5 Exciting and Unique Ways to Explore Thailand

From the sights to the sounds and adventures waiting to be found, Thailand is a unique holiday destination for travellers to uncover. And while vacation experiences can often feel repetitive, the Land of Smiles is always ready to welcome visitors with unique ways to explore Thailand.

So, if you’re hoping to visit Thailand soon and want a holiday like no other, come discover 5 exciting and unique ways to explore Thailand with us! Take your time with slow travel

Photo by Nivaan Joneja ✓ on Unsplash

With 77 provinces to explore, seasoned holidaymakers would know Thailand for their warm hospitality. Meanwhile, newer adventurers are often drawn to the country’s rich culture that spans beyond experiences. One thing’s for sure, however, is that Thailand is a country best explored through slow travel.

Now you may ask, what exactly is “slow travel”? As a travel style that’s becoming increasingly popular, slow travel is a reminder to soak in the vibes of your destination for longer periods. Rather than hopping from one city to another, slow travel is a casual reminder to take things easy and enjoy your vacation the way it’s meant to be – relaxing and exciting all at the same time.

The Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, a newly opened hotel nestled in the heart of Thailand’s capital city is a highly recommended spot for tourists looking to experience slow travel. Situated in the seven-acre green oasis of Nai Lert Park, guests of the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok get to enjoy the best of both worlds – the vibrant and bustling city of Bangkok and the peaceful escape offered by the hotel.

Home to 52 suites and a 1,500 square metre Aman Spa & Wellness Centre, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok prides itself as a welcoming almost one-stop destination if you’re looking to experience slow travel within the city. Beyond relaxation and stay, you’ll also find the finest dining options within the establishment should you wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of Bangkok at any point of your holiday.

Eat your way through Thailand’s amazing culinary offerings

Photo by Lisheng Chang on Unsplash

Foodies assemble because Thailand’s amazing culinary offerings are always ready to satisfy. With different regions cooking up a storm unique to their province, you’re never going hungry when exploring the country.

For budget travellers, the street food scene in Thailand is a must-try as the bold flavours and wide variety will surprise you at every turn. With plenty to choose from at any time of day, perhaps the most difficult choice you’ll make is what you’ll want to try while visiting Thailand.

What makes the country a foodie’s paradise is how you’ll often find different takes on a similar dish whenever you visit a new province. Some cities may also offer dishes available solely in the area due to the availability of fresh ingredients, making it mandatory for you to eat everything possible while visiting Thailand.

For example, no traveller should leave Chiang Mai without trying the local khao soi or egg noodle curry. Originating from Northern Thailand, delicious bowls bearing flat egg noodles, a protein of choice (chicken and beef are popular favourites), and topped with green onions, pickled cabbage, and slices of lime are a true testament to the city’s culinary journey. The dish is then served with a rich and savoury coconut curry broth, marking the completion of this hearty dish that many Chiang Mai tourists and locals crave almost daily.

Travel with a cause and discover Thailand’s sustainability efforts

Photo by Alejandro Cartagena 🇲🇽🏳‍🌈 on Unsplash

With travelling becoming more accessible to the masses, countries like Thailand are often looking to ramp up their sustainability efforts in tourism. This is why travelling with a cause to discover the country’s sustainability efforts has a special place in our hearts as one of the unique ways to explore Thailand.

In 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is looking at advancing Carbon Neutral and Net Zero Tourism. This move focuses on all major tourism spots and key destinations across all 77 provinces. Among their efforts are the reduction of single-use plastic especially in eateries and cafes, as well as offering discounts for customers who bring their own reusable cutlery, water bottles, or food containers.

Furthermore, hotels and restaurants in Thailand now often source their produce directly from local communities. This effort doesn’t just provide guests with the freshest farm-to-table experiences while dining out but is seen as a great way to provide a sustainable income to the local farmers.

Visiting Thailand via rail services is also highly recommended, as this encourages low-carbon travel while still highlighting the unmissable sights of the country’s major provinces. For example, the Northern routes that connect Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and more will take you through some of Thailand’s most historic towns and cultural villages. Meanwhile, you’ll find the Truly South route over in Southern Thailand that connects the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea a trip to remember.

Embark on a different kind of trip across Thailand by rail

Photo by Wattanan Rangsiyavaranon on Unsplash

While we’re on the topic of rail travel, did you know that embarking on a journey across Thailand by train is noted as one of the most unique ways to explore Thailand? A great alternative to air travel, let’s break down some of the best advantages of visiting Thailand by rail.

To start, visiting Thailand via sleeper trains has become so popular as you’re not just saving money on a separate hotel, but you’re practically saving time as you’re already travelling, all while you’re comfortably asleep. The experience of waking up in a new province is often exciting, and the rest you get prepares you for the day ahead with zero fuss.

You’ll also find the views from rail travel vastly better than air travel, offering glimpses of the Thai countryside and historical villages you would have otherwise missed. Sleeper trains often come with different train classes, allowing travellers of any budget to choose how they will be visiting Thailand.

Finally, our personal favourite for visiting Thailand via rail is the freedom to skip the hassles of airport travel. This includes never having to worry about long lines at security or digging your belongings out for the scanners. Gone are your moments of having to throw out your liquids above 100ml when you’re visiting Thailand by train because you’re about to embark on one of the most unique ways to explore Thailand!

