7 Adventurous Things to Do in Thailand That Will Push Your Limits
Thailand has adventure at every bend. From rock climbing without ropes to scuba diving without a tank, there is no shortage of adventurous things to do in Thailand that will push you to your very limits.
With pristine beaches, pulsating cities and delicious food, it’s no wonder Thailand draws millions of travelers every year. But it’s too easy to get stuck on the “banana pancake trail” (a.k.a. the tourist trail) without ever stepping foot off it.
Want to do a little more than drink your way through Thailand? This list of seven adventurous things to do in Thailand should get you started.
But first things first—protection. Especially if you’re attempting any extreme activities, travel insurance is an absolute must. If you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel! If you’re looking for coverage, check out our list of the best travel insurance companies.
Deep Water Soloing in Tonsai/Railay
Deep Water Soloing is one of my favorite adventure activities in Thailand—it’s like rock climbing on steroids. It’s a form of free-climbing that involves bouldering and scaling cliffs without ropes, harnesses, anchor points, chalk, or any other climbing gear.
The only way up is to climb, and the only way down is to leap from the edge, whether you’re 10 feet or 100 feet in the air, plunging yourself into the water below. It’s just you, the rock, and the sea.
Near the Krabi province in southern Thailand, the Tonsai and Railay beaches are the best places to go Deep Water Soloing. Professional local guides will take you on a tiny long tail boat to the 200 foot karst rocks nearby that jut upwards out of the sea and into the sky.
Rope ladders will help you climb onto the rock from the water (it’s a lot more difficult climbing out than you might think), but once you’re up on the rock, you’re left entirely to your own devices, and you’re climbing straight up the side of a cliff with no ropes. If your foot slips or your grip gives out, the only safety net is the ocean 50 feet below you, and you’ve gotta freefall the whole way there.
More Information
To book, visit Hot Rock Climbing School. They offer half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, lunch, an English speaking guide, boat rides, climbing shoes, etc. Prices are about $30 USD per person (฿800 – 1,000 THB) for a single day.
Free Diving on Koh Tao
Scuba diving in Koh Tao isn’t the only option for exploring coral reefs! If you really want to push yourself, try diving without an oxygen tank. Believe it or not, this sport has gained some serious traction in recent years, making it one of the best adventure activities in Thailand.
Freediving, also known as apnea, is relying on one breath of air and diving for a couple of minutes, down to 20 or more meters, to discover shipwrecks, sea life, and coral reefs. The longest freedives are upwards of 20 minutes on a single breath, but nobody is expecting that from you on your first day.
The key to successfully freediving is learning how to relax underwater and learning how to control your breath. You know that tightness that you feel when you hold your breath for a couple of minutes? Well it doesn’t actually mean you’re running out of oxygen.
In fact, rising CO2 levels fill up your lungs, which cause the diaphragm to contract and urge you to gasp for air. In actuality, this feeling indicates that you’ve only used about half of your breath capacity.
Without an oxygen tank, and with your breath and body under control, free diving is described as a type of underwater meditation. Your mind is the only thing holding you back.
Climb an Abandoned Skyscraper in Bangkok
More of city dweller? It might be worth trying your hand at some urban climbing.
Bangkok is home to an abandoned 49 story skyscraper. If you decide to do this, do so at your own risk—it’s definitely not legal to enter and I do not recommend it. There are a group of squatters who live in the Sathorn Unique and, depending on how much flack they’re getting from the police at the time, and how much you intend to bribe them for, they may or may not let you enter.
The Sathorn Unique building, also known as Bangkok’s “Ghost Tower,” was left abandoned at 80% completion as a result of the collapse of the Thai Baht and the Asian Financial Crisis in 1990. It is now left as a reminder of that uncertain time, sporting only wild bundles of cut cables, rusted piping, unsealed elevator shafts, broken toilets, and huge holes in the ground.
You’ll have to climb the stairs to the 49th floor, and even then you won’t find any windows or guard rails. But, sitting on the edge of the tower, letting your feet hang down from 49 stories in the sky, the sense of accomplishment (and fear—don’t look down!) will have made the climb totally worth it.
More Information
Remember: It is illegal to enter the Sathorn Unique and you do so at your own risk. I tried to do it but couldn’t get past the third floor. Read the full story here.
White Water Rafting on the Mae Taeng River
Feel the force of tons of water drenching you and tossing you in different directions. When you’re not paddling for dear life, you’re hanging on for dear life, on a whirlwind ride on an inflatable raft down some of mother nature’s most dangerous creations—rapids.
