6 Adventurous Things To Do in Thailand
Thailand quickly became one of my favorite countries in the world when Imoved to Bangkok to teach Englishin 2014. After many, many months of exploring the entire country, I was able to compile a list of the 6 most adventurous things to do in Thailand.
The Most Adventurous Things To Do In Thailand
There is so much excitement to find in Thailand whether you’re exploring the beaches of Krabi or riding through the hills in the north, but these were the best adventures of them all.
If you’re up for excitement, be sure to add these adventures to your Thailand bucket list.
1. Motorbike to Erawan Waterfall National Park from Kanchanaburi
While living in Thailand, one of my favorite adventures was biking to Erawan National Park. Erawan National Park is located near Kanchanaburi, Thailand and it was my favorite place to go to escape the big city of Bangkok.
Located just 2.5 hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Erawan National Park are the perfect adventurous trips to add to your Thailand itinerary.
What is so special about Erawan National Park?
Erawan National Park is home to some of the most gorgeous waterfalls on the planet. There are seven tiers of waterfalls to explore in this park and each one is unique. Hike to each waterfall and discover the Thai jungle in all of its glory.
The first waterfall radiates the most beautiful color that glistens in the sun. The water rushes over boulders into the fish infested waters below. Each waterfall is a magnificent aquamarine and is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
The best part? You can swim in the waterfalls and pools. Bring your bathing suit and enjoy a dip in the water to cool yourself down from the hot Thai sun.
How to get to Erawan National Park from Kanchanaburi
There are several different ways to reach Erawan National Park, but my favorite is via motorbike. Rent a motorbike on walking street in downtown Kanchanaburi. It will cost approximately $5 for the entire day.
Once you’ve rented your motorbike, hop on the main road (3199) all the way to the park entrance. The bike ride should take you approximately an hour and a half. During your ride out to Erawan, you’ll experience the true Thai countryside, which is something you’ll never forget.
Note:If you’re apprehensive about hiring a motorbike, just know that the road up to Erawan is straight and flat.
Some of the other adventurous things to do in Thailand that are mentioned on this list also require motorbike hire, so this is a great place to practice driving.Always wear a helmet!
2. Watch The Sunrise At Phu Chi Fa
Throughout my time in Thailand, I watched the sunrise and sunset in many different exotic locations. All of these experiences were indescribable and magical.
But watching the sunrise in one specific location blew the other destinations out of the water.
One of the most adventurous and peaceful things you can do in Thailand is watch the sunrise over the Mekong River at Phu Chi Fa. Phu Chi Fa is one of the best hidden gems in all of Thailand.
Dense fog will fill the sky before the sun makes its grand entrance; it feels like you’re sitting among the clouds. The sunlight warms the villages that are nestled in the Mekong Valley and the fog eventually evaporates. This is a breathtaking experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Thailand.
How to get to Phu Chi Fa
Phu Chi Fa is located in northern Thailand along the border of Laos. The closest city to Phu Chi Fa is Chiang Rai, which you can reach by plane, train, bus, or van from Bangkok(or many other locations in Thailand).
Once in Chiang Rai, you’ll need to rent a motorbike or hire a taxi. By far the cheapest way to reach Phu Chi Fa is by motorbike, but I don’t suggest driving one if you don’t have experience.
For even more about Phu Chi Fa, check out our blog post:How to Explore Phu Chi Fa for Sunrise.
3. Take a Weekend Camping Trip to a National Park
Thailand is known as the land of smiles, but when I think of Thailand, I immediately think of ELEPHANTS! Thailand is where elephants roam free and its one of the best places in the world to see them in their natural habitats.
With this in mind, I highly recommend planning a camping trip to a national park during your time in Thailand. This is one of the most adventurous things to do in Thailand because you’ll be hiking, exploring waterfalls, and possibly seeing WILD ELEPHANTS!
Which national park should I choose?
Our absolutely favorite place to camp in Thailand was Khao Yai National Park, located just two hours from Bangkok. The easiest and cheapest way to get to Khao Yai National Park is by bus, but many vans also take frequent trips up to Khao Yai, too.
What about camping gear?
You might be thinking, “but I didn’t pack camping gear.” Good point. I wouldn’t expect most people to pack camping gear for a trip to Thailand.
The best part about camping at Khao Yai(and many other national parks in Thailand)is you can rent camping gear from the park rangers. The cost is cheap, the gear is decent, and you won’t have to pack a tent, sleeping bag or sleeping mat.
Can I really see wild elephants?
Okay, maybe you aren’t as excited about this as I was, but I’m telling you, seeing elephants in the wild is one of the coolest things ever. And in Khao Yai National Park, it’s absolutely possible.
If you intend to find wild elephants, I recommend going on several hikes during your trip. There are plenty of nature walks in this national park. I also recommend driving around at night because many elephants are spotted walking down the roads of Khao Yai National Park in the evening.
