8 Best Free Things to Do in Thailand- My Recommendation

Do you wonder if I tell you visiting Thailand would not drain your pocket?

It would be unwise to think that Thailand as a country with great cultural and geographical potential is cheap for a tourist. You may ask yourself how it is possible to enjoy its vivid atmosphere of streets and nature without overpaying.

Learn about the top free things to do in Thailand including temples and cities and how you can maximize your Thailand trip without spending much money.

1. Explore Bangkok’s Temples

Thai capital city, Bangkok encompasses some of the most stunning temples that are located in the country. I love the Wat Saket or the Golden Mount as it is commonly known. The temple is located on a hill and has a beautiful view over the city so it’s perfect for photo shooting.

Another addendum is Wat Ratchanatdaram which has the Loha Prasat or the metal castle to its credit. It is a complex structure and the calm environment of the place is ideal to get away from the crowd of the city. I was able to wander in these temples without charge and at the same time, I was enlightened with Thailand’s religious and ancient culture.

Best Time to Visit Thailand Temples

• Early Mornings
• Weekdays
• Off-Peak Seasons(April to October) 
• Lunchtime Hours (11 AM to 1 PM)

2. Stroll Through Bangkok’s Parks

If you are interested in spending your leisure time and enjoying beautiful nature without paying a penny, Bangkok’s parks are perfect for that. Lumpini Park is one of Bangkok’s largest parks and is located in the city’s central business district, and is ideal for a walk or even a jog in the morning. I went to Lumpini Park to relax, observe Thai people doing Tai Chi, or just relax in the park surrounded by concrete jungle.

In the same way, Chatuchak Park which is close to Chatuchak Weekend Market is a wonderful park with a large number of trees, a lake, and other recreational facilities such as having a picnic or watching people. This is a perfect place to sit after a long day walking around the city and taking pictures.

Some Tips to Visit Parks

• Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon 
• Wear Comfortable Clothing
• Stay Hydrated

3. Discover Chiang Mai’s Temples

Chiang Mai is one of the cities located in the northern part of Thailand and it is rich in antiques and culture. Most of the temples located here do not charge any fees and one can walk round the temples at will. I always visit the temple of Wat Phra Singh because of the temple’s beautiful Lanna-style architecture and courtyard. For hours I strolled along the temple’s corridors and gardens and felt the calmness of the place.

Another interesting place is Wat Chedi Luang They are still constructing this temple and it looks wonderful. While some sections of the temple may be entered only for a fee, the main area of the temple and the area around it is free. This temple has left me with a very vivid impression due to the great work done in the construction of this temple as well as the history associated with it.

Chiang Mai’s Nearby Attractions 

• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
• Tha Phae Gate
• Warorot Market (Kad Luang)

4. Discover the Beaches of Phuket

Here are some of the best beaches in Phuket and guess what? The majority of them are free for tourists. Despite the crowds and the noise, the atmosphere in Patong Beach with street musicians and food sellers is quite entertaining. If you want to chill out, I would suggest going to Kata Beach or Karon Beach. These less crowded areas include stunning views and an opportunity to relax on the seashore without paying a single dollar.

Activities on Beaches of Phuket

• Snorkeling on Kata Noi and Ao Sane
• Diving on Shark Point or the Racha Islands
• Island Hopping on Phi Phi, James Bond Island, or the Similan Islands

5. Wander Through Local Markets

Visiting local markets in Thailand is a wonderful idea since it is among the best ways to sample the Thais’ way of life without having to dig deep into your pocket. In Bangkok, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is an open-air market consisting of several small shops where one can find clothes, food, and local Thai snacks. Although shopping is always enjoyable, just strolling through the market does not cost any money. It is a tasty, colorful, and noisy representation of Thailand street life that can be served as a brief introduction to the country.

In Chiang Mai, there is the Night Bazaar, which is great for shopping and watching street shows and performances by local artists. If you are not a buyer, then just the mere feel of strolling along the market and feeling the lively atmosphere is enough.

