For many years, Thailand has been known as a destination for India’s youth looking for some fun. But with the advent of new products and discovering off beat destinations, Thailand is filled with destinations that are perfect for all the family fun. On our recent trip to Thailand, we discovered quite a few such places and the following list will tell you about the best things to do in Thailand.
Entertainment
Art of Paradise
It is a fun and a fresh take on an art gallery. Located inside the Esplanade Mall, it is a fun place to spend some hilarious hours with families and kids returning after a long day of a shopping spree in the mall. Distributed in several large rooms the 3D artwork by the artists is awe-inspiring. Not just kids but adults too can find themselves kidding around making funniest and silliest poses against the 3D paintings. My favourite was the rickety bridge and the jungle scenes. It was indeed too much fun kidding around with three-dimensional painting and laughing out loud.
Ticket Price: THB 290 or INR 600
Ku Krung Museum
Just half an hour from the hotel is the Ku Krung Museum which showcases a large collection of vintage products and is one of the best things to do in Thailand. It is attractively set in an old teak house, divided into different spaces and rooms that mimic a traditional Thai town. One can check out the vintage cars, convenience store, barbershop, tailor store, and even an old cinema. This cute little house museum is a fun place to spend an afternoon while reminiscing about the good old days. There’s also a small café offering drinks and nibbles.
The Town of Chantaburi
Take a short spiritual tour down at Chantaburi. It is a century old quaint little old village and home to a large number of Chinese and Thai communities, it was interesting to see the diverse yet eclectic culture. The mixed heritage amalgamation of Thai and Chinese is evident not only in its temple architecture but also the little shops & cafés stationed on either side of the narrowed lanes of the village. The resemblances to the Chinese shrines can be seen here with red coloured rooftops and dragon pillars & Chinese writings on the walls of the shrine and the Thai methods of worship was in true sense depicting the cultural diversity of Chanthaburi which makes it one of the offbeat places to visit in Thailand.
Singha D’Luck Cinematic Theatre
This new age theatre takes you to the world of fantasy and imagination. It is the highlight attraction of the town and is currently showcasing the Kaan’s Show which is one of the best things to do in Thailand. This is Thailand’s first levitating theatre where the live theatre is combined with new hybrid live-action characters giving performances using world-class technology. This modern 3D cinematic experience is must watch.
Price of Tickets: 50$
Waterparks: One of the best things to do in Thailand
Cartoon Network Waterpark Pattaya
I’m a water baby and cartoon network is more than fabulous than any other waterpark I’ve seen in the world. It has a whopping 30 “state of the art water rides and slides. It also includes Disney World style mascots, a huge swim pool with artificial waves and screen showing various cartoon episodes all day long along with various other entertainment shows, aquatic fun activities for kids and family.
Price for adults: THB 1290 or INR 2500
Ramayana Waterpark
It is one of the biggest theme parks in the whole of South East Asia and definitely, one of the best things to do in Thailand. Built on an ancient forgotten city, this park is named after the Hindu epic Ramayan, glimpses of which can be seen in the form of Water rides and the Hanuman Cafe. With a whopping 21 water rides, it promises the most exhilarating Waterworld experience. The park offers a fun day out with thrills and excitement as well as relaxation for both young and old souls. Ramayana Park offers a large number of breathtaking views of the natural surroundings including some of the longest water slides in the world and several other unique rides and activities.
Price for adults: THB 1190 or INR 2400, kids: THB 890 or INR 1800
Underwater World Pattaya
This place brought a slice of the underwater oceanic world in a series of exhibits on land and took me on an exhilarating ride.From the sandy beaches to shallow rock pool teeming with colourful reefs to the open ocean. It features a 100-
Price for adults: THB 500 or INR 1000, kids: THB 300 or INR 600
Where to Eat?
Asiatique Riverfront, Bangkok
Around 20 minutes drive from the hotel is the Asiatique Riverfront. It is an open-air shopping complex renovated from an abandoned port with a beautiful riverfront. From thousands of fine dining restaurants to cafes and bars to scrumptious street food to choose from. Not just food but also plenty of fashion stores and open fashion markets to buy or eye the latest trends in fashion world. Its a like a walk in wardrobe for all you ladies. Apart from food and shopping, there’s plenty of outdoor activities for kids and family to do especially the giant illuminated Ferris wheel. So eat, drink, shop or simply sit by the patio to watch the Bangkok city lights over the riverfront.
Chanthorn Restaurant, Chanthaburi
The Chanthorn restaurant is a quaint little traditional family run restaurant running from last 40 years. It serves classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Kuatiou Pad Pu amongst other traditional recipes. Apart from food it also has a small shop within the restaurant selling handicrafts, junk jewellery and Thai snacks and food items. This restaurant displays Thai heritage in its true form and is a must visit when in Chanthaburi.
Greyhound Cafe, Pattaya
It is one of the trendiest cafes in Pattaya serving several western and continental style dishes along with Thai with a twist.The ambience is very trendy and stylish. The menu offers a delectable array of Thai as well as international dishes. The food is delicious and music sets in the mood. A must visit when in Pattaya.
Suan Lamai Rayong
Also known as the “Kingdom of Fruit on the Mountain”. This place is more of like a huge garden uphill surrounded by mountains, natural forests and fruit orchards. This fruit farm grows varieties of exotic fruits and trees and one of the best things to do in Thailand. I thoroughly enjoyed plucking and tasting some exotic Thai fruits.
Shop Till You Drop
Indira Market, Bangkok
Every turn in Bangkok has shopping markets and malls in abundance. But my personal favourite is the open street shops and stores in the Indra Market. Although you can always have a choice to shop at swanky malls when in Bangkok you cannot miss shopping at the street stores. Its a little bit of heaven in there. From trendy clothes to funky handbags and accessories, one can also have the best of Prada, Chanel and MK fake out there. It is also the best place for gadget shopping and offers good bargains and very easy on the pockets.
Platinum Mall, Bangkok
Platinum mall is one the most popular and the largest wholesale fashion mall located in Bangkok. It specializes in wholesale fashion and clothing, cosmetics and accessories. With a whopping 1500 plus shops in a four-storeyed mall is like nothing you have ever seen before. Being a wholesale mall haggling is not just fun but also a must do. So when in Bangkok do not miss to visit platinum Mall with your friends and family.
