Thailand is near the top of many people’s travel bucket lists, thanks to its beautiful environment, unique traditions, and delicious food. The country attracts young backpackers looking to party on a budget, foreigners interested in learning more about Buddhism, couples on the hunt for honeymoon bliss, and everyone in between. And needless to say, whichever category you may fall into, there’s plenty to do once you get there – so much, in fact, that you can easily get overwhelmed as you plot out your itinerary! So, to help you craft said itinerary, we’re recommending a few favorite activities and attractions.

1. Watch a Ladyboy Cabaret Show

Ladyboys are the Thai equivalent of drag queens, and their performances are just as (if not more) spectacular, if it’s the sort of show that interests you. One of the most popular venues to see a show at is Calypso Cabaret in Bangkok, although most of the other large tourist cities in Thailand have similar places you’ll be able to enjoy. Wherever you end up, this sort of performance can offer a great opportunity to enjoy some carefree entertainment.

2. Explore Khao Yai National Park

A couple hours north of Bangkok is Khao Yai National Park, a must-see on any visit to Thailand. This was the first national park established in the country, and you'll immediately see why upon your first trip there. In the park, you can hike through tropical forests and observe exotic animals – including elephants and Asian black bears – in their natural habitats.

3. Shop At A Floating Market

This is one of the hallmark experiences of a Thai holiday. The floating markets are scattered all throughout the country, and are exactly what they sound like: Instead of setting up shop in tents or stalls, vendors sell their good from small boats floating down rivers or canals. All in all, this makes for a great spectacle for tourists whether or not they end up making any purchases.

4. Watch A Football Match

Having existed in Thailand since the late-19th century, football is now – arguably – the county’s most popular sport. In large part this is due to the fact that a lot of locals tune in to the English Premier League and a few other European competitions, streaming matches or watching from public sports bars. Some choose to further the fun by wagering on outcomes as well, and make use of basic tips from local resource 88bet regarding how to bet responsibly on football. There’s something to be said for diving into this football culture while you’re in Thailand, and simply watching a big Premier League match in a Bangkok football bar alongside other fans. However, if you get a chance to see the Thai national team play, at Rajamangala Stadium, take it!

5. Party During The Full Moon

The monthly Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Phangan is one of the most popular attractions among young tourists. At this event, you can find thousands upon thousands of fellow travelers covered in glow-in-the-dark paint and neon clothes, enjoying cheap drinks and dancing under the stars. While this particular celebration is no longer a Thai tradition in that it’s largely dominated by tourists, it’s still a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and worth stopping by if the timing lines up for you.

6. Relax On The Island Of Koh Chang

Given that you’re likely to be fairly active making your way to one highlight after another during your time in Thailand, you may want to take a day to relax on Koh Chang. On this island, you can find lush jungles and white sand beaches alike, and both will provide you with some much-needed serenity (as well as some of the most stunning photos of your trip).

7. Experience Both Heaven And Hell

Be sure to bring your camera here as well. An architectural representation of both heaven and hell can be found at Wat Rong Khun, also known as The White Temple, in Mueang Chiang Rai. The transition from hell to heaven is physically embodied at the temple by an intricate bridge, but symbolically represents the Buddhist concept of enlightenment. As you walk through the temple grounds, you will first notice a rather disturbing sea of human arms grabbing towards the sky, representing greed and desire. The bridge then ends at the what appear to be the gates of heaven, but this is really just the entrance into a dark (and spectacular) art exhibit created by the architect Chalermchai Kositpipat.

8. Escape Reality At Zero Latency

Bangkok is without a doubt the entertainment capital of the country, so it’s no surprise that it is home to a new virtual reality
gaming arena that should now be on every traveler’s list Zero Latency Thailand. It’s hard to imagine what the environment at
this new-age arcade is like without actually visiting, but suffice it to say you’ll get to enjoy some of the most incredible
experiences virtual reality has to offer.