21 Best Things To Do in Koh Samui, Thailand

If you’re looking for a place that has big city amenities, stunning Buddhist temples, and a chilled-out island vibe, then look no further than Koh Samui.

Thailand’s 2nd largest island (#1 is Phuket) has a lot to offer travelers. Whether you’re into nature, culture, adventure, partying, or just some good old fashioned R&R, you’ll find things to do in Koh Samui to suit your vibe.  

Days can be spent lounging on the beach, doing a variety of water sports, hiking to viewpoints, or visiting a very Big Buddha. Evenings in Koh Samui are all about sunsets, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and yes, a bit of wild nightlife.

Read on for a closer look at 21 top things to do in Koh Samui — one of the best places to visit in Thailand. 

1. Beach Bumming

While there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Koh Samui, let’s face it — you probably came here for a relaxing beach vacation. Thankfully you’ve got several choices for sun and sand when visiting this popular Thai island.

Located near the airport on the northeast side of the island, Chaweng is the main beach in Koh Samui.

While it’s definitely the most developed and most crowded of the beaches here, it’s still stunningly beautiful. Go ahead and rent a lounger and umbrella, order up a fruity cocktail, and enjoy yourself!

The second largest beach in Koh Samui is Lamai. It’s not as busy as Chaweng, but you’ve still got lots of options for places to chill, eat, and drink. Lamai is a great place to go for a swim, as the sea is clear and calm here. 

While these are the most well-known and largest beaches, there are many others to choose from in Koh Samui.

Other gorgeous beaches you should spend some time on include Lipa Noi, Bang Por, and Big Buddha beach. Speaking of a Big Buddha, that brings us to the next item on our list.

2. Visit the Big Buddha

One of the most famous Koh Samui attractions is the Big Buddha. It’s located at the Wat Phra Yai temple, which is actually on a much smaller island just off the northeast coast of Samui.

Thanks to its location near the airport, it’s one of the first things many people see when traveling to Koh Samui by plane. 

The highlight of Wat Phra Yai is the 12-meter seated golden Buddha. This particular posture depicts a time in Buddha’s quest for enlightenment where he had to avoid all the temptations that were being forced upon him.

With the development of tourism and the thriving party scene that followed it here, it’s interesting to see Buddha remaining steadfast and pure in this peaceful pose while backpackers guzzle down buckets of booze around him.

While the temple is open all day, you should try to get there in the morning to see it at its busiest. With monks chanting and locals making offerings, it’s a fascinating cultural experience. You can find the Koh Samui Big Buddha on the map here.

Note: When visiting this and any other Buddhist temple in Thailand, it’s important to follow the proper etiquette. It’s hot and humid on the Thai islands, but you need to cover up when visiting religious sites like this. Don’t be that farang who shows up here wearing a Full Moon Party tank-top and booty shorts. 

3. Watersports Galore

Since it is a tropical island, it should come as no surprise that watersports are among the most popular things to do in Koh Samui. Here you can take part in scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, sailing, kiteboarding, and more. 

While nearby Koh Tao may be the diving Mecca of Thailand, Koh Samui is also an excellent place to explore under the sea.

The water is warm and clear here, with visibility between 3 and 30 meters. These conditions allow you to learn right off the shore rather than in a swimming pool, making Koh Samui a great place to finally get scuba-certified.

Even if you’re not into the idea of scuba diving, you can still enjoy spotting the abundant marine life by snorkeling. It’s easy to find gear for rent on the beach, or you can sign up for a boat tour to visit a few different spots. Many tours take a mix of divers and snorkelers, which is great if you’re in a split group.

That’s not all there is to do in the water here, though. You can also rent kayaks or SUPs for a nice leisurely paddle, or jet-skis if you need a bit more speed. Sailing tours are also quite popular here, especially to see the sunset. 

4. Practice Yoga

If you feel the need to do some sun salutations or bust out your best downward facing dog on your vacation, you’ll be happy to hear that yoga is quite popular here. I’m usually more of a “Namaste in bed” kind of guy, but even I’ll get up for some sunrise yoga on a Thai island!

If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Samui on a rainy day, or if you just feel like practicing, many resorts on the island offer yoga classes and there are also plenty of dedicated yoga studios here.

Your options here range from casual drop-in classes up to intense yoga retreats. Whether you’re a total newbie or an expert, there’s a yoga class for you in Koh Samui.

One of the most popular spots to do yoga in Koh Samui is Vikasa — a boutique yoga resort and organic restaurant. A drop-in class costs 500 baht ($15), or you can get 3 for 1,000 ($30). Click here for prices and details.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Pai: 21 Things You Don’t Want to Miss

5. Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park

One of the most fun things to do in Koh Samui is joining a day trip out to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park. This archipelago consists of 42 pristine islands with towering limestone mountains and postcard-worthy beaches.

Most tours to Ang Thong include a visit to the Emerald Lagoon, chilling out on the beach, and a bit of snorkeling/kayaking. You’ll likely spot some wildlife on land and in the sea on this trip, including dusky langurs and hawksbill turtles. 

Ang Thong is just a short boat ride away from Koh Samui, and just about every tour operator on the island can get you set up on a trip there. The going rate for these tours is around $60 per person, including lunch, hotel transfer, food, snorkelling equipment and more. Check out this highly-rated day tour for details, or this amazing sunset cruise!

If a day trip just isn’t enough for you, there’s basic accommodation available on Koh Wua Ta Lap where the park headquarters are located.

