Swap days spent on the sand for active experiences that take you beyond the beach, exploring lush jungles, rice paddy fields and mangrove forests. Whether you want to book in a little sightseeing and are looking for walking tours in Thailand's sprawling cityscapes or feel the need to escape the streets completely and see more of the wilder side of this exotic country, you'll find all the inspiration you need, right here.
3 of the best walking tours in Thailand
Strap on your hiking boots – or just put on your comfiest trainers – then get out there and stretch your legs! You have the opportunity to take things slow or try something more extreme with a huge number of walks, hikes and treks throughout Thailand.
Many resorts offer guided or self-guided strolls through their tropical grounds, where you can discover everything from mangrove trees to fragrant orange jasmine, or if you're the adventurous type you can take your holiday to new heights, hiking to viewpoints for the best panoramas of the island below. Here are just a few of our favourites to consider:
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp – Walking with Giants
Located in northern Thailand, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is a very special resort where you can get up close and personal with the 20 odd elephants that live on the grounds, all of which have been rescued and offered sanctuary at this magical resort. The great news is that in-between taking it easy in the hotel spa or having a dip in the infinity pool you can help feed and bathe the elephants!
There's also an incredible walking tour you can sign up for – the Walking With Giants Experience. It's an ethical way of interacting with the elephants, all while getting your steps in. You'll stroll side by side with the gentle jumbos on a designated forest trail, taking in the natural charm of Thailand's exotic landscape and creating memories you won't forget.
The Sarojin – Extreme Jungle Trek
If you’re staying at The Sarojin consider signing up for their ‘Extreme Jungle Trek’ – but be warned, this excursion is not for the faint of heart! During this adrenaline-charged trek, you’ll climb, swim and learn survival techniques in the wilds of southern Thailand.
Fancy something a little breezier? There are several other jungle treks and walks to choose from all hosted by this Khao Lak resort. The Sri Phang Nga Jungle Safari Walk is popular with moderate and easy options available, depending on your fitness levels.
You'll explore the wild natural beauty of Sri Phang Nga National Park and encounter a whole new world of flora and fauna – don't forget your camera! – stopping off for a gourmet lunch in the jungle before heading back to the hotel to put your feet up.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort – Na Muang Waterfalls Tour
Sign up for this incredible walking tour that takes you into the heart of Na Muang Safari Park, where you'll navigate rustic paths, see elephants in their natural habitat and cool off in the natural pools around Na Muang waterfalls.
You'll also get the chance to head up into the mountains in a jeep to appreciate the awe-inspiring panoramic views – great for when your feet are feeling a little weary from all that walking! This is a full-day adventure, perfect for those who want to do more than simply laze by the pool during their stay.
Walking tours in Bangkok
There's so much to see and do in the City of Angels – Bangkok, that is, not Los Angeles! – and a walking tour is one of the best ways to take it all in. Here are just a few options to consider, whether you want to taste your way around the city, stop by the most iconic sights or visit Bangkok’s cultural marvels.
A food walking tour of Bangkok
We took some inspiration from GPSmycity for this foodie-themed journey around Bangkok. On this two-hour walking tour you’ll be taken to some of the best places to tuck into authentic Thai food from the bustling stalls on Silom Road to the 4-mile long Charoen Krung Road, where you can sit out on the street for a delicious late supper.
Bangkok Chinatown walking tour
Bangkok's Chinatown is buzzing with life and it's a must-visit during your stay in the capital. Its streets are lined with stalls and restaurants serving up delicious Thai cuisine while the roads seem to never stop humming with the sounds of traffic. Neon signs and busy shopfronts line this walking tour from Lonely Planet that suggests starting things off at Th Plaeng Nam. It's another food orientated guide but you'll also explore 1.5km of Chinatown's sights and sounds along the way.
Bangkok Grand Palace Walking Tour
A trip to Bangkok isn't complete without a visit to the architectural marvel that is the Grand Palace. This walking tour from Get Your Guide – led by an experienced local guide – immerses you in the culture and heritage of this must-see attraction. You’ll also be given the option to add on stops to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Wat Pho Temple which is home to a golden statue of a reclining Buddha.
Taking between two to four hours, this walking tour packs in a lot of sightseeing in a short amount of time, meaning you can be resting up beside your hotel pool by the afternoon!
Active holiday inspiration in Thailand
Had your fill of walking and sightseeing? There are plenty of other ways to stay active in the varied landscapes of Thailand with everything from canopy tours to kayaking adventures on the water.
Canopy adventures
Leave terra firma behind as you take to the treetops for an adventure high above the jungle floor. At eco-friendly centres around Thailand you’ll be able to walk across sky bridges and tree-high platforms, sail Tarzan-like on rope swings, test your nerves on a tightrope walk, speed through the trees on a zip line or descend back down with abseiling.
Many of these activity centres – including Flying Hanuman and Treetop Adventures – have taken care to ensure that the natural surroundings have not been negatively impacted.
Connect with nature
It’s time to get your hands dirty! If you want to discover what it’s like to spend your days working in a rice paddy field, we have the destination for you: Four Seasons Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. This 5-star resort offers guests the chance to try on traditional clothing and plant your own rice paddy shoots while learning about the harvest process. We also have a soft spot for resident albino water buffalo, P’Tong – you can even help bathe him!
Sea kayaking
Instead of exploring the world below the water, head out on a sea kayaking tour, gliding through mangroves, canyons, caves and lagoons – your guide will be sure to point out friendly ‘locals’ from monkeys and exotic birds to lizards. One of our favourite spots to explore is the Ao Thalane mangrove forest off the coast of Krabi.
Ethical elephant encounters
For an ethical way to engage with elephants in Thailand, we recommend a stay at Elephant Hills. At this luxury tented camp, there is strictly no riding allowed, instead, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wash, feed and interact with these gentle giants, scrubbing them with coconut fibres and helping to prepare their daily meal.
Want to learn more about holidays in Thailand? We have a range of guides you can check out below:
- Island hopping guide
- What to eat and drink in Thailand
- The best spiritual retreats in Thailand
- When to visit Thailand
- Best night markets in Thailand
Considering a holiday in Thailand? Talk to our Asia travel experts here at Best at Travel and learn more about booking a break you'll never forget.