The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List

Everyone who visits Thailand seems to have a strong opinion about it.  I find that it’s spoken about it one of two ways; either highly regarded as “the best place I’ve ever been”, or it seems that people find the country to be overrated.  Personally, I fall into the camp of it’s “the best place I’ve ever been” filled with beauty, history, incredible food, and brimming with things to see and do.  Thailand is incredibly diverse and there’s truly something for everyone whether you want to trek, visit elephant sanctuaries, or relax on the beach.  Here is your ultimate Thailand bucket list – things you must do if you’re traveling to Thailand.

 

If you’re traveling to Thailand, don’t miss:

• The Best Packing List for Thailand
• The Most Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Thailand

 

1.  Head South to Island Hop

No trip to Thailand would be complete without island hopping.  Thailand is home to the most beautifully pristine beaches I’ve ever seen.  Clear turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and rock formations jutting up from the ocean.  You’re definitely going to want to head south where you can experience the Thai island life too!

 

If you’re planning to head south, don’t miss:

• The Ultimate Guide to Phuket, Thailand
• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Koh Lanta, Thailand
• What You Need to Know About Visiting Khao Lak, Thailand
• Khao Lak to Similan Islands – A Complete Guide

 

2.  Grab Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar in Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of skyscrapers and most of the skyscrapers have rooftop bars where you can watch the sunset, enjoy a live DJ, and just generally have a good time.  While cocktails on the rooftops of Bangkok can be pricey, I still recommend it for a one time experience!

My favorite rooftop bar in Bangkok is Bar.Yard at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.

 

Read more about Bangkok:

• The Best 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary
• 10+ of the Best Hotels in Bangkok

 

3.  Get a Thai Massage

Massages in Thailand are pretty affordable (running at about 300 Baht for a one hour massage).  While you’re in the country, I urge you to try a traditional Thai massage.  Thai massages have been around for 2,000 years, focusing on circulation and pressure points while the practitioner uses their entire body to stretch the muscles and release pressure from the body.  Traditionally, you’ll be dressed for this massage and it will be dry (no oil will be used).

 

4.  Eat the Street Food

 

Before visiting Thailand I had heard a few things on repeat… and “try the street food” was one of them.  The street food in Thailand, Bangkok particularly, is out of this world.  I urge you to get out of your comfort zone and try whatever you find on the street that the locals are lining up for – even if you don’t know what it is.

Some of the best street food I had in Thailand was in Bangkok from the Srinagarindra Train Night Market.  If you visit Thailand and you manage to make it to the sprawling city of Bangkok, definitely add this place to your Thailand bucket list.

I’d also suggest joining a night food tour where a local can show you the different foods and attractions of the city.

 

5.  Climb the Bua Tong Waterfall in Chiang Mai

Thailand is a land of hidden (yet accessible) waterfalls right outside your door.  I highly encourage you to rent a scooter for the day and discover the off-the-beaten-path waterfalls.

One of the most unique places in Thailand is the Bua Tong Waterfall outside of Chiang Mai.  It was one of my favorite places to visit in the country not only because of its beauty but thanks to limestone deposits, you’re actually able to climb the waterfall which is super fun and unique.

The best way to access Bua Tong is on your own by renting a scooter from Chiang Mai and driving one hour north to the waterfall.  Or you can hire a guide to drive you and bring you home (which is what I would recommend).  I used Take Me Tour and wasn’t disappointed. There is a maximum of four people allowed on the tour, plus lunch is and transportation is included.

 

For more information about visiting Chaing Mai, don’t miss:

• 3 Ways to Have the Ultimate Chiang Mai Experience

 

6.  Visit a Market With a Local Tour Guide

One of the best ways to be immersed into a country’s culture, and a way to support the locals, is to book a local guide to show you around.  When I was in Bangkok I booked a food tasting tour at the Khlong Lad Mayom Floating Market market outside of Bangkok with Pook.  It was hands down my favorite foodie experience I’ve had in all of my travels.

