The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List
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I recently took a one-month trip to Thailand and it sure left an impression!
From ethically visiting an elephant sanctuary and getting to feed these gentle giants in person, to releasing floating lanterns during the Yi Peng Festival (not unlike those released during the PingXi Lantern Festival), I got to experience things that I never thought I'd get to do for myself.
So, whether you're taking a solo trip to the land of smiles or are visiting with a group of loved ones, here's The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List featuring unique things to do and see to make your trip as memorable as it can be!
1. Celebrate The Yi Peng Festival In Chiang Mai
As I mentioned earlier, the Festival of Lights is definitely a sight to see!
If you're visiting the country around November of December (the exact date varies as it's based on the Lanna lunar calendar), definitely make it a priority to book a hotel in Chiang Mai and participate in the festivities.
This three-day event features a mass release of paper lanterns into the sky in order to honor Buddha and bring luck and prosperity for the coming year.
2. Visit An Elephant Sanctuary
What's the first image that comes to mind when you think of Thailand? Elephants!
Your trip would be incomplete without a visit to an elephant sanctuary. Just make sure to choose a responsible establishment where they're actually taken care of and treated fairly. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is one of the top ethical establishments you can see and potentially feed these beautiful animals up-close.
3. Attend The Legendary Full Moon Party In Koh Phangan
Nightlife in Thailand is not a joke!
This epic party started out as a ragtag gathering for hippies during the 80s, but now it’s blown up into a monthly beachside bonfire festival that draws in thousands. Dance the night away and then spend your next day soaking in the rays on one of the best beaches in Koh Phagan.
4. Get Certified To Scuba In Koh Tao
Thailand has some of the most beautiful dive spots in the world, so take advantage and get your open water certification for cheap on Koh Tao. The instructors have decades of experience and have passed thousands of students so you know you're in good hands! I got my SSI Scuba Diver certification from Koh Tao Scuba Club! Read more about my experience here.
5. Go Temple Hopping All Across Thailand
From the legendary (non-traditional) White Temple in Chiang Rai to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand's got some of the most stunning Buddhist temples in the world. Lined in gold and adorned with colorful reflective glass pieces, these temples are truly a work of art. Just make sure to abide by dress codes (no exposed shoulders and knees) and respect religious norms!
6. Drive the Mae Hong Son Motorbike Loop
The Mae Hong Son Loop is a 600km (373 mi) loop takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of northern Thailand. If you're confident on a motorbike, this ultimate road trip is for you! Otherwise, try your hand at safely scooting around some of Thailand's less populated islands or opting for these off-the-beaten-path options instead.
7. Eat Your Way Through All The Night Markets
Thailand can get as hot as 45°C during the summertime, so a lot of the activities happen at night: including eating and shopping!
Thai night markets are on a scale unlike any other. From vibrant satay skewers to the latest aesthetic trends, you can shop and eat, and shop and eat, and shop and eat, until you drop!
Some of my favorite night markets include Chatuchak Friday Night Market, Bangkok, Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai, and Phuket Weekend Market!
8. Learn About Thailand's Diverse Cultural Ethnic Groups
There are over 70 ethnic groups and seven major hill tribes in Thailand. Learn more about the different cultures within this country by visiting each community and engaging in meaningful and ethical ways through homestays and educational exchanges.
9. Explore The Great Outdoors
From pristine white beaches to winding mangrove forests, Thailand has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Here are some bucket list outdoorsy things to do:
Take a long tail boat tour of Khao Sok National Park
Go rock climbing in Railay
Hike Pai Canyon and catch the sunset from its soft slopes
Lounge on the beach at Patong Beach, Bottle Beach, and Sanom Beach
Soak in natural hot springs at Tha Pai Hot Spring
Go chasing waterfalls at Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls, or Khlong Yai Kee Waterfalls
Go snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving in Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, or Koh Samui
10. Support Local Arts And Culture
Check out some of the local things that Thailand is known for. Here are some ideas:
Attend a muay Thai match! Muay thai is Thailand's national sport and local matches give athletes a chance to showcase their training.
Get a Thai massage. This is one of the things I think about almost daily. So cheap! Such great quality! Remember to tip your masseuse!
Take a cooking class. There's no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than through food. Take a little bit of skill and knowledge back with you!
Visit museums and support student-led activities. Art is one of the best ways to gain insight into cultural perspectives so get immersed by visiting the MOCA in Bangkok or attend an event on campus.
Now, Thailand is also known for its huge backpacker and expat culture, but because that's imported and also potentially a huge problem, I chose not to include those activities on this list.
Thailand is perfect slow travel destination for solo female travelers. It's relatively safe and while I did have several negative experiences (catcalling, stalking, etc) with older white expats, the locals were nothing but friendly and considerate.
So, before you visit, make sure to read this article on safety in Bangkok and make sure to pack the perfect travel capsule wardrobe because you'll definitely need the extra luggage space.
For more ideas on traveling through Asia, check out this Guide to Orchid Island in Taiwan and this One Month Vietnam Itinerary!
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