Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”, is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and world-class diving, and it is also one of the cheapest diving destinations. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of Bangkok, exploring ancient temples in Chiang Mai, or relaxing on the pristine beaches of the southern islands, Thailand offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be drawn in by the colourful street markets, rich traditions, and the warm smiles of the Thai people.
While experienced scuba divers will best appreciate the marine national parks of the Andaman Sea, Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand is the ultimate beginner-friendly spot. Besides diving in Thailand, there are many other things to do in the country, such as visiting temples, learning how to prepare its delicious cuisine, hiking in the jungle, experiencing Bangkok’s nightlife, and attending enthralling festivals. This beautiful country is a perfect blend of old and new, where modern cities coexist with centuries-old ruins and serene countryside. Here are 15 of my favourite activities to do in Thailand as a scuba diver, to help you find some inspiration.
1 – Experiencing Bangkok’s city life
Bangkok, Thailand’s dazzling capital, captures the perfect balance between tradition and modern vibrancy. When planning a trip to Thailand, you need to make sure a stop in its capital city is part of your itinerary. Begin your journey at the Grand Royal Palace, before visiting the peaceful Wat Pho with its immense Reclining Buddha. Cross the Chao Phraya River to admire the stunning Wat Arun. Exploring the city by boat along the Chao Phraya and the narrow khlongs (canals) reveals another side of Bangkok — where floating kitchens, wooden homes, and quiet temples stand in contrast to the city’s lively streets.
For a taste of everyday life, lose yourself in the maze of stalls at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, filled with local crafts, vintage finds, and irresistible street food aromas. As night falls, experience Bangkok from above at a rooftop bar, where sweeping views of the skyline and the river below create an unforgettable backdrop. Blending history, culture, and cosmopolitan charm, Bangkok’s city life is an adventure that awakens all the senses.
2 – Learning scuba diving in Koh Tao
Learning to scuba dive is one of the most rewarding experiences Thailand has to offer. Within just a few days, you can earn your Open Water Diver certification while exploring colourful reefs teeming with fish, rays, and even the occasional turtle. You can start your journey on almost every island – from the Andaman coast to the Gulf of Thailand.
Yet, Koh Tao has earned a special reputation as one of the world´s best places for beginners to start their underwater journey. The island´s shallow coral reefs and short boat rides to dive sites make training easy, enjoyable, and affordable. The wide range of dive shops makes it easy to find the right fit for you. As the diving community is a tight-knit one, you will be able to find people with the same mindset while enjoying the beautiful sunsets on the beach. Learning to dive in Thailand isn’t just about a skill – it’s about discovering a whole new world beneath the waves.
3 – Visiting the most famous Thai temples across the country
Thailand’s temples are as diverse as its landscapes, each offering a glimpse into the country’s rich spirituality and artistry. In the far north, Chiang Rai’s White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) dazzles with its surreal, all-white design and mirrored mosaics – a modern masterpiece blending traditional Buddhist symbolism with contemporary art. Nearby in Chiang Mai, the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits high on a mountain overlooking the city, its golden chedi glinting in the sun and its peaceful atmosphere inviting quiet reflection.
Further south, Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) challenges visitors with a steep climb of over 1,200 steps to reach its summit, where panoramic views of limestone cliffs and lush jungle await. Near Hua Hin, the hidden Phraya Nakhon Cave reveals a stunning royal pavilion bathed in shafts of natural light – a sight that feels almost otherworldly. Together, these temples showcase Thailand’s spiritual soul, blending nature, devotion, and artistry in truly unforgettable settings.
4 – Attending a Thai cooking class
Whether it’s your first taste or a familiar favourite, it’s easy to fall in love with Thai cuisine. One of the best ways to bring a piece of Thailand home is by joining a Thai cooking class. In the north, Chiang Mai’s Thai Farm Cooking School offers a hands-on experience. You´ll visit the local market, using organic fresh herbs and vegetables picked straight from the garden, and enjoy your freshly cooked dishes in a shared meal.
For something a bit more refined, at the Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant, you´ll learn from culinary masters with classes available in 5 languages. You can join their classes in Bangkok or Phuket and find their restaurants worldwide. Cooking classes here are social, inspiring, and deeply cultural. You take home the confidence to recreate Thailand’s vibrant flavours and the lasting memory of having cooked—and connected—the Thai way.
