Travel by Activity
White Water Rafting
Thrilling white water rafting is available in Thailand. You may be surprised to learn that white waters in Thailand can go up to Level 5 (the highest level of rapids for white water rafting). Despite this scary thought, milder white water rafting is available in Thailand. So mild that even the most timid and unadventurous person would find the experience pleasantly enjoyable.
Most white water rafting locations are within national parks but also in non-protected areas in Northern Thailand. This activity is probably one of the best ways to experience Thailand’s more pristine and relatively untouched rain forests and inaccessible waterfalls. The best time to experience white water rafting is during the rainy season starting in June until early October.
Hiking (Trekking) & Camping
Thailand is definitely one of the best places in the world for hiking and camping as there are an abundant number of national parks in the country. It should be stated that Thailand has the largest areas of protected forest areas in Southeast Asia and therefore hikers will find lots to do here. There are almost 50 national parks in Thailand; this number includes marine parks. These parks are managed and run by the National Parks
Division of the Royal Forestry Department, and all offer great cottages and guesthouses. For those who prefer to camp out in the wilderness, national parks do allow visitors to pitch tents within specified areas.
Unlike the rest of the country, you will find that the parks are relatively cool all year round with temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius. In fact, at year’s end (November - December during the cool season) parks can be quiet chilly. Of course, being the tropics, these parks are also very humid (humidity here is almost 99%). A constant complaint for campers is that most washing never really dries even in the sunniest days due to the high levels of humidity.
Diving & Snorkeling Activity
Swim alongside the world’s largest fish - the Whale Shark and be awed by the haunting underwater flight of the Giant Manta Ray ! This is what you can expect in the waters of the Andaman Sea located in the Southwest and, the Gulf of Thailand in the Southeast of Thailand. In case you didn’t already know it, Thailand is THE diving school destination for rookies. Why? Mainly because the Gulf of Thailand has relatively calm waters and good visibility all year round as well as unbeatable dive packages. Most dive operators also incorporate interesting activities for a dive package to make your trip even more interesting, combining them with sight-seeing tours. For instance, when in Phuket, dive packages often include a visit to the pearl cultivation island, Ko Naga. Underwater cave exploration is also a great option for the more seasoned diver. For those who prefer exclusivity, live-aboard dive and snorkeling trips are also available. You may consult your dive operator for more information on prices and options for live-aboards and exclusive dive trips.
About Snorkeling in Thailand
Friendly snorkeling trips and basic lessons are available throughout Phuket, Ko Samui, Pattaya, and all other beach destinations in Thailand and, are usually combined with great sea kayaking experiences and picnics on isolated islands and marine national parks. Basically, wherever there are small islands, you can bet that there is a tour company that will be able to take you on a boat ride to visit them as well as recommend great snorkeling sites. Snorkeling is a great activity for those who have younger children accompanying the group as the risk of an accident is almost non-existent. Moreover, all trip operators do offer life vests fr those who are not strong swimmers. In fact, because of the life vests, those who cannot swim have found that snorkeling can still be enjoyed.
Climbing
About Climbing in Thailand Climbing in Thailand is probably one of the most spectacular activities that you can do. Unlike other rock climbing experiences, climbing in southern Thailand on lime stone surfaces that are only accessible by sea or, located right smack on the beach. Other good rock climbing locations are in central Thailand and the north.
Some of the best locations for rock climbing are in the central region near Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani, or in the spectacular limestone mountains that run through Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. On the east coast and easily accessible from Bangkok are sites in Chon Bun. The spectacular coastal cliffs of Railay Beach in Krabi are the climbing focus of the south, with further pitches to be found on some of the islands.
Surprisingly, rock climbing is not necessarily as arduous as one may think. Granted, being physically fit is a general must, especially upper body strength as you will need to lift your entire body weight with both arms and sometimes just your finger tips. Great climbing can also be experienced through in-door climbing and can be great fun for families.
Canoeing, Kayaking Bamboo and Rafting
Ever wish you could explore mysterious caves and mangroves the likes of Robinson Crusoe? Well, sea canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafts are one way you can achieve this goal. Close your eyes and imagine you’re paddling past strange and wonderful creatures in dark, damp, haunting caves. Next you discover the sound of crickets and the gibbon song as you paddle past mangroves. These are the very special reasons why canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafting are another MUST DO when you’re in Thailand.
Canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafts are all great experiences for the adventurous. Canoeing and kayaking can be done in both the open sea and rivers, and are available for rent at most beach destinations. Sea canoeing is an incredibly relaxing activity and is not necessarily difficult. All operators offer a short introductory course for novices before the start of a trip. Why such brief lessons? Because it really is that easy and, not at as exhausting as you may think.
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