Thailand is a small country with a colorful reputation. It has been the home of coups, history, and tourism for more than a century. In recent years, it has become the luxury cheap backpacking destination of the world. Being cheap isn’t the only draw for Thailand. It has large jungles, mountains, beaches, and coral reefs to explore; all huge draws for people to go on thailand tours. Here are the top 20 items on my Thailand Bucket List.
Spend a week relaxing in luxury
With 1 US dollar being worth 33 Thai Baht, money is on my side. It is not uncommon for a hostel to cost a couple of bucks a night. Even better is that it is possible to rent luxury homes in Thailand for less than $75.00 a night.
Get lost in the floating market
Bangkok has long been known as the Venice of the East. The city has a network of canals. The canals became the street markets. While the markets have been taken over as a tourist attraction, they are still home to many of the most exotic Thai dining experiences.
Eat Bugs in a Thai Street Market
Insect delicacy abound in Thailand. Every year millions (if not billions) of bugs are eaten in Thailand. Many are sold to tourists looking for a culinary adventure. I want to try them with traditional Thai dishes as well as the deep fried versions sold in the floating markets. I want to try grasshoppers, giant water bugs, giant crickets, silk worms, bamboo works, and regular sized crickets.
Explore the city of Ayutthaya
The historic city of Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire ancient city is now a historical park. The city is full of intricate Buddhist temples such as Wat Mahathat. The site is home to head of Buddha that a tree has grown around. These temples are excellent examples of Thai art.
Hike to waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park
A national park junkie like myself would never be able to avoid the Khao Yai National Park. A 3-hour drive from Bangkok the park is home to rainforests and grasslands. It is an excellent place to see much of native Thai wildlife such as the Asian elephants, bears, otters. Tigers haven’t been seen in the park in several years but there is a possibility they would enter the park.
Tour the Grand Palace in Bangkok
I want to explore the official ceremonial resident of the Kings of Thailand. Until 1925, the palace was lived in by the King of Thailand. This palace was built in 1782. The entire places is splendidly decorated in ways the European places can’t even compete. I want to walk thru the history of Siam and now Thailand. I want to see the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Launch a Lantern at Yi Peng Festival
I want to visit Thailand during the 12th month of the lunar calendar. The Yi Peng festival is held then every year. This festival is held in northern Thailand. I want to be part of the crowd that launches the sky lanterns into the air. Hopefully, they don’t shut down this festival due to the hazard the lanterns pose to aircraft.
Drive a Tuk Tuk thru Bangkok
Tuk Tuk, auto rickshaw, Bajaj, Bemo. They have many names but the small motorized vehicle used by millions to travel around many parts of the world. In Thailand, they are called Tuk Tuks. I want to drive one around the city of Bangkok. These three-wheeled small cars make maneuvering around a crowded city easier than a large car would. I want to drive one and try my luck and a self-driving tour of Bangkok.
Get a Sak Yant
I want to get a traditional tattoo while in Thailand. Traditionally, these tattoos are done by a Buddhist monk who reads one’s aura and decides where and what to tattoo. I am not sure I would let him tattoo anywhere but I would love to get one of the ancient geometric designs on my body. The tattoos have Buddhist prayers mixed into the design.
SCUBA dive the Similan Islands
A phi phi island tour that lets me go SCUBA diving. I might be in heaven. The Similans are a chain of 9 islands that offers over 25 different dive sites. The islands are a perfect location to do a live aboard dive trip. I would love to do a 5-7 day trip around the islands and just diving. It would be amazing to explore and experience, especially from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands. The only problem is getting from island to island so you can explore and experience them all, luckily there are ferry services out there like the Lomprayah ferries that can help you to get to the different islands
Hike the Pai’s Canyons
726 winding curves from Chaing Mai is a geological wonder. The Pai Canyon offers several hikes and 360 panorama views. I would love to spend a day and watch the sunrise and sunset from the canyon rim. I want to visit the Pembok Waterfall while hiking in the Canyon.
Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Muay Thai is Thai boxing. It allows practitioners to use fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Muay Thai is practiced throughout Thailand. It is possible to take a lesson from a Thai master, but I want to watch an actual fight while visiting Thailand.
Do a Kayaking and Hiking trip in Khao Sok National Park
Khoa Sok National Park is a large national park with some of the last remaining areas of virgin forest in the world. The Rain forest is home to more plants and animal species than the Amazon rain forest. I would love to hike thru the forest and enjoy these ancient forests. I would also like to go kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake by Ratchaprapha Dam.