A smiling vendor paddles her boat of fresh fruits and flowers through a vibrant tapestry of Thailand’s floating market life. Alyssa Pay / Unsplash
20 Best Things to Do in Thailand
Thailand’s true charm is found in the Golden Triangle, where the misty mountains of Chiang Rai meet the Mekong River, which forms the border between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It’s in the ancient temples of Ayutthaya, now UNESCO World Heritage sites, slowly being overtaken by nature, and in the remote villages of Isaan, where traditional life continues at a slower pace, far from the typical tourist path.
In the north, the eerie quiet of Doi Inthanon National Park contrasts with the lively markets of Chiang Mai, and in the south, secret coves and hidden caves beckon adventurers away from the crowded islands. From the sleepy town of Pai, nestled in the northern hills, to the ancient ruins of Sukhothai that whisper stories of the past, Thailand reveals itself not in its popular spots but in its quieter, deeper moments.
Here, the beauty isn’t in the obvious; it’s in the places that invite you to look closer, listen harder, and experience Thailand in a way most visitors never will. Ready to step off the beaten path? Let’s explore the 20 best things to do in Thailand that most travelers never even hear about.
A serene gathering of monks in saffron robes reflects devotion beneath the golden gaze of Buddha. Tong Kbp / Unsplash
1. Attend a Local Monk Chat in Chiang Mai
One of the most enlightening experiences you can have in Chiang Mai is participating in a Monk Chat—a rare opportunity to connect with Buddhist monks and gain insight into their way of life. Chiang Mai, known for its rich spiritual heritage and serene temples, gives a chance to sit down with monks in a casual, open setting where you can ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations about Buddhism, meditation, and the daily rituals that shape their lives.
These informal chats are often held at temples like Wat Chedi Luang or Wat Phra Singh, where visitors can gather in peaceful temple gardens surrounded by ancient structures. As you talk to the monks, you’ll discover how their practice of meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living impacts their daily existence.
The monks often share their perspectives on everything from the pursuit of happiness to the importance of compassion, helping you understand the deeper philosophies that guide their spiritual journey.
The atmosphere is calm and non-judgmental, giving a rare opportunity to ask questions that might otherwise feel difficult to pose. It’s an experience that opens your mind, enriches your travels, and helps you reflect on life from a different perspective.
2. Explore the Ghost Tower of Bangkok (Sathorn Unique Tower)
The Sathorn Unique Tower, often called the Ghost Tower, is an unfinished skyscraper in Bangkok that stands as a haunting reminder of unfulfilled ambition. This 49-story skyscraper was originally intended to be a luxurious high-rise with breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River and surrounding cityscape.
However, construction came to an abrupt halt in the late 1990s during the Asian financial crisis, leaving the tower unfinished and abandoned. Now, it stands as an urban relic, half-built and haunting, a strange contrast against the modern buildings that have since risen around it.
Despite its incomplete state, the Ghost Tower has become a destination for those with a taste for the unconventional. The tower’s skeletal frame and hollow windows create a surreal atmosphere that feels both unsettling and fascinating.
As you explore the various floors, you’ll notice the eerie quiet that fills the air; only the sounds of distant traffic and the occasional creak of the building’s aging framework break the silence.
Udon Thani lies one of the country’s most enchanting naturals, the Red Lotus Sea. Shakib Uzzaman / Unsplash
3. Visit the Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani
Tucked away in Thailand’s northeastern province of Udon Thani lies one of the country’s most enchanting naturals, the Red Lotus Sea, locally known as Talay Bua Daeng. This breathtaking lake transforms into a dreamlike scene between January and February, when thousands of vibrant red-pink lotus flowers bloom across the calm water.
As you glide through the lake in a small boat during the early morning hours, when the flowers are fully open, the horizon becomes a sea of color stretching as far as the eye can see. The serene setting is accompanied by the sounds of birds and gentle ripples, creating a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere.