You can choose between simple bungalows or just rent a tent to camp on the beach. There’s also a basic restaurant here where you can have your meals. For all the info on staying at Ang Thong, check out the park’s website. 

6. Take a Hike

If you can pull yourself out of your beach lounger, there are some great opportunities for hiking in Koh Samui. While the coastline has been developed for tourism, much of the island remains untouched jungle. 

There are countless options for hikes on Koh Samui, from relatively easy and short trails leading to rushing waterfalls to steep and strenuous hikes up to some fantastic viewpoints. After a tough, sweaty hike, you’ll have earned that ice-cold Chang beer and that tasty bowl of Pad Thai!

Check out the hike to Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail or the Maenam Viewpoint.

Since Koh Samui can be quite hot and humid, the best time to hike is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Whenever you go, be sure to bring plenty of water along with some sunscreen and bug spray.

If you’d rather go with a group than on your own, be sure to check out the many options offered by Hiking on Samui. These tours are run by a long-time Samui expat from the Netherlands who has tons of experience hiking.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Chiang Mai – A List of 17 Highlights

A Little Short On Time?

If you want to see many of the “must-sees” in Koh Samui, but don’t have a lot of time, or don’t want to spend more than a half-day doing so, check out this popular, highly rated tour:

7. Take a Thai Cooking Class

I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely in love with Thai food. I’m not joking when I say I could eat Thai food every day and never get bored. It’s just that good! 

If you’re as crazy about Thai cuisine as I am, why not learn how to make it yourself? Taking a Thai cooking class is certainly one of the tastiest things you can do in Koh Samui. 

In most cooking classes, you’ll first visit a local market to shop for fresh ingredients. Back in the kitchen, it’s time to cook up Thai classics like papaya salad, green curry, or tom yam. Of course, the best part of the class is enjoying the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal at the end.

A couple of the best places to take a cooking class in Koh Samui are Smiley Cook and InFusion. Their Best of Workshop and Organic Garden Tour costs just 990 baht ($32) and runs from 5-7PM. If you want to dive deeper, you can sign up for their half-day course for 1,890 baht ($60). Click here to learn about this tour, or click the image below:

8. See Some Interesting Rocks

Perhaps one of the most interesting things to do in Koh Samui is looking at rocks. Sounds boring, doesn’t it? Well, my friends, these are no ordinary rocks…

Hin Ta (Grandpa Rock) and Hin Yai (Grandma Rock) were naturally carved over the years to resemble male and female genitalia. As with many things in Southeast Asia, there is a fantastic legend behind the rocks.

As the story goes, an old couple was traveling by sea to visit their son for his wedding. Sadly, their boat flipped over in a nasty storm and the couple was unable to swim. They tragically drowned that day, but they transformed into these rocks to prove to their son and his new family that they had tried to make it for what would have been a joyous occasion, and perhaps as a bit of a practical joke.

Whether you believe the urban legend or not it’s worth a visit to the rocks, if only to snap some silly photos and giggle like a schoolgirl. The view from the rocks is amazing as well. You can get directions to the naughty-bits-shaped rocks on the map here. 

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Chiang Rai – 21 Top Things You Don’t Want to Miss

9. Get a Massage

Walking down the streets of Koh Samui – or any Thai island, for that matter – you’re sure to hear calls of “Hello! Maasssaaagggee?” It seems as if everyone on this island wants to give you a massage. I say take them up on it. You’re on vacation after all!

When it comes to getting a massage here, you have plenty of options. There are the wandering masseuses on the beach who will happily give you a massage from the comfort of your sun lounger. Don’t expect a life-changing massage from them, but for just a few bucks why not?

If you need something a little nicer, spas are a dime a dozen in Koh Samui. These range from very simple to the incredibly fancy. It all depends on your budget and what you’re looking for. For a detailed look at some of Koh Samui’s best spas, head here.

10. Swim in Waterfalls

While swimming in the sea is always fun, that’s not the only way to cool off on a hot day in Koh Samui. The island is home to several waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip in beautiful surroundings.

The most popular waterfalls to visit are the Na Muang falls — two cascading waterfalls set in the lush jungle of central Koh Samui. Na Muang 1 is easily accessible by car and thus can be a bit crowded. If you’re up for a little challenge, it’s about a 20-30 minute hike uphill to reach Na Muang 2. 

It’s free to visit the waterfalls, but you’ll need to pay a small fee to park your motorbike here. There are some small food stalls here as well as vendors selling drinks if you forgot to bring snacks or water. You can find Na Muang 1 on the map and get directions here. 

11. Go On An ATV Tour

For the adrenaline junkies out there, an ATV tour is definitely one of the top things to do in Koh Samui. On a typical ATV tour, you’ll ride through the jungle to check out some amazing viewpoints and waterfalls. 

There are several different options for ATV tours in Koh Samui. Some are as short as one hour, while others last half a day. Prices seem to range from 1,500 baht ($48) for the shorter tours up to 4,900 baht ($155) for the longer trips. One tour operator that is highly recommended is X-Quad Samui.

Before you go riding an ATV into the jungle of a Thai island, make sure you have some decent international travel insurance. Not all policies cover extreme activities such as this, so check yours carefully! 

☞ If you’re into motorbike trips, check out this guide to riding the Mae Hong Son Loop!

12. Hit The Night Markets (one of the best things to do in Koh Samui!)

Night markets in Thailand are one of my favorite things in the world. It just never gets old sampling cheap and tasty Thai food while perusing the colorful handicrafts on offer. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Samui in the evenings, there are several different night markets in Koh Samui that are worth checking out. Different towns host a night market on different days of the week. There’s Mae Nam on Thursdays, Bophut on Fridays, and Lamai on Sundays. 

