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Outdoor Activities
 Adventurous
Sports
Beach/Islands
Culture
Eco-tourism
Golf
Adventurous
Sports
Thailand's diverse geography offers an impressive range
of activities. Northern Thailand's mountainous forests are
renowned for their spectacular waterfalls, lush green scenery,
caves, birds, and other wildlife. The exotic elephant safaris
and trekking with knowledgeable guides to visit remote hilltribes
have become very popular. The Southern coastline is ideal
for all aquatic fun, regardless of your level of expertise.
An abundance of national parks, land and marine, scattered
throughout the country provides a variety for exploring
Thailand's natural wilderness. Some come to take advantage
of the country's plentiful, excellent golf courses, while
others seek their thrills in adventurous sports. Whatever
your choice may be, there's bound to be an activity tailored
especially for you.
Those in need of adrenaline rush and want more out of life,
take your pick of any of these thrill-seeking activities
sure to be memorable. Whether you're a novice or expert,
the skilled staffs and facilities ensures safety is a priority.
Cave Explorations
Because of Thailand's mountainous geography, particularly
in the North, West and South, an abundance of natural caves
are on hand for exploring. Some contain beautiful limestone
creations, while others house sacred Buddha images. Though
safe and vividly marked, most require a guide. Don't be
alarmed if you should encounter sleeping, harmless bats.
Rock Climbing
This cliffhanging sport began in Krabi, with its scenic
location and many challenging routes, but is now available
at many sites throughout the country. The sport's popularity
has picked up dramatically over the past few years, with
the introduction of artificial wall climbing offered in
most metropolis and resort towns.
Whitewater Rafting
Take your pick of the leisurely bamboo rafting on tranquil
rivers in the North or the more exciting whitewater rafting
in sturdy inflatable rubber boats in strong currents and
rocky gorges. Umphang in Tak made whitewater rafting famous
among locals and has earned a world class rating. Nowadays,
many more places around the nation offer this thrilling
ride, with class ratings from 1-5.
In popular seaside resorts, a variety of water sports are
on offer, from parasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and
motorboat/ jet ski rentals. Inflatable "banana boat"
rides have gained in popularity, where a maximum of 5 sitting
astride an elongated rubber tube attempt to hold on as the
motorboat tugging it sends it into a number of swerves,
eventually resulting in a wipe out.
Beach/Islands
Deep Sea Fishing
Anglers have a choice of excellent facilities for big game
fishing at Pattaya and Phuket, where it's almost guaranteed
you'll catch a sailfish at the latter destination throughout
the year.
Islands
Spectacular off-shore islands dot the azure waters of Southern
Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, providing ample opportunities
for frolicking in the sun or for perfecting those tans.
Kayaking/ Sea Canoeing
Having gained much popularity in recent years, kayaking
is widely available at all seaside resort towns. It first
became known in Krabi and Phang Nga, being the most peaceful
way and only way to enjoy the strange karst islets, narrow
channels and mangrove forests.
Sailing
The international yachting fraternity love Thailand's dramatic
coastline and congregate once a year at Phuket for the annual
King's Cup Regatta. H.R.H. The King was once an avid sailor
and still shows interest for this sport. Though sailing
is possible from Hua Hin and Pattaya, the best facilities
and most scenic sights are in Phuket. Charter a yacht, join
a crew or even sail one of your own, the choice is endless.
Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling
The Andaman Sea offers some of the world's most spectacular
coral reefs, ocean drop-offs, and submerged pinnacles. With
numerous wreck dive sites and islands also available on
the Gulf of Thailand side, diving is capable nearly year-round.
The crystal clear waters enables you to view colorful sea
fans and soft corals for up to 100 feet, while the murky
waters, full of nutrients, attracts larger marine animals,
with numerous sightings of the elusive whale shark. The
tropical, warm currents means suiting up in bathing suits
is quite adequate.
Culture
Learn about the different elements that comprises this
enchanting Kingdom. See what you cannot experience from
reading guidebooks and gain a deeper insight into the unique
and diverse lifestyles of the Thai people.
Cultural (BKK)
Experience the harmonious mixture of cultural diversity
that forms a large metropolis, enabling it to survive as
the capital of the Land of Smiles.
Cultural (North)
With their own history and influences, the 700 years plus
Lanna culture of the North have their own stories to tell.
Hilltribes
Most commonly found in remote areas of Mae Hong Son, Chiang
Rai, Chiang Mai, and Tak, each unique tribe has their own
unique culture and tradition. Their exotic distinction manages
to attracts and fascinates all, though they've been around
for numerous decades.
River Cruises
Take a boat ride among the labyrinth of canals and observe
the traditional lifestyle still in existence. Floating markets,
people giving alms to monks in boats, children playing in
the waters - all part of a normal life you've only read
or heard about.
Eco-tourism
To be in touch with nature and to help conserve it for future
generations, these types of activities were designed for
responsible nature lovers. Appreciate the beauty, view its
wonders, but keep it intact for others too.
Bicycle Tours
What a better way to fully appreciate the local lifestyle
than by pedaling through those narrow roads that tourist
buses can't penetrate? It is also a novel and good way to
enjoy the natural wilderness and historical ruins.
Elephant Safaris
Experience lurching through the forests atop a pachyderm
and learn to appreciate its mighty strength and agility,
able to wade across deep rivers. Most elephant camps that
offers treks are based in Chiang Mai, but elephant rides
are also offered at tourist destinations in most resort
towns.
Sea Cruises
Take a cruise and view the impressive scenery the Gulf of
Thailand and the Andaman Sea has to offer. Travel in style
and leisure.
Trekking
Thailand offers ideal terrain for hiking, from the limestone
forests of Krabi to the undulating mountains in the North,
where many hilltribe people live. Head over to any national
parks for nature-based trekking, teeming with wildlife,
waterfalls, and other natural attractions. Some treks incorporate
elephant safaris and other modes of transportation.
Walking Tour
Sometimes the best, and time-efficient ways to learn about
Thai culture is simply by walking around, either plainly
observing or immersing yourself with the people. Most walking
tours involves temples within the same vicinity. And in
Bangkok, sometimes walking is much faster than cars.
Wildlife Viewing
Some of the rarest, tropical animals and birds can still
be found in the nation's national parks. The most common
trips are birdwatching, but even a simple walk in any mountainous
area will guarantee a sighting of at least some common animals
found in Thailand: gibbons and monkeys.
Golf
The nation's passion for golf has never waned. The excellent
golf courses scattered around the nation, with diverse scenic
backdrops, have hosted numerous international competitions.
Though many clubs are exclusive, numerous golfing holidays
are commonly available throughout the year at popular golfing
destinations. More
information
Content
by Tourism Authority of Thailand
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