10 Most Adventurous Things to do in Thailand You Shouldn’t Miss

by Rekha · Published August 3, 2016 · Updated March 18, 2019

The tropical paradise of Thailand is much more than what meets the eye. Many exciting secrets unravel at a little digging. The ‘Land of Smiles’ is well-known for once-in-lifetime adventures apart from the picturesque scenery and wonderful experiences. Give the crowds and the known a miss and get ready to discover the exciting side of the country. Thailand is brimming with opportunities for exploration, excitement and exploits. Adventure-seekers will find that there are so many things to do in Thailand. From the depths of the sea, rushing rivers, lush rainforests, there are exhaustive adventures.

Here is a list of top 10 most adventurous things to do in Thailand:

White Water River Rafting

White-water River rafting is one of the leading adventurous things to do in Thailand. The thrill of maneuvering the fast waters is not for the faint hearted. There are many wild rivers in the country. The rivers generally have fast flow, rapids of grade I- V, and rocks and other obstacles. As the raft makes its way on the river you feel the adrenalin rising.

On every rafting expedition, safety and fun are top priority. The hypalon self-bailing rafts, life jackets and helmets are proper safety gear. Rafting instructors are experienced locals with the best knowledge of the river area. Whether you are a first-time or a seasoned rafter of white-water rivers, it is a truly exciting adventure.

Best Places

Pai River in Mae Hong Son, Mae Taeng River in Chiang Mai, San Riveri in Loei, Khek River in Phitsanulok and Nan Mot Daeng River in Phatthalung

Prices

1500- 1800 Thai Baht

Best Time

June to October and November to February.

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Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport. One of the top 10 adventurous things to do in Thailand, any trip remains incomplete without having a glimpse of the underwater world. With 2000 km of coastline, hundreds of islands, there are reefs, walls, caves, wrecks to be explored.

Thailand has some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. The waters are crystal clear with an average sea temperature of 28 ° C. Plentiful marine life inhabit the waters, mainly manta rays, eels, whale sharks, enormous barracudas and many colorful species. The experience is truly unrivalled.

There are 27 marine parks in Thailand. The maximum depth for scuba diving is 40 m and more than three dives a day is not allowed. Several PADI certified schools offer certifications which one can take home as memory of the adventure.

Best Places

Hin Mouang, Hin Daeng, Phuket, Khao Lak, Surin and Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Thao, Chumpon pinnacle, Sail Rock, Tarutao National Marine Park, Shark Island, etc.

Prices

3000- 5000 Thai Baht.

Best Time

October to April.

[Also read about 10 of the best beaches in Thailand.]

Fly board in Koh Samui

Fly above the Water with Fly Board in Thailand.

A recent addition in thrilling adventure sports available in Thailand, flyboard is a sure sport to give you a high dose of adrenalin. Flyboard is a flying jet propelled board that gives a feeling of hovering not only in the air but also in the sea. The flyboard is connected to water jet of a jet-ski by a long flexible hose. The board flies over the water up to 9 meters upwards, rotates, somersaults, do acrobatic tricks, dive under water and swim. This adventure sports will make you feel like a dolphin.

The feeling of flying, the spray of the water on your face, the open skies makes you feel one with nature.

Best Places

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui.

Prices

Around 2500 Thai Bhat.

Best Time

Throughout the year.

[Check out 5 best places for honeymoon in Thailand.]

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is one of the adventurous activities for those who love challenge, excitement and outdoor sports. Although it is considered as a dangerous activity, rock climbing is increasingly popular among the adventure enthusiasts. Thailand has the best spots for rock climbing in the world. In the midst of picturesque scenery, extreme excitement to conquer the heights awaits.

Rock climbing is mentally and physically challenging, but the thrill and the exotic location is a once-a-lifetime opportunity. After the sweat including activity enjoying the view of the paradisiacal landscape is sheer bliss. Rock climbing shops provide all the gear, training courses (if you are still a novice) and experienced guides who will take you on the best routes to climb.

Best Places

Crazy Horse Cliff in Chiang Mai, Kio Lom Dam in Lampang, Railay Bay in Krabi, Krabi AoNang etc.

Prices

Best Time

November to April.

[Also check out top 10 places to visit in Thailand.]

Kayaking/Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing are eco-adventure-tourism activities that are very popular sports in Thailand. The challenge in exploring untouched locales navigating a kayak or canoe is thrilling. Thailand offers both sea kayaking and inland touring. Enjoy the scenery that remains unchanged since centuries. Discovering Islands, lagoons, mangrove forest, caves, high cliffs, rare flora and fauna on your floating canoe or kayak pumps adrenalin in your system. The still waters, such as, at reservoirs and dams also offers thrilling adventure.

The tour operators have equipment and services for the guests to enjoy the nature without causing pollution or environmental harm. You are under the proficiency of experience locals who know the area like the back of their hand.