The night markets usually get going around 5PM and stay open until 11. Be sure to add at least one of these awesome night markets to your list of things to do in Koh Samui. 

13. Explore Nathon Town

If you arrive in Koh Samui via the ferry from Surat Thani, your point of entry will be Nathon Town. This is the commercial and administrative center of the island and a place where many locals call home. 

Most tourists skip over Koh Samui’s main town entirely, but it’s definitely worth it to spend some time visiting Nathon. On a short trip here, you can check out the colorful Chinese shop houses, eat some delicious local food at a bargain price, and stick around for a picture-perfect sunset. 

Nathon Town is located on the northwest coast of Koh Samui. You can find it on the map and get directions here.

14. Check Out the Secret Buddha Garden

Tucked away in the center of the island is a Secret Buddha Garden surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, and should definitely make it on your list of things to do in Koh Samui.

It was started by a fruit farmer named Nim Tongsuk back in 1976 when he began placing Buddhist statues around his family’s property. He continued to add to his Secret Buddha Garden up until his death at the age of 91. 

The Secret Buddha Garden is open every day from 9-5. It costs 80 baht (about $2.50) to visit. It’s quite tough to reach on your own unless you have 4WD and are an experienced driver. If not, you should consider signing up for a day tour that includes a stop at the garden. You can find it on the map here.

☞ Looking for a stunning island with pristine beaches, but fewer tourists? Don’t miss all of the incredible things to do in Koh Lipe.

15. Visit the Fishermen’s Village

If you grow tired of the touristy scene in places like Chaweng and Lamai, take half a day to visit the fishing village of Bophut. It’s a nice place to spend a few hours walking around, doing a bit of shopping, and grabbing a bite to eat. 

Here you’ll find original wooden homes built in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants. While many of the fishermen have moved on to other parts of the island, they still bring their daily catch to the restaurants here. You’ll find some of the best seafood in Koh Samui in the restaurants of Fishermen’s Village. 

While it’s fun to visit any day of the week, you may want to come on Friday to check out the night market here. The Fishermen’s Village is located near Bophut Beach. You can get directions on the map here. 

16. Go Golfing

If you enjoy a nice round of golf on your vacation, then you’ll be happy to hear that Koh Samui has several courses to choose from. From mini-golf to a full 18-hole course with spectacular views, hitting the links is one of the best things to do in Koh Samui.

The Santiburi Samui Country Club is the only professional standard golf course on the island. This stunning course is set among a preserved coconut palm plantation high up in the hills.

Thanks to its location, you’ll enjoy exceptional views throughout the entire round. It’s not a cheap round (about $160 with golf cart and caddy), but it might be one of the most scenic rounds you ever play! You can find the course on the map here. 

If you’re like me and can’t swing a golf club to save your life, you might want to just play a good old fashioned round of mini-golf. There are mini-golf courses in both Chaweng and Lamai that are fun for the whole family. 

☞ Prefer mountains to beaches? Then you’ll want to check out stunning Khao Lak.

17. See a Mummified Monk

This might be the most unusual item on our list of things to do in Koh Samui. At the Wat Khunaram temple, you have the chance to see a mummified monk. 

Luong Pordaeng was a Buddhist monk who died while in the meditative seated position back in 1973. It was decided that his body would be preserved in this peaceful state, and it has been on display in a glass case ever since. 

This may seem a bit shocking and morbid to most Westerners, but Thai Buddhists are much more accepting of death. The body of Luong Pordaeng serves as a visual reminder of Buddha’s teachings to all who visit and is highly revered. 

Wat Khunaram is about a 10-minute drive from Lamai Beach. It’s open every day and is most active in the early morning or late afternoon. You can find it on the map here. 

18. Try The Digital Nomad Life

Koh Samui is not only a popular tourist and honeymoon spot, but it’s also an up-and-coming digital nomad destination. While the digital nomad community may not be as big here as it is on nearby Koh Phangan or Chiang Mai in the north, this is still a great place to work remotely. 

High-speed internet is now readily available on the island, especially in the popular areas of Chaweng and Lamai. Also, there’s finally a co-working space at Mantra (check it on the map here). It has fast WiFi, comfy sofas, video games, and even a pool table. Now that’s a cool office!

Dariece and Nick (founders of Goats on the Road) spent an amazing month living and working from Koh Samui. Read all about it in their massive guide to being a digital nomad in Koh Samui.

☞ If you’re curious about what digital nomad life is like on the other side of the world, read about our experience traveling as digital nomads in South America. 

19. Take a Sunset Cruise

What could be better than enjoying the sunset from a tropical beach in Thailand? Enjoying it on a yacht, of course! Taking a sunset cruise definitely earns its spot on this list of things to do in Koh Samui.

Most tour operators on the island will be happy to set you up with a sunset cruise. One of the best options is with the Red Baron, a traditional wooden junk-style yacht. 

Their sunset cruise includes a welcome cocktail, unlimited soft drinks/tea/coffee, and a buffet dinner. There’s also a bar operating on deck if that one drink just isn’t enough. Prices for their 3-hour cruise come in at 2,500 baht (about $100) per person. Click here to learn more. 

20. Try the Thai Experience Dinner

This just might be the coolest dinner party out there. The Thai Experience is taking dinner parties to a whole new level with their fun and interactive spin on things.