5 – Going on a diving liveaboard in the Similan Islands
Going on a scuba diving liveaboard in Similan Islands Marine National Park means stepping into an underwater wonderland where each day brings new marvels. Departing from Khao Lak, these cruises typically last 3 to 7 days, with 3-4 dives per day – enough time to explore the core Similan Islands, Koh Bon, and Koh Tachai. You’ll drift over coral gardens teeming with clownfish and giant anemones, explore steep walls adorned with gorgonians and feather stars, and maybe spot green turtles, trevally, or even manta rays if currents are favourable.
Comfort is built into the adventure: meals, snacks, and accommodation are included, making the liveaboard both relaxing and immersive. Expect early mornings, full days of diving, night dives, and breathtaking sunsets from the deck. If you haven’t tried a liveaboard yet, the Similan Islands are the best place to start, as they are short and among the most affordable in the world.
6 – Meeting the leopard sharks in Koh Phi Phi
Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park hides a remarkable underwater gem – Hin Bida, a small, mostly submerged pinnacle near Ko Bida Nok. Only visible during low tide, its reef descends to about 20 meters and extends into three finger-like ridges on the southwestern side. This site is famous among divers for its calm conditions, vibrant coral formations, and, most excitingly, its frequent visits from leopard sharks. You can dive in Hin Bida from Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta.
Also known as zebra sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum), these graceful bottom-dwellers can grow up to 2.4 meters long and are easily recognised by their spotted bodies, smooth ridges, and long, sweeping tails. Often found resting on the sandy seabed or gliding effortlessly above it, they embody a peaceful elegance beneath the waves. With their gentle nature and almost smiling faces, encountering a leopard shark at Hin Bida is a truly unforgettable highlight for any diver.
7 – Travelling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani
Travelling by train through Thailand offers a relaxed and scenic way to see the country. The journey north to Chiang Mai passes rice fields, temples, and sleepy villages before climbing into misty mountains. Heading south instead takes you toward Surat Thani, the gateway to Thailand’s tropical islands. The route winds through palm plantations and coastal plains.
Departing from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, the overnight sleeper train is especially popular – comfortable, social, and perfect for watching dawn break over Thailand’s lush countryside. You´ll be surprised by how comfortable these trains are, with their convertible seat/bed cars and excellent service.
8 – Exploring the past of the ancient Siam Kingdom
Exploring the ancient ruins of the Siam Kingdom offers a fascinating glimpse into Thailand’s past. Just 80km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once a grand royal capital filled with towering prangs and golden temples. Though much was lost to time and war, its red-brick ruins and serene Buddha statues still radiate timeless beauty, best explored by bicycle through the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Further north lies Sukhothai, the cradle of Thai art and culture. Its tranquil Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features graceful Buddha figures and lotus-filled ponds set amid lush greenery. At sunrise, the ancient stone temples glow in soft gold, capturing the enduring spirit of the old Siam Kingdom.
9 – Walking for kilometres along the beaches of Khao Lak
Khao Lak is famous for its long, sandy beaches. However, it is such a vast area that being able to drive a scooter is an advantage. The 40 km-long main road connects all the beaches and can be puzzling at first with its three lanes. However, it also spreads out people along this stretch, so you never feel overwhelmed. Leaving the main road, take the side roads leading to the beaches, and you´ll enjoy the tour through coconut groves.
Expect Khuk Khak Beach, Coconut Beach, and Nang Thong Beach to be the most stunning you´ll see worldwide. Khuk Khak, with its vast, wild feel, is still one of my favourites. Coconut Beach is a sheltered bay that resembles a lagoon. Nang Thong Beach offers the most scenic views at sunset, with its lighthouse, surfers and collared kingfishers flying around. Each Beach has a distinct topography and vibe, offering the possibility to enjoy kilometre-long beach walks.
10 – Exploring the old towns of Takua Pa, Phuket, and Lanta
Exploring the old towns of Takua Pa, Phuket, and Lanta offers a journey into southern Thailand’s cultural heart, where time seems to slow down amid colourful streets and colonial charm. Takua Pa near Khao Lak, once a bustling tin-mining town and a cultural melting pot of Chinese, Indian and Arabic immigrants, charms visitors with its faded Sino-European architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Further south, Phuket Old Town is the most vibrant, with beautifully restored colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, ornate Chinese shrines, and lively weekend markets. Meanwhile, Lanta Old Town feels more intimate – a quiet fishing village perched on wooden stilts above the sea. Its wooden houses, built by Thai-Chinese and sea gypsy communities, offer a glimpse into the island’s humble past. Walking through these old towns reveals a side of Thailand often missed by beachgoers – one rooted in history, culture, and timeless coastal beauty.