Specific Items to Look For

• Look for traditional Thai silk scarves, elephant-themed items, and handcrafted jewelry
• Seek out beautifully crafted items like hand-carved wooden sculptures, lacquerware, and intricate pottery.
• Don’t miss out on local snacks and sweets like dried fruits, tamarind candies, and Thai coconut sugar

6. Hike in National Parks

Here are 10 of Thailand’s national parks to behold, hike, and explore for free. For instance, Khao Sok National Park offers several free trails through the rainforest and you are likely to encounter wildlife. One trail I especially liked was the one to Cheow Lan Lake, the views were worth the walk at this place.

Another free hiking site in Chiang Rai is the Phu Chi Fa Forest Park. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, especially when viewed from the top, especially in the morning are awesome. The climb up is not very steep but the view that one gets to see is very beautiful and one can never forget.

Difficulty Levels of Hikes in Thailand and Scenic Highlights

Easy Hikes

1. Doi Inthanon Nature Trails (Chiang Mai)
2. Erawan National Park (Kanchanaburi)

Moderate Hikes

1. Khao Sok National Park (Surat Thani)
2. Pai Canyon (Pai, Mae Hong Son)

Challenging Hikes

1. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park (Chiang Mai)
2. Phu Kradueng National Park (Loei)

7. Free Museums and Cultural Sites

There are many cultural and historical attractions in Thailand that one can visit for free and get to learn about Thailand’s history. The National Museum in Bangkok is free on certain days and provides visitors with the best overview of Thai history and art; I managed to visit it on a free-entry day and was rather impressed with the variety of exhibits and the way they were arranged.

In the same way, the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok attracts many tourists as one of the culturally significant places to visit and it is free to enter the premises. The shrine is famous for its golden statue and dancing, which gives the tourists an idea of the local worship and celebration.

Nearby restaurants for a Post-Museum Meal

Bangkok National Museum

• Thip Samai
• Rarb Café

Chiang Mai National Museum

• Khao Soi Khun Yai
• Akha Ama Coffee La Fattoria

Phuket Trickeye Museum

• Raya Restaurant
• Gallery Cafe by Pinky

8. Thai Festivals and Events

Visiting Thailand during festivals is probably one of the best methods of enjoying the country’s culture for free. For instance, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival held in Chiang Mai is a moment of beauty where thousands of these lanterns are let off in the air. Although some facets of the festival may be costly, the lanterns and the feeling of the festive season are priceless.

Songkran Festival is the Thai New Year. The city turns into a water battle and the people of the city as well as tourists enjoy the occasion. It is an open, fun, and entertaining way to interact with the Thai culture and be part of festivities.

Best Places to Watch the Festivities

Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals

• Chiang Mai
• Sukhothai Historical Park

Songkran (Thai New Year)

• Bangkok (Khao San Road and Silom Road)
• Chiang Mai (Old City Moat)
• Phuket (Patong Beach)

Chinese New Year

• Yaowarat Road, Bangkok (Chinatown)
• Phuket Old Town

King’s Birthday and National Day

• Sanam Luang, Bangkok
• Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Bangkok

Vegetarian Festival

• Phuket (Jui Tui Shrine and around Phuket Town)
• Bangkok (Yaowarat Chinatown)

The Departure- Best Free Things to Do in Thailand

There are numerous things to do in Thailand that do not cost any money and will suit the interests of many travelers, be it history, nature, or shopping enthusiasts. Traveling through this beautiful country I came to realize that one does not need to break the bank to have a meaningful experience. If you are willing to spend some time exploring Thailand’s culture, nature, and street life, you will be able to have a very good and cheap time.

No matter if you are walking through the markets visiting a park, or simply sunbathing on the beach you will find many attractions in Thailand that are free of charge.

FAQs

Which is the most popular tourist attraction center in Thailand?

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is one of the most famous places in Thailand, famous for its architecture and history. Its Emerald Buddha temple makes it one of the most famous landmarks of the country.

What is the most affordable way of roaming in Thailand?

The most economical means of transport in Thailand is the local one. These include buses and trains for intercity and regional transport. For short distances, there are tuk-tuks and songthaews – shared pickup trucks which are also cheap to hire.

What is the major advantage of Thailand tourism?

The most special about traveling to Thailand is that the country is rich in cultural and natural attractions that include awesome cities and temples, beautiful sea beaches, and beautiful natural sceneries.