An adventure in Thailand is calling your name. You hear that, right? Whispers in the back of your mind are telling you that you deserve mango sticky rice, a beach, and some tropical bliss. Adventure travel in Thailand is a must-do for anyone looking to escape abroad. Whether you like beaches or mountains, city or countryside, sweet or spicy, we at GoAbroad can you help you plan adventure travel in Thailand—it’s THAIm to book that ticket!

There’s more to this country than meets the eye, and where better to discover that than Thailand adventure tours!

The best part of heading to this part of SE Asia is that you can really tweak your Thai adventure experience. Are you looking to volunteer in a small village? Do you want to learn to scuba dive off of one of the islands? Do you want to meditate at a yoga retreat, play with elephants, or hand make a bamboo raft? An adventure in Thailand can be created just for you and the experience that you want. 

8 adventure travel in Thailand FAQs

1. Where are popular places for Thailand adventure tours?

Thailand adventures offer a variety of landscapes, nature, and scenery for everyone who has been bitten with wanderlust. Depending on what you are looking for in your Thai-venture, it’s easy to choose something you will absolutely love.

• Bangkok. If possible, see if you can spend a few days in the big city to experience a mix of historic and modern, traditional and progressive, wealth and poverty. You can see some unique architecture that makes you feel as if you were on a movie set. Giant highrises look down upon the historic temples that are scattered around the city. It may be a bit more expensive than other areas of SE Asia, but it’s much cheaper than many metropolises across the globe. If you’re finances are tight, you can still find loads of street food and amazing markets to keep your budget in check.  
• The north, like Chiang Mai. is popular for those that love national parks, rolling hills, traditional temples, and a bit of quiet relaxation. Chiang Mai is the largest city up north and offers quick trips to all of the beauty of the countryside. There are 13 national parks in just the province of Chiang Mai. It’s a great place to post up and stay while motorbiking to the mountains or waterfalls nearby. You can hike, bike, raft, bathe with elephants, and do all of your favorite outdoor Thailand adventure travel up in the north. 
• The south, like Krabi is where you will find the famous Thai beaches. White sand and bright blue water will meet you in the south. You can snorkel, scuba, kayak, or just swim around in warm and clear waters. There are so many beaches to choose from that you can literally just pick what you want. Do you want loud and busy? Calm and relaxing? Cultured or western? Fancy shmancy or backpacker style? Get those beach sunset pics and wonder why you ever second thought your decision to go down south to Thailand. 

Due to mass tourism, some beaches have been temporarily closed due to litter, so be conscientious of the effects of mass tourism in the area and always clean up after yourself!

Explore by foot, by bike, by tuk tuk—just never stop!

2. Should I go with a group/tour or strike out on my own in Thailand? 

Adventure travel is all about making new pals abroad. There’s no better way to find a new best friend than to plan group adventure tourism in Thailand. Adventure programs come with perks such as lodging, transport, translations, and insider tips on Thai life. With group tours, there usually tends to be a sort of volunteer aspect, so you can help out a new community while adventuring. Win-Win! Make sure to look for ethical tours and ask questions to the program providers if you are hesitating towards clicking that “book” button. 

Good resources for booking group tours:

The best part of Thailand adventure travel group tours is that you don’t have to plan! Just relax and enjoy your adventure vacay while the program staff take care of the nitty gritty deets. No need to worry about a language barrier or making mistakes on your itinerary. 

3. How much does it cost to do adventure travel in Thailand?

Adventure tourism in Thailand costs will likely include in country transport, meals, and accommodation. Of course each program has their own pricing, but the price includes various perks. Also, GoAbroad carefully researches responsible tourism and verifies that the companies are ethical and responsible. Some costs may be very minimal while others are more expensive. You need to stick to your budget and know that your adventure in Thailand is priceless and the memories will stick with you for a lifetime. Check each individual program for pricing details. You will discover an average price for adventure travel programs are about $500 per week. Pro tip: IVHQ is one of the cheapest Thailand adventures! 

