People don’t just visit Thailand for the beaches, food, or parties. Beyond the typical tourist checklist, there is a whole world of unique experiences that give you a deeper view into the country’s culture, nature, and energy.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re already hooked on the unforgettable experiences, here are five underrated activities to try in Thailand.
1. Take a Traditional Thai Cooking Class
You might think you know Thai food until you try making it yourself. From green curries to the delicious tom yum soup, learning how to make these dishes with a local chef will give you a whole new appreciation for the cuisine.
Most classes start with a trip to a local market where you will stop for fresh ingredients before heading back to the kitchen. And you get to eat everything you make!
2. Stay at a Golf Retreat
Thailand has quickly become a top destination for golfers around the world, and not just for the sport itself.
Booking a stay at a golf retreat Thailand has to offer is an unexpectedly fun way to unwind. These retreats usually combine golf courses with extras like spa treatments, gourmet food, and stunning natural views.
Even if you’re not a professional or serious golfer, the atmosphere is great. You get to enjoy peaceful mornings, green hills, and maybe even a massage.
3. Camp in a Floating House
If you love the outdoors or are the adventurous type, this one is for you. Thailand has a handful of national parks where you can sleep in floating houses right on a lake.
Khao Sok National Park is one of the most famous, with green water surrounded by towering cliffs and thick jungle. Just know that the Wi-Fi and network signals may be unstable.
4. Visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai
This one is a bit of a tourist magnet, but it’s still unlike anything that you’ve ever seen.
Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is a surreal structure that looks like it came out of a fantasy movie. Even the history and interior of the temple are fascinating.
Created by a local Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple mixes traditional Buddhist symbolism with pop culture references. You may be able to spot the Hello Kitty and Harry Potter details!
It’s a place that makes you pause, stare, and then wonder if your camera did it justice.
5. Experience a Thai Village Stay
If you’re tired of hotels and resorts, spend a night or two in a Thai village. You can get a glimpse of everyday rural life in Thailand, all with home-cooked meals, early morning markets, and heartwarming hospitality.
It may be slower, but it’s far more authentic and personal. Some programs also include farming, craft workshops, and guided hikes.
Conclusion
Thailand has plenty of ways to surprise you beyond the usual itinerary. Whether you’re cooking with locals, spending time at a luxury golf retreat, or falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle in a floating house, each of these experiences offers a new way to enjoy the country.
Image: Unsplash, Sumit Chinchane; Jungin Moon
