Thailand may be famous for long, luxurious stretches of golden sand, irresistible food, and relaxing, rejuvenating vacation experiences, but there is a different, wilder side to the ‘Land of Smiles’. Thailand adventure trips are growing in popularity amongst visitors to South-East Asia. High-octane, exciting, and authentic adventure activities offer tourists the chance to see that Thailand has much more to offer than picture-perfect bay views and massages on the beach.
With so much to see and do, you need to know where to go and when to experience amazing adventures in Thailand. The good news is, you don’t have to go far off the beaten path to find incredible attractions. Tourist hotspots such as Phuket, Phi Phi Island, and Koh Samui are awash with incredible experiences on the land and in the sea.
Let’s dive into our guide to fabulous adventure activities in Thailand.
Scuba diving with sharks in Thailand
Scuba diving in Thailand is some of the finest on Earth. With a staggering variety of life supported by complex and beautiful ecosystems, divers are treated to up-close-and-personal encounters with amazing marine species. Diving is one of the must-do adventure activities on a Thailand vacation for water lovers.
The best diving spots in Thailand
Thailand is full of wonderful wildlife and underwater sights to explore on a diving vacation. It’s also one of the cheapest places in the world to enjoy scuba or get a diving qualification. There are two main options for diving in Thailand: liveaboards, which are multi-day adventures offering day and night diving from vessels, or dive centers, where you can organize guided or independent single dives. The Andaman Coast is the place to be from November to April, while the Gulf of Thailand is best from May to October. Shark diving adventure activities should always be done with guidance from professionals.
Sharks in Thailand
Some of the best marine animals to encounter off the Thai coasts are sharks. Diving with sharks is one of the most unforgettable adventure activities that you can do and will give you a whole new perspective on these amazing animals. Thailand is home to 14 recorded species of shark, although only 8 of them live in the shallow waters explored by most divers. If you’re concerned about dangerous sharks in Thailand, you needn’t be; shark bites are incredibly rare in the country, with only a handful of isolated incidents ever reported. The most infamous species, the Great White Shark, does not live in Thailand. The key to having a happy experience with sharks is to learn about them, so let’s dive in and take a quick look at the 7 types of sharks you could see in Thailand.
Leopard sharks
There are no prizes for guessing where these funky little fish get their name. The skin of these sharks is covered in black spots, making them instantly recognizable on a dive. You’re most likely to find them in waters around Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Koh Samui, and the Similan Islands. They are nocturnal, so come out at night to hunt small mollusks and crustaceans, and pose no threat at all to humans.
Whale sharks in Thailand
This is the big one, in terms of both size and tourist interest. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the sea and have long drawn divers to them, hoping for the opportunity to share the water with these gentle, enigmatic animals. They are plankton feeders, so have no interest in humans. In fact, we pose far more of a threat to them. There are numerous places in Thailand where divers can swim with whale sharks, such as Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, and Hin Muang. They visit the Gulf of Thailand between February and May. If your heart is set on an encounter with a whale shark, remember to choose a responsible dive provider, and please don’t touch or interact with the animals. Find out more about conscientious nature vacations with whale sharks and other beautiful animals in our guide to nature lovers’ vacations.
Blacktip Reef Sharks
These pretty animals are the quintessential image of a shark; long, thin, and aerodynamic with pointed faces and sleek grey coloring. They get their name from the recognizable inky black tips on their dorsal fins. Blacktip reef sharks in Thailand hang out in shallow waters close to shore, so even snorkelers see them frequently. They are harmless to humans, preferring to hunt fish and small creatures, as they drift around in groups amongst the coral reefs of the Phi Phi and Similan Islands. They are quite bold, and not particularly nervous of humans, so it’s possible to observe them closely.
Indo-Pacific Nurse Sharks
These large bottom-dwellers are unfortunately rather rare these days. The chances of seeing them are quite low unless you take part in a Liveaboard diving trip in Thailand. They are also nocturnal, so difficult to spot if you’re not doing a night dive. If you are lucky enough to see a Nurse Shark, be sure to give them plenty of space, as they have been reported to take a chomp out of people that startle them.
