5 Great less-frequented places to visit in Thailand
updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:59
We give you the lowdown on these less-frequented beach havens in the land of smiles.
Thailand is a land of plenty. Smiling people, great food and plenty of daytime and nighttime activities for an all-rounded travel option, it is a great country to visit, especially this summer. We’re used to hearing about the most popular travel destinations in the country but we’ve decided to list a few options – spanning the North, East, South and West of the country – that are slightly less known but are as amazing and possibly even twice as good.
1) Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand
For a truly authentic Thai country experience, Chiang Rai is one of the top options for doing just that. Whilst staying in the Northernmost part of Thailand, stay in a bamboo nest bungalow, eat local catch stuffed with spices and sticky rice and learn a little more about how the local people live – simply but heartily. Eat fresh mangos plucked straight from the trees and spend hours exploring the waterfalls and jungles surrounding you. A great place for a peaceful getaway, to calm your nerves and soothe your soul.
2) Ko Chang Island, Eastern Thailand
Thailand’s second largest island and home to a famous national park and sandy white beaches, Ko Chang is as beautiful but less crowded than Phuket. Spend ample time relaxing on the beach, taking long walks in the national park, breathing the freshest air thanks to the flaura and fauna of the preserved forests and do plenty of snorkeling – it is meant to be one of the best regions for this very activity.
3) Pai, Northern Thailand
Another stunningly picturesque part of this lovely country, Pai is now a popular backpacking destination because of what its town has to offer. For a totally zen experience, take a trip here and immerse yourself in the luscious green surroundings, the hippie Rastafarian watering holes and hangout spots and take a dip to get rid of those tense knots built up from city life in one of the many hot springs.
4) Kanchanaburi, Western Thailand
This large provincial town is reminiscent of certain areas in the hillier regions of India in the Northeast. This quaint town has a quiet, slow pace of life that complements its natural beauty. Unlike other smaller quiet and picturesque towns of Thailand, there are quite a number of things to do in Kanchanaburi. Apart from exploring the neighbouring villages and taking in the gorgeous countryside, one can orient themselves with of the daily practices of the people of the region such as meditation, teaching ethnic hilltribes as a volunteer, visiting temples and museums and the iconic Death Railway Bridge. For the more adventurous tourist, there is always the option of exploring the Srinakarin Dam National Park and its famous Pha Tad waterfalls.
5) Ao Nang, Southern Thailand
One of the best extreme sporting destinations in Thailand, after Chiang Mai, Ao Nang is also home to some of Thailand’s best beaches. One such famous beach is Railay beach – it is just a boat ride away to this pristine paradise. Another great location for beach bumming, wave lapping and catching some great tans. Ao Nang should most definitely be a priority on your summer visit list.
Diya-Maya Tsering Bhalla
Been living in Thailand for nearly 2.5 years, traveled all country through many regions I can assure you the best national park in the country is Kaeng Krachan National Park. Very few tourists to be seen around, some days no-one at all;
http://www.thainationalparks.com/kaeng-krachan-national-park