Thailand Adventure Bucket List

The land of smiles. The land of ancient temples, stunning beaches, and amazing food. The land of adventures! We were lucky enough to take our three daughters (age 9, 7, and 3) on a backpacking trip across this incredible country for several memorable weeks. It remains one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have put together my 30 favorite adventures to inspire your trip to this diverse and breathtaking country. 

1. Spend Time with Elephants

There are several fantastic and ethical companies to spend the day enjoying and caring for elephants. We visited Baan Chang Elephant Sanctuary https://baanchangelephantsanctuary.com and loved our experience there! The staff was so knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable, even when our 3-year-old tried to take home a baby elephant. Asian elephants are the largest land mammal on the continent- they are social and intelligent with a long memory. As big and powerful as they are, the elephants are gentle and seem to enjoy the attention of being washed and played with. As far as animal encounters go, this was my all time favorite!

2. Attend the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festivals

Yi Peng is celebrated by releasing floating lanterns, called khom loi, into the sky as a symbol of letting go of the past. Loy Krathong is intended to honor water spirits by floating boats made of banana trees and candles down the river. Both traditions happen around the same time of year- the first full moon of November- and are usually celebrated near a body of water, such as the Ping River in Chiang Mai. Both customs include making a wish, repenting, and/or honoring the Buddha and your ancestors. Offering gratitude with the community of Thai people was unforgettable. We were so lucky to have befriended some locals that guided us in the process of making and releasing our own krathongs, and sharing the importance of the custom. We lit our candles on the boat and released them down the river with our thanks and a wish. Then, our friends took us to the city center where they showed us how to light and release our lanterns with the thousands of other people. It felt surreal to watch our lanterns float up with our wishes, all the way until they disappeared from view. What a beautiful and significant experience we were honored to be a part of.

3. Stay in a Treehouse

We loved our stay at Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort chaingmaitreehouse.com. The treehouses are each unique and offer stunning architectural designs high up in the trees. The food on site was magnificent, and I appreciated that they catered to our kids’ western taste buds so they could fill their bellies. It was serene hiking and swinging around during the day, and listening to the wildlife all around us at night.

4. Go Island hopping

The southern region of Thailand is stunning, with turquoise waters surrounding hundreds of tropical islands. We flew to Krabi, and then took a ferry to Ko Yao, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. All were unique and wonderful, offering everything from quiet secluded beaches to bustling towns. We stayed in both bungalows and more modern hotels on the islands and both were great options. We showed up to Krabi with zero plan or reservation and it was incredibly easy to hop on a ferry and find a place to stay for the night. Not having a plan gave us the flexibility to chase the islands with the current best weather and leave when we got tired of a location. 

5. Get a blessing from a Buddhist Monk

We were lucky enough to interact with a Buddhist monk, and he gave us a lovely blessing in Thai. Although we couldn’t understand his words, you could feel the spirit of his kindness in his tone and body language. He specifically reached his hands towards Julie in prayer and said a few last things before he walked away. A local sitting near us said “he offered her prosperity and protections from harm,” which I thought was so fitting since she is the most accident prone of all of my children to date.

6. Take a Tuk Tuk

If you dare!! These adorable rickety vehicles have three wheels and provide a cheap way to travel short distances. The drivers are absolute maniacs, although we did feel safe enough to journey this way several times. Just make sure you arrange a price to your destination before setting out. 

7. Get a tattoo

This is a special blessing performed by a monk known as sak yant. There are a few places to get them, like at Wat San Makieng in Doi Saket. I had planned on doing this while in Thailand but at the last minute I chickened out. I regret that streak of fear, so please do it if you go!

