5 Lesser-Known Adventures in Thailand That Will Level Up Your Trip

The days of riding elephants in Thailand is over (sorry, not sorry) and the days of digging deeper into this South East Asian jewel are here. Explorer Julia has visited Thailand almost a dozen times, uncovering lesser-known adventures worth adding to your itinerary.

Call me a Thailand veteran. I’ve travelled to the ‘Land of Smiles’ – an apt moniker for the many beaming faces spotted around the country – in the double digits.

I’ve happily been lost in its pulsating capital, Bangkok, following my nose, tasting fragrant cuisines at countless street food vendors. I’ve beach-hopped around Thailand’s biggest island, Phuket, relaxed at royal-favourite coastal getaway Hua Hin, and taken my curiosity to great depths at diving hot spot Ko Tao. And yes, I’ve stayed dry on land, marvelling at temple ruins in ancient Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital.

As I gained more understanding of Thailand, I started pursuing lesser-known adventures. My deep-dive research paid off, getting to experience cities with pedal power, tubing down rivers, visiting beaches absent of flip-flop crowds, and seeing a place beyond its famed moon-phasing party reputation.

I’ve seen a Thailand sunset or two | @ben.savage

Although some activities or destinations required more effort or baht, it gave me a greater appreciation of cultural practices and natural beauty that can be experienced in this remarkable, fascinating country. No wonder locals appear in permanent high-beam mode, showing off their pearly whites (I don’t blame them!).

Here’s a good reason to join them in the smile ranks: I’ll save you time on research by revealing a different side of Thailand with these lesser-known locations and adventures.

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1. Exploring Major Cities by Bike

Location: Bangkok and Chiang Mai

There’s nothing like exploring a place at your own pace, particularly on wheels, and having that liberating feeling of zipping anywhere, stopping on a whim. After several visits to Bangkok, I decided to do something different instead of becoming overly familiar with backpacker magnet Khao San Road, mega-shopping centres, and sky-high rooftop bars by joining a bike tour.

Tour operators Co van Kessel and Grasshopper Adventures offer riders a new perspective of the sprawling capital. I joined the former on their five-hour tour, which covers a lot of ground and visits places usually overlooked (or unknown) to tourists.

It was such an eye-opener meandering through the commotion of Chinatown, down narrow alleys, crossing a waterway with a bike in tow, before taking the bike on a longboat along the Chao Praya River to visit Bangkok’s outskirts. Again, somewhere I never would’ve thought to venture – and I’m glad I did.

Yep, you’ll take a break from pedal pushin’ by hopping on a boat!

I had that ‘A-ha’ moment when I finally understood the city’s other nickname, the ‘Venice of the East’, as we navigated a small fraction of its extensive canal network. The scenery along Bangkok Yai and Chak Phra canals is far from the city’s Lego-brick-like skyline of skyscrapers – it’s a patchwork of low-rise modern builds and traditional wood-frame houses on stilts.

The tour continued through rural landscapes, passing local communities, plantations, rice fields, and lush jungles. We visited Wat Kanlaya in the Thon Buri District, home to Thailand’s largest bell and an impressive 12m high Buddha before we finished the ride with an authentic canal-side feast in the Bang Phrom district. Working the legs, eating local delights, and sightseeing all in one – it’s my kind of cultural immersion!

You’ll see lots of interesting sights! | Photo by Tourism Thailand

But if you’re not up for traversing the city on your own two wheels, you can always book an electric Tuk-Tuk via Muvmi, another environmentally friendly way to explore Bangkok.

Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai is also a great place to pedal all the while deepening your knowledge of Thai culture. Sandwiched between jungle-covered mountains in a valley, the city is favoured by avid bikers for the city’s flat topography, twisting mountain bends, and cool climate. And when you throw in a backdrop with over 300 temples and spectacular scenery, no wonder it’s an emerging cycling destination.

Exploring on the back of a traditional rickshaw is a quirky way to explore the city. If you’re keen to keep your legs moving, local tour operator Cycling Chiang Mai offers multi-day tours exploring Chiang Mai on two wheels.

If that sounds like too much legwork, opt for a half-day tour with Co van Kessel. On this tour, you’ll discover the city’s peaceful back alleys, bustling market culture, Lanna-style Buddhist temples, and country roads crossing the Ping River. The tour includes a Northern Thai lunch at a local family restaurant.

2. Beach Hop Over to Krabi

Location: Krabi

Beach hopping is always a good idea. After enjoying time in Phuket, why not pop over to the mainland – a two-hour ferry ride – to unwind in Krabi? Located along the Andaman Coast, the sleepy coastal town rests in the shadows of soaring limestone mountains.

