Craving an adrenaline rush? You'll love Thailand. If you've got a head for heights, make a beeline for Nakhon Ratchasima and Khao Yai national park, where keen rock-climbers can get their fix. If you'd prefer to go down, not up, the area around Phetchaburi is a popular spot for cavers looking to explore subterranean realms. But if you'd like something a little more aquatic, Chonburi is where you need to go: From banana boating to jet-skiing, diving to snorkeling, this is a water sports hub like no other.

Home to Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen province is a popular pick for travelers looking to head out into nature. Spanning 30,000 hectares, there are plenty of trails to explore in this mountainous region—not to mention dinosaur bone paleontological sites. If you'd prefer lush jungles to craggy peaks, Phuket's verdant forests are sure to satisfy. Head on a guided hike through Khao Phra Thaeo National Park to discover local floral and fauna up close and experience the world's last evergreen rainforest for yourself.

From eco-lodges nestled in the heart of peaceful jungles, where guests coexist in harmony with nature, to ocean-conscious beach resorts, Thai tourism has turned its focus to the environment in recent years. Countless coastal hotels now engage in environmentally aware activities, such as turtle rehabilitation programs and reef protection programs, while jungle lodges are often built using local materials to minimize their aesthetic and environmental impact on the surrounding area. Ethical animal sanctuaries, with species ranging from elephants to monkeys, protect at-risk wildlife, while giving visitors the chance to interact with their inhabitants in a mindful manner.

From the spiciness of northern Thai cuisine to the deliciously fresh seafood around its coast, Thailand is a veritable patchwork of unique regional dishes. Head to Chiang Mai to try delicacies such as khao soi—a curried noodle soup that'll knock your socks off—or head east, where the food on offer has been heavily influenced by neighboring Myanmar and Laos. Rich, balanced flavors await in central Thailand: This is where you'll find a classic pad Thai, along with the popular street food treat of roti sai mai, or spun sugar wrapped in roti bread. Developed a taste for local cuisine? Take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai kitchens—and get a recipe or two to take home.