Things to Do in Thailand

Thailand earns its reputation: temples and street food in the north, limestone islands in the south, and an ease of travel that makes it many people’s first trip in Asia. The north, where our programs are based, is the cooler, greener, more relaxed half of the country.

Chiang Mai is a walled old city of 300 temples surrounded by mountains, with a food scene that rivals Bangkok’s at a fraction of the cost — and it is a two-hour flight from the southern beaches.

The best things to do in Thailand

1. Chiang Mai old city

Three hundred temples inside a square moat. Wat Chedi Luang’s ruined pagoda and Wat Phra Singh are the standouts, and Doi Suthep on the mountain above the city is the one to time for sunset. The Sunday Walking Street market takes over the old town every week.

2. Ethical elephant sanctuaries

Northern Thailand is where elephant tourism has been reformed. Choose genuine sanctuaries — observation, feeding and river bathing, with no riding, no bullhooks and no performances. Our team can point you to the projects that meet those standards.

3. Pai

A mountain town three hours north through 762 hairpin bends, and a rite of passage. Hot springs, waterfalls, a canyon at sunset and a night market on one long street. Two nights is about right.

4. Chiang Rai

Home to the extraordinary White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a contemporary artist’s vision of Buddhist cosmology in mirrored white, plus the Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong.

5. Bangkok

Worth several days on the way in or out. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha, Wat Arun across the river at dusk, Chatuchak weekend market, and the best street food in the world in Chinatown.

6. The southern islands

Krabi and Railay for limestone cliffs and climbing, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta for the Andaman, Koh Samui and Koh Tao on the gulf side — Koh Tao being one of the cheapest places anywhere to learn to dive. A short domestic flight from Chiang Mai.

When to visit Thailand

November to February is the cool, dry season and the best time in the north — comfortable days and genuinely cool evenings in Chiang Mai. March and April are hot, and the northern burning season can affect air quality. The rainy season (May-October) brings afternoon downpours, lush landscapes and lower prices. The southern gulf and Andaman coasts have opposite rain patterns, so one side is usually good.

Getting around

Domestic flights are cheap and fast between Chiang Mai, Bangkok and the south. Overnight sleeper trains to Bangkok are a comfortable experience in their own right. Locally, songthaews (shared red trucks) and ride-hailing apps cover Chiang Mai; scooters are widely rented but only ride with a proper licence, a helmet and insurance that actually covers you.

Seeing Thailand as a volunteer

Chiang Mai placements leave weekends free, and the north’s highlights are all within a few hours. Our Thailand placements are based in Chiang Mai, include accommodation, meals, airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, and leave evenings and weekends free — which is exactly when most of this list gets ticked off. See volunteer programs in Thailand for live prices and dates, or read our complete guide to volunteering in Thailand for costs, visas and safety.

Thailand travel FAQs

Are elephant sanctuaries in Thailand ethical?

Some are, many are not. Look for no riding, no shows, no chains or bullhooks, limited visitor numbers and a clear rescue or conservation purpose. Our in-country team works only with projects meeting those standards and can advise on visits.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

Many nationalities receive a visa exemption stamp on arrival for tourism, which covers standard volunteer placements. Requirements change, so we confirm the current position for your nationality after you apply.

Is Thai street food safe?

Generally yes, and it is the best food in the country. Choose busy stalls with high turnover and food cooked fresh in front of you. Stick to bottled water and be a little careful with ice from unclear sources.

What is the best time to visit the islands?

The Andaman side (Krabi, Phi Phi) is best November to April; the gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Tao) is better May to September. Whenever you go, one coast is usually in good weather.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)