11 Activities in Thailand for Couples Who Love Adventure

Wondering what there is to do in Thailand for couples who love a bit of adventure and being outdoors? Well you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve spent almost a year travelling and living in Thailand, and have made no secret that it’s one of our favourite places on the planet.

But as an adventurous couple, we’re not the type of people who are content with just sitting by a pool drinking cocktails and working on our sun tan.

Instead, we’re always looking for the best ways to get the adrenaline pumping, spend as much time in nature as possible, and find some unique activities and attractions that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives together.

And if you’re reading this article now, we’re going to take a guess that you’re the same as us!

When it comes to adventurous destinations for couples, Thailand is one of the best places to visit.

Not only does it boast a plethora of things to do, such as climbing, diving, biking, and kayaking, it also offers opulent luxury, a fascinating culture, hospitable people, and the best food in the world. Yep, we said it. The best food in the world.

If you’re looking to plan a memorable trip away with your significant other, but also want to fill your days with exciting adventures, this guide is for you!

Adventure Travel in Thailand for Couples – Things to Do and Where to Stay

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon with a twist or just want a couples getaway that is different from every other vacation you’ve taken before, our Thailand for couples who love adventure article will help you make the most of your holiday.

Let’s get into it.

Rock Climbing in Tonsai and Railay

Southern Thailand must be what inspired postcards to be made – swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters, white sand, and soaring limestone cliffs rising straight out of the jungle and sea.

If you’re planning a holiday to Thailand, chances are the beaches around Krabi are already on your list. But did you know there’s a lot more to do here than simply relax on the sand with a cocktail in hand?

In fact, Tonsai Bay and Railay, two of the most stunning parts of Krabi, are also home to the best rock climbing in all of Southeast Asia!

Experienced rock climbers from all around the world flock to Tonsai to tackle the challenging cliffs, but even if you’re not aspiring to be the next Alex Honnold, Tonsai offers fantastic beginner-friendly crags and a number of operators and tours to help people climb safely.

For those looking to do something unique on their couples trip to Thailand, climbing in Tonsai is pretty hard to beat.

Check out our other list of awesome things to do in Tonsai while you’re here.

Where to Stay in Railay – Rayavadee Krabi

Krabi is arguably the most beautiful coastal region in Thailand, so why not make the most of your stay by choosing the premiere accommodation in Railay for your couples getaway!

After a long day spent rock climbing, head back to Rayavadee Krabi, where luxury pavilions and private cabanas blend seamlessly into the limestone karst peaks surrounding the resort.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped with lush tropical plants and coconut groves.

With some rooms boasting private swimming pools and beachside views, a stay at Rayavadee is the ultimate experience for any couple looking to splurge on something special.

Rafting in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the cultural hub of Thailand, and in our opinion, no trip to the Land of Smiles is complete without spending at least a few days here.

Couples often make the most of their time here by temple hopping and eating delicious food. But for those couples who love getting the adrenalin pumping, the best thing to do in Chiang Mai is to go whitewater rafting!

Chiang Mai is home to the best whitewater rafting in Thailand on the Mae Taeng river, and by joining a guided tour you can charge down 10km of turbulent cascades and through stunning jungle.

The rafting guides all have years of experience, and the Mae Taeng river boasts 30 rapids up to Class III and IV.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai – Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

There’s no shortage of incredible accommodation options for couples in Chiang Mai, but one of our favourites is the Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort, located walking distance from the Old Town.

Designed with traditional Northern Thailand architecture using gorgeous timber, Na Nirand offers a modern twist on how royalty must have lived centuries ago.

And being a short walk to the Old Town means after a big day of whitewater rafting you can check out the famous Night Markets for dinner then be back in your own slice of luxury in minutes.

Sea Kayaking in Ao Nang

Ao Nang is well connected with the rest of Thailand through the nearby Krabi airport, and by sea and road with all of the other major southern cities.

It’s also absolutely stunning here with so many incredible things to do, so it’s little wonder adventurous couples flock to Ao Nang for their Thailand getaways.

One thing you and your partner shouldn’t miss out on doing while you’re here is to rent a sea kayak and go paddling around the spectacular islands.

Pack a dry bag (also available to rent) with some snorkelling gear, snacks, water and maybe even a bottle of wine, and go exploring in the dozens of secluded coves, bays, and beaches that are within an hour or two of Ao Nang.

Once you find your own private beach, spread out on the sand and enjoy a picnic amongst the limestone peaks.

Where to Stay in Ao Nang – The Pavilions Anana Krabi

5-star accommodation in Ao Nang doesn’t come much nicer than The Pavilions Anana Krabi. And best of all, it’s actually affordable too!

Large, bright and impeccably designed rooms are found throughout the eco-friendly property, and you’ll be forgiven for wanting to spend all your days relaxing by the private pool looking up at the limestone peaks.

The resort runs an on-demand transport service, so you can get downtown and back without fuss.

Explore the Sea Caves Near Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is one of our personal favourite islands, and it’s a place we keep going back to as a couple time and time again.

