and experience from exploring sea caves in Hawaii to South East Asia. Paddling through a cave to come out to a gorgeous lagoon in the middle of an island on the Adamen Sea is a moment you will never forget. An environmental activist, John Gray is extremely careful and adement about keeping his footprint to a minimum and his guides are very aware about the environmental impact that tourism is having on their country. Make sure to camp overnight on one of the uninhabited islands in the area and have a private evening in complete silence.
2. Motorcycle to the Myanmar Border
The Winding Deserted Roads of Northern Thailand
We have always been wary about driving a motorcycle in Thailand after we had an accident in Kho Samui on our first trip to the country in 2000. However, The Smiling Albino took great care of us, giving us a thorough lesson and test to make sure that we were capable of driving through the winding mountain roads and city traffic. Having the freedom to go off the beaten path and explore the pristine countryside of Thailand’s north was a unique experience. Driving through the winding mountain roads was a thrill and the scenery was outstanding, but the highlight was making our way to the border and looking out over Myanmar.
3. Mountain Bike, Chiang Rai
Dave Mountain Biking in the Thai Countryside
We took a mountain bike tour from the city streets of Chiang Rai out to the surrounding countryside. Biking up impressive hills and through rice paddy fields was a challenging yet fun ride. It is amazing how quickly you will find yourself out of the bustling streets and into the quiet farmland. We didn’t come across any single track mountain biking, but the trails and paths were a lot of fun and we got to finish off the ride with a longtail boat back to town. You have to add this one to your list of things to do in Thailand.
4. Rock Climb, Railay
Deb conquering a route
We do this every time we go to Thailand and never tire of visiting Railay. There are literally hundreds of routes to climb for all levels of climbers. Even if you don’t have any experience, you will find many schools offering introductory classes to full courses that will teach you how to lead your own routes. We climbed with Hot Rocks climbing school and our guide was absolutely fantastic. You won’t find a more beautiful setting in the world in our opinion. The surround karst islands are stunning.
5. Muay Thai Kickboxing
Dave Practicing his kicks
Want a great way to whip yourself in shape? Try enrolling in a Muay Thai Kickboxing course. There are schools all over the country and you can sign up for a few short days or stay for months at a time. You’ll learn from genuine ex-thai boxers how to kick, punch and block. Plus you’ll learn how to perform the wai kru, the ceremony that Muay Thai Boxers do before each match. We trained with Rawai Muay Thai and found them to be outstanding. Located in the quiet part of Phuket, we were close to the beach and the restaurant next door was incredible as it catered to people in training. They server protein shakes, low fat dishes and offered a meal plan to students.
Bonus Activity
Take part in Songkran
It only happens once a year, but if you find yourself in Thailand when the Songkran festival is going on, you have got to go out an experience it. It’s the world’s largest water fight celebrating the Thai New Year.
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Just got back from a week in Railay–well, back, now I’m in Chiang Mai–and I absolutely loved it! Rock climbed for the first time and just couldn’t get enough, went every morning with Highland Climbing School. Beaches are gorgeous as well–was standing in the water and thought, I couldn’t live here but I could holiday here every year!!!
I am so glad to hear that you were rock climbing in Thailand. It is one of our favourite things to do and Railay is amazing. It is a great place to holiday for sure. People go back here year after year to climb and enjoy the beach. Cheers and enjoy Chiang Mai.
Even in Atlanta it is freezing this week. This was a welcome post to start the daydreaming of warmer days (and exotic locales) that lie ahead. I’d never heard of mountain biking in Thailand before – thanks for sharing!
Thanks John. Bummer it’s cold in Atlanta. I hope it warms up soon. Get yourself to the North of Thailand and contact the Smiling Albino. They know all about the mountain biking there. Cheers.
..and if you do visit during Songkran, make sure anything electronic and valuable is waterproof
Very good point Nate. With the new waterproof cameras out now that is a good idea too. We’ve been using the Olympus Tough Cameras and they take great photos and videos in teh sunlight. Plus their waterproof and shockproof. I wish we had it when we were there.
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love this! and the first two photos are killlllling me. it’s SO cold in nyc today.
It’s always nice to have a little escape from the cold eh. Although sometimes seeing the warm weather can be a bit of a tease”:)
Totally agree with you about the scooter accident that you mentioned. It reminded me of my first trip to Thailand in 2007 when I did something similar. I was excited about the “no laws” and tried passing someone around a blind corner in the dark. It was so stupid and luckily didn’t leave me with any lasting problems. I went flying over the handlebars after driving off the road.
The most recent time I rented a scooter, but drove more carefully. and followed the laws. This scooter ride to the border of Myanmar.
Great compilation of things that are off the beaten path.
Wow, I am glad that you survived. It could have been a far more tragic accident. We’ve heard of so many people losing their lives or seriously injuring themselves in scooter accidents.
What an amazing photos? I like thailand, It’s beaches are very beautiful.
Hi. We just spent a couple of months in Thailand and have moved on to Cambodia. Good suggestions. Jon and Jenny
Hi Jon, congratulations on living the dream. I hope you enjoy Cambodia. We really enjoyed our time there in 2003. I have heard it has changed dramatically now. We have to go back to check it out!
This made me want to go back to Thailand right now! I did get to experience Songkran in Chiang Mai which became one of my all time favourite memories, but now I have to go back to Thailand to experience everything on this list! Thanks for the great article and amazing pictures. Happy Travels!
Hi Tara, thanks so much and glad you liked it. Songkran is definitely up there as one of our most memorable experiences as well. There is so much to do in that country that we always keep discovering something new each time we go back. it’s the one place in the world that keeps drawing us back again and again.
People, if you do just one thing on this list make it Songkran! Of course, I’m just saying that because it was the only thing I did do from this list. Maybe next time I’ll do the rest!
Great ideas for some unique activities in Thailand. I can’t say that I have done any of them other than number one, and I have lived here for years.
Thanks Lawrence. I’m glad we could introduce you to some new ideas. We’re thinking of spending the winter in Thailand this year. Looking forward to finding some more things to do! We’re probably going to take up kite boarding this year.
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Great article! We would have added an elephant camp in Chiang Mai, however only 5 unique things to do in Thailand is a pretty difficult choice as there are infinite things to do in this amazing country!
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Thailand is unarguably, one of the best place for holidays. There are lot of sight seeing attractions and activities to do. You have described these things in a good manner.