Thai massages, floating markets and island-hopping adventures are just some of the amazing things to do in Thailand. Read on for more…
Thailand is a hotspot on the dream Southeast Asia itinerary. Tradition fuses with modernity in a sprawling hue of stunning temples, tuk tuks, street food, cultural experiences, skyscrapers, long tail boats, beaches and island-hopping adventures that leave you exhausted yet hungry for more. Thailand attracts all types of tourists, from honeymooners and backpackers to solo travellers and families, because of the abundance of amazing experiences. Therefore, choosing it for a girls’ trip was an easy decision.
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WoW Contents At A Glance
Arrival in Bangkok
Bangkok welcomed us with a frenetic mix of heat, traffic and the bright lights of nightlife. We stayed at TwoThree a Homely Hotel in the Sukhumvit area for our first couple of nights. We booked it last minute for its affordability, design and nearness to the Skytrain (BTS). It’s also fairly new, having only opened in 2017, so that was a nice bonus. Use my code to get £15 off your booking. Here is an inside track on some of the amazing experiences to check out on a visit.
5 Things to do in Thailand
1. Refresh Mind and Body with a Thai Massage
Given the 17-hour journey from London via Abu Dhabi, a massage was the first stop on our list of priorities. Thailand is, after all, a country that takes wellness and health seriously, and offers various pampering treatments.
What to expect during a Thai massage
Pricing: This really depends on where you go. From what I observed as we walked around, I would say prices start from ฿200 (about £5/$6/35GHC) for a 60-minute massage. As with any experience, there are mid-range and luxury options available at higher prices. Avoid certain parlours if you aren’t trying to get a “happy ending”.
The massage: You will typically be given loose fitting top and bottoms to wear. Note that Thai massages are not gentle, kneading experiences. Not knowing this is, in fact, how I got myself into a situation that was more ouch than a blissful aaah the first time round. It is a very physical experience. The massage therapist may use their thumbs, hands, knees and feet as you are pulled, stretched, sat on and even walked on. Do make sure you communicate if something is painful or unpleasant.
Tipping: Be generous if it is within your power.
Now you can see why I won’t be forgetting my Thai massage experiences in a hurry.
2. Eat food, glorious food
Thailand is a foodie’s paradise of gastronomic proportions. With endless markets, fusion cuisine, countless cooking classes, food tours and much more, there’s something for even the fussiest eater. Not only that, you can eat well for cheerfully cheap in Thailand, especially if you are travelling on a budget.
Street food culture is a thriving part of the daily fabric of Thai local life. Night markets hum with a vibrancy that is perfect for entertainment, flavoursome food, fresh fruits and more. The adventurous may also sample the handful of push carts carrying edible insects in a number of places including Bangkok’s bustling Khao San Road and Bangla Road in Phuket.
3 Recommended highlights from the foodie frontier
Lebua Hotel, Bangkok: The sprawling breakfast at this quintessential hotel establishment is a must if you are looking to begin the morning in grand style while enjoying sweeping panoramas of the Bangkok city skyline.
You can also sip on a fresh cocktail at the award-winning Sky Bar, made even more famous after the filming of The Hangover 2, located on the 63rd floor of the hotel. Check out the views below!
Street food in Silom, Bangkok: Street food restaurant Cheaper & Better left an impression. The manager, a charming man dressed head to toe in white, brandishing an iPad, had us seated and equipped with the WiFi password in a matter of seconds. He dipped at our table now and again, happy to chat about our impressions of Bangkok so far, and arranged a taxi for us afterward. The tasty Thai Green Curry was an added bonus in the entire experience.
Pot roast chicken in Sukhumvit Soi (Side Street) 23, Bangkok: We took a walk around Soi 23 and ended up with a pot roast chicken takeaway that tasted so heavenly, we went back every night after. I wish I could point more specifically to where our smiley seller was located. But for every night we went back, we had to endure sharp disappointment that he wasn’t at the exact spot he’d been the night before. Until, forlorn and just about ready to give up, we’d spot the distinctive clay pot that held the sizzling promise of that evening’s chicken. So, all I can say is walk around Soi 23 and don’t give up until you win that hide and seek.
Lion & Shark, Krabi: Try the smoothie bowl for honest-to-God goodness.
3. Visit stunning Thai temples
From small shrines in front of humble homes to gleaming temples with stunning details, Thailand is a country in connection with the spiritual.
No trip to Thailand is complete without a temple visit.
Temples are not only peaceful sanctums for the religious, but also some of the best displays of ornate architectural styles that hold visitors in enthrall.
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There is a great river at the heart of almost every country. In Thailand this is the Chao Phraya River, also known as the River of Kings. Some of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples – Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew – are accessible from the river. We visited Wat Arun, decorated with striking pieces of Chinese porcelain, and Wat Chalong, the largest temple in Phuket.
