Beyond the Usual Tourist Trail – Explore Hidden Gems in Thailand
Thailand is one of the world’s most visited countries, but Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai absorb the majority of visitors. This means that the quieter corners of the country sit off the radar for most travellers. Knowing where to look changes the experience entirely.
Koh Lanta Island
Koh Lanta sits in the Andaman Sea south of Krabi. The beaches are long and relatively uncrowded, the roads are manageable by scooter, and the southern end of the island sits within the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, where the jungle meets the sea.
The Mae Hong Son Loop
In northern Thailand, the Mae Hong Son Loop is one of the country’s great road trips and one of its least visited. The route passes through mountain villages, bamboo forests, and hill tribe communities across several days of riding or driving. The town of Mae Hong Son itself, sitting in a valley surrounded by mist-covered hills, is one of the most scenic places in the country and sees a fraction of the visitors that Chiang Mai receives.
Krabi Beyond Ao Nang
Krabi Province has more to offer than its well-known beach strip. There are also great hotel deals for visitors to take advantage of in Krabi. A great example is an Avani superior sea view room available at the Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort. Tiger Cave Temple, the inland waterways around Thung Teao Forest, and the mangrove kayaking routes near Ao Thalane are all within reach and largely free of the crowds that gather along the main tourist coast.
Pai: Small Town, Big Character
Pai sits in a mountain valley about three hours north of Chiang Mai and has managed to retain a backpacker charm that is increasingly rare in Thailand. The surrounding countryside has hot springs, waterfalls, and rice fields, and the town itself has a nightly walking street market. It is a place that tends to hold visitors longer than they had initially planned to stay.