4. Do I need a visa for Thailand adventure tours?

Thailand can be entered visa-free for up to thirty days. However, if you want to stay longer, apply for a tourist visa from a consulate in your home country before you head off. This will allow you 60 days. You can also request to have a three month visa, but that usually takes place at immigration once you arrive in Thailand. Depending on your situation, you will want to double check your specific visa needs before heading abroad. The Thai visa rules can be a tad confusing, but your program coordinators can also confirm you are getting the correct visa. To see more information on different types of Thai visas, check the GoAbroad Embassy Directory. 

Even the visa situation for Thailand adventures is beachy-keen.

5. What are the best seasons for adventure travel?

Thailand has three main seasons: rainy, hot, and cool-well, cool by Thai standards. If you want to ditch the daily afternoon downpours, head to Thailand November through April. It’s a bit cooler, and you won’t have to wear the funny looking ponchos sold at every single 7-Eleven. However, if you do make it to Thailand during the rainy season, it’s not so bad. You can expect some stormy monsoons, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the heat and the tropics. It may rain for an hour or two per day, but it won’t put a damper on your adventure in Thailand. Traveling during rainy season will also have less tourists and be cheaper. 

If possible, make it to Thailand mid-April for Songkran Festival. It’s a three day nationwide water fight that welcomes the Thai New Year and the start of the rainy season. Everyone in the country sprays each other with water guns and dumps buckets of water on each other for three days straight. It’s a party you won’t want to miss. On the other hand, you can head to Thailand in mid-November for Loi Krathong Festival where you can witness the famous floating lanterns.

6. Do I need to speak Thai?

Nope! Nada. Naaaah. If you’re going with a Thailand adventure travel program, the language barrier will be no problemo as the tours will all be taken care of in English. Even if you decide to wing it and do some independent adventuring around Thailand, you don’t NEED to speak Thai. Bigger cities will offer lots of information in English and even smaller towns cater to western expats who have flocked to the Thai tropics. Of course, you should learn to say “hello, please, and thank you” in Thai out of respect. Thai people love when westerners put in effort to learn the language. And how else would you ask for a discount on elephant pants at the market? Lót dâi mái?

A homestay with a Thai family may be just the ticket to true cultural immersion.

7. Should I do a homestay? Where should I live?

There are so many fun options of where to stay. If you are going with a group, you will likely have your accommodation all sorted for you; and yes this can definitely include homestays. But if you are on your own, you can pick from an array of places. Be it bungalow, AIRBNB, hostel, couchsurfing, or guesthouse. For cheaper options, look into couch surfing or a hostel. It’s a great way to meet new people and stick to a budget. If you are ok with splurging - even though the dollar goes far in Thailand, consider a cute Airbnb or a bungalow. These will be a little more pricey, but a little more private if that is what you prefer. 

8. What are the downsides of adventure travel in Thailand?

The downside of your adventure in Thailand will be on your last day when you don’t want to leave! But for real, you may find the food a bit spicy and get a good ole’ case of food poisoning. For those with sensitive stomachs “mâi pet” (no spicy chilis) will be your new phrase of choice. However, there are pharmacies all over that offer really cheap meds in case you find yourself running to the toilet. Also, be cautious of the weather and mosquitos. 

It’s a good idea to always wear a lot of sunscreen and mosquito repellent. You can easily find these at every 7-Eleven. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer to your outings. You may be stuck in a squatter toilet with no tissue regretting what you ate the night before. Overall, Thailand is safe. You may hear of an occasional pickpocket or taxi scams, but it’s not as common as you may think. Just be cautious as you should be any time that you travel. 