Despite its name, the lotuses are more pink than red, and their beauty is best appreciated up close, making the boat ride an essential part of the experience. Far from the typical tourist trail, the Red Lotus Sea offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and calm spirit of Thailand’s lesser-explored northeast.
4. Experience a Muay Thai Training Camp in Isaan
For a truly immersive experience in Thailand, few adventures match the intensity and authenticity of joining a Muay Thai training camp in Isaan, the country’s northeastern heartland. Unlike the commercial gyms found in tourist hubs, Isaan’s camps are deeply rooted in tradition and community.
Here, Muay Thai isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life passed down through generations. Training alongside local fighters, you’ll rise with the sun for early morning runs, practice strikes under the watchful eyes of seasoned trainers, and condition your body and mind in the same rustic gyms where champions are made.
The experience goes beyond physical discipline; it immerses you in the daily rhythm of rural Thai life. Between sessions, you’ll share meals with locals, explore rice fields, and perhaps even attend village festivals or local matches. Tough, humbling, and inspiring, training in Isaan gives a rare chance to connect with the true spirit of Thailand—raw, proud, and fiercely resilient.
5. Join the Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi
Each year, the ancient town of Lopburi in central Thailand throws an unforgettable feast not for people, but for its most mischievous residents during the wildly unique Monkey Buffet Festival. Held in late November, this festival is dedicated entirely to the thousands of long-tailed macaques that roam freely around the town, particularly near the ancient Phra Prang Sam Yot temple.
Locals prepare grand spreads of fruits, sticky rice, and sweet treats, arranging them in colorful displays on tables, tiered platforms, and even carved ice sculptures, all for the monkeys to enjoy. The festival isn’t just a spectacle; it’s rooted in the belief that these macaques bring fortune and prosperity to the town.
What begins as a gesture of respect quickly turns into a playful, chaotic celebration that draws curious visitors from around the world, turning sleepy Lopburi into a buzzing hub of culture, laughter, and monkey mischief.
Visitors can witness the monkeys indulging in their feast, climbing on statues, and playfully interacting with the crowds. It’s a bizarre yet charming blend of wildlife, culture, and community spirit that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, proof of Thailand’s unique ability to turn even the wildest traditions into something joyful and memorable.
6. Volunteer at Elephant Nature Park (Not a Ride!)
Volunteering at Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai gives a powerful, hands-on way to support ethical wildlife tourism in Thailand. Unlike traditional elephant attractions that promote rides or performances, this sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that have suffered from logging, street begging, or abusive tourism industries.
As a volunteer, your days are spent preparing food, feeding the elephants, cleaning their enclosures, and even walking alongside them as they roam freely through the park’s lush grounds. You’ll learn about their stories, many heartbreaking, some hopeful, and witness firsthand the slow, healing process of trust rebuilding. The park also emphasizes education, helping visitors understand why riding elephants is harmful and how true conservation begins with respect.
Beyond elephants, the sanctuary is home to rescued dogs, cats, buffaloes, and more, creating a broader impact on animal welfare. It’s a deeply moving experience that allows you to give back while connecting with these gentle giants in a way that’s respectful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
7. Discover the Thai Grandmother Café Trend
Across Thailand, a quiet culinary movement is gaining heartwarming momentum: the rise of grandmother-run cafés, where food is cooked with soul, memory, and decades of tradition. These charming spots, often tucked into alleys or hidden behind modest storefronts, are lovingly operated by senior women who serve up dishes rarely found on modern menus.
From forgotten regional curries to hand-pounded chili pastes and slow-cooked stews, each plate carries the flavor of time—recipes passed down through generations, prepared just as they were in village kitchens long before fast food and fusion trends. These cafés aren’t just about food; they’re about preserving culture, celebrating elders, and creating intimate spaces where stories are shared along with meals.
Whether it’s a tiny eatery in Chiang Mai run by a former street vendor or a Bangkok café where grandma still uses charcoal stoves, visiting one is like stepping into a living museum of Thai culinary heritage with a side of warm smiles and wisdom you won’t find in any cookbook.
