Thailand is paradise, or, if you’re in Bangkok, chaos. Whether you have a few days during a layover or weeks to backpack the whole country, these activities and sights should be the top of your bucket list.
#1 Thai Cooking School
You love Pad Thai. I love Pad Thai. We all love Pad Thai. Good news, it’s not that hard to make! Spend a day (or a half-day if you’re crunched for time) learning how to use a wok. There are Thai cooking schools all over Thailand.
I attended Mama Noi’s Thai Cookery in Chiang Mai which was recommended by a friend (thanks Elise!). Mama Noi’s started with a trip to the local market where they taught you how to shop for the ingredients you’ll need in class. Then, we explored her organic garden which was used to grow many of the spices and vegetables we used to cook our food! You will make a TON of food so be sure to show up hungry. They’re very accommodating for different diets and needs—I’m allergic to shellfish so they taught me how to create a vegan version of fish sauce! At the end, they’ll send you home with leftovers and a recipe book so you can satisfy your cravings from your own kitchen.
#2 A Big Buddha or Large Reclining Buddha
As I said in the beginning, these are plentiful. It’s almost harder to not encounter one! It’s remarkable to see such a large statue. The Big Buddha that I saw in Phuket was 148 feet tall! Wat Pho in Bangkok holds the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand which is 150 feet long.
#3 Burning on the Beach
If you’re someone that says, “I don’t burn”, I have two things to say to you. First, I hate you. Second, you will burn in Thailand. The beaches are beautiful and not to be missed. Your search for the photogenic islands of Thailand? Well, they’re all beautiful, it’s more about what vibe you’re after. In Phuket, you’ll find partying. For an unforgettable time, walk down Bangla Road, the Bourbon Street of Thailand. I cannot recommend going to a “Ping Pong Show”, but I can tell you that if you want a memory, you will have the images from the place burned into your mind forever.
My favorite island was Koh Phangan. Best known for its full moon festivals, Koh Phangan is also a relaxing paradise full of healthy Western meets Eastern restaurants, and cute boutiques. It’s also close to Mu Koh Ang Thong national marine park, one of the most beautiful places to kayak and snorkel.
Koh Phi Phi 
Sunset Dinner Koh Phangan 
Southway Coffee Bar Koh Phangan 
Mu Koh Ang Thong 
Goodtime Beach Backpackers Hostel Phangan
#4 Elephants
Yes, you should see elephants. No, you should not ride them. Research for ethical options. I went to Maerim Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai. Depending on the place, you might see them from afar, or have the chance to feed them or bathe them and cover them in SPF (mud). Did you know that elephants can burn too? I told you that everyone burns in Thailand!
#5 Eating All the Street Food
Remember that Thai Bhat makes everything seem expensive because the numbers are large. I have to pay 50 bhat for Pad Thai?! Insanity! But not really—that’s $1.66 USD.
Now is the time to eat adventure beyond Pad Thai. Don’t know what that thing on a stick is? Order it anyway! If you don’t like it, don’t eat it. Thailand has a booming street food culture, so your best meals will likely be on the side of a road or at a night market.