Pack your running shoes and explore the country with a “runcation”

Photo by billow926 on Unsplash

If you’re looking for more unique ways to explore Thailand, why not consider a “runcation”? A term coined by runners combining their love for running and vacationing, runcations are a great way to explore Thailand on your own two feet – quite literally.

Thanks to Thailand’s great weather all year round, you’ll find plenty of marathons happening across multiple provinces. Some highlights include the Bangkok Marathon and Laguna Phuket International Marathon just to name a few. The latter is a grand event in Thailand, taking you through some of the most picturesque beaches of Phuket, allowing you to stride by the views of the Andaman Sea.

Beyond the bragging rights of finishing the marathon and smashing your personal best times, runcations are a great way to meet like-minded visitors while visiting Thailand. From training together to marvelling at the views that the cities have to offer while you’re on the road, this is simply one of the most unique ways to explore Thailand.

And did we mention how running recovery in Thailand is amazing when you can treat yourself to a deep tissue massage? As runners ourselves, we understand how important it can be to recover after a run, making runcations in Thailand the perfect way to discover the country and still enjoy your favourite hobby. So, we hope you’ve packed your running shoes for your next trip to the Land of Smiles.

With so much to see, do, and love in Thailand, how will you choose where to go? Well, fret not because we also have a first-timer’s guide on the best places to go if this is your first time visiting Thailand! The crowd favourite: Bangkok

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

Known as the capital city, Bangkok is a crowd favourite when visiting Thailand. And we can’t blame the holidaymakers: Bangkok is a wonderful melting pot of culture when it comes to travel; offering gastronomy marvels, slow travel experiences, vibrant cityscapes, shop-till-you-drop destinations, and so much more.

Navigating through Bangkok is easy, with the city’s elevated BTS Skytrain and underground MRT connecting you from popular destinations to hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of taxis, e-hailing services, and even tuk-tuks for hire in Bangkok. These are perfect for group travellers visiting Thailand as you can always split the cost.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Bangkok’s motorcycle taxi or moto-sai service definitely wins in our list of unique ways to explore Thailand as you’ll be zipping through the busy roads while riding pillion. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but definitely makes for a trip to remember.

A neighbouring spot: Hat Yai

Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash

Looking for a weekend getaway in Thailand? The neighbouring province of Hat Yai might just be the destination for you. To get here without hopping on a flight, simply get on board the ETS from the KL Sentral station heading towards Padang Besar. You’ll then have to switch to a local Thai train that brings you into the heart of Hat Yai or alternatively rent a taxi that will take you directly to your hotel.

As you enter the town centre of Hat Yai, you’ll immediately be greeted by immaculate local vibes that buzz 24/7. Packed with local markets selling fresh produce and mouthwatering Thai street food, Hat Yai is a true feast for the eyes and your stomach. Often priced affordably, this inviting city makes for a fantastic weekend getaway – or you can even enjoy it at your own pace during the long weekends.

Subsequently, we hope you brought your cameras because Hat Yai is home to some of the most picturesque temples across Thailand. The Wat Chue Chang, a Buddhist-Thai temple that stands several storeys tall is one such sight that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Thailand.

And when you’re done exploring Hat Yai, you’ll be glad to know that the beautiful Songkhla Old Town is located just 45 minutes northeast. Buses depart hourly from Hat Yai into this coastal town where beaches, viewpoints, and street art that will satisfy your curiosity await. Perfectly doable as a day trip from Hat Yai, this unique way of exploring Thailand allows you to tick off two destinations in a single vacation.

From the depths of the sun, sea, and sand: Phuket, Koh Phi-Phi, and Krabi

Photo by The DK Photography on Unsplash

Home to some of the best beaches worldwide, anyone visiting Thailand will tell you that no trip is complete until you set foot on either Phuket, Koh Phi-Phi, or Krabi. And they’re not wrong. From excursions to visit the elephant sanctuary in Phuket where you get to learn about the conservation efforts of the Asian Elephant to basking in the sun by the beaches of Krabi, it’s the ultimate relaxation experience you shouldn’t when visiting Thailand.

But at Holiday Tours, we’d say why choose just one when you could visit them all? Together with Contiki’s Thai Island Hopper West holiday, you’ll be treated to a 5-day, 4-night Thailand adventure that starts from Phuket. Here, you can enjoy the Chinese-influenced architecture in the Phuket Old Town or swing by Bangla Road where the party never stops.

The holiday continues onto Koh Phi-Phi Island, where you can leave behind all your city worries and trade them in for peaceful rest. Offering crystal clear waters and postcard-perfect sunset vantage points, your time at Koh Phi-Phi serves as the perfect reset from your otherwise stressful days.

Finally, you’ll be whisked away to the exotic Krabi Island where beautiful coral reef vistas call home. Coral diving activities are most popular here, with most operators adhering to strict regulations to ensure sustainable travel efforts within Thailand. It makes for one of the more unique ways to explore Thailand, allowing you to dwell in the sun, sea, and sand experience of the country.

So, are you ready for your adventure of visiting Thailand? Then come make it a reality with Holiday Tours where our holiday advisors can help craft some of the most unique ways to explore Thailand with you.

Be sure to also fill in the brand-new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) that’s just been rolled out on the 1^st of May 2025. Applications must be done 3 days prior to your arrival and can be completed in just minutes via the official TDAC website.