Whitetip Reef Sharks
These guys are very similar to their Blacktip cousins, but not so commonly seen, because they prefer to inhabit deeper water. They are also nocturnal, so can often be seen on Thai night dive excursions. Like the Blacktip Reef Sharks, they are harmless to humans. However, they are bold, so there may be fabulous opportunities to observe them up close.
Grey Bamboo Sharks
Even if you’re fearful of sharks, this cute little critter should pose no problem to your diving adventure in Thailand. Reaching a maximum of 80cm in length, these tiny sharks are dwarfed by several coral fish species and spend most of their time hiding away in dark places.
Grey Reef Shark
Rounding out our list of oft-seen sharks in Thailand, the shy Grey Reef Shark inhabits less popular dive sights around the Similan Islands, such as Christmas Point and Deep Six. They give humans a wide berth as much as possible and are difficult to find because of this. They live in both shallow and deep water and have a classic sleek shark shape.
Are there any dangerous sharks in Thailand?
Many things have given sharks an unjust reputation over the years. The aggressive, man-hunting behavior portrayed in movies and circulated by the media is false, and sharks are incredibly unlikely to go out of their way to attack a human. But, like any predator, that doesn’t mean that sharks shouldn’t be treated with respect, and in the case of some species, caution. As mentioned earlier, the most feared shark species, the Great White, does not live in Thailand, but there are a couple of species, very rarely seen in Thailand, that should be treated with great caution and are not suitable to dive with.
Bull Sharks
These are one of the few shallow-water sharks in Thailand that you need to be wary of. Bull Sharks are very rare, spotted only occasionally in the coastal regions and rivers in the Gulf of Thailand, and are one of the more aggressive shark species. Even so, there have only been 50 recorded bull shark attacks worldwide since 1958, so as long as you don’t give the shark a reason to attack, you shouldn’t have any problems. It is, however, not recommended to seek them out to dive with them, as they are not used to humans and become stressed very easily. They are easy to spot, as they have a shorter and stockier body shape than most other sharks in Thailand.
Tiger Sharks
Tiger Sharks get their name from the stripes on the side of their bodies, and like their feline namesakes, are potentially very dangerous animals. They are believed to be responsible for the vast majority of incidents involving humans and sharks on record. It’s not out of any particular desire to munch on humans, tiger sharks are simply not very intelligent. They’ll bite anything that comes near on the off-chance that it might be food. They are incredibly rare around Thailand’s coast, although one was positively identified off the Similan Islands in 2021. Overall, the chances of encountering one on a Thai dive adventure are very slim. If you do happen across one, give it a wide berth and let it go on its way.
Rock climbing adventure activities in Thailand
Just one look at any photo of Thailand will tell you that it is a wonderland for rock climbing fans. The best thing about rock climbing in Thailand, is that there is a chance for everyone to get involved in rock-based adventure activities, whether you’re a seasoned scrambler or a rock rookie.
Best places for rock climbing in Thailand
Krabi
The iconic and beautiful Railay Beach in Krabi is one of the most spectacular places for rock climbing adventure activities. There are routes for all skill levels available. You can hire gear and guides for anything from a half-day taster to a multi-day trek. Whichever experience you choose, you’re guaranteed jaw-dropping views over the islands of the Andaman Sea from the top.
Chiang Mai
25 miles from the center of Chiang Mai is the popular Crazy Horse. This labyrinthine network of caves and climbing trails draws thrill-seekers and nature lovers from across the world. There are trails for beginners and experts alike. There are also plenty of caves to explore if you prefer to be closer to the ground.
Koh Phi Phi
Regarded as one of the finest climbing destinations in South-East Asia, Tonsai Tower on Koh Phi Phi has a big reputation to live up to. The climb is great for beginners, with 30 routes of varying difficulty to choose from. Each offers a reward of breathtaking views of the sparkling water and islands in the bay below.
