A stereotypical list of hits is easily created when it comes to Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. They are popular because they deserve to be so, but that is just a part of the story. There is another Thailand, less renowned, even more full of surprises and locations that are individual, rough and quite local. These are the areas where mornings are slow, food is prepared in the same manner in which it has always been and scenery even surprises a well-travelled person.
This handbook examines the Thailand unknowns which hardly feature in mainstream itineraries. It is meant to be visited by travelers looking on underrated destinations in Thailand, off-the-beaten-path Thailand destinations, and the best hidden gems in Thailand without sacrificing comfort, culture, and beauty.
Nan – A Northern Province Lost in Time.
Stealing close to the Lao border, Nan resembles northern Thailand of past decades. The province is enclosed in mountainous forests, silent valleys and villages with strong traditions. Nan, unlike Chiang Mai, has not embraced the mass tourism and therefore its charm is not artificial.
The town per se is peaceful and pedestrian. The culture is represented by Wat Phumin, which has a popular mural of the whispering lovers. Mornings are characterized by the appearance of monks, who gather alms on almost deserted streets, and evenings are accompanied by quiet dialogues in cafes by the river.
Beyond the town, meandering lanes take one to rice terraces, ethnic minority villages and vistas, that extend indefinitely into the green hills. Nan suits people in the travel industry in search of the real Thai experiences and slower pace.
Koh Yao Noi -The Silent Side of Southern Thailand.
Koh Yao Noi is an island between Phuket and Krabi which appears to be on a different plane in relation to its neighbors. Speedboats fly past but there is bicycle life on Koh Yao Noi.
The island is mainly Muslim and day to day life is based on fishing, farming and family. Night life strips and mega-resorts are absent. Rather, you will get homestays, boutique eco-lodges, and deserted beaches with karst formations on the backdrop.
The real highlights are kayaking through mangroves, observing the sunrise over the Phang Nga Bay or an evening meal with the locals. The Koh Yao Noi is ideal in terms of tourists exploring Thai islands and secret beach spots.
Phu Chi Fa -Thailand Sea of the mist.
The Phu Chi Fa in the Chiang Rai province presents one of the most amazing scenic landscapes in Thailand. Which in the morning as the sun rises a heavy mist covers the valley below giving one the impression of being above the clouds.
The opinion lies on the border between Thailand and Laos and on a clear day you are able to see deep into Laos. Although it is getting popularity with the Thai travelers, international tourism is low.
The hill tribe communities and simple guesthouses are found in the surrounding area. Evenings are frosty, stars are keen and mornings are memorable.
Trang -Southern Thailand Without the Spotlight.
Trang is usually neglected and Skipped to go to Phuket or Krabi and this is the very thing that makes it unique. It has gorgeous islands, strong food culture, and a local relaxed atmosphere.
The islands of Trang like the Koh Kradan and Koh Muk have clear water and soft sand with no over-development. In Koh Muk, the Emerald Cave, which is only accessible via a dark tunnel by swimming, leads to a hidden lagoon, and it is almost unreal.
Trang has the culture of traditional breakfast back on the mainland, where people move between cafes and have dim sum, coffee, and roasted pork.
Ban Rak Thai Ban Rak Thai is a restaurant offering Chinese cuisine in Northern Thailand.
Ban Rak Thai is a little village in the Myanmar border that comes as a complete surprise. The village is based on Chinese Nationalistic soldiers formed decades ago, and they still strongly uphold Yunnanese influences in food, architecture, and language.
It is based on a mountain lake, but in the mornings the place there is hazy and cool. The village is surrounded by tea plantations and it is a mere delight to drink home grown oolong and look at the water.
Ban Rak Thai has particularly been concentrated in the local business of Thai travelers in winter but is not very popular in other countries.
Khanom Pink Dolphins and Empty Beaches.
In the Nakhon Si Thammarat province, one of the rare experiences in Thailand is the pink dolphin; and Khanom provides long stretches of silent beach.
The coastline of Khanom is open and undeveloped unlike other busy resort towns. The shore is lined with small beachfront resorts, seafood restaurants but there are few crowds throughout the year.
Cruises provide the opportunity to view pink dolphins in the wild, and close waterfalls and caves are another thing that helps to make the area attractive.
Loei -The Coolest Province in Thailand.
Loei is located to the northeast of Thailand and its geographical feature is a mountainous area with cool climate and high local identity. Bangkok is relatively farther to Laos both geographically and culturally.
Phu Kradueng National Park is the most popular destination in Loei as well as other areas around are silent. The town of Chiang Khan, a small town of the Mekong River has wooden houses, walks along the river and an emerging cafe culture that is still low-key.
Loei can be proposed to tourists wanting to explore some Thailand hidden gems based on nature and seasonal festivals.
Koh Phayam Thailand Pre-Party.
Koh Phayam does not disappoint those who are looking to find a Thailand of decades past. This island is close to the Myanmar border, the road network is dirt, some parts of the island are not supplied with electricity, and the place has a relaxed bohemian feel.
Chain hotels and night clubs are nonexistent. Rather, the life is characterized by hammocks, beach bungalows and sunsets. The fact that there are waves to be surfed in the monsoon season is an additional attractiveness.
Sangkhlaburi, Where Cultures Meet.
Sangkhlaburi, which is located close to the Myanmar border is among the most diverse towns in Thailand. The communities of Mon, Karen, Thai, and Burma live adjacent to each other forming a social structure which is distinctive.
The Mon Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, is the most famous part of the town particularly during sunrise. The sunken temples of the Vajiralongkorn Dam can also be seen near and they also give an eerie beauty to the landscape especially during dry season.
Si Satchanalai – A Quieter Sukhothai.
Sukhothai is often given too much credit at the expense of neighboring Si Satchanalai Historical Park where the ruins are just as impressive with much fewer visitors. Defining forests and rivers, there are ancient temples, Buddha statues, and a crumbling wall.
Biking around is a serene experience and one can get a clue of how life must have been back in early kingdoms in Thailand.
The Bottom line about the Hidden Gems of Thailand.
Visiting the off-the-beaten-path places is not only the issue of not being with the crowd. It encourages the local economies, saves the culture and provides the experiences which have more sense. These Thailand hidden secrets present the rewards of curiosity with the true connections and unforgettable memories.
With the ever-increasing tourism industry, such destinations as Nan, Khanom and Koh Phayam help us to remember that Thailand is not just a postcard. Occasionally, the most entertaining stories are those related to the locations which you had not initially intended to visit.
Final Thoughts
It is like a new feeling of the country even as a first time visitor wants to explore more or a returning traveler wants to explore new things in these places. Thailand has never run out of secrets, still, to this day, there are misty mountains and quiet islands to explore.
When you want to arrange your future journey and find the best Thailand hidden gems, you should not follow the common path. You may simply discover the Thailand that you will be most memorable to you.
