12 Most Unique Things to Do in Thailand

Having spent two months exploring different parts of Thailand, I stumbled upon some incredibly unique things to do in Thailand that might not be easy to experience anywhere else in the world. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a country where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the outdoors and adventure. Beyond its famed beaches and bustling markets, there is a whole treasure trove of unique places in Thailand that await intrepid travellers.

From sharing the depths of the Andaman Sea with majestic marine life to discovering the allure of underwater cave systems, from ancient temples hanging dangerously on steep cliffs to the world’s largest flower sitting deep in a rainforest, these unique things to do in Thailand will surely make the adventurers want to pack their backs immediately!

🏝️Visiting Thailand? Here are a few quick links at a glance:
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🚤Book Transfers: 12goAsia
🛌Book Hotels: Booking and Expedia for best deals
🤳Best Thailand Tours: GetYourGuide, and Viator
🩺Global Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
🧴Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer (Reef Safe), Foxtale (SPF 70)

12 Most Unique Things to Do in Thailand

Kayak the Sea Caves in Koh Talabeng

The Koh Talabeng tour was something I stumbled upon by mistake while staying in Koh Lanta. It was a kayak tour which started off with a kayak session amongst the mangroves around Koh Lanta Old Town. Then we headed to a small secret beach in Koh Talabeng on a longtail boat with our kayaks to explore the limestone caves of the island, one of the most unique things to do in Krabi Thailand.

Koh Talabeng is a small, uninhabited island in the Krabi district with tall limestone outcrops which also form caves right over the water’s surface. This allows you to paddle your kayak and enter these caves. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Thailand. With your kayaks, you can navigate through these narrow passages weaving between the rugged cliffs and exploring concealed grottoes, making it one of the most unique things to do in Thailand.

Take the Slow Boat to Laos

By Annelies of Travelers & Dreamers

Whether you are coming from Thailand or Laos, one of the most unique things to do in Thailand is take a slow boat along the mighty Mekong River!

The slow boat travels between the town of Chiang Khong in Thailand to Luang Prabang in Laos. You can either opt to take the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Thailand or in the opposite direction. A tip for travellers who like to travel mindfully, away from tourism crowds is to take the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Thailand. This route is way less crowded than the route coming from Thailand. Most backpackers tend to travel in the opposite direction going from Thailand to Laos.

The slow boat journey is a scenic and immersive two-day trip along the Mekong River, making it one of the most unique things to do in Thailand. It involves an overnight stay in the small town of Pak Beng, where you can find plenty of guesthouses and a few good restaurants. For the boat trip, however, you must stock up on snacks, as the boat offers limited food options (only drinks and instant noodles). The boat’s layout varies, but it generally includes comfortable seating, a small bar, and toilet facilities. Choosing seats near the front is advisable to avoid the loud engine noise at the back​.

The first day involves a leisurely 8-10 hour journey, with stops at local villages along the Mekong River, and arriving in Pak Beng around 6:30 PM. The second day the journey continues, passing more villages, rock formations, and river beaches, making it one of the more interesting things in Thailand.

It’s a great way to see how this is the main means of transportation for the local villagers and to get unique insights into how they live in small rural towns, most of the time close to nature and disconnected from the internet, definitely one of those once in a lifetime things to do in Thailand!

See the Rafflesia Flower in Khao Sok National Park

The heart of the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park in the Surat Thani Province is home to a botanical wonder. The largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia has 44 species spread across different rainforests of Southeast Asia ranging from Malaysia, Singapore to Indonesia. One of these 44 species, the rafflesia kerrii is found in Khao Sok National Park, a hike to which is one of the most unique things to do in Thailand.

Known as the “corpse flower” due to its pungent odour, the Rafflesia blooms only once a year in the winter months of November through January. If you are particularly adventurous like me, you can choose to hike through the forest with a chance to be rewarded with the rare sight of this colossal flower, for an experience of unusual things to do in Thailand.

Beyond its striking appearance of leathery petals surrounding a giant red spiky bowl, the Rafflesia holds ecological significance within Khao Sok National Park as a parasitic plant and is one of the Thailand hidden gems. I have written extensively about this rare phenomenon for the Going Magazine if you would like to read more about it.

