Thailand is considered among the best destinations to visit in Southeast Asia and it is not hard to figure out why.
From tropical beaches to fascinating ruins and tranquil temples, not to mention its stunning beach resorts, colorful floating and night markets, globally renowned street food and shopping, there are a plethora of options for you to explore on your Thailand tour.
If you are wondering what are the best things to do in Thailand or when is the best time to visit
Thailand then this is the guide for you.
Here is a list of the top ten things to do in
Thailand, curated by our Ancient Orient Journeys specialists, which should definitely be part of your
Thailand travel guide.
1. Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Choose from either a shared group or private guided experience to see 2 iconic markets on a day trip from Bangkok.
See a market located on the railway tracks, the Maeklong Railway Market, and a market that floats on the canals at the Damnoen Saduak Market.
After pickup, arrive at the Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hup (“Umbrella Pulldown Market”). Maeklong is one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Thailand and hugs the track of the Maeklong Railway.
Gain fascinating insights into how the market is run and what products are sold here from your local guide.
Marvel at how market stalls and awnings are pulled back from the tracks every time a train approaches to let the train pass through. Next, head to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand.
To reach the market, take a short ride in a paddleboat. Enjoy plenty of time to meander around the colorful market, where friendly vendors sell directly from their boats.
Take in the sights and sounds, and try local specialties like mango sticky rice.
Your guide will give you advice on what not to miss. Return to Bangkok in time for the early afternoon.
2. Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch
2. Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch
Depart from Phuket and cruise in a speedboat across the ocean to the Phi Phi Islands.
Enter the picturesque Loh Sama Bay and walk across the sands to relax on Maya Bay.
Spot local wildlife at Monkey Beach and indulge in a beach-side restaurant buffet before snorkeling on Bamboo Island.
Get picked up from your hotel in Phuket and travel to the pier to meet your friendly crew and group for the day.
Be welcomed onto the boat with a soft drink and seasonal fruits as you're briefed about the tour. Arrive at Loh Sama Bay, a famous site of Koh Phi Phi Leh.
See the small islet in the center and the tiny beach. Next, head to Maya Bay, where they filmed the movie The Beach.
Relax on the white sand beach and explore Maya Bay on your own. As you stroll, appreciate the restoration work around the bay, before heading to Pileh Lagoon, an uninhabited national park.
Marvel at this enclosed lagoon's bright emerald waters encircled by towering limestone cliffs. Head down to the cliffs and relax on the hidden beach by the lagoon before continuing to Viking Cave.
Discover the historic industry devoted to the harvesting of swiftlet bird nests and learn their importance to Chinese culture.
Next, visit Monkey Beach. Stop at an idyllic spot, surrounded by nature and steep rock formations, and relax in paradise, surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Look around to see the wild monkeys climbing the cliffs, relaxing on the beach, or swimming. Enjoy a delicious international buffet lunch at a beach-side restaurant on Phi Phi Don.
After lunch, travel to Nui Bay, a dive site on the northwest coast of Koh Phi Phi Don.
Go for a swim in the clear water, if you wish. Finish your tour with some free time on heart-shaped Bamboo Island, where you will be able to swim, relax, or sunbathe for 1.5 hours.
After relaxing, return to your speedboat and enjoy a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.