You’re almost there. You’ve booked your ticket, bought your guidebook and packed everything in your bags to last you through the several weeks of vacation you’re planning to have in Thailand. Everybody in your social circle knows you’re heading to the exciting land of beautiful beaches, friendly people and delicious food.

Sure, you’ve made your list with things to do, see and eat, but are you positive your list will give you the real insights of the Thai culture and lifestyle? I’m not saying to ditch the list, but instead I’m suggesting you add the following five experiences to it to make sure you are not only being a tourist, but also a traveler.

1) Eat At Somebody’s Home

Either you plan it ahead and book a homemade dinner with a local host, or you make friends on the way, try your best to enter a local Thai family’s house and enjoy a meal with them. It might be a simple meal, but I guarantee it will be a memorable experience.

In fact, it has never been easier to meet locals and have an unforgettable experience. Sites such as Withlocals allow travelers to easily find a local Thai host who is willing to invite you to their home for a traditional home-cooked meal.

2) Take A Cooking Class

Want to take your Thai culinary experience to the next level? If so, then try taking a cooking class. Maybe you’re not much of a cook, but how awesome would it be to rock those spring rolls when you get back home?

A local host will not only teach you how to cook a Thai dish, but you’ll also be able to take those recipes with you and share them with your family and friends back home. Chances are you will also have the opportunity to travel to the morning market and pick up fresh ingredients for your cooking lesson.

3) Take Part In A Local Tradition

We’re all past that point when holidays are just non-stop cocktails on the beach, right? Get a little adventurous and try to find someone that will let you help them do something traditional such as planting or harvesting rice. You’ll find a new sense of appreciation for the rice in your plate next time you have it after spending a day harvesting the tiny grains.

Too much physical work for you? An alternative idea involves less effort and is definitely more delicious: learn how to make chocolate with your own hands. Does it get any sweeter than this? Whatever you choose, make sure you do or create something particular to the Thai culture. It might be a while until you’ll get there again.

4) Take A Ride On A Motorbike

If you’ve never been on a motorbike before, Thailand might not be the wisest choice to start practicing your driving skills. But, if you’re adventurous (and your health insurance is in place), rent a bike and hit the open roads like a local.

If you are a little weary of the prospect of going it alone, you can simply hire a local driver to take you around for the day. This way, you’ll experience all the thrill minus the stress.

5) Take An Off-The-Beaten-Path Tour

Whether it’s an alternative city tour with a local, a street food tour, a countryside visit, or a multi-day stay in a Buddhist temple, make sure you pencil in some time to discover Thailand from a different perspective than what your guide book says. Why not take a local Thai tour instead of following a regular tour guide?

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There you go. Take a chance and include these five experiences during your vacation to Thailand and you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

By WithLocals

Withlocals website is a marketplace connecting travelers from every corner of the world with locals in Asia offering unique travel experiences and home dining opportunities. Whether you want to offer yourself as a host or to sign up as a traveler and book your first experience, please sign up here.

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