Unusual ways to plan a weekend adventure
As exciting as Thailand can be, it can also be a little overwhelming. You have so much on your bucket list which can make it hard to decide where to go and what to see. Thailand is incredible and it's so fun to explore a new part of Thailand each weekend. You will find yourself traveling quite often but even if you stay in your town for a weekend, you can spend time exploring local spots and meeting new people. When it comes time to choose a weekend activity, these are few resources we use to help us have a fun weekend!
1. Ask your OEG friends
Word of mouth and social media have been a great way to learn more about Thailand. We see other OEGs doing something fun or exploring a new town, so we reach out to get the name of the places that they visit and their honest opinion of it. We were visiting a town for the weekend and noticed the town had multiple elephant sanctuaries but we had previously seen another OEG post about going to an elephant sanctuary a few weeks prior so we asked the name of it and what the experience was like. This has happened on many occasions so asking other OEGs what things they have done is a great resource.
2. Books
A previous OEG had recommended the book, “500 Hidden Secrets of Bangkok” before I left, and I HIGHLY recommend it if you are near Bangkok. If my friends and I aren't sure what to do on the weekend, we open up the book and choose something to do. The book has everything from parks, movies theatres, rooftops, speakeasies, shopping malls, ice cream stores, Mexican restaurants, etc. It is so fun to see many of the hidden gems in Bangkok and makes planning a weekend less overwhelming.
3. Airbnb
I tend to look at Airbnb for places to stay but I recently looked up experiences near the part of Bangkok we were in and found a cooking class. It was one of the most fun things we have done since arriving in Thailand! We invited a few other OEGs that live near Bangkok and it was such a fun day. Research the different experiences because they have so many things to offer that you may not know about.
4. Ask the locals
They are locals and know all of the hidden gems that your town has to offer! We talked with coworkers that have lived in Thailand for quite some time and our coworkers always have the best hidden spots to tell us about! Most of the time, the activities are cheap or free. Talk with coworkers or locals you meet in town because they always have the best advice for activities!
5. Instagram
If you look on Instagram and search a specific area with a #, so many places will show up! I recently found some cute cafes in my smaller town because of an Instagram search. Most of the time, locations are posted so it's easy to find. There were so many more cute cafes and restaurants near my home that I had no idea about.
Hopefully, you will be able to make some life long memories using these resources!
Related Posts
Vol. 1: Letters to The World From a Thai Classroom - Thailand Through Thai Eyes: Our Culture & Our Pride
What do you want the world to know about Thailand? Volume 1 offers a moving portrait of Thailand through the voices of eight Thai high school students: Panyawee R., Nattakorn Auykhiphan, Noey, Benyapa Polyiam, Chalisa Rodto, Doungkamon Chimtabtim, Chanidapa Charoen, and Napapron Attapan. Together, they reveal a Thailand deeply rooted in compassion, spirituality, artistic expression, and pride in tradition. From the open-hearted acceptance of LGBTQ+ people to the reverence for karma. These young voices speak of a nation that values harmony, family, humility, and cultural richness. Their stories remind us that to know Thailand, one must look beyond instagram and into the hearts of its people.
Orientation for Teaching in Thailand: A Day-by-Day Breakdown/ What its Really Like
What REALLY Happens at Orientation Week in Thailand: My CIEE Experience From jet lag and jungle curry to temples and teaching prep—orientation week in Bangkok is a wild ride of nerves, excitement, and unforgettable firsts. If you’re about to teach abroad with CIEE or OEG and wondering what those first few days in Thailand actually feel like… this is your sneak peek. I’ll walk you through each day of the June 2025 orientation—what we did, what I wish I knew, and why this week shaped everything that followed. Let’s rewind to the moment I landed in Bangkok, backpack in hand, heart racing. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Tips For Future CIEE Teachers: Backpacking Through Japan
Want to Make the Most of CIEE Thailand? Start Your Adventure Before It Begins! Why fly straight to Thailand when you can explore another country first—and maybe even save money doing it? In this blog, I share how my partner and I backpacked through Japan before our CIEE Teach in Thailand placement started. We found $350 flights, stayed in hostels under $30, and made unforgettable memories — all before our first day of work. Learn why a pre-program trip can reduce stress, ease culture shock, and extend your adventure. Plus, I break down the pros, cons, and insider tips to help you do it smart. Don’t miss this travel hack!