Koh Tao, Samui
Known as ‘Boulder Heaven’, this rocky region has large, scalable boulders jutting out from the landscape of Koh Tao, near towns and in remote, lush jungle. Climbing the top of any of them gives staggering panoramic views of the island.
White water rafting in Thailand
To experience one of the ultimate white-knuckle water adventure activities in Thailand, you need to try white-water rafting. Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful river systems in the world. It also has some zippy rapids, begging to be explored from the comfort of an inflatable raft. White water rafting experiences in Thailand are categorized in grades, 1 being the easiest and 6 being the most difficult. If you’re planning on going rafting, it’s best to avoid the monsoon season between May and October. Thai rivers can swell to a dangerous level during this period.
Chiang Mai
Just outside the city are the Mae Cham and Mae Taeng rivers. They are some of the most popular places for some of the best white-water rafting in Thailand. There are daily excursions in peak season, so there are plenty of chances to get out on the water and enjoy the amazing jungle scenery that the region is famous for.
Phang Nga
Just north of Phuket is Phang Nga, an oft-overlooked Thai destination. If you want a fantastic rafting experience in the south of Thailand, it should be your first stop. Khlong Song Phraek River is the place to go. It boasts a range of rapids and guided excursions. making sure that everyone has a safe and unforgettable fun time.
Krabi
Songpraek River is a beautiful scene, with miles of stunning jungle landscape bordering rushing waters. If you get a moment to catch your breath on a thrilling white water adventure, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of it. White water raft experiences in Krabi offer different grades for different skill levels. There are also longer courses that are for experienced adults who want something a little more hair-raising.
Kiteboarding
This one might be a bit surprising because kiteboarding requires a lot of wind, which is something that Thailand is known for not having much of. However, in certain parts of the country, there are excellent opportunities for kiteboarding. The geography of Thailand is unique, with rocky islands, headlands, and reefs causing pockets of weather that can vary dramatically from regions just a few miles around the coast. This means, that with careful planning you can kiteboard all year round in Thailand. When the wind does blow in Thailand, along with the mellow water, it creates some excellent kiteboarding opportunities for fans of water-based adventure activities.
Phuket is rightfully one of Thailand’s most popular vacations destinations, and it is also a magnificent place for kiteboarding. There are two seasons for kiteboarding in Phuket. The peak is from November to February when there is flat, shallow water and wind swell out in the bay, creating near-perfect conditions. During these months, Rawai Beach in Chalong Bay is the best place for great kiteboarding. In the summer months, head to the north of Phuket and Nai Yang Beach. The wind conditions during this time are unpredictable, but when it does blow, the beach is one of the most beautiful places on Earth for kiteboarding.
Koh Samui is another of Thailand’s touristic hotspots. The best place for kiteboarding in Koh Samui is Mae Nam. The water off of the beach can be choppy, although much of that is calmed by the headland. Conditions otherwise are flat and calm. The wind is, again, unpredictable here, so great conditions aren’t guaranteed. However, there is so much beauty and excitement to be had in Koh Samui, that even if you can’t get out on the water, you’re still going to have a fantastic time. The best times to head to Koh Samui for kiteboarding are from January to April, or July to September.
Surfing in Thailand
Thailand is one of the premier surf destinations in Asia, if not in the whole world. With miles upon miles on pristine sandy beaches, many ringed with rocky reefs, there are more than enough places to enjoy some top-tier surfing, whatever your skill level. As far as adventure activities go, surfing is one of the most accessible for all ages and abilities. Thailand has got surf schools and lessons in all the popular coastal resorts to encourage visitors to enjoy the water.
Surfing in Phuket
Phuket is one of the best surf spots in Thailand. It has something for everyone and is particularly good for beginners, as swells rarely get higher than 10ft (3m). April to October is a great time for surfing in Phuket. It’s not peak season, so you’ll have far more room to catch an uncrowded wave. Even though the weather might be a bit wet, that’s no barrier to a great surf vacation!
