A Guide to Geocaching in Thailand

Colorful is one word that perfectly sums up this unique and beautiful Southeast Asian country. Elephants and noodle soups, white-sand beaches and blue waters, Buddhist temples and ancient ruins, Thailand captivates the hearts of visitors from all corners of the world and leaves everyone with everlasting “Thai smiles” glued to their faces.

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Like attending a Muay Thai boxing match, geocaching has joined the list of fun activities to participate in while in Thailand. There are currently over 1,300 active geocaches hidden throughout the country, all waiting to be discovered by visitors and locals alike. And to make things more exciting, *Thailand is the newest country to receive a Geocaching souvenir!

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Although we all wish we could jump on a plane and head there now, this list of 5 amazing geocaches will have to do the trick. Enjoy!

 

1. GC2JDFG — Grand Palace
Cache Owner: JamieZel
Type: Traditional
D/T Rating: 1.5/1.5

PicMonkey Collage

There’s no place quite like the sprawling and bustling city of Bangkok. Golden Buddhist temples collide with large megamalls festooned with bright neon lights. And there’s no city quite as hot. Bangkok has an annual mean air temperature of 28°C. When geocaching, dress for the intense humidity and be on the lookout for muggles. This traditional cache was placed near the ornate Grand Palace which is a must-see attraction in the city. Afterwards, eat your heart out at any local food stand, as the street cuisine in Bangkok is phenomenal.

Be on the lookout for Siamese kitties as you wander the streets. They are native to Thailand.

 

2. GC24XKT — Ko Phi Phi Lee – (Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park)
Cache Owner: Calico-Jack
Type: EarthCache
D/T rating: 3.5/1.5

Thebeach

What’s a trip to Thailand without visiting the insanely famous island of Ko Phi Phi? This island served as the backdrop to the 2000 cult classic “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Although  the island is no longer uninhabited as it was in the film, it’s still just as breathtaking.

 

3. GC5G9N0 — Up and down! (Railay Lagoon)
Cache Owner: ChrisA33 & Damonstah
Type: Traditional
D/T Rating: 3/4.5

lagoon

Rumor has it that the best cache in all of Thailand is located in the rock climbing paradise island of Railay. If they attempt it, geocachers are sent on an exciting and challenging adventure to a hidden blue lagoon. It’s no easy task, though. Bring good hiking boots and a friend you can lean on (literally).

 

4. GC932A — Thailand’s Highest Point
Cache Owner: Steve (Licorice)
Type: Virtual
D/T rating: 1/1

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Thailand is home to some incredible mountainous regions. If you head up north towards Chiang Mai, also known as the “Rose of the North”, you’ll encounter these areas, all of which have been transformed into National Parks. This virtual cache is the location of Thailand’s highest point and the views are breathtaking. After exploring the area, spend some time wandering through the night markets and delicious restaurants in Chiang Mai.

 

5. GC48FEJ — Wat Mahathat
Cache Owner: thorshammers
Type: Traditional
D/T rating: 1.5/1.5

north

Located about five hours north of Bangkok, Sukhothai was the first ancient capital of Thailand (known as Kingdom of Siam at the time) from 1238 to 1438. The Sukhothai Historical Park is now a great place to explore. There are several geocaches hidden throughout the park including this well-placed micro. If time allows, explore some of the local rice fields. Thailand is the largest exporter of rice in the world!

 

*Thailand is the fifth and final Geocaching country souvenir to be released this year! Souvenirs are virtual pieces of art that are displayed on your Geocaching profile page when you find a geocache in certain locations. A list of of currently available Geocaching souvenirs and even the ones you’ve already earned can be found on Geocaching.com. And, if you’ve already found a geocache in Thailand, we will retroactively add this souvenir to your profile in December 2015.

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What geocaches are on your Thailand geocaching trip bucket list?

 

Outdoor enthusiast, geocached in 24 countries to date, social butterfly, friend to all animals (especially cats)