For more on visiting some of the main temples in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, check out Road2Culturedom‘s post.
WoW Tip: Observe local customs and be respectful while visiting temples in Thailand. These include dressing modestly, covering bare shoulders and removing shoes before entry if required.
4. Visit a floating market
Thailand is home to vibrant floating markets which are a nod to shopping styles from times gone by. Some of the main floating markets around Bangkok are Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom. The markets are situated on canals, known locally as khlongs, where you can find everything from arts and handicrafts to spices, tropical fruits, ornaments and fabrics.
We went to Damnoen Saduak, the largest of the floating markets. On arrival we bartered for a boat hire with a driver who was happy to paddle at our pace, and stop as and when a stall caught our eyes. Vendors sold their goods from small rowing boats or stilt sheds. One of the things I bought during our visit was a lovely scarf that I used as a beach cover-up later.
If you get hungry, there are floating kitchens ready to give you a different kind of dining experience. Lookout for Buddhist temples while zooming past in your boat. Certainly, if you love atmospheric shopping, a floating market is an immersive retail therapy experience you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Thailand.
WoW Tip: Bargaining is an art you must bring to the floating market and pretty much anywhere prices are not marked. Don’t hesitate to ask for a fair discount, particularly at Damnoen Saduak, which is touristy and therefore prone to overpricing.
5. Go island-hopping
If you’ve pictured Thailand, chances are your mind conjured some postcard-perfect islands.
Island-hopping in Thailand is a quintessential part of the overall holiday experience, and thankfully, there are many options.
From jungle-topped mountains to sweeping views of azure waters, there’s a coastline of possibilities wherever sky meets sea. However, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially as a first timer. You could mix the well-known islands with under-the-radar hideaways to get a taste of all worlds. It is best to navigate the waters (pun intended) according to the holiday experience you want.
Island highlights in Thailand
We began our island adventures in Krabi, enjoying the rugged beauty and lively vibe in Aonang. The plan from there? Not so much catch “flights and feelings” as catch a ferry and Phi Phi Islands.
Then we swapped the popular island for a touch of luxury in serene Koh Lanta, finishing finally with a stay at rainforest resort Keemala, Phuket.
Our island picks in Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Phuket allowed us to see a taste of the enchantment available to the culture lover, party person, solace seeker and nature enthusiast.
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Each island had big highlights, as well as the little moments that live with you long after you have returned home. The memory of karsts rising majestically like prehistoric skyscrapers in Krabi. The ripples of jade-coloured waters lapping near powdery white sands in Koh Phi Phi. The gem of quiet escapism and golden sunset in Koh Lanta, watching people silhouetted against the mesmerising hues of a tangerine sky in what would have been a painter’s dream. The Sino-Portuguese architecture and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants in arty Old Phuket Town. It was the stuff of memorable holidays, really.
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Final Thoughts
Thailand is teeming with so many amazing things to do that it simply demands repeat visits. From colourful nightlife and rugged natural beauty, relics of the past to modern comforts, there is something to make everyone’s visit rewarding and enjoyable. My overall impressions are of a country with a tourism infrastructure that is generally well-oiled and ensures a largely smooth experience. I found it to be particularly tourist-friendly for first time visitors, albeit with some expected moments of being lost in proverbial translation.
Thailand has the infrastructural advantage of good transport links and affordable price points for many unforgettable experiences. It is also known for its friendly and involved local people in the travel experience.
Lastly, WiFi connectivity at many street joints was handy for us as roving tourists. I enjoyed my first visit and would happily return to see more of the vast chunk of the country still waiting for intrepid explorations.
Have you been to Thailand? What was your visit like? Got an amazing experience to pass on? Share with us in the comments.
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I liked this. Haven’t thought much about Thailand, but the way everyone goes on about it then reading this post and others – I guess I do realise why it’s the land of smiles.
Not sure if you’d know, but along with massages are there chiropractors (where they click your bones) because if I was to get that after a Long flight I would be complete. 😍😍
According to people who have been to Thailand, even locals go eat outside because its cheap. I’d be cautious when eating certain animals or insects but I’d be down simply for the experience 😂
I had to turn my brightness up and zoom into the floating market – definitely something I haven’t seen 😂 guess it’d be cool though
Thanks for reading, Rico. Thailand is definitely one of the friendliest places I’ve been yet.
You gotta try a Thai massage before looking for a chiropractor – it’s definitely an experience!
From observation, some street joints were popular with locals (which is often a good tip off 😁), but the edible insect stands had more tourists attempting a taste and getting their vids for the gram.
Whatever you end up doing, there’s never a dull moment. Thailand is always a good idea 😊
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I’d very much look forward to the food if i went to Thailand – I’ve always loved Thai food!! Thanks for sharing your photographs.
It’s such a delicious highlight of any visit to Thailand! Thanks for stopping by, Cherryl 😊 – Davida