It’s a springboard to a wealth of natural assets, including jungles, hot springs, waterfalls, caves, rock climbing, and secluded lagoons right on its doorstep.

It’s also possible to continue living the island-hopping dream with Phi Phi Islands, a popular day trip, and other smaller islands vying for you to lay down your towel.

After a day of exploring, indulge in a taste of Southern Thailand street fare at Krabi Town Night Market and Chao Fah Night Market. For a sensory overload, visit the farmers market, Maharaj Market, for a taste of the morning bustle.

3. Soak Up Relaxed Vibes in Trat

Location: Trat Province

You just can’t get island-hopping out of your system, right? (And hey, I don’t blame you!). Thailand’s coastline is brimming with island getaways, fringed with leaning palms and clear waters.

Ko Chang is the ultimate island destination in the Trat province

If you’re chasing a more chilled vibe, head to the Trat province. It’s hardly short on options, with 52 islands dotting its waters.

The island of Ko Chang attracts travellers seeking a no-frills, festive beachside destination and is dotted with bars along festive Lonely Beach (trust me, it’s easy to kick back for a day with a book and watch the waves roll in as you sip on your 7th coconut!).

Sunset sippin’

Nearby Ko Mak encourages travellers to get active along hiking trails and kayaking to nearby Ko Kham. Ko Kood appeals to travellers willing to travel the distance for a real castaway moment at Ao Tapao Beach and chase hidden waterfalls.

4. Call it a Night on a Floating Raft House in Khao Sok National Park

Location: Khao Sok National Park

Located in central southern Thailand is Khao Sok National Park – an Explorer’s utopia with hiking, river tubing, cave trekking, and overnight stays in floating raft houses all on the agenda.

Forget waterfront housing, it’s time to live on top of the water

I consider it Thailand’s answer to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, with the park’s soaring limestone cliffs, evergreen forests, caves, Sok River, and impressive artificial Cheow Lan Lake. It’s also a top-notch place to spot local wildlife, such as tree-swinging gibbons, wild elephants, bears, boars, and over 180 bird species, including Great hornbills.

The best way to experience the highlights of this park is by joining an overnight tour. There are options to do a day tour, but when you can stay in a rustic floating raft house along the lake and wake up to see jungle-covered peaks, my advice is to call it a night in nature.

Not a bad way to get around

The tour includes a long tail boat ride along the lake and a guided trek to visit hidden caves by torchlight, Tam Nam Lu, and Diamond Cave, to spot bats hanging overhead.

After the overnight stay, I continued to give into Thailand’s greener, quieter side at Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, moments from town. The simple accommodation’s wooden bungalows sit along the riverbanks, some equipped with hammocks (my favourite perk).

Green grounds of the Khao Sok Riverside Cottages

Speaking of laying horizontal, the lodging offers free tube hire to make the most of the gentle torrents (and occasional small rapid) along the Sok River. I couldn’t get over how serene it was floating in Thailand’s countryside, spotting locals hunting fish, dragonflies darting, and birds flapping across the river. It was simply magical.

Khao Sok National Park is accessible via Phuket and Krabi, three hours away, and Surat Thani, the gateway to Thailand’s famous island-hopping trio: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao.

5. See Another Side to Ko Pha Ngan

Location: Ko Pha Ngan

You may be familiar with Ko Pha Ngan by name – it’s famous for its Full Moon parties, with the island a long-time fixture on South East Asia’s backpacking trail. But when the party’s over, what else is there to do?  Well, plenty! Forgo nursing a sore head and appreciate another side to this 168㎢ island beyond a sandy dancefloor.

Snorkel over coral reefs, beach-hop or take a boat to explore popular dive sites Hun Bai, Sail Rock, and Samran. Keep your head above water by visiting one of the island’s many waterfalls, including Than Sadet Waterfall and double-delight Wang Sai.

Hike the island’s tallest point following the marked Khao Ra Lookout Trail, with many more trails to choose from to stretch your legs. And top off a day of adventure watching the sunset at the aptly named Zen Beach. All these activities are the perfect natural remedy.

Combine Nature and Culture in Thailand

Clearly, many Thailand adventures await! One minute, you could be hiking in the mountains the next, admiring a centuries-old temple.

Sky’s the limit in Thailand

And replenishing energy stocks is a highlight in itself. Seek out a sensory overload at morning food markets, dine at a local family restaurant, or make your street food selection under the stars. Thailand satisfies adventurous appetites in more ways than one. So, ready to try something new?

Keen to keep discovering other amazing ways to discover Thailand? Visit Amazing Thailand to find out more.

Feature image by @ben.savage