You can book a Rafflesia tour from your hotel/ hostel at the Khao Sok village. We were staying at Khao Sok Secret Hostel and booked a guide directly from them and were successful in sighting this rare flower in all its glory!

Swim With a Whale Shark at the Hin Bai (Sail Rock) Dive Site

By Pilar of Travel The World Pages

Scuba diving or snorkelling with whale sharks in Thailand is one of the unique things to do in Thailand when visiting this amazing country. The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean and is a filter feeder meaning it feeds on small plankton found abundantly, especially in high currents in the water column.

One of the most amazing places in Thailand to experience this is in the beautiful waters of Hin Bai, also called Sail Rock, a pinnacle located midway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The vertical pinnacle emerging from the bottom of the sea’s unique topography makes it a unique scuba diving destination brimming with marine life.

The best time of the year to see the elusive whale shark on this site is March and April, and September and October. Whale sharks usually swim around the site and when they swim very near the surface you can see them while scuba diving and snorkeling.

Having an ethical approach to your encounter with the majestic whale shark is crucial to not harming this endangered species. While whale sharks do not attack and they are friendly, you should always maintain a respectful distance and avoid touching them to not disrupt their natural behaviour. Using reef-safe eco-friendly sunscreens like the Foxtale SPF 70 and K-Beauty Thank You Farmer SPF 60 is also essential to the health of all marine life while being in the ocean.

Most scuba diving trips also bring snorkellers and follow ethical guidelines and I particularly recommend Haad Yao Divers, as I have done a trip several times with them for one of the most unique things to do in Thailand.

Camp on the Beach in Koh Adang

By Dottie of Travel Oasis

Beach camping on Koh Adang is one of the most unique things to do in Thailand. With long, white sand beaches, crystal clear water filled with coral and marine life, a wild, jungle interior and barely any visitors at all, Koh Adang is the epitome of a deserted island paradise. 

Located in the south Andaman Sea, close to the famous Koh Lipe, Koh Adang falls within the Tarutao National Marine Park, so is largely undeveloped. There are only basic facilities on the island, but that’s part of what makes the experience so special. 

If you have your own tent, camping costs 30 THB/night per person. If you don’t, you can rent a tent plus camping gear from the visitor’s centre. This costs 340 THB per night for two people and includes the camping fee. Inside the tent are two sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows. These are already set up and you can just speak to the visitor’s centre upon arrival to arrange, making for one of the most unique places to stay in Thailand!

There is one restaurant on Koh Adang that prepares simple, yet delicious meals. There is no ATM on the island, so be sure to bring all the money you’ll need for the duration of your stay. 

In addition to beach bumming on Koh Adang, there are a couple of nice hikes you can do, and we highly recommend renting snorkels from the visitor’s centre to take advantage of the beautiful coral and marine life just off the coast.

Explore the Emerald Cave in Koh Mook

Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, locally known as Tham Marakot, is a splendid place to be if you’re looking for unique things to do in Thailand. You can get here in either a longtail boat tour from islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Libong, or kayak from the beach at Koh Mook.

Tham Marakot is a limestone karst cave which has a hollowed out portion that lets you kayak or swim in absolute darkness. If you take a tour, you will be provided with headlamps. This itself is a very exhilarating experience to swim in pitch dark like a cave tunnel of sorts.

Soon you see light coming in from the other end, and you open into the tiniest, most pristine beach I’ve ever seen in my life. And by the beach is a small patch of lush, thriving rainforest. It’s like a whole ecosystem surviving inside a giant, hollow cave, making it one of the most offbeat places to visit in Thailand.

It’s one of the most unique places in Thailand without doubt. And if you’re in the south in the Trang, a visit here should be on the top of your list! You can even visit the Emerald Cave of Koh Mook by checking with your accommodation in Krabi.

However, on most days (especially weekends) this place can get unbelievably crowded. Try to get on a boat leaving super early in the morning, on a weekday to make sure you get this tiny slice of paradise (mostly) to yourself.

Get Enchanted by the Blue Caves of Mae Sot

By Catherine Xu of Nomadicated

The Blue Cave in Mae Sot is one of those hidden gems and unique things to do in Thailand that not only tourists don’t know about but also don’t have time to go out of their way for. It is one of the best offbeat places in Thailand, about 30 kilometres from Mae Sot, a border town with Myanmar.