11 – Sleeping at a floating hotel in Khao Sok and Takua Pa
Spending a night at a floating hotel in Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most unforgettable nature experiences. Nestled on the emerald waters of Ratchaprapha Lake, these raft-style bungalows offer breathtaking views of limestone cliffs rising dramatically from the jungle. Days filled with kayaking, swimming, and exploring hidden caves or hiking through ancient rainforest, while nights bring serene silence beneath a sky full of stars. Waking up to the calls of gibbons and the mist rolling across the lake feels like stepping into another world.
Not too far away, in Takua Pa’s backwaters, you’ll find an equally enchanting version of this experience but much calmer, where floating accommodations blend comfort with authenticity. Surrounded by lush forest and calm waterways, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking peace and a closer connection to nature.
12 – Meeting elephants in the wild in Kui Buri
Many travellers now understand that riding elephants is deeply unethical, often involving harsh training and lasting physical and emotional harm. What’s less known, however, is that many so-called “elephant sanctuaries” still exploit these animals through hands-on experiences such as feeding, hugging, or bathing – activities marketed as “ethical” but often stressful and unnatural for the elephants. Despite good intentions, such interactions can disrupt their routines, isolate them from their herds, and reduce their quality of life.
Elephants are intelligent, social, and sensitive beings that thrive in natural, undisturbed environments. For truly ethical encounters, choose places like Kui Buri National Park, where elephants roam freely without human interference. Observing them quietly from a respectful distance allows you to witness their genuine behaviour – grazing, socialising, and caring for one another. Supporting such initiatives not only helps protect elephants, who deserve to be wild, free, and treated with dignity, but also provides you with the most unforgettable encounter.
13 – Exploring Rock Climbing in Krabi
Exploring rock climbing in Krabi is an adventure that combines stunning scenery with pure adrenaline. The region’s dramatic limestone cliffs, especially around Railay Beach and Tonsai Bay, are world-famous for their unique formations and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics on easy seaside routes or an experienced climber tackling overhangs and multi-pitch challenges, Krabi offers climbs for every skill level. With the sound of waves below and warm sea breezes on your skin, every ascent feels like an unforgettable connection between land, sea, and sky.
Beyond the climb itself, the atmosphere in Railay’s climbing community is relaxed and welcoming. Local climbing schools provide professional instruction, equipment, and guided routes suited to your experience. After a day on the cliffs, you can unwind at a beach bar, watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, and trade stories with fellow climbers from around the world. In Krabi, rock climbing isn’t just a sport – it’s a lifestyle woven into one of Thailand’s most spectacular natural settings.
14 – Attending one of Thailand’s famous festivals
Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration in April, begins with temple visits and a cleaning ceremony for the locals. By midday, the streets explode into joyful chaos — locals and tourists armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses drench each other in good-natured fun under the blazing sun. Pro tip: waterproof your phone and valuables, and bring a powerful water gun. The celebration can last for days in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
In November, Thailand lights up for Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights. People release glowing krathongs – small, flower-decorated rafts – into rivers and ponds, symbolising letting go of negativity and welcoming new blessings. With thousands of flickering candles drifting across the water—especially stunning at night—Loy Krathong is a peaceful, reflective event. Look for eco-friendly, biodegradable materials, and be aware that flying lanterns are illegal in designated prohibited zones nowadays.
15 – Enjoying a ladyboy cabaret show
Ladyboy cabaret shows in Thailand have a rich history and deep cultural significance. Rooted in traditional theatre and community celebrations, these performances evolved in the 20th century into a celebrated art form as tourism grew. Today, they serve not only as dazzling entertainment but also as a symbol of visibility and acceptance for Thailand’s kathoey (transgender women and gender-diverse performers). They reflect the country’s openness, creativity, and pride in diversity, while remaining an integral part of its cultural identity.
Beyond their cultural importance, ladyboy cabarets are pure joy to watch – a vibrant mix of glamour, music, and laughter. Audiences are treated to energetic dance routines, stunning costumes, and playful performances that blend modern pop hits with Thai flair. The shows are filled with sparkle and humour, creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates both artistry and self-expression. For many visitors, it’s an unforgettable night of beauty, talent, and celebration.
Are you looking for more inspiration for fun things to do in other travel destinations?
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