Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with more than 30 million tourists entering the country in 2023 and if you are planning a holiday in the Land of Smiles, there is much to see and do. In this short article, we take a look at some of the amazing things that you can do when holidaying in Thailand.
- Scuba diving – If you a marine animal lover, you can book dives on stunning reefs with one of the boat tours in Phuket that offer a wide range of packages. The Andaman Sea is home to a diverse range of marine species, which include whale sharks, giant manta rays and bottle-nose dolphins and if you would like to learn how to scuba dive, you can take a PADI course and even become an instructor.
- Deep sea fishing – If you are an avid angler who would like the chance to hook a monster sailfish or marlin, there are boats skippered by experienced deep-sea fishermen who know where the big fish are. This is a one-day expedition and all tackle and bait are provided by the tour operator; start with a Google search to find the website, then make a booking and get ready for an exciting day on the high seas.
- Temple tours – No matter where you are in Thailand, there are Buddhist temples everywhere and you can easily join a Thai temple tour, which is very popular among Thais. One local custom is to visit 9 temples in one day, which is great if you want to admire ancient Thai architecture. If you are staying in Phuket, your hotel receptionist can book such a tour and the operator will collect you from reception on the day of the tour.
- Snorkeling – There is no better place to snorkel than the Andaman Sea, with crystal-clear blue waters and a diverse range of marine species. The tour operator provides top-quality snorkeling gear including fins, so you just have to bring yourself and suitable clothing.
- Golf – If you are an avid golfer, Thailand is home to some world-class courses, especially in the south of the country. There are tour operators that specialise in golf tours and they can be found with an online search.
- Muay Thai boxing – While you are in Bangkok, you should attend a Muay Thai boxing event at Lumphini Stadium; the atmosphere is amazing and the fights are exciting, especially when the crowd start cheering for their fighter. There is a range of seat prices and we recommend as close to ringside as you can get for the ultimate experience. The noise when one boxer gets the upper hand is loud is something to witness and you can even place bets, even though gambling is illegal in Thailand, you are allowed to bet at a major boxing venue.
- Bangkok nightlife – There are numerous entertainment areas in Bangkok; Soi Cowboy, Nana Entertainment Complex and Patpong, to name but a few. If go-go bars are your thing, you can be immersed in neon lights and dance the night away. Most people are curious about such entertainment venues and if you are in the city that never sleeps, you are in the best place for such things.
- Visit National Parks – There are more than 100 National Parks in Thailand and they are all worth a visit if you are a lover of nature; the Internet hosts a wealth of information about Thai National Parks, which will help you to plan your holiday. There is a charge for entrance and a few basic rules that you need to follow, you can even rent a tent and spend the night in a designated area, or you could book a stay at a luxury retreat. Click here for stay-safe tips when camping.
- Tandem skydive – There are several skydiving centres in Thailand; why not experience jumping out of a light aircraft at 12,000ft? It is most definitely something that will remain etched in your memory and you are perfectly safe with the skydiving instructor. Freefalling is not something that words can describe, you reach incredible speeds and you leave with a certificate and you can buy a video clip of your jump. Google will put you in touch with an operator, there is one in Pattaya and one in Phuket and they are registered and approved.
- Experience long-tail boat racing – Google will take you to a Thai website on long-tail boat racing, with a meeting every week when two power boats line up for a 1’5km sprint; if you are a motorhead, you’ll love the huge V8 engines that the locals install on their boat. Take your camera with you and film a few of the races; don’t worry about refreshments, if there is a group gathering in Thailand, food and drink will never be far away.
- Experience a Thai funeral – Funerals are held at temples and everyone is welcome; of course, you should be quiet and respectful, dressing conservatively. You could, for example, enter a temple grounds, sit on one the salas in the shade and watch what happens. There are a lot of dogs that will be curious, but they won’t bother you once they’ve checked you out. You should see young monks cleaning the yard and doing other menial tasks and you might see a line of monks who are on a meditation walk.
There is so much to see and do in this enchanted land; check out the Tourism Authority of Thailand website for more information on top tourist attractions, as well as entry requirements and other aspects of holidaying in Thailand.
The great thing about the Land of Smiles is you can enjoy an active holiday or sunbathe at a luxurious resort, it really is up to you! Obtain a tourist visa from your local Thai Embassy and you receive 90 days, which can be extended for a further 45 days.
