8 Things You Must Do in Thailand

You’ve heard that Thailand is being called “Land of Smiles” and this is the time for you to find out the reason why. This name doesn’t come for no reason. You meet local people with happy smiles everywhere, every day in Thailand. They are kind, lovely, nice, easy-going, and willing to help when you get lost or want to find a good place for your dinner. Being famous for the dreamy coastline, island hopping is always one of the most attractive activities in Thailand when you can hop to any of the hundred ones to swim, sunbathe, beach sport, or just simply relax and sip fresh coconut water on the beautiful sand. Shopping is another big draw for a lot of tourists. Small local shops, massive flea markets where you will find pretty much anything you are looking for (Chatuchak in Bangkok is a great example of that), and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is not only a guarantee for great shopping but for a beguiling scene, are just some of the shopping choices available in Thailand. Here is a must-do list for you the next time you visit Thailand:

Ride a Tuk Tuk

Practically Thailand’s national emblem, the humble tuk tuk is at the heart of the Bangkok experience for most first-time visitors – and plenty of repeat returners, too – as well as serving as a valuable mode of transport for locals and residents. Most visitors to Bangkok encounter only the classic yellow-and-blue tuk tuks that seem ubiquitous in heavily touristed areas of Bangkok like Banglamphu and wider Phra Nakhon (including Khaosan Road, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and so on), Siam, the upper-Sukhumvit areas of Nana and Asok, and Silom. Head elsewhere around the capital, though and you’ll find different types of tuk tuks – like the larger, six-seater miniature trucks that ply the roads in some more local, residential neighbourhoods. Rather than operating on the private-hire basis of most tuk tuks in touristy areas, these more local ‘tuk tuks’ function as shared, running up and down pre-determined, fairly limited routes.

Visit a floating market

One might feel as though they are entering a different world upon visiting a Thai floating market. Slender canals are crammed with boats selling an abundance of food and goods, while friendly vendors talk amongst themselves in Thai. There are several floating markets around Thailand. Once an important part of local life, today’s floating markets are largely kept in operation for tourism and cultural purposes. In times gone by, Thailand’s extensive network of waterways was the main mode of moving goods around the country. Vendors would convene in certain spots, with locals coming by land or by water to purchase a range of household goods and foodstuffs.

Go on a street food tour

Thailand is a food lover’s paradise and the best part is, budget street food eats are always close at hand everywhere in the country. In fact, if you haven’t had your fill during the day, there are abundant night markets for you to satiate that raging appetite! If you’re planning a visit to Thailand, sampling street food amidst the locals is an important element of its culture. Bangkok is one of the most notable food hubs in the country and serves up a variety of classic and modern Thai dishes that locals and visitors line up for. Often served from a simple cart surrounded by plastic stools, Thai street stalls don't offer an elegant restaurant experience. However, what Thai street food vendors do offer is great food from a cook who has spent years mastering one dish for an incredibly cheap price. Because of the low prices and snack-sized options, grabbing street food for dinner gives travelers the opportunity to try many different dishes for an affordable price. It’s the cheapest and most efficient way to try some classic Thai cuisine.

Watch a cabaret show

Thailand has one of the most visible transgender communities in the world. Transgender women are known in Thai as kathoey (often translated as “ladyboys”), and many of them perform in the country’s famous cabaret shows. Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai all have nightly cabarets, and in Chiang Mai the shows around the Night Bazaar are a popular evening out for first-time visitors. Expect glamorous costumes, big production numbers, lip-sync and dance, and plenty of humor. Read more about the performers and the history behind the shows in Cabaret Shows and Transgender Artists in Thailand.

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Go island hopping

Dreaming of white-sand beaches, sunshine and turquoise waters? Thailand is one of the most visually beautiful places in the world consisting of rolling hills in the north and island paradises in the south. With over 1400 islands, a trip to Thailand would be incomplete without an island hopping adventure. Exploring the islands is one of the most amazing things to do in Thailand, whether that is the Andaman side around Phuket and Krabi or the Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (see our 6 best islands in Thailand). You'll be too busy drenching yourself in sunshine, gorging on curries and dancing till dawn.

Visit some Temples

Buddhism is the main religion practiced in Thailand, so it’s no wonder that the country has tens of thousands of temples, from the gilded landmarks of Bangkok to quiet village wats. They are not just photo spots: Thais visit to pray for health or good fortune, to make merit by offering food to monks, and to mark festivals and family events. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), take off your shoes before entering a hall, and never point your feet at a Buddha image. For where to start, see 8 must-visit temples in Thailand.

Visit The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is teeming with tourists, and with good reason. The architecture is impressive, the grounds are beautiful, and it is home to one of the most noteworthy temples in Thailand. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style. Since King Rama I made Bangkok the capital in 1782, the Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of the Thai royal family. The king no longer lives there; today the Grand Palace is used for royal ceremonies and state functions. A strict dress code applies, so cover your shoulders and legs.

Get a Thai massage

No trip to Thailand is complete without experiencing an authentic Thai massage in Bangkok. In addition to seeing beautiful Thai temples and trying delicious street food, a massage should be at the top of your list. Thai massage is a traditional therapeutic system based on Ayurvedic principles that originated in India. It uses acupressure and assisted yoga postures to realign the body’s energy lines. The massage therapist usually begins at the feet and moves upwards, applying rhythmic compressions to certain pressure points along the body. They also help the client through a series of stretches and flowing movements to help release both physical and mental stress. Whether you are shopping in Sukhumvit or relaxing at one of the city’s luxury resorts, you are never far from a spa or a massage studio in Bangkok.

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Want to tick off this list with someone who knows the way? Browse MyProGuide tours and local guides in Thailand.