The Blue Cave, or Tham Si Fa as the locals call it, is a cave system with naturally occurring blue patterns on its stone walls. The blue shades are arranged in dark and light hues, giving them a striped appearance.  

As soon as you reach the cave, a Buddha statue greets visitors before the dark entrance to the cavern. This is one of the cool places in Thailand and once inside, the coolness of the cave instantly provides relief from the tropical heat outside, and within a few minutes, you’ll start noticing the beautiful shades of blue and grey, making it the best hidden gems in Thailand.

The cave is lit with single bulbs guiding the way, but as you venture deeper, it gets darker and darker. The blue turns into rugged earth-tone boulders. Even without the mesmerizing blue interior, it’s an exhilarating caving experience where you might have to squeeze through tight spots and watch out for your head.

Getting to the Blue Cave is pretty straightforward, just a bit far. It’s around 30 km south of Mae Sot, partly on bumpy dirt roads. Unless you’re coming from Myanmar, then the easiest way is to make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sukhothai Historical Park. From there, you’ll need to rent a scooter and drive for about three hours to get here.

Swim With Pigs at Koh Madsum (Pig Island)

By Peta and Jonas of Exit45 Travels.

Pig Island, also known as Koh Madsum, is a hidden gem just off the coast of Koh Samui, offering one of the most unique things to do in Thailand for travellers seeking something out of the ordinary. This charming little island has gained popularity for its unique things in Thailand – adorable, friendly pigs!

Besides the sheer novelty of interacting and swimming with the pigs in a tropical paradise, the island boasts pristine beaches and tranquil surroundings. You can sunbathe on the powdery sands, swim and snorkel in the clear waters, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply bask in the beauty of nature.

When visiting Koh Madsum, it’s important to practice ethical interaction with the pigs. While the drawcard for many is to feed or swim with these friendly creatures, it’s vital to do so responsibly and considerately. Feeding them human food can be harmful to their health, so it’s strongly encouraged to offer only the appropriate pig-friendly snacks provided by the owner of the island. Similarly, while swimming, maintaining a respectful distance and not disrupting their natural behaviour is crucial for their well-being.

To reach Pig Island, you can hop on a boat or join a guided tour from Koh Samui, which usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. If you choose to take a tour, this trip is often combined with a visit to Koh Tan where you will have the opportunity to go snorkelling.

Walk to Koh Nok from Koh Yao Noi

Have you ever thought of walking from one island to another? I hadn’t until I landed at Koh Yao Noi in the Phang Nga province. On the west coast of Koh Yao Noi island, close to the Tha Khao Pier is a very small island called Koh Nok which is one of the most unique things to see and do in Thailand.

At particular times of the day, during low tide, the water receds to an extent revealing a narrow sand bank connecting the main island of Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok. It’s a fun thing to do, walking along this sandbank and going to the other island to explore this quaint little place, making it one of the most unique things to do in Thailand.

However, do note that there is yet another Koh Nok Island by the south coast of Koh Yao Noi which is farther away and can only be reached by a kayak or a boat. Do not confuse these two!

Experience the Pagodas in the Sky at Wat Phraphutthabat Sutthawart

By Paula Morgan of Thailand Awaits 

While many visitors to Thailand quickly face temple fatigue, I guarantee you this is one temple that will impress even the most jaded traveller. Wat Phraphutthabat Sutthawart, or Jedee Loy Fah or ‘pagodas floating in the sky” temple can be found about 80 km from the Northern Thai city of Lampang, in Lampang Province. It makes a great day trip from either Lampang or Chiang Mai, and is overall one of the most unique things to do in Thailand.

While these white pagodas might look like they have been there forever, they are a fairly recent addition to the landscape completed in 2015. A team of 50 volunteers worked on the temple, built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the reign of King Rama IV, over nine years in what must have been a very challenging project considering the terrain, making it one of the more recent hidden treasures of Thailand.

The pagodas, or stupas sit upon rocky limestone crags overlooking the Chae Hom Valley. At 838 meters above sea level and 500 meters from the roadway below, the hike up to see them is a little challenging but you are well rewarded with amazing 360-degree vistas and a real sense of peace. 

