Thailand has rapidly grown in popularity with tourists and is quickly becoming the #1 must-see spot in Asia. From idyllic beaches to bustling cities sporting exotic markets and a vibrant nightlife, the lifestyle there is a 180 from the western world. From rumors about epic Full Moon Parties to Hollywood's portrayal in pop culture movies like the Hangover 2, if you're planning a trip east, make sure you add these top 5 things to do in Thailand to your bucket list.

Visit Bangkok

Bangkok, one of the most populated and fascinating cities in the world, is a must-see when you're visiting Thailand. A mixture of intricate traditional architecture and a modern, cosmopolitan feel is what makes Bangkok so interesting. Many of the top things to do in Thailand are in Bangkok itself: the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po), the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and more. These wats--religious places like chapels--command a feeling of awe and respect for not only the intricate architecture, but the culture and religion in general. If you can, try to set up a meeting with resident monks at the wats. They can give you a deeper understanding and story of the life of a Buddhist.

Bangkok offers much more for the common visitor. There are fantastic markets and vendors that offer beautiful clothing, delicious (and spicy) food, and an experience unlike any other. A particularly interesting market is the floating market in the Damnoen Saduak neighborhood. Bangkok also offers a bustling Chinatown that shimmers at night through its commotion. It's a city well worthy of your time and memory.

Go Hiking/Trekking

Another one of the best things to do in Thailand is scale its beautiful mountains. During my trip to the country, we went on a trek through northern Thai hills and mountains, and ended up at a quaint and mysterious village, equipped with a foggy morning, mosquito nets and an unexpected Oasis-singing guitar player. Trekking is a fantastic way to get in tune with Thailand's beautiful nature. If you can, catch a ride on a bamboo raft while you're in the wilderness. You won't regret it. Thailand's wilderness may make you reluctant to return to the beautiful cities, but you'll need to see those too.

Ride an Elephant

A popular thing to do in Thailand and throughout much of South Asia is riding elephants. Riding an elephant differs from riding a roller coaster or a go-kart. Feeling each lumbering, slow step is something that everyone will love--whether you want to feel like a queen or king on the back of an elephant or you just want to indulge your inner animal lover. The elephant trip I went on traveled down dirt paths, under green trees and across land bridges overlooking fog-coated mountains. Buy a few bananas at the elevated stands on your trip and see your elephant's capabilities. You'll fall in love with an animal and an experience that you'll never forget.

Explore Chiang Mai/Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai is the equivalent to Bangkok in the northern regions of Thailand, and deservedly so. Tucked in the beautiful Thai mountain ranges, Chiang Mai offers many attractions, from a bustling downtown to quiet religious areas.  Wat Chedi Luang is a historic, towering Buddhist temple that retained its Thai beauty despite being affected by an earthquake in 1545. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a religious temple that is reached by climbing a beautiful but steep 309 steps. It's worth the climb, because the wat offers the beautiful Emerald Buddha and other pagodas, statues and shrines. Chiang Mai offers fantastic markets just like Bangkok, and has a great zoo. If your elephant ride left you wanting more, go to Chiang Mai's Mae Sa Elephant Camp, where the domestication of the mammals wows any guest.

Experience the Unseen Side

Tourists, when coming to Thailand, often are attracted to visiting the big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Because these cities are rich in some of the best things to do in Thailand, extend to the countryside itself. I volunteered at a small village outside of Chiang Mai, and it was a life-changing experience--I visited orphanages and met people that I never would have encountered in the big cities. Whether it is taking an ecotour through the countryside or renting a car to take a few days to wander off the main road, you'll see a whole other world. Don't be afraid to trek around the country, but be sure to bring bug spray and an open mind. Seeing everything that Thailand has to offer will help you realize why this region is so intriguing and appealing to outside travelers.

by Abigail Geiger, Contributing Author