Thailand Things to Do

The Songkran Festival that coincides annually with the Thai New Year is, among other things, a no holds barred water fight that has left many an unsuspecting tourist scrambling to find a towel. Traditionally, young Thais have long celebrated the lunar new year by seeking the blessing of their elders by pouring scented water over their hands (and bathing images of the Buddha), after which all bets are off and a good-natured aquatic battle ensues.

Scuba enthusiasts will be well aware of the delights of diving in Thailand. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or an aspiring underwater tourist, this Southeast Asian paradise is an excellent destination. The following spots are just a few of the best places to suit up and get wet.

Visitors to Pattaya (roughly 100 miles southeast of Bangkok) can experience a real juxtaposition in scale with two quirky destinations in and around the city.

Not surprisingly, the best time to head out in pursuit of Thailand’s profusion of beautiful waterfalls is during the wet season (June-October). The following are some of the country’s finest.

The sheer spectacle of physicality and pomp (complete with wild musical accompaniment) that is the phenomenon of Muay Thai is something that must be witnessed to be believed. Even travelers who aren’t ordinarily interested in combat sports should go out on a limb and count themselves among the frenzied crowds of enthusiasts and gamblers (most attendees are both) that fill the stadiums all over Thailand.