Leisure activities in Thailand
Thailand offers a variety of incredible landscapes and cultural festivities, as well as lots of activities you can do in your leisure time. From soaking up the sun on an island to trekking through the jungle to hill tribe villages, there are plenty of ways to spend a weekend. During the week, you can unwind after work in countless restaurants or bars, or learn a new skill, such as Muay Thai or Thai massage. There are indeed so many possibilities.
Water-based activities in Thailand
Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, and the sandy stretches in the south are the perfect place to take a break from city life. Popular islands in the east are Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phang Ngan, while the west boasts gems such as Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. If you enjoy scuba diving, swimming, free diving and snorkelling, head down to the islands and marvel at the marine life. The colourful coral and visibility will blow you away. Water skiing, white water rafting and sailing are other aquatic favourites that you may also wish to try while you are in your swimsuit.
Land-based activities in Thailand
From rock climbing in Railay Beach in Krabi to practising Muay Thai in Phuket, there are countless land-based activities that will keep you fit (and dry). If you like hiking, then the north of Thailand is a paradise with treks through the jungle that will take you to hill tribe villages where you can spend the night.
If you are more of a night owl, then there is no shortage of things to do after the sun goes down in Thailand. From full moon, black moon and half-moon parties on the islands, to the raunchier clubs in Pattaya, or the sophisticated rooftop bars and fine dining restaurants in Bangkok, there is something that will appeal to everyone.
Culture and heritage in Thailand
Thailand boasts five UNESCO world heritage sites - Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Historic City of Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries - as well as countless remarkable temples, statues and buildings. Its historical and cultural legacy can be admired at almost every turn, and you don't have to travel far to stumble upon a sacred artefact or ancient archaeological remains.
Festivals in Thailand
Certain events in Thailand are an experience in themselves. Songkran, which is the Thai New Year, is particularly exuberant and the celebrations take place for around three days to one week every April. As a way of welcoming the start of a new astrological passage, locals and with expats douse each other in water almost continually for the period. If you venture out onto the streets, you can expect to be sprayed endlessly with water guns or to have buckets of water thrown over you -- the only way to avoid being permanently wet during this time is to stay at home. Otherwise, embrace the festivities and have fun!
Loi Krathong festival is another breathtaking affair that usually takes place in November. Candles are floated downriver on baskets made of banana leaves and wood. In Chiang Mai, the locals add their own twist to the celebrations by releasing thousands of paper lanterns into the air. This is known as Yi Peng Floating Lantern Festival and is a magical sight to behold.
Yee Peng Festival in Chiang Mai is also one of the most visited by tourists. It is celebrated every full moon of the twelfth lunar month of the year, usually every mid-way through November. Brightly lit lanterns rising in the skies make the locals believe that they let go of all the ills and misfortunes of the previous year. Lighting, wishing, and setting off the lantern is also a belief of the locals that your wish will come true with the condition that you'll do good deeds the whole year.
Thai cuisine
Thailand doesn't need much introduction for its food. It is all popular anywhere in the world with the profusion of exotic flavours and fragrances, which makes it seemingly irresistible. Most dishes include freshwater seafood such as fish, river prawns, shrimps, and crabs. Regarding the ingredients, coconut milk and palm sugar are the most popular. Some of the most iconic and must-try Thai foods are pad thai, tom yum, som tam, ba mee nam, and pork satay.
Shopping in Thailand
Shopping in Thailand is one of the best leisure activities. From trinkets to shoes, to dresses, to pets, name all, Thailand has got it all for you. The street markets, night markets, train markets, and malls have a lot to offer, making your shopping experience worth the while. The best places to go shopping include MBK, Central World, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon, Pratunam or the Platinum Mall, and Chatuchak Market.
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