If you’re heading to Thailand but want to head off the beaten path, there is plenty to see. Here are our five hidden gems in Thailand you need to see…
Over 38 million tourists visited Thailand in 2018, so we wouldn’t blame you for thinking that it’d be difficult to find a road less travelled. You’ll have probably heard of the most-visited areas, which include tourist hot-spots like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Koh Samui. But if you want to avoid the crowds and spend your money in some of the more lesser-known areas, we have some (largely) unspoiled spots to add to your itinerary when planning your holiday. Here are our five hidden gems in Thailand….
Mu Koh Lanta National Park
This national park in Krabi Province spans several islands, where you can discover the fascinating Khao Mai Kaew cave network and the stunning Khlong Chak Waterfall. It’s natural beautiful makes it a perfect choice in our five hidden gems in Thailand. The largest island is Ko Lanta Yai, home to semi-nomadic sea people known as the Chao Lae. The friendly locals, lush jungles and pristine coral-fringed beaches make this island the perfect destination to head away from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Lampang
Although Lampang is the third largest city in the north, it has managed to stay under the radar from many of Thailand’s tourists. So, you can still enjoy authentic experiences in this local spot before the rest of the world catches on. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, charming old buildings and lively markets. We recommend Kad Kong Ta on Saturday and Sunday evenings, which has an abundance of delicious food and interesting handicrafts.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site so it’s ideal for travellers looking to explore more of Thailand’s history. It was the first capital of Siam and widely regarded as the birthplace of Thai art, architecture and language. In fact, ‘Sukhothai’ means ‘the dawn of happiness’ and the many historical sites and temple ruins there will not disappoint.
Koh Mak
Koh Mak is known to many as Thailand’s best hidden island, boasting white sands and clear blue water but with significantly fewer tourists than the islands of Phuket and Samui. A truly authentic choice in our hidden gems in Thailand, its beautiful deserted beaches are refreshingly free of the beer bars and convenience shops that have sprung up in the tourist traps, so it continues to feel like an untouched and idyllic paradise.
Chiang Rai
Last on our list of hidden gems in Thailand is Chiang Rai. Head to Chiang Rai for a destination that’s more laid back than its neighbour Chiang Mai, which attracts droves of tourists thanks to its temples – with over 300 scattered around the city and surrounding areas. However, there are a number of jaw-dropping Buddhist temples in Chiang Rai too and you won’t have to face the crowds of tourists. For example, Wat Rong Khun is a mesmerising white structure that looks striking against the clear blue sky.
Take the road less travelled on your holiday to Thailand by avoiding the tourist traps and heading to some of the country’s hidden gems. There, you can have more authentic experiences whilst also supporting the economy of these local areas. What do you think of our hidden gems in Thailand? Let us know in the comments below!