At the top is an open platform with several statues, bells and gongs. It’s an excellent spot for some quiet contemplation before you hike down, and also one of the most adventurous things to do in Thailand at the same time.

Before you set out make sure you have plenty of water. It’s not a hard climb but it is usually quite humid and you have 800 stairs ahead of you! It took us about 25 minutes to reach the top. 

The temple opens at 7:30 am and closes at 4.30 pm. I highly recommend that you visit as early in the morning as possible for a comfortable experience, fewer people and lower temperatures for the win! The lush green forest is so peaceful on our visit. We visited at 8 am on a Sunday and only met one group, a Thai family, on our visit. As we were leaving at 10:30, several more groups were streaming in. 

The temple is inside a national park so there is a park entry fee and a temple fee. The total we paid was 690 THB for two which included our ride by a Songthaew-style truck to the start of the hike.

Visit the Abandoned Resort in Koh Tao

By Victoria of Guide Your Travel

The Laem Thian Beach Resort in Koh Tao is one of the most unique things to do in Thailand and a famous hotspot for urban exploring in the country. This resort, which was left abandoned around 2014, is now slowly becoming part of the jungle and a fantastic spot to explore off the beaten track. Its remote location, surrounded by jungle and ocean, makes it an attractive destination for those looking for unique experiences.

To reach the resort, visitors have two main options. The most common way is hiking through the jungle from Sairee Beach, which takes about an hour. This path is straightforward and suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Alternatively, visitors can kayak from Tanote Bay, which offers a different perspective and is a less strenuous option.

The resort itself offers a variety of activities. Visitors can explore the graffiti-covered walls, go cliff jumping, or enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters nearby. The main building of the resort is in good condition, but the smaller bungalows in the jungle are quite dilapidated and require caution when exploring. The area is home to wildlife, including snakes, but they generally keep to themselves.

Visitors can spend several hours at the resort. For those interested, it’s also possible to camp there, either inside the buildings or on the rooftop terrace. However, campers need to bring their own supplies as there are no facilities on-site at one of the most unique places to stay in Thailand.

Just make sure to be careful and follow local rules and restrictions. Camping may not be permitted, due to the uncertain situation of the resort, so check with locals before heading there.

Spend a Day at Elephant Nature Park

By Tamara Williams of My Elated Odyssey

If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Thailand, head to Elephant Nature Park. This experience can easily be one of the most memorable events from your trip. 

Elephant sanctuaries are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, especially for nomads and expats living and working with jobs such as TEFL teaching. However, numerous ones, unfortunately, engage in unethical behaviour toward the gentle giants. Luckily, Elephant Nature Park is regarded as one of the most ethical sanctuaries in the country!

The sanctuary is located in northern Thailand in the Chiang Mai Province. While it’s not near Chiang Mai’s centre, the sanctuary provides complimentary shuttle services for your visit.

Elephant Nature is home to over 110 rescued elephants and other animals, including buffalo and goats. Most of the elephants have heartbreaking pasts, suffering through years of abuse and challenges. Excitingly, a few baby elephants live on the property!

There are various volunteer experiences at the rescue centre. This includes half-day visits, single days, and even overnight stays on the property. If you do opt for the overnight stay, keep in mind that multiple-night stays are unavailable.

All volunteer opportunities are hands-off, as the sanctuary only engages in ethical practices. You will be able to learn about the elephants’ stories and view them interacting with their natural environment. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is seeing how happy the elephants are. The staff makes it a top priority to provide the elephants with a safe, natural habitat.

It’s not rare for the park to become sold out in the peak season, such as in December. Book in advance to avoid this being the case with your preferred date!

Unique Things to Do in Thailand – Frequently Asked Questions

What things are unique to Thailand?

Thailand is unique for its one-of-a-kind adventures that include kayaking through sea caves, swimming in pitch darkness, visiting pagodas built on steep cliffs, urban exploring abandoned resorts by the sea and so much more.

What is Thailand famous for?

Thailand is a country famous for its pristine beaches, ancient and intricate temples, unique culture and biodiversity that is unlike anywhere else in the world!

What makes Thailand unique?

Accessibility to most parts of the country for any kind of traveller – budget as well as luxury, and its unique culture, festivals and foods surely make Thailand unique.