8. Participate in the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket (With Fire Walking!)
Every year during the ninth lunar month, usually in September or October, Phuket transforms into the stage for one of Thailand’s most extraordinary spiritual events, the Vegetarian Festival. Don’t be misled by the name; this isn’t just a celebration of plant-based eating.
Rooted in ancient Taoist beliefs, the festival is a powerful ritual of cleansing, sacrifice, and devotion. Over nine days, participants from the island’s Chinese-Thai community follow strict practices, giving up meat, alcohol, and worldly pleasures to purify both body and soul. The atmosphere becomes electric with spiritual energy, where the physical acts of abstinence are just the beginning of a much deeper journey into faith and resilience.
But what truly captivates visitors are the extreme rituals performed by spirit mediums, known as Ma Song, who enter trance-like states believed to be possessions by divine entities. In these states, they walk across burning coals, climb bladed ladders, and pierce their cheeks, arms, and faces with everything from skewers to bicycle parts, all without showing pain.
The streets of Phuket Town erupt in a whirlwind of firecrackers, rhythmic drumming, and parades of devotees dressed in white, turning the city into a living tapestry of devotion, intensity, and otherworldly spectacle.
9. Sleep in a Floating Bamboo Raft House in Kanchanaburi
Spending a night in a floating bamboo raft house on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi is one of Thailand’s most peaceful and unforgettable experiences. Nestled along the quiet river’s edge and wrapped in thick jungle greenery, these modest yet inviting raft houses offer a peaceful retreat from modern life, inviting you to slow down and soak in nature’s rhythm.
Forget Wi-Fi, traffic, and city noise here; you’ll fall asleep to the gentle flow of the river below and wake to the whisper of leaves swaying in the morning breeze. At night, the stars reflect on the river’s surface, and the only light comes from lanterns and fireflies dancing in the dark. Wake up to mist rising off the water, jump straight in for a swim, or paddle a kayak through the quiet morning fog.
Many raft houses are locally run and eco-conscious, giving home-cooked Thai meals and a glimpse into a slower, more grounded way of life. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense, but it’s rich in something far rarer: stillness, beauty, and a genuine connection to place.
10. Go Midnight Squid Fishing in Koh Tao
Midnight squid fishing in Koh Tao is one of those rare, offbeat adventures that connects you directly with the island’s coastal soul. As night falls, you’ll board a small wooden boat with local fishermen, heading out into the dark, open waters lit only by moonlight and green lamps used to attract squid.
The air is cool, the sea calm, and the experience oddly meditative as you learn to drop your line, feel for the subtle tugs, and reel in your slippery catch. It’s not about filling buckets; it’s about sharing quiet conversations, listening to stories from the sea, and seeing a side of island life that tourists often miss.
Once the fishing wraps up, the reward is immediate: a dockside cook-up of your fresh catch, grilled or stir-fried with Thai spices and served right under the stars. It’s a simple yet memorable way to experience the ocean not just as a backdrop, but as a way of life.
11. Take a Blind Massage by Visually Impaired Therapists
Receiving a massage from a visually impaired therapist in Thailand is not only incredibly healing but also deeply meaningful. Many blind massage centers across the country, especially in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, are part of social enterprises that empower the visually impaired with skilled employment and independence.
What makes the experience unique is the therapist’s extraordinary sense of touch, refined, intuitive, and incredibly precise. Without visual distractions, these therapists often have an enhanced ability to detect muscle tension and energy blockages, allowing them to deliver a massage that feels both deeply personal and remarkably effective.
You can opt for a traditional Thai massage or a soothing oil-based therapy, all delivered in a serene, welcoming space where gentle music or tranquil silence enhances the deeply relaxing atmosphere. Beyond the physical relief, there’s something quietly powerful about knowing that your visit supports a community and celebrates ability over disability. It’s a humbling reminder that healing works both ways.
12. Discover Thai Japanese Fusion Food in Chanthaburi
In the quiet, fruit-rich province of Chanthaburi, a lesser-known culinary story unfolds, one born from the unlikely intersection of Thai and Japanese culture during World War II. When Japanese soldiers were stationed in the area, some chose to stay behind after the war, marrying locals and subtly blending their culinary traditions into Thai kitchens.