To be clear, this is not a cooking class. I’ve already included those on this list of things to do in Koh Samui up above. While you will learn all about the various dishes and even learn how to make a little something yourself, you’ll be eating food prepared by their highly skilled chefs.

For their full experience, you get a cocktail class (and the finished product!), 15 different dishes, and unlimited booze. Now that’s what I call a dinner party! They provide round-trip transportation, so go ahead and drink up. These tours last three hours and cost 2,490 baht ($78) per person. 

This dinner party is one of the most unique things to do in Thailand. Don’t miss it!

21. See a Cabaret Show

One of the quintessential things to do in Koh Samui is seeing a ladyboy cabaret show. These shows feature singing, dancing, comedy, and some pretty elaborate costumes. 

There are a few different options for ladyboy cabaret shows on the island. One that comes highly recommended is Paris Follies, which features a wide variety of dance styles as well as many awesome celebrity impersonators. 

Shows go on every night at 8, 9:30, and 11. The earlier show is a bit more family-friendly, while things heat up a little bit for the later performance. It’s free to attend, but they make their money off of the bar as drinks are definitely on the pricey side. 

Now You Know What To Do in Koh Samui! 

As you can see, there’s a lot happening here on Koh Samui. While this island will probably suck you in, you might want to consider tacking on a trip to the nearby islands of Koh Tao for diving and Koh Phangan for the epic parties and adventures. 

If you’re planning on exploring more of the country (and you should be), be sure to check out this guide to backpacking Thailand. When you inevitably consider quitting your job, selling all your worldly possessions, and moving here, we’ve also got you covered with details on the cost of living in Thailand. 

What did I miss?! If there are other things to do in Koh Samui that I missed, please leave a comment down below and let us know. 

Some images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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The post 21 Best Things To Do in Koh Samui, Thailand appeared first on Goats On The Road.

from Southern Asia – Goats On The Road https://www.goatsontheroad.com/things-to-do-in-koh-samui/
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Germany: How to explore the Black Forest on a budget

When you think of Germany, does your mind fill with thoughts of Cuckoo clocks, dense forests a la Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and a certain decadent cake made of chocolate and cherries with loads of whip cream on top?

If so, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is definitely where you should head! And you’re in luck — this area will certainly give you plenty of room to explore without depleting your bank account.

Located in Germany’s southwest area, the Black Forest stretches from Baden-Baden, Germany’s own Monte Carlo spa town, to the border to Switzerland, up along the Rhine River and almost all the way to Lake Constance.

Read more on Germany
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Germany
• Tips for driving the Autobahn
• How to score a €1 bus trip in Germany

Exploring the Black Forest region on a budget

Although this region is a great place to visit for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, it also has lots to offer culture lovers, with plenty of castles, museums, and old churches to choose from. Follow our tips to help you save on your Black Forest adventure.

How to Get There

If you’re flying to the Black Forest region from outside of Europe, you have several options. Germany’s biggest airport, Frankfurt International (check out our Frankfurt budget guide), is about 90 minutes by train to the northern portion of the Black Forest. Zurich and Stuttgart also have international airports around two hours away or closer, depending on which part the region you would like to. Two other options to consider, especially if you are traveling from within Europe, are the airports Karlsruhe-Baden Baden and Basel-Mulhouse, which are close to Freiburg. Both of these smaller airports service discount airlines, such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet.

All cities in the Black Forest region can also be easily reached by either train or bus. If you plan on doing quite a bit of exploring, you may also want to look into renting a car.

Ways to save

Be sure to book all airplane, train, and bus tickets as far in advance as possible. Prices can go up considerably the closer you book to the actual travel time. Compare prices between train travel and discount bus lines, such as Flixbus to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Unless you have a specific destination in mind, you may also want to check and see which city is the cheapest to reach, and then go from there.

A map of the Black Forest Region.

Things to do

Although Baden has many quaint cities to enjoy, no trip to the area is complete without a jaunt out to the Black Forest itself. We’ve gathered the following guide with ideas for city trips that include lots of nature nearby.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is home to Germany’s oldest university, which was founded in 1386. But this charming city is more than just a university town. Heidelberg is popular the world over for its baroque-style old town and its romantic setting on the Neckar River. For more, check out our budget guide to Heidelberg.

Philosophen Weg

When in Freiberg, be sure to follow in the footsteps of the great philosophers and poet of the past by taking a hike up the Philosphen Weg (Philosopher’s Path). To get there, take one of the bridges across the river and hike up the switchbacks. It takes a bit of time, but the views are worth it. If you haven’t yet had your fill of hiking, the area also has lots of different hiking trails to explore.

Accommodations: Search more than 150 hotels in Heidelberg

Freiburg

Another of Baden’s famous university towns, Freiburg boasts a beautiful old town with Bächle, cobblestone gutters filled with running water. But watch out! If you fall into one of these gutters, legend has it you’ll marry a local. Just try explaining that to your significant other. For more, check out our Budget Guide to Freiburg.

Beautiful Lake Titisee in the Black Forest. Photo: KR

Schauinsland

Freiburg’s beloved Hausberg (local mountain), Schauinsland offers many hiking trails that will put you in hot pursuit of Hansel and Gretel — just don’t nibble on any gingerbread houses. On a clear day, you can even see the tips of the Swiss Alps from here.

