Top 5 Things to Do in Thailand

My husband and I spent 7 days in Thailand in December 2018, traveling from Bangkok → Phuket → Chiang Mai. From glittering royal palaces and limestone bays to unforgettable food tours, Thailand offered endless highlights. One week is definitely not enough to see everything this amazing country has to offer, but we squeezed in as much as we could! Here are our favorite experiences from our trip:

1. The Grand Palace (Bangkok)

Why Visit:

The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous attraction — a dazzling complex that once served as the royal residence of Thai kings for over 150 years.

Highlights:

• Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) → home to the Emerald Buddha, a statue venerated as a symbol of the nation’s spiritual protection.
• Phra Sri Rattana Chedi → a spectacular golden stupa housing relics of the Buddha.
• Royal Pantheon → a grand, ornate hall built to honor Thailand’s past kings of the Chakri Dynasty.

How to Go:

We booked a guided tour to help us navigate the vast complex (more than 100 structures) and learn about its history. If you visit on your own, tickets cost 500 Thai Baht (~$15). Modest clothing is required, so cover your shoulders and knees.

2. Wat Phra Chetuphon / Wat Pho (Bangkok)

Why Visit:

Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is famous for its massive Reclining Buddha and over a thousand Buddha images. It’s also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Highlights:

• Reclining Buddha → a 46-meter-long statue covered in gold lea, with mother-of-pearl inlays on its feet depicting auspicious symbols.
• Chedis → stupas decorated with colorful tiles and intricate floral motifs.
• Buddha Galleries: corridors lined with hundreds of gilded Buddha statues.

How to Go:

Wat Pho is within walking distance from The Grand Palace and we visited it as part of the same tour. Entry is 300 Thai Baht (~$9). Like most temples in Thailand, modest dress is required.

3. Phang Nga Bay (Phuket)

Why Visit:

Phang Nga Bay is one of the most stunning places in southern Thailand and known for its emerald-green water, dramatic limestone cliffs, and hidden lagoons.

Highlights:

• Sea Kayaking: paddle through limestone caves and hidden lagoons.

How to Go:

We joined a day tour from Phuket that included sea kayaking and making our own Krathongs (small, decorated floats). It was a magical experience watching all the karthongs getting lit up at night as they float on the water!

4. Explore Thai Food

Why Visit:

Each region in Thailand has its own flavor: balanced curries in the center, herbal dishes in the north, spicy food in the northeast, and coconut-rich seafood in the south. Try dishes from different regions to experience Thailand’s full range of flavors.

Highlights:

• Khanom Buang → crispy pancakes, one of Thailand’s most beloved street desserts.
• Khao Kha Moo → pork leg stew on rice.
• Larb (Laap) → minced meat salad with lime, herbs, and chili.

How to Go:

We joined food tours in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Both were delicious, but the Chiang Mai one stood out — there were so much food we were completely stuffed! The tour also included a visit to the local market, where we tried crickets and silk worms. Crickets tasted better than I expected (like chips), but silk worms were a bit too squishy for me.

5. Doi Inthanon National Park (Chiang Mai)

Why Visit:

Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the country’s highest peak (2,565 m / 8415 ft) and some of northern Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls, viewpoints, and nature trails.

Highlights:

• King and Queen Pagodas: two striking chedis built to honor King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, surrounded by manicured gardens and mountain views.
• Mae Ya Waterfall → cascades down over 30 tiers, creating a curtain-like effect.

How to Go:

Doi Inthanon National Park is about 2 hours from Chiang Mai, so we booked a private day tour to explore at our own pace. Modest dress is expected for the pagoda area since it’s a religious site. The park entrance fee is 300 Thai Baht (~$9), plus 100 Thai Baht (~$3) for the pagodas.