Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world attracting millions of tourists every year. Keen to go backpacking or take a gap year in Thailand? There are so many amazing things to do.
Check out our list of of Thailand bucket list items you must do before leaving.
1. Volunteer at a sanctuary for neglected elephants
If you’re an animal lover and after the ‘cute’ factor then this one’s for you. Volunteer with elephants at a rescue centre near Chiang Mai, where you’ll help prepare evening meals and assist the keepers with bathing the elephants, plus lend a hand at local conservation projects in the region.
Your day will begin at 7am and finish at 5pm but we promise this is the most rewarding hard day’s work you’ll ever do! There are lots of volunteering opportunities with animals, view our gap year volunteering programs for more info.
2. Soak up the sun and laze on stunning beaches
Think of travelling to Thailand and the chances are you’ll think of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. With so many amazing islands in Thailand to choose from, you’re never too far from a beach paradise. Perfect for lazy days of sunbathing, massages, watersports, snorkelling, diving or partying, the beaches in Thailand will be the source of many a backpacking memory.
3. Snorkel or dive with the fish in Koh Tao
Nestled peacefully in Thailand’s Gulf Coast, Koh Tao is rich in coral reefs and blessed with crystal clear visibility — it’s a scuba dive and snorkel heaven. Koh Tao is also one of the cheapest places to get your open water dive certification in the world and has a host of first class dive schools to choose from. Spend your days in the water and your nights in a beachside bar. Bliss!
4. Explore the frantic streets of Bangkok by tuk tuk
Sit back and relax (kind of) in one of Thailand’s famous tuk tuks. You’ll be whizzed around the madness of Bangkok, while locals go about their day, enfolding travellers into one of the Asia’s most exciting cities. Scout out the best markets, street food vendors and practice your haggling skills for when you’re let loose on the streets of this bustling urban jungle.
5. Trek with Northern Hill Tribes
There’s way more to Thailand than beaches and buckets. Get up north and hang out with the locals on a hill tribe trek. Prepare for rolling mountains, cascading waterfalls, diverse rainforest and local tribes as you trek through Northern Thailand’s magnificent lands and meet a diverse range of tribes, each with their own language, clothing and religion.
View more south east Asia gap year trips.