How to get there

Schauinsland is in region 3 of the Freiburg transport network, so it can be easily reached by public transportation. Take a tram in the direction of Gunterstal to the very end, and then switch to the bus by the cable car (Schauinslandbahn). The cable car will take you on a fun trip further up the mountain, but the tickets are a bit pricey (return tickets €12.50 for adults, €9 for children), so you might want to skip it. For more information about hiking trails and transportation, check out the Schauinsland website.

Lake Titisee

Also located in region 3 of the Freiburg transport network, Lake Titisee is a beautiful alpine lake nestled high up and hills of the Black Forest. You’ll find plenty of trails around this lake, which stretches over a mile. Titisee village is a bit of a tourist trap, so no need to check it out unless you’d like to stock up on a bit of Black Forest kitsch and maybe a Cuckoo clock or two.

How to get there

To get there, take the train to Titisee-Neustadt from Freiburg. The trip takes a little under one hour.

Accommodations: Hotels and vacation apartments in Freiburg

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a famous spa town whose thermal waters have offered a relaxing soak since the Roman age. In the 19th century, this town was famous for its luxury hotels, casinos, and horse races, making it a swank playground for Victorian-era celebrities.

Sunset at Schwarzwald Nationalpark. Photo: Achim

Schwarzwald Nationalpark

Baden-Baden is also close to the Schwarzwald Nationalpark (Black Forest National Park), which includes around 40 square miles of forests, glacial lakes, and spacious meadows straights out of a storybook.

How to get there

To reach this national forest by car, take the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest High Road). You can also get there by taking the Line 245 bus to Mummelsee and then either hike the seven miles in or sharing a taxi for €16 to €20. The trip takes a little over one hour.

Freudenstadt

Freudenstadt is located on the other side of Black Forest National Park. This quaint city has an old market square where you can see parts of the foundation of a castle that was never built. The town also boasts a Gothic-Renaissance church and plenty of sunshine year-round. Like Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt is also a wellness town, so feel free to “take to the waters” like an old-school European aristocrat when you visit.

For an affordable place to stay try Hotel Krone or Hotel Gastof Jägerstüble with free breakfast.

The Baden Wine Route

Forget cuckoo clocks — the best of what the Baden region has to offer is its wine and cuisine. If you’re a wine lover, it’s worth checking out a stretch of the Baden Wine Route. This route takes you through the vineyards near many of Baden’s cities, including Heidelberg, Freiburg, and Baden-Baden.

The quaint streets of Baden-Baden. Photo: paula

Tips for saving on a trip to the Black Forest

Stay outside of Baden-Baden

Although Baden-Baden is worth a visit, this upscale town is a little on the pricey side for the budget traveler. When opting for a place to stay, you’d probably be better off choosing Freiburg or Heidelberg as your base and traveling from there. If you do want to stay right in town, there are a few affordable options depending on the time of year you book. Search more than 220 hotels for your trip to Baden-Baden.

Eat at bakeries and beer gardens

Besides wine, the Baden region has great bread and regional dishes. To save on meals, why not pick up a little something at a bakery for lunch and have an inexpensive meal at a beer or wine garden for dinner? Some local specialties you should definitely check out include maultaschen (large ravioli usually served with butter and onions or in a soup), spätzle (soft egg noodles, cheese and onions — basically Southern Germany’s tastier and lighter version of mac and cheese), and, of course, the world-famous classic, Schwarzwald Torte (Black Forest cake).

Pick up a tourist card

If you spend several days in either Freiburg or Heidelberg, you may want to look into purchasing a local discount card. Freiburg offers the 3-day WelcomeKarte, which gives you free transportation on all buses, trams, and trains, and includes a free trip on the otherwise pricey Schauinsland cable car. The WelcomeKarte costs €26 for adults and €16 for children 14 and under. Heidelberg also offers the HeidelbergCARD for up to four days as well as the 2-day Family card.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling on one day, the Baden-Württemberg-Ticket might save you some dough. With this ticket, you can travel in the 2nd class wagons of all train in the region for 24 hours. The more people in your party, the greater the savings. For example, tickets for one person cost €24, while a ticket covering five people costs €48. Children 14 and under ride free.

The post Germany: How to explore the Black Forest on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo’s Budget Travel Blog.

from EuroCheapo’s Budget Travel Blog https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/germany-how-to-explore-the-black-forest-on-a-budget.html
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21 Cool Things To Do in Pai, Thailand

Pai is a small town located in Northern Thailand and due to its charm and the many different things to do in Pai, it has become a popular place for travellers.

From visiting waterfalls and hiking the Pai Canyon, to checking out the Big Buddha and exploring by scooter, Pai offers numerous attractions for backpackers, travellers, expats and everyone in between.

For such a small place, the list of things to do in Pai is huge! This town is growing and so are the many activities available in Pai for travellers. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

The road between the northern city of Chiang Mai and Pai is an exciting adventure all on its own. In fact, this journey was the main reason I went to Pai in the first place.

But to my surprise, Pai was a town that stole my heart, and I would return to in a heartbeat. In fact, visiting Pai was one of my Southeast Asia highlights.

Here’s a list of the top 21 things to do in Pai you won’t want to miss!

1. Learn To Ride a Scooter

Learning to ride a scooter is first on my list of things to do in Pai for a reason — it’s basically an essential activity in this tiny town. Like me, if you have never ridden a motorbike or scooter before, Pai is the place to don a helmet and try.

Why is learning to drive a scooter essential? Well, many of the activities in Pai aren’t actually in the town center, but a couple of minutes drive out-of-town.

Because Pai is famous for tourists renting scooters as their main mode of transportation, there aren’t too many tuk-tuks in town. Plus, part of the charm of Pai is that there isn’t much traffic, making it a good place for newbies to learn.

