John Hilsdorf
Visit Amazing Thailand: 10 Best Things To Do In Thailand
Are you planning to visit Amazing Thailand soon? Thailand is a beautiful country that has so many incredible things to offer. It really depends on your preference and what part of the country you are traveling to. I compiled a list of my top 10 things to do in Thailand based on my experiences traveling to a couple of cities in the country. Visit Thailand and check out these activities that you can do in this Asian Jewel:
Sunset in Thailand – Visit Amazing Thailand
1) Go To The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, is one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular royal complexes. Built in 1782 by King Rama I after he moved the capital to Bangkok, the palace served as the official residence of Thai kings for more than 150 years. Today, it remains an important ceremonial site and a symbol of Thai culture and architecture. Visitors can admire glittering golden temples, detailed murals, ornate halls, and the famous Wat Phra Kaew, home of the sacred Emerald Buddha.
Highlights include the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, colorful guardian statues, and beautifully landscaped courtyards. Travelers should dress modestly because the site adheres to strict cultural norms. The Grand Palace is located near the Chao Phraya River and is easy to reach by taxi, tuk-tuk, river boat, or MRT subway. The nearest station is Sanam Chai, followed by a short walk to the entrance. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather while exploring the enormous complex.
2) Floating Market
The floating markets near Bangkok are among Thailand’s most colorful cultural attractions. The best known is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, created after King Rama IV ordered canals to be built in the nineteenth century to improve trade and transportation. For centuries, Thai communities depended on waterways, and merchants sold fruits, vegetables, spices, and cooked meals directly from wooden boats. Although roads later replaced canals, the markets survived as symbols of traditional Thai life.
Visitors can ride long-tail boats through narrow canals, taste local dishes such as pad thai, mango sticky rice, and coconut pancakes, and shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, and tropical fruit. Photographers enjoy the lively scenes of colorful boats and riverside houses. Nearby markets like Amphawa and Taling Chan also offer seafood, evening shopping, and firefly boat tours. Most floating markets are reachable from Bangkok by bus, taxi, train, or guided tour within one to two hours.
3) Ride an Elephant
Riding an elephant offers a rare and captivating experience that isn’t accessible in most parts of the world. This unique activity provides an opportunity to connect with these majestic creatures in their natural or semi-natural habitats, often in scenic tropical or jungle settings. A day trip dedicated to elephant riding typically includes other enriching activities such as exploring lush forests, observing local wildlife, or visiting conservation centers that promote ethical treatment of elephants.
These excursions often feature guides who share fascinating insights into the animals’ behaviors, history, and the importance of preservation efforts. The combination of adventure, education, and cultural exposure makes for a memorable day, transforming a simple ride into a comprehensive, immersive experience that highlights the beauty and significance of wildlife conservation.
4) The Elephant Nature Park
After my trip to Thailand, where I had the unforgettable experience of riding an elephant through lush jungles and scenic landscapes, I became aware that there are various opinions opposing such practices. Many critics argue that involving elephants in tourism can be harmful to their well-being and exploitative. This perspective is understandable and reflects concern for animal welfare. With an open mind, I sought out alternatives to traditional elephant rides and discovered The Elephant Nature Park.
This sanctuary is recognized for its compassionate approach, providing a safe and ethical environment for rescued elephants. Although different from conventional tourist attractions, it offers visitors a meaningful and engaging experience with these majestic creatures while promoting conservation and ethical treatment. It’s a worthwhile option for anyone seeking an ethical encounter with elephants in Thailand.
5) Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match
Watching a Muay Thai fight in Bangkok is an unforgettable cultural experience filled with energy, tradition, and excitement. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins in combat. The sport dates back centuries and was originally developed for military training in Thailand before becoming the country’s national sport.
Many visitors attend fights at famous stadiums where cheering crowds, traditional music, and pre-fight rituals create an electric atmosphere. Before the match, fighters perform the Wai Kru dance to honor their teachers and heritage. Beyond the fights, travelers can explore golden temples, busy night markets, street food stalls, and river cruises around the city. Popular attractions include the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
Bangkok is easy to reach through Suvarnabhumi International Airport, with direct flights from many major cities worldwide. Taxis, trains, and tuk-tuks make traveling around the city convenient and exciting for tourists.