 

7.  Explore the Temples

There are so many gorgeous temples through Thailand.  Visit Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Wat Pho in Bangkok, Wat Doi Suthep in Chian Mai, or a multitude of others scattered across the country.  My suggestion is to arrive at opening time to avoid the inevitable crowds.

By the way, if you purchase a day pass from TAGTHAi, you’ll save money on attractions in select cities.

 

8.  Ride on the Back of a Motorbike

While it can be a frightening experience, it’s sure to be exhilarating.  Weaving through crazy Thai streets, clutching onto a stranger for dear life.  You’ll be amazed out how the locals maneuver their motorbikes through traffic, missing food carts, pedestrians, cars, and more.  The great thing about taking a motorbike is that you’ll usually get to your destination much cheaper and quicker than you would in a car.

Before arriving in Thailand make sure to download the app, Grab.  It operates how Uber/Lyft would and you can reserve both cars and motorbikes to transport you.  And don’t forget to ask for a helmet!

 

9. Spend a Day With the Elephants

Thailand is a country that is known for its elephant reserves.  While I don’t recommend riding elephants or supporting any company that treats elephants unjustly, you can find a number of local elephant reserves that are doing a fantastic job of taking care of these animals.  I chose to spend my money and time at Elephant Nature Park in Kuet Chang – a company that rescues elephants.  You can get close up with the elephants while still respecting their space – and there is no riding allowed here.

If you’re not planning to head north towards Chang Mai/Kuet Chang, here are more sustainable elephant sanctuaries to visit:

• Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand
• Elephant Nature Care in Koh Samui, Thailand
• Elephant Haven in Kanchanaburi, Thailand – Offers pick up/drop off from Bangkok

 

10.  Opt for a Tuk Tuk

 

While more expensive than a motorbike or a car, a Tuk Tuk is one of a kind experience in Thailand. A mix between a bicycle and a car, a Tuk Tuk is a fun way to get around and see the city. Make sure to ask for the price ahead of time so that you can barter before leaving.  The first price the driver quotes you will always be more expensive than what you should pay.

 

11. Feed the Monkeys

Although most places warn against feeding monkeys, there is one place where it’s common practice to feed these little animals.  Monkey Temple is located outside of Phuket and encourages the feeding of the monkeys.  Here you can buy peanuts and bananas and watch the monkeys come down from the trees.  But beware!  They love to steal your things… this includes any jewelry you may be wearing.

 

12. Barter With the Locals

The Thai love to barter – and they are good at it!  It’s common practice to barter pretty much anywhere, at malls, food stalls, on the street.  Even if something has a price tag, chances are you can still barter.  I like to have fun with bartering, but keep in mind that I’m still there to support the locals and help them make a living.  Keep this in mind when negotiating for cheaper prices.

 

13.  Rent a Longboat

If you find yourself in the south of Thailand, I would highly recommend renting a private longboat for the day.  Quintessentially Thai, the longboat is one of the staples that drew me to the south of Thailand.  I would recommend asking around and making sure the longboat can take you to a good snorkeling spot or to a hidden beach.

 

14.  Check into a Luxury Hotel

One thing that I love about Thailand is that it’s suitable for any budget.  You can stay in a hostel and eat street food for a cheap price.  Or you can go all out and stay in luxury hotels and visit luxury spas.  While I usually fall somewhere in the middle (not a backpacker but not a luxury traveler), I can’t help but encourage you to check into a luxury hotel for at least a couple of nights on when you visit Thailand.

When I was in Bangkok, I stayed at the ultra-luxurious Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok and would highly recommend it!  You can read about my stay here.

 

Thailand Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Thailand

 

And there you have it – the ultimate Thailand bucket list.  If you have any questions about visiting Thailand, let me know in the comments below!

 

---

For more information on things to see and do in Thailand, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinthailand” or under my highlights for “Thailand”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Thailand” highlight

---

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.