There are a lot of great adventure activities you can do here, including some of the best scuba diving in the Andaman Sea.

One thing you shouldn’t miss out on though is joining the awesome 4 Islands Adventure Tour, which takes you to a number of magnificent spots close to Koh Lanta for snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and even exploring a hidden cave!

The highlight of this trip is the Emerald Cave near Koh Mook, which can only be accessed by sea.

Your boat will drop you off at the entrance (literally a small hole on the side of what appears to be an impenetrable limestone cliff), where you then swim 80m through a cavern to arrive at a secluded lagoon.

The whole day is pretty special, and something you’ll love doing with your significant other.

Where to Stay in Koh Lanta – Crown Lanta

We’ve stayed in about 10 different hotels and resorts around Koh Lanta during our multiple visits here, but by far the nicest place for a couple to stay is Crown Lanta!

Tucked away in a private corner of the island (complete with its own private beach), the property really needs to be seen to be believed.

With some rooms boasting their own private infinity pools overlooking the sea and a world-class restaurant on-site, it’s one of the best resorts in Thailand for couples.

Scuba Diving in Koh Tao or Koh Samui

Thailand is one of the most affordable and best places to visit in the world to go scuba diving, with hundreds of thousands of travellers flocking to islands in the Gulf of Thailand like Koh Tao or Koh Samui to get certified.

The funky island of Koh Tao is the place to stop off for a diving trip, and while it might not be as popular as its famous neighbours of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, it’s well worth spending a few days with your partner.

If you’ve never been scuba diving before, you’re in for a treat. Exploring the underwater world around Koh Tao and Koh Samui is an experience like no other, and is something that really creates a lasting bond and mutual hobby for couples.

You can get your scuba training done here for a great price (often around USD$250 per person, including basic accommodation), and the fun dives on the reefs around Koh Tao are visually splendid.

Definitely take a local boat over to Koh Samui after exploring Koh Tao as well. Koh Samui has lots of amazing luxury resorts, marine parks, and markets to explore. Island hopping is another one of the best things to do in Thailand for couples, and Koh Samui is one of the best places to visit for a romantic getaway.

Don’t miss our full guide on the best Koh Tao activities as well!

Where to Stay in Koh Tao – The Place Luxury Boutique Villas

While most of the accommodation options on Koh Tao are aimed towards backpackers, The Place Luxury Boutique Villas strives to bring a touch of grandeur to the island. They’ve managed to execute it perfectly, and it’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

With all of the one-bedroom villas having their own private pool (and the Honeymoon Villa even has a heart-shaped pool), it’s the ultimate romantic resort for couples looking to have a bit of private time after a big day diving.

Muay Thai in Bangkok

If you and your partner love exercise and fitness, there’s literally no better activity to do in Thailand than practice Muay Thai, the legendary martial arts that really pushes the body to the limit.

A couples trip to Thailand doesn’t have to be all about sipping cocktails and getting massages (although that definitely should be part of it). Why not sign up for an intensive Muay Thai school as well?

Bangkok and Phuket are the best places to visit for Muay Thai training, with Bangkok Fight Lab being one of the most popular gyms in the world.

With training schedules ranging from one-off lessons to month-long intensive courses, you’ll be leaving Bangkok fitter and stronger than ever before.

They have trainers for both men and women, so why not try something different on your Thailand for couples holiday and learn some martial arts!

Where to Stay in Bangkok – The Athenee Hotel

Not many hotels in the heart of a capital city can boast having a luxury tropical lagoon on the property, but The Athenee Hotel isn’t like most hotels.

This gorgeous 5-star property is located right downtown, walking distance to shopping malls, public transport, Erawan Shrinee and delicious eateries, making it a great base for exploring Bangkok. You can book a cooking class or take a boat tour on the Chao Phraya River to further connect with the culture.

It’s only a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride to Bangkok Fight Lab as well. But if you just can’t get enough of Thai boxing, The Athenee Hotel offers free Muay Thai sessions every Monday and Wednesday evening as well.

Volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary

Thailand is famous for its beautiful wildlife, in particular the Asian elephants that still wander the jungles of this wonderful country.

Over the years however, elephants have sadly been exploited for tourism, with unaware visitors opting to ride them or see elephant entertainment shows without knowing what happens behind the scenes.

Thanks to a large focus by the government on sustainable tourism in Thailand, including wildlife ethics, a growing number of elephant sanctuaries have opened up around the country where the safety and well-being of these friendly pachyderms are put first.

You can visit these elephant sanctuaries to learn more about the animals and what is being done to protect them.

However, if you want a more personal and rewarding experience, you can volunteer at a sanctuary for a period of time.

Whether it’s for one day, a week, or a month, no other experience in Thailand really comes close to this.

Make sure you do your research first, as not all sanctuaries are created equal. We recommend Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, and Elephant Hills in Surat Thani, these are the best places to visit for a sustainable experience.

Where to Stay – Elephant Hills

The award-winning Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park is the perfect place for a Thailand couples holiday if you want to not only spend time volunteering and helping elephants but also do so in luxury while staying in a stunning part of the country.