That all being said, tourists walk around Pai like mummies, all bandaged up from scooter accidents. So much so, that you don’t even need to ask somebody “what happened” when you see their battered knee, it’s just assumed it was a scooter accident.

Make sure you wear a helmet, drive cautiously, and of course, don’t drink and drive.

Me, about to ride a scooter for the first time!

I rented a scooter for two full days while I was in Pai and it cost 500 Baht for both days for an automatic scooter, which was a great deal. It was a lot of fun learning how to ride, and was also a useful means of transport for getting around to the many things to do in Pai.

There are many different rental shops along the main walking street in Pai. You will have to leave a cash deposit that you will get back once you return the scooter in its original condition — don’t leave your passport, even if they ask.

You can purchase insurance for the scooter from these rental shops as well which may be a good idea if it is your first time riding a scooter!

If you want to do a longer trip, the Mae Hong Son Loop is Thailand’s most popular and stunning journey. Learn more about it here. 

2. Wander the Night Markets (one of the best things to do in Pai in the evening)

Wondering what to do in Pai in the evenings? Every night there are markets in Pai along the walking street. For such a small town, these markets are quite impressive. Here, you can find everything from clothing to food, with the best cheap street food options being found at the night markets.

At the night markets, you will also be tempted by the shopping. There are souvenirs, herbal remedies, clothing, and more – basically anything you could think of, you’ll find!

But regardless of whether or not you want to buy something, the markets are always a lot of fun and are one of the free things to do in Pai.

• See Also: Things To Do in Koh Lipe – 21 Things You Don’t Want To Miss

3. Climb to The Big White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)

If you have been backpacking Thailand for a while, visiting another Buddha statue might not sound all that appealing, but this one is worth it simply for the view!

The steps to get to the top will have you working up a sweat, but the panoramic view from next to the Buddha is worth it. Make sure you also have a look at the blindingly white Buddha statue, it’s pretty impressive.

A visit to the Big Buddha is easy. You will see it from town so just drive in that direction and you will get there. Visiting the Big Buddha is free and will take you about an hour to walk to the top, enjoy the views and take pictures, and walk back down. Make sure you dress appropriately and bring some water with you.

4. Party at Sunset Bar

No trip to Pai would be complete without a visit to the Sunset Bar. The Sunset Bar is just as the name suggests, the place to go at sunset (and stay well after dark.)

The Sunset Bar is one of the most popular things to do in Pai amongst travellers as it’s situated just outside of the main town center, but still within walking distance (meaning you don’t have to drink and drive home).

The bar is up in the trees and offers a great view of the sunset each night. Cushions line the floor as seating and create a relaxed atmosphere for backpackers wanting to share some travel stories over a drink.  Expect to pay around 100 Baht for a drink, but sometimes they do have 2 for 1 specials.

• See Also: Cost Of Living in Thailand – A Guide For Travellers, Expats and Digital Nomads

5. Go Tubing on The Pai River

Tubing along the Pai river is one of the most popular things to do in Pai. It’s affordable, only takes about an hour, and is available most months of the year.

Unfortunately, when I was there, there had just been some heavy rainfall and the river was flowing so rapidly that it was unsafe for tubing.

Some people still tried to sell us the activity even though we were told by several others that the river was unsafe. Keep your wits about you and only tube when it’s safe to do so. The most common months for heavy rain in Pai are from May to October.

It costs between 200-300 Baht ($6 – $9) for a trip which includes your tube rental as well as drop-off and pick-up. The tubing journey lasts for about one hour. Tubing can be booked easily through your accommodation, through a travel agency, or simply with one of the guys walking around town trying to sell tubing tours.

☞ If you’re looking for more Thailand articles, make sure to check out our Things To Do in Koh Phangan article, and our Things To Do in Bangkok post. There are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand!

6. Whitewater Rafting (one of the more adventurous things to do in Pai)

In Pai, whitewater rafting combined with hiking is becoming a popular activity. A few different tour operators organize these kinds of trips and multi-day options are also available. 

One of the most popular companies for this kind of trip is called Active Thailand, they can be contacted on their website. There are also lots of travel agency booking places in Pai which can help organize this trip for you.

Prices depend on the number of people you can get together for a trip, the length or the trip, and the type of accommodation you require.

For a two-day, 1 night trip with basic accommodation (sleeping in a jungle camp on bamboo with mosquito nets) expect to pay about 3,500Baht or 100 USD.  For the outdoor adventurer, this would be one of the best things to do in Pai.

7. Walk the WWII (Memorial) Bridge

The WWII Bridge was built by the Japanese back in 1942. The bridge was used to transport weapons and supplies to Myanmar during WWII. Out of all the places to see in Pai, this bridge has the most historical significance.

But besides its history, it’s also just a nice place to go for a walk. The bridge crosses a gorgeous river making for some good photo opportunities. Going to the WWII Bridge is free, but keep in mind that it is a popular tourist hotspot so it can be very busy.

8. Eat Healthy Food

Unless your Southeast Asia trip has included Canggu Bali, you are probably craving a good salad complete with avocado! There are several different places in Pai where you can get that healthy food fix.

A café called Earth Tone is a very popular restaurant serving high-quality vegetarian food. They have amazing waffles with fruit, sandwiches, salads, smoothies and more. Earth Tone is just one of the many places to eat healthy while in Pai. In fact, you’ll find vegetarian and gluten-free options in cafes all over town.