Northeast of Chiang Mai you’ll find the Mae Taeng River, home to class 2-4 rapids and exotic wildlife (including elephants), mountains, rice fields, orchid valleys, canyons, and indigenous hill tribes. It starts in the valleys and canyons near the Burmese border and joins the Chao Phraya River, which later pours out into the Gulf of Thailand.
If you just want a taste, stick to smaller rapids like class 2 and 3. On a class 4 or 5, I sat by as a gentleman asked to leave the boat—it was too much for him. We pulled over to the side of the river and he stepped out and walked himself home.
More Information
Siam River Adventures offers a full day of white-water rafting on the Mae Taeng River for $50 USD (฿1,800 THB). For twice the price, you can book an overnight, two-day trip which includes white-water rafting in the dark!
Off-Road Motorbiking Through the Northern Thai Jungle
Northern Thailand is home to some of the thickest jungle in the country. You could scooter your way around Chiang Mai like everyone else, or you could get out of town for a while to explore some of the lesser-seen landscapes of Thailand. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Thailand.
This is the ideal place to rent a motorbike and explore the jungle. You’ll go off-roading on mountain trails, through forests and rivers and deep into the Thai countryside.
Recommended Routes:
The Golden Triangle – This route is 390 miles of twisty, curvy mountain roads that take you through caves, farms, temples, elephant camps, hot springs, and mountainous scenery. The Golden Triangle route leaves from Chiang Mai and goes through Tha Ton and Phayao, along the Mekong River on the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Sukhothai Loop – This 620-mile trip takes you through thick forests and historical heritage parks—with stunning panoramic views—from Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Sirikit Dam, and the Sukhothai Dam Reservoir on one of the top ten best highways in the world, Highway No. 1148.
Mae Hong Son Loop – The 425-mile Mae Hon Son Loop, along the Myanmar border, features windy, narrow roads through the mountainous province of Mae Hong Son. This route takes you from Chiang Mai to the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, (approximately 8,500 feet meters above sea level) and small villages like Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son, and the backpacker capital of Thailand, Pai.
Waterfall Abseiling and Rappelling in Chiang Mai
Rappelling down limestone cliffs underneath a waterfall in the heart of the Thai jungle might be an adrenaline junkies dream. Rappelling down a cliff is one thing, but rappelling down the middle of a multi-tier waterfall is something else entirely!
If you’ve never been abseiling before, you might want to try it dry first…or don’t, and jump right in! From Chiang Mai, visit the 985-foot Wachiratarn Waterfall of Doi Inthanon National Park—there’s plenty of waterfall to climb.
More Information
Cliff Top Adventures will take you abseiling for the day, which includes some trekking and rock climbing, with prices starting at around $50 or ฿1,800 THB.
Scuba Dive the Similan Islands on a Live-Aboard Boat to Myanmar
Those who’ve been reading for a while know that I love scuba diving. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed by the diving in Thailand’s dive capital, Koh Tao. The heavy rates of tourism and the large number of visitors have destroyed the reef and caused much of the local marine life to relocate.
Instead, I’ve reached out to my friend Justin to ask his advice. He’s a man on a mission to dive the top 100 dive sites in the world, and when I asked him about the best places to scuba dive in Thailand, he had one simple answer: “Get on a liveaboard boat and go to the Similan Islands.”
You’ll spend four to ten days diving and sleeping on repeat on some of the best reefs in all of Asia. The Similan Islands, which are encompassed by the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar, are a world class diving destination. They host impressive coral reefs teeming with fish, whale sharks, barracudas, cuttlefish, lobsters, crabs, manta rays, underwater canyons, and more.
Because the Mergui region opened up tourism less than 20 years ago, its underwater reefs have remained almost untouched for a very, very long time. You be be assured that the diving there is immaculate.
While there, please be respectful of the reefs. We don’t want it turning into another Koh Tao.
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Things to Do in Thailand FAQs
What is Thailand best known for?
Thailand is best known for its vibrant culture, amazing food, and natural beauty.
Is 1 month too long in Thailand?
Thailand has plenty to offer for travelers staying for a month or longer.
How much money do I need in Thailand?
You can travel Thailand for under $40 per day if you’re careful with money.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Yes, you need to apply for a tourist visa for Thailand.
How long can a US citizen stay in Thailand?
You can stay in Thailand for 30 days with the standard entry stamp. You can also pay a fee to extend your stay for another 30 days.
Great article, definitely going to give a few of those a shot once I’m going to thailand in august!
Hi Jeremy. I agree that those 7 things are Adventurous. I’m interested in Deep Water Soloing in Tonsai/Railay. I went there about 2 years ago. I was so excited because it was my first time for adventure trip. All should visit Thailand once of life.