Today, this fusion lives on in rare, home-style dishes you won’t find in Bangkok or tourist hotspots. Think of fragrant Thai herbs meeting miso broth or stir-fried vegetables laced with soy-marinated mackerel. One standout is “Katsu Gaeng Pa,” a crispy pork cutlet served with jungle curry, offering a bold mix of textures and spices.
Hidden family-run restaurants and roadside stalls in Chanthaburi still serve these cross-cultural plates, where tempura vegetables might be dipped in spicy Thai chili sauce or sushi rolls are reimagined with local tropical fruits. Exploring this food scene is like tasting a living history quietly preserved on plates passed down through generations.
13. Visit a Fortune Teller at Bangkok’s Wat Pho
Tucked within the historic grounds of Wat Pho, best known for its massive Reclining Buddha, is a lesser-known experience that adds a mystical touch to your visit: meeting a traditional Thai fortune teller. These astrologers, often seated quietly near the temple’s shaded courtyards, give insights drawn from ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Thai spiritual traditions.
Using a mix of birth charts, palm readings, and even numerology, they unravel the patterns of your life, offering guidance on everything from love and health to career and karma. Some may chant softly, consult aged books, or use symbolic cards unique to Thai mysticism. While the atmosphere remains serene and respectful, there’s an unmistakable sense of ceremony, especially as incense swirls around golden statues and monks pass silently nearby.
If you’re a believer or just curious, the experience is intimate, fascinating, and uniquely Thai, providing not just predictions but an understanding of how spirituality is interwoven with everyday life in Thailand.
14. Attend an Underground Art Gallery in Chiang Rai
Beyond Chiang Rai’s famous White Temple and tourist-heavy landmarks lies a lesser-seen creative undercurrent: underground art galleries that challenge the norm and pulse with raw, political expression. These hidden spaces, often tucked away in abandoned buildings, alley basements, or local homes-turned-exhibition rooms, showcase works by emerging Thai artists who use their craft to comment on social issues, identity, environment, and power.
You might walk into a room filled with protest graffiti, installations made of recycled waste, or mixed-media pieces exploring generational trauma and censorship. The vibe is intimate and edgy, and conversations with the artists are often unfiltered, personal, and passionate. Visiting one of these underground galleries gives you a rare window into Thailand’s contemporary soul, far removed from temples and markets, yet just as rich in culture and meaning.
15. Explore the Abandoned Airplane Graveyard in Bangkok
Tucked away on the eastern edge of Bangkok, just beyond the city’s bustling traffic and towering billboards, lies one of its strangest urban secrets: the Abandoned Airplane Graveyard.
Here, the rusting shells of old jumbo jets and commercial aircraft lie scattered in an overgrown lot, their torn fuselages and exposed cabins eerily silent reminders of a past life in the skies. But this isn’t just a playground for urban explorers; several Thai families have made these aircraft their home, constructing makeshift makeinteriors, and photographing the haunting beauty of nature slowly reclaiming metal.
The experience is surreal: standing in a cockpit with shattered windows, shifting shelters within the hollowed-out planes. For a small donation, some residents may allow curious visitors to climb aboard and wander through the gutted reeds growing through the floor while kids play nearby and laundry hangs from a wing.
It’s a place that blends decay with resilience, giving a raw, unsanitized glimpse into both Bangkok’s hidden corners and the resourcefulness of the people who live there. This is the best thing to do in Thailand.
16. Join a Traditional Sak Yant Tattoo Ceremony
Sak Yant tattoos are usually done by a Buddhist monk or a respected ajarn (tattoo master) in a quiet temple or rural studio, where the smell of incense fills the air. Instead of a machine, they use a sharp metal rod or bamboo stick to carefully draw sacred symbols or words onto your skin.