More ideas for your adventure in Thailand bucket list

• Do a formal program! Take your adventure up a notch and do it in community with others on a formal, meaningful travel program. Popular options include yoga, backpacking, scuba, and more!
• Eat noodles! Yes, food! You will have tons of street food and Thai restaurants offering noodles, curry, and an array of colorful dishes in front of your face. It’s true that it is easy to get western food in Thailand, but that’s no fun. Eat local and indulge in some real Pad Thai. If you head up north, make sure to eat the Khao Soi! 
• Drink lots of Thai iced teas and mango shakes. As soon as you get your spice indulgence fulfilled, cool it down with a fresh Thai drink. Thais love their sweet drinks to complement the sweat you are soaking in midday. It is no joke that you will drink more sweet and refreshing drinks in Thailand than you thought was humanly possible. But it’s quite a tasty treat while lounging in the Thai sun. 
• Island hop. Koh Koh Koh! Thailand has hundreds of islands. Why not take advantage of a little boat tour to one of these getaways? Whether it’s part of the tour that you booked or just a day or two on your own, you must see some of these beautiful beaches. Unwind, watch the sunset, get sandy, swim in bright blue water, and relaaaax.
• Ride a motorcycle to anywhere. Renting a motorbike costs an average of about $10 per day. Depending where you are, you may need to have a motorbike license (note: The “strictness” varies throughout the country…). Take advantage with some of your free time by riding off into the countryside. Seek out a waterfall, head to Pai, go to a secluded beach, or just drive to wherever! 
• Volunteer with elephants at an elephant sanctuary. Playing with elephants may mean you get an awesome insta-pic. But be aware when signing up to volunteer or see elephants. There are ethical companies that take care of the elephants and there are companies that exploit elephant tourism. If you are looking to play with elephants, check out a responsible company that does not allow you to ride the animals. Find a variety of volunteer projects in Thailand here.
• Eat some creepy crawlies. Because you really are on an undercover season of Fear Factor. DO IT FOR THE PIC. Your mom wants to know what you are up to anyway. 
• Sign up for a cooking class. You’ll be eating so much amazing local food that you will want to know all of the hidden secrets. Surprisingly, buying and making Thai food is actually cheap and easy! You just may need a little hand holding to start you off. But once you realize you can load up on peppers and seasonings, you will be happy you learned from a local.  
• Shop in the local markets. Thai markets are wonderful. You can find clothing, hand carved crafts, produce, and pig’s heads—hello vegetarianism? You will have some beautiful things to buy abroad. Even if you aren’t into buying souvenirs or extra things to weigh down your luggage, heading to the markets to view the culture is a must.  
• Get loads of massages. You must try a famous Thai massages that transform your body into a new being. This should cost you no more than $10 for an hour. Other options are oil massages that will soothe your skin, foot massages after an adventure-a-thon, or an aloe massage if you got a little too crispy in the sun. The massage parlors are a gem and you ought to take advantage of affordable massages while in Thailand. 

3 recommended Thailand adventure tours

Ready to find that perfect tour that fits your needs, wants, and wallet? Check out some of these recommended Thailand adventure tours before you book your flight.

1. Expedition Leader Program | Pure Exploration

During this program, Thailand is just one of many stops on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Pure Exploration has developed an Expedition Leader program that will train outdoor enthusiasts to deal with all kinds of climates and terrain. In addition to Thailand, you'll also hit up the Galapagos, Ecuador, Laos, Machu Picchu, Vietnam, and the Himalayas. By the end of your trip, you'll have some truly unrivaled outdoor skills—and stories too! 

2. World's Top Affordable Volunteer Programs | International Volunteer HQ 

On a budget and want to volunteer? Look no further than IVHQ. Because it is ranked as the #1#1 most affordable volunteer programs, you can save all of your extra cash for massages and mangos. You can sign up for projects such as teaching or outdoor conservation. The programs typically place you up in the north of Thailand where you can find cooler weather, green mountains, and a slower pace of life. You get additional support included in your program fee such as airport pickup, dorms or homestays, and meals. You’ll have two days off a week to explore the area, trek the jungles, or just relax in a hammock and read. 

3. Southeast Asia Explorer | Gapforce

This is an all in one adventure. From the city views of Bangkok to temple-viewing in Chiang Mai to beach bumming in the south, you will experience all you need to see in Thailand. While popping around the country, you’ll have a chance to volunteer with elephants, raft in the rainforest, and swim in the clear ocean waters. The wide variety of activities will leave you knackered at the end of the day, but you’ll have plenty of time to test out your favorite fruit shake. The Thai adventure has an eight-week itinerary which leaves you busy but not overwhelmed. 

[Check Out ALL the Thailand Adventure Tours Out There]

It’s THAIm to pack your bags and head out on your adventure in Thailand! 

Push yourself and try new things during adventure tourism in Thailand.

Whether you choose to volunteer, scuba dive, trek, or just relax on a beach, you are going to have the THAIm of your life. Remember to be open and flexible, say yes to new friends, eat that weird object that you aren’t quite sure about, and to embrace the Thai culture. 

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