Wonderful list, There are many other things which you can do in Thailand like you can GET YOUR PADI ON KO TAO ISLAND , VISIT THE GRAND PALACE, CAMP AT DOI INTHANON and TAKING THAI COOKING CLASSES. If you are a big foodie of Thai food then you should join Thai cooking classes. It is a great way to learn something new, experiencing and enjoying Thai cuisine while having fun at the same time.
Oh, can i post link to Mae Hong Son loop here? If cannot, remove it =) Our rout is here https://catmotors.net/routes/mae-hong-son-loop/ Picture from travel we will add soon.
Cool list Jeremy! I’d love climbing the abandoned building in Bangkok. My speed. Not too thrill-seeking LOL but with enough action and adventure to be fun and exciting. Def an out for a sometimes fraidy cat like myself hehehe.
Ryan
Ah that’s a good one. Though it’s pretty gnarly! More adventurous than you might think 😉 Hope you’re well, Ryan!
Great to here i am deciding to visit Thailand next month and i’m collecting information about this country i have founded one more article like your article!!!
I am heading to Thailand wth absolutely no plan but have got adventure list to fulfill this time. I am hell excited about checking out activities in North Thailand . Lets see if that is all possible with my limited schedule. Great post
Have an amazing time! There is so much to do in Northern Thailand–I’m sure you’ll love it.
Mae Hong Son loop the most delightful route in Thailand. The most important thing is to go on a trip in the green season. Otherwise, it is likely that instead of the delightful species you will see dried and withered grass.
Nice round-up! I’ll see if I can find some stuff to add to it when I’m back in Thailand later this year. Most adventurous activity I found was volunteering in an animal refuge!
That’s not a bad thing to do in Thailand either, though!
Yeah! It certainly left me with more scars than anything else I did there 😉
what a great time!. “Scuba dive” , i have never done this. It sounds very interesting. I wanna try it in the next time. haha
Very beautiful place!
I want to one day visit and take my vacations in this paradise!
Love the activities, I went scuba diving in Thailand and it was fantastic. I need to get back and try the Railay climb!
Thanks for the tips!
We’re just going to Thailand.
Be sure to use your routes.
See you in Thailand!
Loved the article. Will share with my friends.
I think we’re gonna end up in Thailand later this year. My first time!
These things all look very cool. I’m not much of an underwater person, but the rafting looks fun! 😀 I gotta get more adventurous I guess. I swam with whalesharks….that’s as crazy as it’s gotten over here. hahaha
Great recommendations! I’m off to South East Asia in October, so this has been added to me ‘Adventures’ bookmark file! You should turn this into a downloadable PDF so people can take it to read offline, too. Just a thought!
White Water Rafting is by far one of my favourite comfort-zone pushing activities. I took a trip to do it in Arequipa, Peru and it was like being locked into a rollercoaster though a volcano. I’m scared of water I can’t see the bottom of, and big drops (like where you plummet over the horizon with no idea what’s below) and it’s a great way to tackle both of those fears.
Thanks for the post 🙂
That sounds awesome! Peru, here I come! 😉
Nice brother. I had no idea about the skyscrapers.
Woah, some awesome and scary things to do in Thailand! I don’t think I could do them all, but want to try some! I’d love to get to Thailand someday soon 🙂
Hi Jeremy,
Loved the article, some pretty amazing places you have listed. Let’s hope you come back there next year! We sure are looking forward to seeing different regions during our next time there.
I hope to see you there! 🙂
I’d never heard of deep water soloing before, it certainly looks very brave! I also agree with doing something that scares you every day though my activities tend to be a bit milder – one of the most recent was snow Segway 😉
Haha that actually sounds like tons of fun! I think it’s important to push our minds and our bodies. It’s the only way we can grow as people.
Hi Jeremy, I’ve been to Thailand on two short trips now and I’ve never done any of these!
They all sound like activities that I would enjoy, but I don’t do a lot of extreme activities just yet apart from hiking and ziplining. Which one of these will you recommend to an adventure travel newbie for him to get started?
Many travelers out there who are adventurous will enjoy this blog post as it goes beyond the usual sky bars, beaches and elephant sanctuaries that many travel blogs keep repeating, so I’m going to share this on Twitter and Facebook. 🙂
Thanks again for sharing these activities.
Thanks so much, Wayne! I’m glad you liked it 🙂 Scuba diving and motorbiking are probably a good place to get started. Zip-lining sounds great, too—there’s a fun place in Chiang Mai if you’re ever out there.
Nice! Thank you so much for the suggestions, Jeremy!
Before going to the rope parks, I would advise reading the reviews about them. Since it is not always complied with the proper precautions and safety.