9. Eat Street Food

While the healthy options are great in Pai, the unhealthy street food options are just as good! When the sun starts going down many different little street food stands open up and cheap food takes over the bustling daytime café scene.

Like anywhere in Thailand, Pad Thai and various other noodle dishes are available for only a few baht. But in Pai, the locals are a little more creative with their street food, with stalls selling donuts and Indian food! Western food options like pizza and hamburgers are also readily available as well.

However, since one of the best things to do in Thailand is to eat Thai food, it’s recommended that you sample the local eats, you won’t be disappointed.

10. Practice Yoga

Pai is a perfect little town for yoga lovers. There are few different yoga retreats around, but there are also places in Pai where visitors can just drop in for a class or two.

The Famous Pai Circus Hostel offers yoga classes most morning at 9:30 am. The Swadasee Pai Resort also offers yoga classes most mornings. I recommend asking at your hostel or hotel when you arrive about current yoga classes in the area, as the class times and locations can change.

• See Also: Things To Do in Koh Tao – Top 21 Things For Travellers

11. Hike the Pai Canyon

In my opinion, out of all of the things to do in Pai, hiking the Pai Canyon is the best! The Pai Canyon is a beautiful canyon with various hiking trails and lookouts over the countryside.

You will need a scooter or tuk-tuk to get out to the Pai Canyon as it is a few minutes drive out of town. Once you’re there, you’ll enjoy walking along the canyon ridges and being out in nature.

It’s really a beautiful place to visit. Many people explore the Pai Canyon at sunset for even more spectacular views. Entrance to the Pai Canyon is completely free. Just make sure you wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water.

12. Have a “ Love Strawberry” Milkshake

The Love Strawberry farm and store is a fun stop on the way back into town from the Pai Canyon. It is a bit of a tourist trap, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting!

When I was there I had a strawberry milkshake which was delicious. Exploring the property and taking some pictures are definitely some of the most touristy things to do in Pai.

13. Visit Tham Lod Cave

The Tham Lod Cave is huge (more than 1,600m long and 50m high), with a visit here being one of the most common things to do in Pai – but for good reason. Due to its sheer size, this cave is known as one of the most impressive in Thailand.

Inside you’ll find many limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations hanging from above (and some bats!), and since the Lang River flows through this cave, a portion of the cave is only accessible by bamboo boat. Because of this, a guide is mandatory in order to enter.

From Pai, it’s possible to visit Tham Lod Cave on a tour or to go on your own with a scooter. Either way, the drive takes about 45 minutes. Expect to pay about 600 Baht ($18) for a full-day tour from Pai including the guide once at Tham Lod Cave.

If you want to go independently, you will still have to pay for a guide once at the cave. The price depends on your group size but expect to pay about 200 Baht ($6) per person for the cave guide. Tham Lod Cave is one of the top places to visit in Pai, don’t miss it!

14. Sai Ngam Hot Springs

The Sai Ngam Hot Springs is also known as the “Secret” Hot Springs as they are a little outside of town and less developed than some of the other hot springs around Pai. But honestly, they are no secret and can be quite busy!

These hot springs are right in the jungle making them feel tranquil and a perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of Pai. 

The beautiful natural surroundings of the Sai Ngam Hot Springs combined with the low cost makes them one of the top things to do in Pai for both locals and tourists.

Sai Ngam Hot Springs are easily reached by scooter only 30 minutes from Pai. They are along the same road that leads to Tham Lom Cave so both of these activities could be done in one day. The entrance fee is 20 Baht ($0.60).

15. Explore the Santichon Village

Santichon Village is a small Yunnan cultural center about 5km outside of Pai, reached with a fun (very windy) road. This village was settled by the Chinese who fled the revolution of Mao Tse Tung, and after all these years, descendants of these settlers still live here making it an interesting place to visit.

There are a couple of different things to do at Santichon Village. The first would be to wander around and check out the clay houses and eat some of the traditional Yunnanese cuisine. Fried shiitake mushrooms and steamed black chicken are just a couple of the popular dishes.

Walking around the village you will see beautiful buildings in typical Yunnan style, and some fish ponds as well. It’s possible to buy fish food and feed the hundreds of koi fish, which is surprisingly a lot more entertaining than I expected it to be. Santichon Village is completely free to enter.

16. Ride the Human Powered Ferris Wheel

At the Santichon Village, there is a human-powered Ferris Wheel. We couldn’t get it going ourselves but then a local came and helped us out. While it seems a little dangerous it was a lot of fun! We probably spent a lot longer than we should’ve playing on the children’s toy.

17. Yun Lai Viewpoint

Just past the Santichon Village is the Yun Lai Viewpoint. It is accessible only by a very bumpy road. Once there, it costs 20 Baht to enter and then you will have a view overlooking Pai. This is one of the best places to visit in Pai for sunrise. 

18. Go Piranha Fishing

This is one of the most unusual things to do in Pai. At the Piranha Fishing Park, there is a series of man-made lakes for fishing. You pay for a select amount of time and the workers will show you how to fish for the piranhas.

You are given a fishing rod as well as bread and a net. I was having some trouble at the beginning but the workers were super helpful and taught me the tricks. We only managed to catch one small piranha during our time there but some other people manage to catch some huge ones.

This is purely a recreational activity and all of the piranhas are released back into the lake once they are caught. They only use barbless hooks.

Prices depend on the season and length of time you want to go fishing but expect to pay around 200 Baht for three hours worth of fishing including some bait.

