Judging from its jaw-dropping sceneries and too-good-to-be-true vistas, Thailand is an outdoor enthusiast’s “Great Out There.” There certainly are plenty of things to do in Thailand aside from lazing on the beach all day long, and the following list proves that beneath the usual beach glamour that this country exudes lies a rougher edge that fuels adrenaline and drives adventurers beyond the edge, sometimes literally.
1. Diving and snorkeling
Diving in Similan (Photo by Sunphol Sorakul)
Underwater adventures are a dime a dozen in a country blessed with plenty of playgrounds to frolic in. Thailand is considered one of the best “to-dive-for” spots in the world, with Similan Islands off the coast of Phang Nga in the south attracting the hard core.
2. Kayaking
Kayaking in Railay (Photo by Benjamin Vander Steen)
The best way to sneak up on wildlife along the water’s edge and to set foot on remote beaches is to kayak up to it. Since Thailand has an abundance of beaches, it only stands to reason that sea kayaking must be one of the most popular activities adventurers engage in.
3. Mountain biking
Mountain biking is one way to enjoy the rugged countryside of Thailand (Photo by Richard Masoner)
Thailand has plenty of established mountain biking trails going through dirt roads, paved highways, shallow river crossings and rice paddies. In fact, those devoted to this sport make other stops in nearby countries, making Thailand a part of their Indo-China route, considering it is landlocked with other equally attractive destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
4. Birding
Birding is a relatively stress-free and fun outdoor activity (Photo by Ajith U)
In Southeast Asia, Thailand is rightfully considered the birder’s sweet spot. Not exactly an exacting adventure, bird watching seems a docile way to pass time, what with only a pair of powerful binoculars and sturdy hiking boots required to get in the game (and that mandatory life list). But getting to top birding spots in the country is another thing. Doi Inthanon, for example, is the richest birding territory in Thailand, but it is no small feat to get to, considering it is the highest mountain in the country.
5. Paragliding
The promontory of Laem Promthep is best for kicking off to freedom (Photo by edwin.11)
Speaking of birds, imitating one must be a liberating experience. Phuket, otherwise one of Thailand’s many beach capitals, is where one can literally leave the earth on an exhilarating ride off a cliff. Laem Promthep is where gliders jump off to freedom.
6. Caving
Pha Thai Cave in Lampang, northern Thailand (Photo by Heiko S)
Caving, or more formally spelunking, is an activity still in infancy in Southeast Asia. There are only a few countries which can boast of remarkable cave systems, and Thailand is one of them. Located in the Lampang region of northern Thailand, Pha Thai is one of the deepest cave complexes in the country, extending to a length of 1,200 meters (although the first one-third is only accessible to the public). Caving in Thailand, however, is not for the faint of the heart, as snakes have taken up residence in this cave, so there is more than claustrophobia to worry about.
7. Rock climbing
A rock climber securing a “positive” hold (Photo by Mark Fischer)
A more sedate or risk-the-limb version of abseiling (depending on the challenges presented by the rock), rock climbing is any form of scrambling up/down/across a vertical edge without exactly the benefit of a lifeline. The best rock climbing destinations are in Ko Phi Phi and Krabi, particularly in Railay Beach.
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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