During the summer months, we love to enjoy the warm weather, but we’re also thinking about how to stay cool! The sun is beaming down, and while it’s the perfect time to lay on the warm sandy beaches of Thailand, there are still many ways for you to cool off during your Thailand vacation.
Whether you’re snorkeling, chasing waterfalls, or going on a cave exploration, Thailand has a variety of ways to stay cool while having an exciting adventure. Let’s take a look at some ways you can cool off in Thailand for you to add to your travel itinerary!
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Thailand has a plethora of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities throughout the country, from island to island.
Ko Nang Yuan
Three tiny teardrop islands connected by a sandbar make up the gorgeous island of Ko Nang Yuan off the coast of the northeast tip of Ko Tao. What makes this spot perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving are the shallow, soft, and hard coral reefs surrounding the island. What’s more, the sea is filled with colorful parrotfish and angelfish.
The island takes care to preserve the pristine environment by implementing a no plastic bottle rule. In addition, they ask for you to take any trash out with you that you brought in.
Bamboo Island
Off the northern tip of Ko Phi Phi Don is Bamboo Island, or Ko Phai, a tropical paradise abundant in lush vegetation and coral reef perfect for snorkeling. Thirty to one hundred meters of coral reef thrive in the waters with a variety of fish, including Moorish Idol, pufferfish, and giant clams.
Kata Noi Beach
A beautiful sandy beach on the southwest side of Phuket, Kata Noi Beach is a tranquil getaway to escape the crowds. The crystal clear water is remarkable for snorkeling and scuba diving. After exploring the underwater world, head up to the beach’s well-known viewpoint, Karon Viewpoint, where you can find panoramic views of Kata Noi, Karon, and Kata Beach.
Chasing Waterfalls
One thing we can guarantee is that chasing waterfalls is worth the end result if you’re looking in all the right places! Thailand is known for its tremendous waterfalls that will leave you breathless.
Erawan Waterfall
Ascending Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi has many magical surprises along the way. While the hike will give you some nice exercise, there are many moments for rest. Seven waterfalls inhabit the park, each one special with its own characteristics. While the waterfalls are exquisite to look at, you can also cool off in the natural pools or even duck into the alcoves to see the waterfall up close. The hike is adventurous, and the last waterfall is a bit difficult to reach. However, if you can’t make it to the top, you can still experience 1 or 2 of the park’s impressive falls.
Pha Charoen Waterfall
In Tak province, a 97-tiered mystical wonder resides in the forest known as Pha Charoen Waterfall. Crystal clear blue waters flow down limestone boulders collecting at the bottom to form a tranquil pond. The setting itself will leave you breathless, as the waterfall is surrounded by jungle and vibrant flora. You can find the waterfall inside Namtok Pha Charoen National Park, a national park with many opportunities for exploration.
Mae Ya Waterfall
If traveling to Chiang Mai, don’t miss this off-the-beaten-path waterfall just an hour outside the skirts of the city. Mae Ya Waterfall is a sight to behold inside Doi Inthanon National Park. As one of the tallest waterfalls in Thailand at nearly 800 feet, Mae Ya Waterfall captures you with its layers of cascading water. The best time to visit the falls is during green season when the water flows at its fullest.
Cave Exploring
To duck out of the sun for a while but explore some of Thailand’s natural wonders, cave exploring is a great way to cool off and experience the nature and history of Thailand.
Tham Khao Luang
During the reign of King Rama V, the King converted the Tham Khao Luang cave in Phetchaburi into a temple in honor of his predecessors. Buddha images are seen throughout the cave as natural skylight shines through the cave’s ceiling, illuminating its surroundings. Inside, you can find a large reclining Buddha and numerous chambers and shrines. Tham Khao Luang cave is an exquisite historical experience you won’t want to miss.
Tham Lod
In Mae Hong Son is an archaeological spectacle known as Tham Lod cave. Throughout the cave are teak coffins that the Lawa people carved from thousands of years ago. Exploring the cave is one of the most exciting aspects, as you get to join a guide on a bamboo raft to float along the waters throughout the cave. Inside you’ll discover rock formations resembling a crocodile, Buddha, a doll, and more, as well as a prehistoric cave painting from over 2,000 years ago.
Viking Cave
The historic Viking Cave gets its name from paintings of Viking ships that line the walls of limestone karsts. The cave is set in Ko Phi Phi Leh on the island’s northeastern side and is the nesting ground for swiftlet birds. These nests are actually edible and made for a traditional Chinese soup known to promote good health. Although you can not go inside the cave, certain tour boats will bring you up close on the water to witness the beauty of the cave.
On Thai Times Podcast
While Thailand is known to bring the heat, On Thai Times came out with an informational and fun podcast called “How Thais Stay Cool for the Summer.” The podcast breaks down how Thais cool off, from what food they eat to what destinations they visit! Learn the insider tips by listening to the podcast episode, and stay tuned for new episodes of On Thai Times coming out each week!
Cool Off in Thailand this Summer!
Thailand has many opportunities to stay cool, so don’t let the heat get you down! Whether you’re floating the turquoise waters or adventuring through a historical cave, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you in Thailand. For more information on travel to Thailand, visit here.