As the monk gently taps the tattoo in place, he also whispers blessings, making the moment feel peaceful and powerful. You don’t just leave with a tattoo; you leave with a meaning and a memory you’ll never forget.
The monk uses a long, thin bamboo stick or steel rod to hand-poke intricate geometric designs, animals, or script into the skin, each symbol carrying specific blessings, such as protection, courage, or best fortune. Before the tattooing begins, the master will often meditate, read your aura, or ask questions to determine which yantra is right for you.
The process is intense not just physically, but emotionally as you sit silently, surrounded by centuries-old chants and the rhythm of tapping metal. When it’s over, the monk often blesses the tattoo with sacred words, sealing its spiritual energy.
17. Do a “No Phone” Digital Detox Retreat in Pai
In the quiet mountain town of Pai, far from Thailand’s busy cities, you’ll find peaceful retreats that invite you to completely unplug—no phones, no Wi-Fi, no distractions. Surrounded by green valleys, hot springs, and gentle streams, these digital detox retreats give a chance to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Each day gives a mix of gentle yoga, guided meditation, quiet walks through nature, personal reflection time, and peaceful moments of silence. Without screens, your senses become sharper; you hear the birds, notice the breeze, and actually taste your food. Evenings might include group reflections or just watching the stars in stillness.
At first, it may feel uncomfortable, even strange, but by the end, many feel lighter, clearer, and more present. Doing a “no phone” retreat in Pai isn’t just a break from the internet; it’s a reset for your mind and soul in one of Thailand’s most peaceful corners.
18. Visit a Rainbow Eucalyptus Forest in the South
Hidden in the lush, humid landscapes of southern Thailand, particularly around provinces like Phatthalung or Nakhon Si Thammarat, you’ll find something that looks straight out of a fairytale: rainbow eucalyptus trees.
These stunning trees, with bark that naturally peels away to reveal streaks of bright green, blue, orange, maroon, and purple, look as if an artist painted them by hand. The colors become more vivid after rainfall, when the moisture deepens their hues.
Walking through a grove of these trees feels surreal, like stepping into a living watercolor painting. Though not widely known to tourists, a visit to one of these forests offers a peaceful, visually magical experience perfect for quiet photography, sketching, or simply standing still in awe.
19. Take a Ferry to a Thai Island with No Tourists (like Koh Phayam)
Tucked away in the quiet corners of the Andaman Sea, Koh Phayam offers a glimpse of Thailand before mass tourism arrived. Accessible by ferry from Ranong, this off-the-grid island trades in luxury resorts for bungalows on the beach and traffic for the hum of scooters on sandy trails. With no cars and minimal internet, life here flows at a slower, more intentional pace.
Locals welcome you with warmth, the beaches stretch out almost empty, and the sunsets feel like private shows just for you. Whether you’re sipping coconut water in a hammock or watching hornbills glide across the treetops, Koh Phayam is a peaceful escape for those craving simplicity and connection to nature.
Here, move slowly. You can walk barefoot along nearly empty beaches, eat fresh seafood at local huts, watch sunsets in total silence, or nap in a hammock under a cashew tree. With no loud bars or party scenes, the island invites you to truly relax and enjoy the rhythm of simple life.
20. Learn the Secret Craft of Thai Fruit Carving
Thai fruit carving is more than just decoration; it’s a centuries-old art once reserved for the royal court, where chefs turned everyday fruits into elegant works of beauty. Today, you can learn this intricate skill through hands-on workshops offered in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or even at local markets in smaller towns.
Guided by skilled artisans, you’ll discover how to transform papayas, watermelons, and carrots into delicate flowers, birds, and swirling patterns using only a few simple tools and a lot of focus. The process requires patience and a steady hand, but it’s surprisingly meditative and incredibly satisfying.
Each carved piece becomes a blend of nature and creativity, and you’ll leave not only with edible art but also a deeper appreciation for Thai attention to detail and tradition. It’s a unique souvenir and a story you can taste and share.
The official website for exploring the best things to do in Thailand is the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), accessible at: The official website of Tourism Authority of Thailand
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