Best beaches for surfing in Phuket
Bung Tao Beach is the best beach for learning to surf in Phuket, with small swells and sift sand. However, if you’re a confident surfer, you can head to the north part of the beach for larger waves.
For advanced surfers, Pansea Beach has fast waves by exposed rock and coral reefs. It offers a rip-roaring surf experience for confident board masters in Phuket.
Surin Beach has the largest waves on the island and is great for both beginners and experts. The south part of the beach has soft sand for gentle wipeouts, while the north has good barrels for confident board riders.
Kalim Beach is a great beach for an authentic Thai experience and is very popular. It has a rocky coral reef, which is best surfed at mid or high tide. It can be dangerous below low tide. The beach has a traditional Thai street food market right next to it. Refuel after a busy day on the water with another of Thailand’s biggest draws; mouthwatering local food.
Kamala Beach is one of Phuket’s most picturesque beaches. It is also a fantastic spot for longboarding, with great fat and slow waves. It’s a long beach, with a beginner’s area in the south. Intermediate surfing conditions are found in the mid-section, and advanced waves are at the north end. The surfing is so good here, that every August the Kamala Go Surfing Contest is held to test people’s skills.
Kata Beach is the most famous and popular surf spot in Phuket. It’s home to countless surf shops and schools, as well as international surfing competitions in the peak season. It’s got opportunities for surfers of every level. At the southern end, there are sometimes nice hollow barrels for experienced surfers to venture through.
Nai Harn is far less crowded than the well-known beaches but is one of the best in Phuket. It has big swells at low tide, some of the biggest on the island in fact, and is usually less crowded and more serene than nearby Kata Beach.
Surfing in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is not nearly as popular for surfing as Phuket. The reason for this is that there is no groundswell, so the beach relies solely on the wind to generate waves. As we discussed in the kiteboarding section, Thailand is not really known for its wind. If you are in Koh Samui and fancy a bit of surfing, all is not lost. October to December is the best time to try your luck, and Chaweng Beach is the best place to do it. There are board rental shops, and plenty of local experts to give you tips and advice on surfing this tricky destination. The beach is home to a reef break called ‘Left Alone’. The name should be taken literally, and it is rarely surfed. It is only suitable at mid or high tide, as it is too shallow at low.
Trekking and adventure activities in Thailand’s mountains
We’ve focused a lot on the water-based adventures that you can have in Thailand, so let’s show the inland areas some love! Thailand is a land of wondrous natural splendor, and we’re not only talking about those incredible beaches. The interior of Thailand is swathed in lush, verdant jungles and lofty mountain peaks.
The most famous mountain in Thailand is the magnificent Doi Inthanon, the tallest peak in the country. It’s 2 hours from Chiang Mai, and the national park area is a wonderful place for trekking. You can hire local guides to give you an insight into the national park, the mountain, and the animals and plants that live there. The area is home to over 300 species of birds and countless orchids. It is also one of the last known habitats of the magnificent Asiatic Black Bear. There are numerous hikes and trails you can take up Doi Inthanon, ranging from a few hours to multi-day treks. We strongly recommend going with an organized tour and guide to get the most out of this incredible adventure in Thailand. You can find out more about Doi Inthanon in our guide to mountain vacations around the world.
In Phuket, you can visit the Khao Phra Thaew National Park. The trekking here is breathtaking, as you take in views of the last virgin rainforest on the island, home to protected wildlife and plants. Treks range from easy and gentle to tricky and advanced. There is something for every type of adventurer to enjoy. There are expert local guides for hire to accompany you on your trek.
Book your Thailand vacation home with Top Villas
Of course, you’re going to need somewhere to rest and recuperate after all your Thailand adventure activities. We offer a beautiful range of luxurious vacation homes and villas in popular Thailand destinations in Phuket and Koh Samui. Find and book an incredible rental home for your adventure vacation in Thailand here.
Our villas all adhere to our exacting standards and guarantee a ‘wow factor’ for your vacation. We also have fabulous villas all over the world, including in Orlando, the Caribbean, and Europe.