8. Swim through the Emerald Cave to find the deserted beaches of Koh Muk

Have you ever been suddenly in a position that you think: “Well, I’ll either live through this…. or my guide is sacrificing my entire family to a scary ocean creature.” No? Just me? This is how I felt on our “swim” through Emerald Cave. Firstly, because the opening to the cave is just a small depression in the rock, barely noticeable unless you are with a guide. And secondly, said guides don’t really speak English and maybe there was a translation error back at the docks where we found him. You never know. So, after donning life jackets, we jumped into the warm waters, our heads barely clearing the ceiling of the opening as we entered into a pitch black tunnel. The tunnel opened up and snaked around, but we could only see where the guide and his iPhone flashlight in a plastic baggie would allow us to see- which was not enough. The water was black and inky and I had two kids clinging onto me in their own life jackets. Lily, who was leached onto my back started chanting in a high-pitched whisper “this is fine, this is okay, this is going to be okay.” And that’s when said guides iPhone flashlight turned off, plunging us into nothingness! But alas, the other guide had a flashlight as well, and after a few more minutes of doggy paddling through the rock formations, we started to see light. We emerged onto the most glorious and secluded cove I have ever seen. The clear waters and white sand were surrounded by a cone of sheer cliffs reaching hundreds of feet high on all sides. Lucious tropical plants and vines hung from every available space from the blue sky down to the beach, and a Komodo dragon flicked his tongue at us before he hurried off on his hunting. It was truly magical and I am so glad we didn’t get sacrificed to the sea after all.

9. Take a Cooking Class

We were excited to participate in a cooking class while in Thailand, geared towards kids. The flavors and aromas of the Thai cuisine are unmatched, especially freshly prepared and enjoyed with new friends. 

10. Visit Buddhist Temples

Chiang Mai Old City has over 300 temples! Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Umong are amazing to visit. Wat Chedi Luang is in the heart of the city and offers the opportunity to speak with a monk. In Bangkok, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most sacred places in the country and a must visit. Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn is glorious, and Wat Pho was the first public university. Remember proper etiquette when visiting Temples; cover your shoulders, remove your shoes, do not touch the statues or Monks, bow your head to them and don’t turn your back on them. Keep quiet and be respectful.

11. Cruise the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Taking a river cruise offers a unique perspective of the city and skyline. We met some adorable Japanese tourists on our cruise that were so in awe of my daughters and their curls. I think they took more pictures of Clara than they did of the scenery! For an added bonus, take a sunset cruise so you can also see the lights twinkling on the Temples at night. 

12. Learn about Thai Buddhism

Buddhism is a philosophy, or way of life. The core values include meditation, leading a moral life, being mindful and aware of your thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom and understanding to achieve happiness (Nirvana). Buddha, or “the awakened one” was born around 563 BCE. He was a wandering religious teacher that founded Buddhism in ancient India. Thai Buddhism follows closely to the oldest Buddhist scripture, making it slightly different than Buddhism in other parts of the world. It can be very impactful to observe and learn about religions throughout the world, for children and adults. Take some time to slow down and immerse in some cultural ceremony while you are traveling. 

13. Check Out the Monkeys

The islands can be bursting with monkeys in the jungle regions, primarily long-tailed macaques. They are curious, playful, and can be very aggressive. Unfortunately, they have developed a taste for Thai beer, and they will not be afraid to jump on your motorbike and steal your helmet while you are enjoying the beach! Laugh, but stay away.

14. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

The underwater world is vast and bursting with sea life in Thailand! Sharks, colorful fish, eels, squid, turtles and rays dot the reefs and corals. No matter your skill level, you will find endless locations around the islands to get in touch with your inner mermaid. Hire a guide and get off the island to the outlying reefs for the best experiences.

15. Walk up to Doi Suthep

Every year in May thousands of people make a pilgrimage all the way up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. This is a challenging hike to a sacred temple through tranquil scenery. The pilgrimage is considered a spiritual challenge and can be undertaken any time of the year if you want to avoid the crowds.  

16. Visit the Floating Markets

Beware of the market you pick and how you get there, as many can be a tourist trap! Damnoen Saduak is the most popular and runs every day. We visited Amphawa Floating Market and it was smaller but bursting with everything we could imagine; textiles, exotic fruits, fish, sizzling meat skewers and loud hawkers. 

17. Explore the Islands by Scooter

Is it safe? Not really. Is it FUN? Absolutely! The freedom of having your own wheels to discover secluded gems is worth the fear of getting flattened to road kill, I promise. That said, some islands are much, much quieter than others and therefore much safer, especially with kiddos on the bike. More populated islands with more congested traffic will obviously be a bigger risk. We never really felt unsafe, and we got to spend the days at our own pace. So worth it.

18. Give Alms

Giving alms, or food, to Buddhist monks is an act of contributing to the monastic community and offering thanks for their teachings and guidance. Monks rely on their community for sustenance and anyone can contribute on their morning route. We woke up early one morning to give alms to a nearby temple and it was so worth it. At 6:30 am the monks came wandering down the street as we kneeled and offered our alms, which we placed in their brass bowl. It was a nice way to feel like a part of the community bonding, connect on a spiritual level, and contribute where we could.

