Thailand is probably one of the most popular holiday destinations for Malaysians. It’s one of the nearest overseas countries, the food is great, flight tickets are affordable, and there are a ton of unique things to do there as well! If you’re planning a trip there, here are some unique, awesome and most importantly, unconventional things to do and places to visit while in Thailand that only the locals know about:
1. Let your creative juices flow at the Chang Chui creative market
Opened in 2017 and dubbed as a creative village, Chang Chui is said to be a creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial venue for the next generation.
Here’s what you can expect:
- All things hipster and artistic including art galleries, vintage theatres, exotic gardens and more; Chang Chui is also made up of small buildings with unique architecture – decorated entirely with antique doors and old-school windows, which are placed at odd angles
- Dine and go on an adventure in an abandoned plane located right smack in the middle of the Chang Chui market
- Take photos with unique art displays and gorgeous murals or play some games!
Location: Creative Space, Sirindhorn Road
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM (Green Zone), 4PM – 11PM (Night Zone), closed on Wednesdays
2. Visit the unique Wat Rong Khun Temple
Thailand in general is filled with hundreds of different and beautiful temples; and if you’re looking for one to visit, you should totally consider Wat Rong Khun temple!
Here’s what you can expect:
- A uniquely themed temple; everything is centred on the themes of “the cycle of rebirth”, “life and death”, “heaven and hell”, and more (you will find sculptures of hands coming out of the ground, snakes, etc.)
- In spite of the slightly scary themes, you will find yourself in awe of their gorgeous all-white castle-looking architecture
- Take beautiful photos for your IG feed!
3. Indulge in delicious seafood and Thai street foods at Bang Saen Beach
Just a one-hour drive from Bangkok, this beach isn’t known for sunbathing or swimming; in fact, it’s actually known for the many beach stands and stalls lined across the beach!
Here’s what you can expect:
- You can sit by the beach and indulge in delicious Thai food and drinks while listening to the sounds of crashing waves
- Opt to walk by the sea shore and enjoy the ocean breeze
- Shop for affordable knick-knacks and other Thai goodies from the hundreds of stalls around
4. Have a good time under the sun at this gorgeous, isolated Koh Kood beach
Also known as Koh Kut, this place is situated in the east coast of Thailand, nearby Cambodia. In the past, this island was inaccessible for years; for this reason, it is a fairly unknown place.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A tourist-free beach where you can sunbathe and swim all day
- Crystal clear blue waters like in the movies
- Beaches that are also said to resemble those in Maldives
5. Cycle around Bang Krachao, the Green Lung near Bangkok
In case you’re wondering, it’s nicknamed the Green Lung because of its shape when seen from the top; and despite being located in one of Thailand’s busiest cities, you won’t find any factories, high rise buildings or busy streets here!
Here’s what you can expect:
- Rent a bike for an entire day for less than RM10 and explore the beautiful surroundings of Bang Krachao
- Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Bang Krachao where even the locals live seemingly care-free lives
- Cycle through elevated pathways that cut through the thick forests
6. Dine with nature at this gorgeous Tree House
Located within Bang Krachao, this unique restaurant surrounded by lush greenery will make you feel like a bird nestled in the tree tops.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A tree house made up of eco-friendly structure (wood, glass and iron) with very interesting architecture and design
- An open air deck at the top that overlooks the river, forest trees and the high rise buildings of Bangkok city
- Delicious, authentic Thai food and beer
Location: Bang Krachao, Samut Prakan Province
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM daily
7. Enjoy fresh air and waterfalls at the Erawan National Park
It isn’t in Bangkok, but it’s a place you cannot leave Thailand without visiting! This protected national park is located in the Kanchanaburi Province and is home to Erawan falls, a gorgeous emerald green pond with a waterfall said to resemble an elephant’s head.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Beautiful limestone hills with an elevation between 165 and 996 metres above sea level
- Possible animal sightings of Indian muntjacs, wild elephants, lar gibbon, sambar deer and more
- Soak or swim in the beautiful emerald green pond
Location: Kanchanaburi Province, which is a 2-hour bus ride from Bangkok
Opening hours: 8AM – 4.30PM daily
8. Rest and recuperate with a relaxing, authentic Thai massage at Let’s Relax Spa
You’ve probably seen a ton of places around the Klang Valley offering Thai massages and spas, and wondered if it actually feels like the real deal, right? Well, if you’re ever in Thailand and looking for a place to relax and get pampered, why not give Let’s Relax Spa a try?
In fact, if you travel to Thailand using AirAsia this 2018, you can get a 300THB discount when you spend 1,000THB at any Let’s Relax Spa branch in Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya or Chiang Mai.
Meaning, your authentic Thai spa or massage (which costs 1,000THB) would come up to less than RM90 wei! Plus, they really do have some pretty cool treatments available including a Floral Bath, aromatherapy oil massage, aromatic hot stone massage and the list goes on.
Did we mention that AirAsia is also offering affordable flight tickets to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya and Chiang Mai – from just RM79 – if you book your tickets before 13 May 2018? Wah, can save so much!
So, make sure you book your next Thai vacation with AirAsia and travel before 31 Oct 2018; don’t say we bojio! Find out more about Let’s Relax Spa here!