As Thailand’s first luxury-tented jungle camp, guests spend their days observing elephants in their natural habitat and can help out with feeding and interacting with them.

In addition to spending time with the elephants, couples can also head out on some soft adventure activities, including boat tours, kayaking, and hiking, before returning to the glamping set up in the evenings.

Elephant Hills is all-inclusive, so once you book your stay you don’t have to worry about anything, including your transfers to the camp.

Flight of the Gibbon – Chiang Mai or Bangkok

Picture soaring through a rainforest, dodging and weaving between the canopy on a series of ziplines, while monkeys swing overhead in a state of curiosity.

That’s what the Flight of the Gibbon experience is.

Designed and engineered by expert cable riggers, Flight of the Gibbon offers an adventurous, thrilling, and most importantly, safe day out for couples that love adrenaline and nature.

Eco-certified and the winner of numerous tourism awards, the highlight (besides flying at top speed through the jungle) is the chance to spot an elusive gibbon, one of Thailand’s most fascinating animals.

With two locations in Chiang Mai and close to Bangkok, it’s well worth booking you and your partner a day out with Flight of the Gibbon during your couple travels around Thailand.

Mountain Biking in the North

The fun never stops in Thailand, and with diverse landscapes ranging from seas to summits, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.

In recent years mountain biking has really soared in popularity, with adventurous travellers seeking out steep single tracks, breathtaking views, and challenging terrain to tackle on two wheels.

The region known as the Golden Triangle, bordering Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, is the best place for experienced mountain bikers looking for multi-day treks.

But if you’re just looking for a one-day mountain biking trip, head to the hills around Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand are some of the best places to visit for mountain biking.

There are a number of bike outfitters who run fantastic guided tours, usually around Doi Suthep.

Once you get measured up and kitted out with safety gear you jump in a truck and head up the mountain.

Depending on the tour you choose you’ll either do a mix of hiking and biking, or a full day of downhill single track.

When we went a few years ago we chose to do the full-day downhill single track for beginners and intermediates, and it was one of the most fun days we’ve had in almost a year travelling and living in Thailand!

Rent a Scooter and Ride the Mae Hong Son Loop

A lot of travellers who come to Thailand spend time in Chiang Mai, as they should, but surprisingly few hit the glorious countryside that’s just a few hours from the city.

If you and your partner want a really incredible experience, and are feeling confident, we recommend renting some scooters and riding the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop.

This 4-day loop starts and finishes in Chiang Mai and stops off in the towns of Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son, and Pai, every backpacker’s favourite Thai town.

The views and thrill of having the wind in your hair is why most people ride the Mae Hong Son Loop, but some of the extra bonuses you’ll find are hill tribe villages, unique cuisine, dense jungle, and smiling locals.

While you could almost do the entire loop in one massive day, we personally recommend spending at least 4 days doing it so you can take your time and ride safely.

Riding a scooter, while tremendous fun, is inherently dangerous though if you are inexperienced. If you’ve never ridden a scooter before we suggest you spend some time riding around quieter places like Koh Lanta first, and make sure you have travel insurance.

Where to Stay in Pai – Reverie Siam Resort

Once you get close to the end of the Mae Hong Son Loop, splurge out to celebrate by staying in the best hotel in Pai, the Reverie Siam Resort.

Boasting not one but two outdoor pools, traditional Thai design and tranquil, luxurious accommodation overlooking the rice fields, a stay here is guaranteed to put a smile on your faces.

Go Kiteboarding in Phuket

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of activities in Thailand for couples that love adventure takes us to the picturesque and popular island of Phuket.

Known as the resort hub of Thailand, this exquisite destination brings in millions of visitors every year who spend their days chilling by the beach and exploring the nearby islands.

For the couple that wants to do something a little different, make sure you book a day of kiteboarding lessons!

This fun and challenging activity is like surfing, except rather than using wave momentum to push you along the turquoise waters, you use a large kite attached to your body and power along thanks to the wind.

Phuket is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to learn to kitesurf, and there are lots of schools run by experienced professionals so you can learn from the best.

Combine kitesurfing with all of the other great things to do in Phuket, and you’re in for an incredible adventurous couples retreat in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Being the resort capital of Thailand, there’s no shortage of lovely and luxurious places to stay here.

Fly into Phuket and head down to one of the top accommodations on the island. You can easily get a private villa with an infinity pool here for reasonable prices!

We recently put together a dedicated guide on where to stay in Phuket, so make sure you give it a read and choose a beach resort that suits your style and budget.

But if we had to recommend one spot, it would be the Centara Grand Beach Resort. Located near the idyllic Karon Beach, Centara Grand Beach Resort has all the luxury amenities you may need.

Enjoy your own private pools, many dining options, a fitness center, and shuttle services to and from Phuket International Airport. The shuttles at Centara Grand Beach Resort can also come in handy for taking day trips to nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi and Bamboo Island. Koh Phi Phi is another one of the best places to visit for couples who want to relax at a beach resort.

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