19. Ride a Longtail Boat

Longtail boats can be a tourist trap, or they can be a common mode of transportation. We took a longtail boat with a group of commuting locals from one island to another, and it was fun to observe people on their “daily drive” to work. You can also take these boats on tours, on the way to beaches, or at floating markets. Any way you go, don’t miss the chance to ride on this quintessential part of Thai life.

20. Street Market and Lumpini Park in Bangkok

Lumpini Park is like Central Park- Thai style- and the local markets surrounding it are a great place to barter for souvenirs. After you have had your fill of street food sold from steaming carts and fresh smoothies, head over to the epic green space in the heart of the city for some tranquility. There is much to explore, from locals doing Thai Chi or running, to winding paths filled with wildlife. The artificial lake offers a cool place to relax and get a break from the bustling capitol city, and bonus if you take a swan boat ride while there as well! 

21. Eat Exotic Fruit

My kids were absolutely fascinated by the full spectrum of colorful and exotic fruits when we went to the markets. Every time they saw something new to try their eyes would light up- and sometimes the flavor was a disappointment! Red Spiky Rambutan with its citrusy flavor and the pungent Durian which they hated. Coconuts for the water inside and Dragon Fruit for the mild and creamy flesh. It was super fun to have something cut right in the market to enjoy while wandering.

22. See a Muay Thai Boxing Match

Although we did not get to catch a match I think it’s one of those thing that would be fun to see! Thai boxing is a martial art from ancient warfare used for fitness as well as self defense. Any high-level competition is fun to see up close, so why not?

23. Get a Thai Massage

I still dream about these. We had at least 8 massages while in Thailand, all ridiculously cheap and each one epic. In comparison with western massage, the patron lays on the floor on a mat, and it’s typical for the masseuse to walk on your back. They also put more emphasis on pressure points and deep tissue, which I prefer. Absolutely add this to your list- more than once!

24. Lay on the Beach

It seems obvious, but with all of the adventurous activities to do in Thailand, it can be hard to just chill. There are thousands of beaches, each one as glorious as the last. Fluffy white sand set in a tropical paradise, tranquil blue waters dotted with massive craggy rock formations. The weather is perfect and the sea is warm, so find a happy place and just soak it in. 

25. Go Backpacking

I am pretty proud of my kids for completing their second backpacking trip in two years. It can get old to carry around your own stuff all the time, packing and re-packing, especially in hot sticky weather. These girls rose to the challenge without complaint, and their ability to be tough and independent gave us the flexibility to travel lightly, take any mode of transportation we wanted, and change accommodations easily without dragging big suitcases. Some destinations and trips do not call for a backpack, especially if you are staying in one single accommodation, but I think for this country backpacking is the way to go. Try it!

26. Lounge in a hammock

Not to be redundant, but take the time to do it. Its very common to find hammocks strung up at your accommodations, especially right outside of your room, and in random trees by the beach. Take advantage of the opportunity to read a book or have a nap while you listen to the sounds of birds chirping and monkeys calling to their friends. Paradise. 

27. Visit the Grand Palace

The home of Thai kings in the heart of Bangkok, this expansive complex is made up of many eclectic buildings and Temples. Take a tour to learn about the history and culture of the Thai people, as it will give you a better perspective in your travels. 

28. Climb around on the Sticky Waterfall

This waterfall is unique because you can climb around on it without slipping due to the mineral deposits on the smooth rocks. It’s on the way to the treehouses listed above and makes a good spot to stretch your legs on the long ride.

29. Visit Sukhothai Historical Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves ancient ruins of the city of Sukhothai. A once thriving and independent Thai Kingdom, the city was the center of politics and religion until the 15th century. 

30. Attend a Full Moon Party

Unfortunately, we were not on a “full moon party” type of trip, so we did not partake this time. However, if you are in the right place at the right time I envy the adventure you will have! The all night beach party held on the night of the full moon boasts DJ’s, fire dancers, entertainment, glow sticks, and lots of alcoholic beverages. Sounds great!

Thailand is an impressive country with so much to offer. The Thai culture is soothing in its gentle, humble demeanor and the importance of family and community. The influences from Buddhism and respect for nature contribute to the feeling of contentment and happiness. Visitors come for the pristine beaches or lush jungles, but become ensnared by the people and the Sanuk- the concept of enjoying life. This is the land of kindness, without expecting anything in return. This is the land of smiles.