Categories: Travel

Things You Have To Do While In Thailand

Thailand is an extremely popular travel destination for tourists and for good reason. The country is located in Southeast Asia and is known for its tropical beaches, lavish palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples. It’s full of history, amazing food, lovely people and much much more. The possibilities of what to do when visiting the incredible country are endless, so we’ve narrowed it down to some of the things you just have to do while in Thailand.

1. Visit the Grand Palace

In the heart of Bangkok, this is probably the most famous attraction there is. The gorgeous building and lands have been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built since he decided a new capital should be formed and hence by royal command a new palace was built. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length and is home to the famous Temple of Emerald Buddha.

2. Volunteer at the Elephant Nature Park

The elephant is Thailand’s national symbol. The Asian elephant is the largest living land animal in Asia and often found in Thailand. Since the animal is listed as endangered, it is even more imperative to see them now. Throughout the country, there are many elephant ‘sanctuaries’ who do not have their best interests at heart and work solely for money. However, one you can trust is the Elephant Nature Park in Northern Thailand. Here they rehabilitate and care for rescued elephants and your visit helps their work.

3. Shop at The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

There are many floating market events in Thailand but Damnoen Saduak is the biggest and most well-known. The market is open every day and insanely bright, colourful and stunning. An incredible photo opportunity. Boats sell fruit, vegetables, flowers, and little knick-knacks. There are many tours you can purchase where you’ll be guided along the canal in your very own authentic wooden boat. The market is situated about 100km outside of Bangkok but travel is very cheap and is very common to tour all of the country.

4. Take a trip to Maya Bay

The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. It is made up of a group of six islands, all of which are amazing places to visit. One of the main islands is Phi Phi Leh where Maya Bay is located. The reason we have chosen to include Maya Bay isn’t just because of it’s gorgeous, uncorrupted and peaceful scenery but because it is the setting of the Leonardo Di Caprio film The Beach. Very exciting to see.

5. Eat Street Food

Street food in Thailand brings together various offerings of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, fruits and drinks sold by vendors at food stalls or food carts on the street side in Thailand. There are many different kinds of street food and every street in every city will have various different stalls selling their produce. Thai cooking places emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge. Delicious!

6. See Kanchanaburi Death Railway

Often history isn’t always happy but this doesn’t mean it should be ignored or forgotten. Kanchanaburi Death Railway was built in WWII. The Imperial Japanese Army had taken over South East Asia and used prisoners of war as laborers. One of the major projects that went under work was constructing this railway. Over one hundred thousand laborers died during its 16-month construction between 1942 and 1943 (hence its name). Once completed, it stretched 250 miles from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbuyuzayat, Burma.