Best Places

Kaeng Khutkhu in Loei, Ko Kut in Trat-Ko Chang, Mu Ko Ang Thong and Rajjaprabha Dam in Surat Thani, Mu Ko Thale Tai, Mu Ko Hong, Ban Bo Tho and Ao Tha Len in Krabi

Prices

3000-3500 Thai Baht.

Best Time

Throughout the year, though November to April in few places and April to October at others.

Cave Exploring

Caves in Thailand are known for mystery, spirituality and challenge. Exploring these ancient caves have become a favorite adventure in the country. Many caves are actually active temples. They are the venue for meditation retreats and other Buddhist activities. The rock formations are the result of thousands of years of wear. The caves are created of natural sculptures from stalagmites and stalactites, and even rivers and lakes. It is fun to explore the amazing creations of nature. The excitement of the unknown is an adventurous feeling, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The caves in Thailand are quiet dangerous as the air has strong presence of carbon dioxide. There are also extreme low temperatures. Special camping gear and proper training is required to embark on the adventure.

Best Places

Chiang Dao Cave in Chiang Mai, Tham Pee Hua Toe in Krabi, Tham Mae Lana in Mae Hong Son, Tham Lot in Mae Hong Son

Prices

600- 1000 Thai Baht.

Best Time

All year long.

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Chonburi Eco Zipline Tour

Adventure in Thailand is incomplete if you have not experienced the zip line. The Chonburi Eco zipline is a thrilling activity. Set in the protected rainforest nestled between the Champoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Kheow Open Safari Park, soar through 3km of exciting zip-line wires. Woven into the jungle’s eco-system on elevated treetops, witness the splendor of the Thai jungles.

The highest zipline in Thailand is set over 300 meters (984 feet). There are 24 platform stations, 2 hanging sky bridges and 2 rappel descents. With the thrill of adventure get educated about wildlife, flowers and fauna along the course. The adventure sport is safe, the professionals handling the zipline fits you in the harness. Now experience the gush of thrill as you move over the lush forests at the speed that feels like flying.

Prices

3500- 3800 Thai Baht.

Best Time

Throughout the year.

Elephant Trekking

Elephant are a vital part of Thailand. The gentle beasts have inhabited the country before the time of recorded history. There are numerous wild species and some docile one who have been trained by experts. A part of eco-tourism, elephant trekking is one of the 10 adventurous things to do in Thailand.

Elephant trekking lets you experience the beautiful natural topography of Thailand. Views during the elephant trek are some of the best. Spot animals from the back of elephants. Special elephant camps train the animals for trekking tours. Bathe them, feed them or it with them, these elephants are friendly and entertaining.

Best Places

Patara Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, Ban Ta Klang Elephant Study Centre in Surin, Namtok Khlong Phlu in Trat- Ko Chang, Amazing Bukit Safari in Phuket, etc.

Prices

600- 1000 Thai Baht.

Best Time

Throughout the year.

Koh Samui Jungle Tour

Koh Samui is blessed with myriad of tourist pleasures. Among Thailand’s most popular destination, the island has a totally unexplored side. The beautiful picture perfect seashores leads to mystical jungles blessed with wildlife, waterfalls, caves and excitement. Koh Samui Jungle Tour is one of the thrilling adventures.

Explore the exciting topography of tropical jungle on an adventurous 4-wheel drive jeep. Off-the-beaten track discover the dense foliage, roaring rivers, hidden valleys and remote and idyllic waterfalls. The jungle tours are organized by operators well-versed with every nook and corner of the jungle. The setting is totally exhilarating. Revel in the raw form of nature. Spot snakes, birds and various inhabitants of the jungle.

Best Places

Namuang Safari Park, Koh Samui

Prices

1800-2100 Thai Baht.

Best Time

November to August.

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Krabi Rainforest Discovery

The Krabi Rainforest Discovery is an exhilarating adventure in Thailand. Learn and discover the amazing natural wonders of the rainforest. The blessed tropical greenery is inhabited by species of insects, spiders, birds, flowers, rattan creepers and hermit mountain crabs. This place is rich in tropical fora and fauna. The highlight of the adventure is the naturally hollowed-out “bathtubs jacuzzi”. These are with running spring water at a pleasant 35-40 °C. Spot the relaxing jungle spa.

The tour is complete with the visit to Krabi Tiger Cave. Home to the monks who meditate among the limestone caves. A pleasant walk and a climb of 300-meters (1237 steps) staircase leads to a large Buddha image perched atop the cliff. The viewpoint offers a great sunset view.

Prices

1200- 1500 Thai Baht

Best Time

Anytime of the year.

Here is a infographic preview all adventure activities in Thailand:

Rekha

Rekha Bisht is an instinctive traveler who likes to roam about at whim. She is most likely to be found sipping tea in a remote tea-stall in Ladakh or making restless attempts at trekking the Chopta trek in Uttarakhand or something similarly bizzare! Thankfully, Rekha earns her meal with the words she writes and has been documenting her travels since she could say "Thunderstorm", which was not until recent.