19. Swim at Mor Paeng Waterfall

Only 7km outside of Pai is the three-tiered Mor Paeng waterfall. While there are many waterfalls near Pai, Mor Paeng is one of the most popular due to its easy access, and because of how fun it is to swim and slide there!

Mor Paeng is best reached by motorbike along the same road as the Santichon Village and the piranha fishing. It’s a free activity but the local kids will want a small tip if they help you climb the waterfall and slide down.

There is a small area here for parking your bike, and from the car park it’s about a 200m walk through the jungle to get to the waterfall. If you’re looking for something to cool you off, visiting this waterfall is one of the best things to do in Pai.

20. Drink Mojitos

I personally loved the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some friends and I walked the streets of Pai in search of some good “happy hour” deals. What we found was that happy hour existed everywhere, but not for just one hour, for most of the day – and often featured Mojitos.

I simply couldn’t turn down 2 for 1 Mojitos and needless to say I had a great evening full of rum and sugar!

Pai is a very social place for travellers. The atmosphere in pubs and restaurants is friendly and inviting, and I’m almost certain that you will make many friends over a mojito in Pai.

21. Drive to Chiang Mai

There are many fun things to do in Chiang Mai as well, so once you’ve checked out Pai, make your way there. The road between Chiang Mai and Pai is famous for being very scenic, but also for making people very car sick!

Before we left Chiang Mai for Pai, other travellers cautioned us about the many turns and how everyone pretty much is guaranteed to get at least a little motion sick.

Regardless of how uncomfortable the ride might be, it is truly beautiful! I would recommend renting a motorbike and driving yourself in order to stop as frequently as you want.

However, if you are not an experienced rider then don’t do this as it is a road in which locals drive very fast and the many sharp turns could be a problem.

If you don’t want to drive a motorbike there yourself, you could hire a driver to take you, or simply just catch a bus. While the buses are not comfortable and don’t stop often, it is still a fun ride and gets you from point A to B. The drive takes approximately 3 hours without stopping.

• See Also: Things To Do in Chiang Rai – A List Of The Best

Now You Know What To Do in Pai!

Based on this list of things to do in Pai, you can probably tell that it isn’t your typical town in Thailand. There are no beaches, island parties, or streets fully dedicated to night-clubbing, but this is what makes Pai a unique place to visit.

With that being said, it is still a charming town where tourists feel comfortable, making it a popular place for backpackers to visit while in Thailand. I hope this list gave you some ideas for things to do during your trip to Pai. Happy travels!

Images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock. Learn more about their royalty-free images here.

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Goats On The Road Recommended Resources

For Pai, Thailand

✓ There are so many adventurous things to do in Pai. It’s important to make sure you have adequate travel insurance before embarking on any trip, but especially one where you’ll be partaking in outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, hiking, etc. World Nomads covers almost all adventurous activities that you can think of. Click here to get a free quote and learn more about this popular travel insurance.

✓ We recommend purchasing eco-friendly products for your stay in Pai. We’re personally trying to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that we use, and encourage you to do the same during your travels.

To avoid purchasing plastic water bottles while in Pai, consider buying a water bottle with a built-in filter such as LifeStraw or GrayL, or get yourself a Steri-Pen. In terms of utensils, this bamboo set is great for picnics, while these glass or metal straws are perfect for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, bring your own. 

✓ There are numerous affordable places to stay in Pai. Goats On The Road uses and recommends Booking.com due to their excellent prices and cancellation options. We also frequently use Airbnb when we want to book a short-term apartment. Click here to search for accommodation in Pai on Booking.com, and click here to sign up with Airbnb (you’ll receive a free $35 credit!).

Top Hotels, Hostels & B&B’s in Pai

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Budget: 

Pai Porpeang Guesthouse – rated “Wonderful” 9/10. The cute bungalows here offer guests a private balcony, ensuite bathroom and shower, and lovely garden views. Shops, restaurants and bars are all within a few minutes walk from here. Bungalows go from $12/night. Click here to learn more and book.

Hommy Camping Room – rated “Wonderful” 9/10. If you’re into camping…indoors…, then this is the place in Pai for you. Here, tents are set up in a room so you can share with friends, but still enjoy your privacy. Some rooms offer air-conditioning while others are fans only. There’s areas for chilling out and breakfast and coffee are served here. Tents for two people go from $8/night. Click here to learn more and to book.

Midrange: 

Le Mont Resort – rated “Exceptional” 9.5/10. This tropical property offers guests accommodation in wooden bungalows, complete with private balcony and mountain scenery. There’s air-conditioning, hot water showers and a minibar inside each bungalow. If you’re looking for comfort and affordability, this is a good option. Bungalows here are from $30/night. Click here to learn more and to book.

Tarnjedton Pai Resort – rated “Exceptional” 9.6/10. The beautiful cottages here are set in the mountains, offering a peaceful stay for visitors. Rooms include a fan, ensuite bathroom, private balcony, TV and fridge. Breakfast is included in the room rate, which starts at $39/night. Click here to learn more and to book.

Top End: 

Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm – rated “Wonderful” 9.1/10. The property here is stunning! Set along the banks of the Pai River, the wooden cottages offer guests views of the mountains or garden from the private balconies. The ensuite bathrooms have hot water showers, and the rooms have sitting areas and kettles for guest’s use as well. You’ll have access to the property’s private farm which is 5 kilometers away, and after a day of enjoying all the things to do in Pai, you can relax with a massage. There’s also an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included in the room rate, which starts at $85/night. Click here to learn more and to book.

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