Outdoor Activities
Adventurous
Sports
Beach/Islands
Culture
Eco-tourism
Golf
Adventurous
Sports
Thailand's diverse geography offers an impressive range
of activities. Northern Thailand's mountainous forests
are renowned for their spectacular waterfalls, lush green
scenery, caves, birds, and other wildlife. The exotic
elephant safaris and trekking with knowledgeable guides
to visit remote hilltribes have become very popular. The
Southern coastline is ideal for all aquatic fun, regardless
of your level of expertise. An abundance of national parks,
land and marine, scattered throughout the country provides
a variety for exploring Thailand's natural wilderness.
Some come to take advantage of the country's plentiful,
excellent golf courses, while others seek their thrills
in adventurous sports. Whatever your choice may be, there's
bound to be an activity tailored especially for you.
Those in need of adrenaline rush and want more out of
life, take your pick of any of these thrill-seeking activities
sure to be memorable. Whether you're a novice or expert,
the skilled staffs and facilities ensures safety is a
priority.
Cave Explorations
Because of Thailand's mountainous geography, particularly
in the North, West and South, an abundance of natural
caves are on hand for exploring. Some contain beautiful
limestone creations, while others house sacred Buddha
images. Though safe and vividly marked, most require a
guide. Don't be alarmed if you should encounter sleeping,
harmless bats.
Rock Climbing
This cliffhanging sport began in Krabi, with its scenic
location and many challenging routes, but is now available
at many sites throughout the country. The sport's popularity
has picked up dramatically over the past few years, with
the introduction of artificial wall climbing offered in
most metropolis and resort towns.
Whitewater Rafting
Take your pick of the leisurely bamboo rafting on tranquil
rivers in the North or the more exciting whitewater rafting
in sturdy inflatable rubber boats in strong currents and
rocky gorges. Umphang in Tak made whitewater rafting famous
among locals and has earned a world class rating. Nowadays,
many more places around the nation offer this thrilling
ride, with class ratings from 1-5.
In popular seaside resorts, a variety of water sports
are on offer, from parasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing
and motorboat/ jet ski rentals. Inflatable "banana
boat" rides have gained in popularity, where a maximum
of 5 sitting astride an elongated rubber tube attempt
to hold on as the motorboat tugging it sends it into a
number of swerves, eventually resulting in a wipe out.
Beach/Islands
Deep Sea Fishing
Anglers have a choice of excellent facilities for big
game fishing at Pattaya and Phuket, where it's almost
guaranteed you'll catch a sailfish at the latter destination
throughout the year.
Islands
Spectacular off-shore islands dot the azure waters of
Southern Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, providing
ample opportunities for frolicking in the sun or for perfecting
those tans.
Kayaking/ Sea Canoeing
Having gained much popularity in recent years, kayaking
is widely available at all seaside resort towns. It first
became known in Krabi and Phang Nga, being the most peaceful
way and only way to enjoy the strange karst islets, narrow
channels and mangrove forests.
Sailing
The international yachting fraternity love Thailand's
dramatic coastline and congregate once a year at Phuket
for the annual King's Cup Regatta. H.R.H. The King was
once an avid sailor and still shows interest for this
sport. Though sailing is possible from Hua Hin and Pattaya,
the best facilities and most scenic sights are in Phuket.
Charter a yacht, join a crew or even sail one of your
own, the choice is endless.
Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling
The Andaman Sea offers some of the world's most spectacular
coral reefs, ocean drop-offs, and submerged pinnacles.
With numerous wreck dive sites and islands also available
on the Gulf of Thailand side, diving is capable nearly
year-round. The crystal clear waters enables you to view
colorful sea fans and soft corals for up to 100 feet,
while the murky waters, full of nutrients, attracts larger
marine animals, with numerous sightings of the elusive
whale shark. The tropical, warm currents means suiting
up in bathing suits is quite adequate.
Culture
Learn about the different elements that comprises this
enchanting Kingdom. See what you cannot experience from
reading guidebooks and gain a deeper insight into the
unique and diverse lifestyles of the Thai people.
Cultural (BKK)
Experience the harmonious mixture of cultural diversity
that forms a large metropolis, enabling it to survive
as the capital of the Land of Smiles.
Cultural (North)
With their own history and influences, the 700 years plus
Lanna culture of the North have their own stories to tell.
Hilltribes
Most commonly found in remote areas of Mae Hong Son, Chiang
Rai, Chiang Mai, and Tak, each unique tribe has their
own unique culture and tradition. Their exotic distinction
manages to attracts and fascinates all, though they've
been around for numerous decades.
River Cruises
Take a boat ride among the labyrinth of canals and observe
the traditional lifestyle still in existence. Floating
markets, people giving alms to monks in boats, children
playing in the waters - all part of a normal life you've
only read or heard about.
Eco-tourism
To be in touch with nature and to help conserve it for
future generations, these types of activities were designed
for responsible nature lovers. Appreciate the beauty,
view its wonders, but keep it intact for others too.
Bicycle Tours
What a better way to fully appreciate the local lifestyle
than by pedaling through those narrow roads that tourist
buses can't penetrate? It is also a novel and good way
to enjoy the natural wilderness and historical ruins.
Elephant Safaris
Experience lurching through the forests atop a pachyderm
and learn to appreciate its mighty strength and agility,
able to wade across deep rivers. Most elephant camps that
offers treks are based in Chiang Mai, but elephant rides
are also offered at tourist destinations in most resort
towns.
Sea Cruises
Take a cruise and view the impressive scenery the Gulf
of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has to offer. Travel in
style and leisure.
Trekking
Thailand offers ideal terrain for hiking, from the limestone
forests of Krabi to the undulating mountains in the North,
where many hilltribe people live. Head over to any national
parks for nature-based trekking, teeming with wildlife,
waterfalls, and other natural attractions. Some treks
incorporate elephant safaris and other modes of transportation.
Walking Tour
Sometimes the best, and time-efficient ways to learn about
Thai culture is simply by walking around, either plainly
observing or immersing yourself with the people. Most
walking tours involves temples within the same vicinity.
And in Bangkok, sometimes walking is much faster than
cars.
Wildlife Viewing
Some of the rarest, tropical animals and birds can still
be found in the nation's national parks. The most common
trips are birdwatching, but even a simple walk in any
mountainous area will guarantee a sighting of at least
some common animals found in Thailand: gibbons and monkeys.
Golf
The nation's passion for golf has never waned. The excellent
golf courses scattered around the nation, with diverse
scenic backdrops, have hosted numerous international competitions.
Though many clubs are exclusive, numerous golfing holidays
are commonly available throughout the year at popular
golfing destinations. More
information
Content
by Tourism Authority of Thailand