6) Shopping in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is one of the city’s most exciting attractions, blending tradition with modern style. Historically, Bangkok grew as a trading center along the Chao Phraya River, where floating markets and local exchanges connected Thai communities with foreign merchants. Today, visitors can explore luxury malls, lively street markets, and traditional craft shops in one city. Popular places include Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Paragon, MBK Center, and night markets filled with clothing, souvenirs, antiques, and Thai street food.
Travelers can also enjoy cultural performances, riverside shopping, and bargaining experiences that reflect local life. Bangkok’s shopping districts are colorful, crowded, and energetic, offering everything from handmade silk to international fashion brands. Besides shopping, tourists often visit nearby temples and restaurants to fully experience Thai culture. Bangkok is accessible through Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, with taxis, airport rail links, buses, and BTS Skytrain services providing convenient transportation throughout the city for visitors daily.
7) Eat Street Food
Street food in Bangkok, Thailand, is a vibrant part of daily life and reflects centuries of Chinese, Thai, and Malay culinary influence. Floating markets and roadside stalls became popular during the Ayutthaya period and later expanded as Bangkok grew into a busy trading city. Today, visitors can explore famous areas such as Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, Khao San Road, and Chatuchak Market, where vendors serve pad thai, mango sticky rice, grilled seafood, and spicy soups.
The atmosphere is lively, filled with colorful lights, sizzling woks, and the aroma of fresh herbs and spices. Tourists can watch cooks prepare meals, ride tuk-tuks through crowded streets, and enjoy night markets with live music and shopping.
Bangkok is easy to reach through Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport, both connected to the city by taxis, buses, and rail systems, making street food adventures convenient for travelers. Many stalls stay open late at night, giving visitors endless opportunities to taste authentic local flavors everywhere nearby
8) Go To The Beach
Beaches near Bangkok combine tropical scenery, seafood culture, and easy weekend travel. Pattaya, about two hours from the capital, grew from a quiet fishing village into a famous resort during the Vietnam War, when American soldiers visited for recreation.
Today, visitors enjoy parasailing, nightlife, floating markets, and the nearby Coral Island’s clear water. Hua Hin, once a royal retreat established in the 1920s, is calmer and known for long sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, golf courses, and the historic railway station. Bang Saen, the closest beach to Bangkok, attracts local families with affordable food stalls, bicycle paths, and relaxed seaside views.
Travelers can also visit Koh Samet, celebrated for its white sand, snorkeling, and national park scenery. Most beaches are reachable by bus, private car, train, or organized tours from Bangkok. Ferries connect mainland piers to nearby islands, making short tropical escapes convenient for both tourists and residents. Sunset cruises, seafood markets, beach massages, and water sports create memorable coastal experiences year-round
9) Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is one of the oldest and most important royal temples in Bangkok. Construction began in 1807 during the reign of King Rama I and was completed under King Rama III in the mid-19th century. The temple is famous for its elegant Thai architecture, detailed murals, and the enormous bronze Buddha image Phra Si Sakyamuni, brought from Sukhothai. Outside the temple stands the iconic Giant Swing, once used in ancient Brahmin ceremonies and now one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks.
Visitors can admire the richly decorated ordination hall, photograph the Giant Swing, explore peaceful courtyards, and study the intricate hand-carved wooden doors associated with King Rama II. The temple is quieter than many other Bangkok attractions, making it ideal for reflection and photography.
Wat Suthat is accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, river ferry connections, or MRT Sam Yot station, followed by a short walk.
10) Wat Pho
Wat Pho, officially known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most important temples. Built in the 16th century and expanded under King Rama I, it became a center of learning, traditional medicine, and Thai massage. The temple is famous for its giant 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf, symbolizing Buddha’s entry into Nirvana.
Visitors can also explore beautifully decorated chedis, peaceful courtyards, and intricate murals showcasing Thai art and culture. Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and visitors can enjoy authentic massage treatments at the temple school. The temple complex is especially beautiful early in the morning or at sunset when crowds are smaller.
Wat Pho is located near the Grand Palace in central Bangkok. Travelers can reach it by taxi, tuk-tuk, river ferry, or MRT subway, then get off at Sanam Chai Station and walk a short distance to the temple entrance.
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