Top Things to Do in Thailand for First-Time Travelers

Thailand is a country that is also referred to as the Land of Smiles and one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. It has tropical beaches, busy cities, ancient temples, bustling markets, and warm people to accommodate everything that a first-time traveler could imagine. Be it cultural experiences, adventurous activities or a relaxing vacation along the coast, Thailand will prove to be a memorable experience.

The first time you plan a trip, it may seem very daunting due to the vast amount of activities and attractions to choose between. This is why this list of the best things to do in Thailand is specifically written with a first-time visitor in mind. Visiting Bangkok and Chiang Mai with their cultural heritage and temples, exploring beautiful islands and trying famous Thai food, you will find all that you need to make your trip memorable. Apply your Thailand tourist visa before booking your tickets to make your travel simple and free of hassle.

Here are the Top Things to Do in Thailand for First-Time Travelers

1. Visit the busy City of Bangkok

No visit to Thailand is ever complete without a visit to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand. Bangkok is a city of contrasts between new skyscrapers and old cultural heritage sites which make it a great place to visit as a first-time traveler.

· Explore Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: This is one of the most well-known landmarks of Thailand that contains the Emerald Buddha which is considered one of the most sacred religious figures of Thailand.

· Shop at Chatuchak Market: It is a good place to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing as there are over 8,000 stalls here.

· Take a Chao Phraya River Cruise: Have a different outlook of Bangkok skyline as you cruise along the lifeline of Bangkok.

· Visit Khao San Road: Khao San road is the nightlife and the street food and bar of the backpackers.

· Bangkok is known to have street food. You should not forget to taste such dishes as Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and Mango Sticky Rice.

2. Discover the Historical Ruins of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located only an hour away Bangkok and it is a must-visit place to history lovers. The former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the city is crowded with old temples, crumbling stupas and impressive statues of Buddha.

The best places to go:

· Wat Mahathat: Noted as the Buddha head which is covered with tree roots.

· Wat Phra Si Sanphet: A former royal temple which displays the traditional Ayutthaya architecture.

· Ayutthaya Historical Park: This place is ideal to cycle around and explore the ruins.

· Ayutthaya is another of the best things to do in Thailand especially to travelers who are fascinated by culture and heritage.

3. Relax on the strikingly beautiful beaches of Phuket

· Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and a heaven to beach enthusiasts. It is renowned as a resort destination with beautiful beaches, water activities and nightlife.

· Patong Beach: Known as the hot spot of the island due to the energetic environment, water sports and nightlife.

· Kata and Karon Beaches: More quiet beaches, suitable to families and couples.

· Island Hopping Tours: visit Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island by boat.

· Big Buddha Phuket: A huge statue on top of a hill with a great view of the island.

· Phuket is a combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration thus ideal to first time travelers.

4. Live the Cultural Allure of Chiang Mai

Those who prefer to pace themselves a bit slower and experience the culture should go to Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. It is surrounded by mountains and greenery and is popular because of temples, night bazaars, and adventure activities.

Best of Chiang Mai:

· Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A holy temple which is located on the hill and brings amazing views.

· Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: A lively marketplace of handicrafts, street foods, and souvenirs.

· Elephant Nature Park: A shelter and home to the rescued elephants where you can learn and interact in an ethical manner.

· Songkran Festival (April): If you are traveling in April, you may experience the famous water festival of Thailand.

5. Take a trip to The Floating Markets

Floating markets of Thailand are a special cultural experience. Travelers can take boat rides and do their shopping of fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks and handicrafts at the source with the local vendors.

· Floating markets Popular floating markets

·  Amphawa Floating Market (Samut Songkhram): The most famous and photogenic.

·  Amphawa Floating Market (Samut Songkhram): This market sells seafoods and offers boat rides in the evenings.

· Taling Chan Floating Market (Bangkok): Smaller and more local.

· It is an ideal chance to take bright pictures and to eat genuine Thai food.

6. Visit Krabi and Its Beautiful Islands

Krabi is also a coastal province renowned due to its limestone cliffs, clear waters, and beautiful islands. It is not as busy as Phuket but equally as mesmerizing.

Railay Beach: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and it can only be accessed by boat.

· Ao Nang: The place to be at night, eat and shop.

· Four Islands Tour: Visit the Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island.

· Phi Phi Islands: These are only a boat ride away and are ideal to snorkel and dive.

·  Krabi is one of the places to visit in Thailand because of the nature lover attractions present there.

7. Taste the Thai cuisine and street markets

Thai food is globally-renowned and sampling the local cuisine is part of the absolute highlights of visiting Thailand. There is also street food stalls and night markets everywhere which taste sweet, sour, spicy and salty.

Must-try dishes:

·         Pad Thai (Stir-fried noodles)

·         Som Tum (Papaya salad)

·         Green Curry

·         Mango Sticky Rice

8. See the Ancient City of Sukhothai

·   Sukhothai is the former capital of Thailand before Bangkok and Ayutthaya. This UNESCO heritage site is full of ancient monuments, temples and statues of Buddha.

·    Sukhothai Historical Park: Ride a bike through the huge complex.

·    Wat Mahathat: The biggest temple in Sukhothai.

·    Wat Si Chum: It is known because of its huge seated Buddha.

9. Thailand Adventure Activities

·         Thailand has unlimited options of adventures; in case you love adventure.

·         Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Phi Phi Islands.

·         Rock Climbing: Railay Beach in Krabi is one of the most popular places in the world.

·         Trekking: Northern Thailand has jungle, mountainous and hill tribe village trekking.

·         Zip-lining: This is especially popular in Chiang Mai.

·         Thailand is a place where adrenaline junkies will never lack activities.

10. Enjoy Thai Wellness and Spas

Thailand is globally known to possess wellness traditions. When you are tired of sightseeing, take a Thai massage or spa treatment. Most resorts and local parlors provide low cost wellness services.

·         Common wellness experiences

·         The Thai Massage in Bangkok or Chiang Mai

·         Yoga retreat in Koh Samui

·         Luxury spas in Phuket and Krabi

·         This is among the most relaxing activities in Thailand to the first-time travelers.

 

Visa Information to First-Time Travelers

· Make sure you have all entry requirements before you travel. You may require to apply Thai tourist visa in advance depending on your nationality.

· Thailand Visa Requirements: A valid passport, a completed visa application form, recent photos, a proof of a round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservations and money.

· Types of Visas: Tourist visa, visa on arrival (to eligible countries) and multiple-entry visas that are obtained in order to stay longer.

· The Application Process: This can be done at the local Thai consulate or embassy or through an authorized visa agency to make the process easy.

· To obtain easy and comfortable support, you can also refer to Gokite Tours, which offers the information on how to get tourist visa to Thailand and how to organize your trip to Thailand.

Conclusion

Thailand is a destination that combines history, culture, adventure, and relaxation like no other. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the peaceful temples of Chiang Mai, the tropical beaches of Phuket, and the historical ruins of Ayutthaya, there are endless opportunities to explore. Trying street food, shopping at floating markets, and experiencing Thai festivals are also some of the unforgettable things to do in Thailand for first-time travelers.

Before you set off, make sure to apply for a Thailand tourist visa to enjoy a smooth entry into the country. With the right preparation, your first trip to Thailand will be filled with magical moments, new discoveries, and lasting memories. For expert visa assistance and customized holiday packages, Gokite Tours can help you every step of the way.