If you’re seeking a holiday destination that combines awe-inspiring scenery, fascinating culture, tantalising cuisine and plenty of outdoor adventure, look no further than Thailand. With something to suit every traveller, a holiday in the Land of Smiles could see you indulging in a beachside massage with a cocktail in hand one day and climbing towering limestone cliffs the next.

To help get your holiday planning started, here are 12 epic experiences to add to your Thailand bucket list.

Sample street food at the night markets

Visiting a night market is a must on any Thailand holiday. Found in almost every city, night markets are a great place to listen to live music, shop for souvenirs and of course, sample delicious Thai street food. Some local dishes to try include pad Thai, satay meat skewers and sticky rice with mango. When looking for a food stall, follow the crowds – the Thai locals always know the best places to eat!

Indulge in a traditional Thai massage

What’s a Thailand holiday without a little R&R? Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage, a full-body treatment that uses a mixture of deep tissue pressure, muscle and joint stretching, and gentle adjustments of the body into yoga-like poses. While perhaps a little more intense than your regular spa treatment, a Thai massage will leave you feeling invigorated and balanced. Plus, the prices are so cheap in Thailand that you may find yourself indulging in a massage every day of your holiday!

Explore the beaches of Phuket

If you’re visiting Thailand for its beaches, base your stay in Phuket. As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket is fringed by over 30 sun-soaked, golden stretches of sand. You may have heard of the island’s more popular beaches, like Patong and Kata, which offer water sports, massage treatments and plenty of restaurants and bars serving up beachside food and drinks. For somewhere a little quieter, consider Kamala, Freedom or Nai Harn Beach.

Get cultured at a Buddhist temple

Enjoy a glimpse into Thailand’s spiritual side by visiting one of the country’s many Buddhist temples. While there are over 40,000 temples scattered throughout Thailand, some of the most popular include Wat Pho in Bangkok, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Wat Chalong in Phuket and the Big Buddha Temple in Koh Samui. When exploring Thailand’s temples, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees, and always be respectful of the local worshippers.

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

Getting up close with elephants (in an ethical way) should be on every traveller’s Thailand bucket list. Leading the way when it comes to the ethical treatment and rehabilitation of retired and rescued elephants is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Here, you can observe a herd of freely roaming elephants from a treetop observation deck as they splash about in freshwater lagoons and mud pools. Some other ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand include Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and Samui Elephant Sanctuary in Koh Samui.

Cruise Phang Nga Bay

Considered one of the most scenic spots in the country, Phang Nga Bay should be on every Thailand bucket list. A popular day trip destination from Phuket and Krabi, Phang Nga Bay is revered for its dramatic limestone karsts, hidden beaches and postcard-perfect viewpoints. However, Phang Nga Bay’s most famous landmark is James Bond Island, which you may recognise from the 70s spy film, The Man with the Golden Gun.

Go rock climbing in Railay

Did you know that southern Thailand is one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world? In particular, the limestone cliffs of Railay Beach in Krabi are the perfect playground for avid climbers and boulderers. However, you don’t need to be a pro to give this thrilling sport a go. Several climbing schools operate in Krabi, offering courses for both beginners and experienced climbers alike. Plus, the views of Railay Beach when rock climbing are nothing short of phenomenal!

Chase hidden waterfalls

While it may be what draws visitors from across the globe there’s more to Thailand than just beaches and islands. Thailand’s interior is covered in thick, emerald jungle home to dozens of hidden waterfalls just waiting to be explored. Some of these are on the tourist trail, while others are well off the beaten track. If you want to chase waterfalls on your Thailand holiday, we recommend Bang Pae Waterfall in Phuket, the Na Muang Waterfalls in Koh Samui and Mae Ya Waterfall in Chiang Mai.

Hop between the Phi Phi Islands

No Thailand holiday is complete without a little island hopping, and there’s no better place to do so than the Phi Phi Islands. Positioned in the Andaman Sea near Phuket and Krabi, this staggeringly beautiful archipelago is known for its bright turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs and idyllic white sand beaches. The Phi Phi Islands are also where you’ll find the iconic Maya Bay, made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film, The Beach.

Wander the opulent Grand Palace

Perhaps the country’s most famous attraction, a visit to Bangkok’s Grand Palace is a must on any Thailand bucket list. First built in 1782, this sprawling complex was home to the Thai King, the Royal Court and the administrative seat of government for over 150 years. Spanning over 214,000 square metres, the Grand Palace has plenty of intricately designed buildings to explore, but don’t miss the chance to marvel at the Emerald Buddha, considered the most sacred in all of Thailand.

Snorkel or scuba dive amongst technicolour reefs

Boasting crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life, it’s no surprise that Thailand offers some of the best snorkelling spots on the planet. Depending on where you’re holidaying, you may be lucky enough to spot creatures like manta rays, whale sharks and turtles. If you want to take your underwater adventure to the next level, Thailand is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive. To gain your PADI or SSI dive certification, head to the islands of Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.

Experience buzzing nightlife

While there are endless activities to keep you occupied throughout the day, Thailand truly comes alive after dark. Keen partygoers will love nightlife hotspots like Bangla Road in Phuket and Khao San Road in Bangkok, both of which are lined with neon-lit bars, international-standard nightclubs and live music venues. Meanwhile, Koh Phangan is famous for the Full Moon Party, where the sandy cove of Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan transforms into an open-air nightclub every month on the full moon.

Escape to the Land of Smiles with My Thailand

If one thing is for sure, it’s that there are so many ways to feel good in amazing Thailand. Tick these epic experiences off your bucket list with our exclusive Thailand holidays, perfectly packaged with bonus extras you won’t find anywhere else.

Explore our Thailand holiday packages here.