Thailand is not only famous for the visual treats that it promises but also makes the list of the top ten countries visited in Asia. The country’s culture and heritage, people, traditions, and landscapes make it a fascinating place of interest to many. With renowned temples, sparkling beaches, and quaint islands, our blog brings you the seven must-do bucket-list experiences in Thailand to get the most out of your trip. We have included our favorite escapades to add to your visit to Thailand, the land of smiles.

Thailand Bucket List

1. Participate in a Muay Thai Fight

Called the “Art of Eight Limbs” or Muay Thai, this traditional martial art and combat names Thailand as its home. Integrated with the Thai culture, Muay Thai has a global fanbase and is recognized as one of the most effective and demanding stand-up fighting styles.

This style of martial art incorporates the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins, distinguishing it from other forms of kickboxing. You can see the fighters strike and defend using techniques such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes, often executed in close quarters to maximize impact.

If you want to catch a Muay Thai match, you will see it take place inside rings and follow a rule set that regulates the fighters’ conduct and permissible strikes. What makes this match better, is that traditionally these matches are accompanied by music and rituals such as Wai Kru Ram Muay, a ceremonial dance performed by the fighters as a tribute to their teachers and as a demonstration of respect for the art. 

We would recommend that you do not miss watching this experience. There are several stadiums for the tourists to watch the league and the international matches in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, we watched it in Koh Phi Phi Don Island. If you feel daring enough, you could even participate in a Muay Thai kickboxing fight and compete with anyone from the audience or even your friends, never mind whether you know it or not.

2. Enjoy a Thai Massage

You cannot complete your visit to Thailand without getting a Thai Massage. Starting from street markets to massage parlors, and spas to wellness centers, from massage chairs in malls and railway stations, Thailand is filled with places to relax and recuperate. 

Considered a traditional healing practice that has been a cornerstone of the culture of Thailand for centuries, this practice is rooted in ancient Thai medicine. A therapeutic technique that combines elements of yoga, acupressure, and assisted stretching, it is proven to promote physical and mental well-being by improving flexibility, releasing tension, and enhancing the body’s natural energy flow.

A traditional Thai massage, unlike other forms of massage, is performed fully clothed on a comfortable mat laid out on the floor and does not use essential oils. The practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to apply rhythmic pressure along energy lines and specific points on the body.

We had the best experience when in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. We suggest that you check out the reviews online before finalizing where you want to experience your massage.

3. Conquer 1462 Curves to Mae Hong Son

Bike trips are an adventure, all by themselves. And one of the most epic ones we’ve ever been a part of is the bike ride from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son which spans a distance of 240km in one way. This ride goes along Pai with a whopping 1462 curves, that take about 5 hours to complete. Getting through the curves without vomiting or having an upset stomach is a flex amongst the riders.

You can even extend this trip by including the Mae Hong Son loop this, which has 1864 curves and is 600 km long. The journey starts and ends in Chiang Mai and goes via Pai, Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam, and Mae Sariang.

You can find rental companies in Chiang Mai from where you can hire bikes for the ride. Be warned that as you gain altitude in these hilly regions, the weather changes quickly so we recommend you to pack accordingly. Also, make sure to ride with proper safety gear.

We traveled via Pai from Chiang Mai (762 curves) in a mini-van and saved this epic bike trip for next time. 

4. Eat Thai Street Food

Eating street food is a rite of passage you need to walk through to actually complete your Thailand exploration. A part of everyday life for the Thai people, starting from takeaway curries and smoothies to grabbing the meat sticks, you can see this happening in all parts of the country. 

We tried out a hoard of street food delicacies during our travel and found out that certain cuisines are found in in selected parts of the country. The food scene and the taste differ from the North to South.

Thailand’s street food reflects the country’s rich food culture, the visitors can witness the cooking process, engage with local vendors, and savor the flavors of Thailand coupled with its immersive and vibrant atmosphere. The carts and food stalls are often considered an integral part of the community, and show the region’s specialties and the culinary traditions passed down through the generations.

Strolling through the bustling markets, filled with roadside stalls, and vibrant streets, one can find an extensive variety of Thai street food, ranging from savory dishes to sweet treats. We made a list of our favorite Thailand street foods and the food items you should never miss while traveling in Thailand, check it out to know more!

5. Indulge in the World’s Largest Water Fight

Celebrated across Thailand, the Songkran Festival is widely celebrated as an ancient Thai festival marking the traditional Thai New Year from April 13th to April 15th every year. You can see the people armed with water guns, buckets, hoses, and containers of water out on the streets, ready to use them against each other in a friendly water battle. Considered a symbol of cleansing, renewal, and washing away the past year’s misfortunes, and believed to represent a fresh start in the New Year.

Apart from the water fights, Songkran is a time for families to come together, pay their respects to elders, and participate in various traditional ceremonies. One such ritual involves spraying scented water over the Buddha statue or the hands of revered monks as a gesture of purification and blessing for the year ahead. An act that symbolizes the washing away of bad luck, and sins, and welcoming prosperity and good fortune. 

In addition, temples hold religious ceremonies and processions, with cultural performances, traditional dances, and local markets selling Thai delicacies and crafts, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. 

6. Meet The Tribes

There are four tribal groups called Akha, Lu-mein or Yao, Lahu, Kayaw, and long-neck Karen or Kayan who have migrated long back from the neighboring countries of Laod, Myanmar (Burma), and China. They are settled in the northern parts of Thailand. We visited them in the Karen village while we were in Chaing Rai. The thing to note here is that you would not be seeing them in their actual settlements, the four tribes have been grouped in a place that resembles a village for which an entry fee is collected. While a few visitors were disappointed, we had mixed feelings about the whole thing. 

7. Stand at the Intersection of 3 Countries 

The Golden Triangle is named for the converging point where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet together. The river splits these three countries, making it a popular tourist attraction. There are buses available from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle, you can also find a large bronze Buddha statue and several shops nearby.

How many of these did you check off from the list? Let us know in the comments below.