4. Complete The Mae Hong Son Loop
重新骑上摩托车,道路没有rthern Thailand. Biking the Mae Hong Son Loop is one of the most adventurous things to do in all of Thailand and it’s the best way to experience the majestic northern mountains.
The Mae Hong Song Loop is approximately 600km and takes about 3-4 days to complete. You’ll discover several different areas of northern Thailand including two different provinces: Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai.
Where to rent a motorbike
Start your journey in the largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is an excellent place to rent a motorbike for your adventurous trip through northeastern Thailand.
Renting a motorbike shouldn’t cost more than $5 per day, but be prepared to hand over your passport, a copy of your passport, or a large sum of money as collateral; this is common practice in Thailand to ensure that they get their bike back in one piece.
Note:If you’re uncomfortable or inexperienced on a motorbike, I don’t suggest riding the Mae Hong Son Loop. There are so many twists and turns during this journey and it could be dangerous if you’re not an experienced rider.
If you decide not to rent a motorbike, you can still explore the Mae Hong Son Loop by bus.
The Mae Hong Son route
There are several different routes you can take when riding the Mae Hong Son Loop, some longer than others. With each route, you’ll be making your way northeast from Chiang Mai to the must-see village of Pai.
From Pai, the journey will take you through the Mae Hong Son province, but the remainder of your route will depend on what you’re most interested in. Spend some time researching all of the different ways you can explore the Mae Hong Son route and choose which route will be best for you.
5. Get Scuba Certified In Ko Tao
It’s no secret that Ko Tao, Thailand is one of the best places in the entire world to earn your scuba certification. With a massive amount of quality dive schools and cheap prices, it’s no wonder that tourists flock here to get their PADI certification.
So, if you want to experience some adventurous activities while traveling in Thailand, consider getting dive certified in Ko Tao. You’ll be able to explore the beautiful coral reefs of the Gulf of Thailand and, with the PADI certificate that you earn here, you’ll have the ability to scuba dive all around the world.
Which scuba school should I get my certification from?
There are so many different dive schools to choose from on Ko Tao that it can be confusing and overwhelming.
Some dive schools cater to larger groups and they typically have cheaper prices to get certified. Keep in mind, you won’t have the one-on-one attention like you would in a smaller group.
If you want the one-on-one help and to get certified in a smaller group, consider going through a dive school that caters to small groups.
Regardless, you’ll want to find a quality school that has a good reputation among divers. With a little research online, you’ll be able to find the perfect school to meet your needs.
6. Climb Ghost Tower in Bangkok for Sunset
Before I get too far into this, let me just state that it is technically illegal to climb Bangkok’s Ghost Tower. I’ve also heard that in recent years, bribing the security guards has gotten more and more difficult or nearly impossible.
Attempt this at your own risk.
Climbing Ghost Tower in Bangkok was one of the most adventurous things I did while living in Thailand. Watching the sun dip below the Chao Praya River with Bangkok’s spectacular skyline surrounding me was miraculous.
What is Bangkok’s Ghost Tower?
You might be wondering, what is the Ghost Tower in Bangkok? Why such a creepy name?
Don’t worry, I was pretty freaked out before I went, too.
Bangkok’s Ghost Tower, also known as Sathorn Unique Tower, has a dark history. Before funds dried up, this tower was being built as a condo complex. When they stopped building the tower, it was nearly finished, but now it remains vacant and hollow.
The abandoned tower soon attracted tourists and curious locals. Climbing the 47 stories to the top of the tower presents one of the most incredible views of Bangkok.
It quickly got the name “Ghost Tower” because of a tourist who took his own life on the 43rd floor. Legend says that his spirit still haunts the tower and anyone who climbs to the top.
Why visit?
As I said, the view from the top of Ghost Tower is immaculate. You won’t find a better view of Bangkok than at the top of this abandoned building.
How to visit Bangkok’s Ghost Tower
I climbed to the top of Ghost Tower several times back in 2015. Even then, it was difficult to bribe the security guards to let us go to the top. It took a significant amount of baht for them to agree.
Since I haven’t attempted to climb Ghost Tower in several years, I can’t necessarily speak about how difficult it is to enter. My best advice is to bring a lot of cash with you and have afew Thai phrasesunder your belt. I’ve heard the best time to try is around 5pm, but don’t be upset if you are turned away.
I wanted to include this on the list of most adventurous things to do in Thailand because it will absolutely be a challenge to get to the top in every way.
If you do have success and you reach the top, comment below and let us know how you did it. Inquiring and adventurous minds would love to know.
The Wrap-Up: 6 Adventurous Things To Do In Thailand
Thailand is a very diverse country and offers a variety of different activities to visitors. If you’re looking for epic adventures, be sure to add these 6 incredible and adventurous activities to your list of things to do in Thailand.
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