When it comes to travelling to Thailand for a holiday, there are a handful of destinations most travellers are already familiar with like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. These famous destinations are undoubtedly a convenient option for travellers who want to travel the country with minimal planning. But the allure of venturing beyond the well-trodden path is undeniable to others who love to explore the lesser-known. Thailand boasts an array of lesser-known destinations that beckon the undaunted traveller – from untouched beaches to tranquil villages, Thailand Luxury Concierge Services offer unique insights into places one might never have considered before but should be aware of. Thailand is filled with hidden gems that offer unique experiences away from the crowds. Exploring these hidden gems in Thailand gives one a chance to immerse in authentic experiences and unique cultures while escaping the sweltering, sweaty tourist crowds.
Here are seven amazing destinations that might not be as well-known but are worth exploring:
- Koh Lipe: Tucked away in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is an island located on the southwest side of Thailand, close to Malaysia. It is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Koh Lipe is not the easiest island to get to, but it is worth it once one lands there. Most people travel from Krabi, Phuket or Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe. Another option is to travel from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe. The island can only be reached by boat.
Koh Lipe is part of the Adang Archipelago, a cluster of about 10 uninhabited islands. It is perfect for snorkelling, diving, or relaxing on the beach. With its crystal clear blue waters, white sand beached and tiny island size, it is a true paradise.
Day trips to the surrounding islands are recommended as they are the best way to explore the marine park. It is beautiful, especially adorned with such vibrant corals. The area is gorgeous and well worth exploring through a snorkelling tour.
Koh Lipe has some beautiful beaches. Pattaya Beach is the biggest and most developed beach, where one can also find most of the available accommodations, thus making this beach the most crowded one. From this beach, one can walk straight into Walking Street. For people who don’t want to go far from Pattaya Beach, they can go around a corner and lie down at Sanom Beach which is more quiet. Sunset Beach and Sunrise Beach are other beautiful beaches. Just as their names suggest, at Sunset Beach one can watch the sunset and at Sunrise Beach one can enjoy a beautiful sunrise.
The most quiet beach is probably Secret Beach (Patai Galah Beach). One needs to walk a little through a “jungle” path, to reach there but surely will not be disappointed.
2. Koh Yao Noi: Located between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is a quiet and peaceful island with stunning scenery, including limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and traditional fishing villages. It offers a glimpse into traditional Thai island life away from the tourist crowds. Koh Yao Noi is located just in between the tourism triad of Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi islands, thus making it easily accessible. Based on location alone, it should be swarming with tourists but thankfully it is not. It is the perfect place to come if one is looking for respite in a Thailand vacation.
Stretching along the east coast of the island is the beach which is mostly void of people. A gorgeous view of Phang Nga National Park welcomes visitors. There is plenty of shade to seek shelter from the hot Thai sun.
Visitors stay on the east coast of the island, as that is where the majority of the accommodation on Koh Yao Noi is found. On this side of Koh Yao Noi, plenty of deserted beaches are also found to spend the day.
In the centre of the island, there are mountains and rainforests This part of the island is all about a rural way of life, and the sweeping landscapes are perfect for photographing. One would pass by rubber plantations and fields lined with mangroves, and be able to marvel at how the island remains untouched by modern life. The western part is all about the rice paddies and water buffalos. There are hundreds of palm trees stretching, long stretches of pristine sand, and even a holy spring — the point on the island where freshwater pours into the sea, making it possible to drink from the ocean.
One of the best ways to enjoy Koh Yao Noi can be by renting a kayak for the day and paddling out to Koh Nok, a tiny island just over a mile from Koh Yao Noi. It takes an hour to get there and once one reaches there they get the feel of being on a private island.
Six Senses Yao Noi is the best resort to stay on the island – It receives incredible reviews, is in a spectacular location, and every villa has its own pool.
3. Pai Canyon (Kong Lan): Pai Canyon is a hidden gem offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It is often overshadowed by Pai’s other attractions. Located at Ban Rong Yeng in Mae Hi Subdistrict, this geographical formation of Pai Canyon has been shaped by wind and water. Rainwater has caused erosion of the rock cliffs and soil on the slopes, resulting in collapses or landslides that have led to deep gullies and channels forming. Some parts have collapsed to form steep, deep chasms. The area is vast, similar to the Grand Canyon, covering more than 7.5 acres. The top section is a narrow, flat ridge that can be traversed by just one person at a time. There are viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the sea of mist in the morning as it rolls over a backdrop of forest and mountain, with houses and lush green fields below. It is a great spot for hiking and watching the sunset. Pai Canyon is the the best spot to watch the sunset over the mountains as the last rays of light leave the valley. It is also busiest during golden hour so one can expect it to be crowded at this time.
4. Khao Sok National Park: Khao Sok is perfectly situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, the most popular destinations in Southern Thailand. This hidden gem is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is home to stunning limestone formations, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can go trekking, kayaking, or stay in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. It is a fantastic place to go on vacation. One can experience close and personal elephant encounters. Jungle trekking on foot and canoeing are all possible activities which will give one the experience of a lifetime.
One of the most interesting areas is stunningly beautiful Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the National Park with its floating raft houses and luxury tents – an absolute visit-worthy place.
Many of the hotels in the area are located between the entrance and the main road, others spread out on the side roads which can be up to 2-4 km away. Once dropped off on the main road, if the hotel is nearby, it can be reached by walking, for distant ones a taxi can be arranged on the spot. Raft houses are one of the main attractions of the park with beautiful views over Khao Sok Lake. There are many caves, viewpoints and trails, all accessible with boats operating from the raft houses. There are also quite a few hotels near the Ratchaprapha Dam.
There are plenty of trails around the headquarters area and the lake. Only a couple of these trails around the headquarters can be walked without a guide. All other trails in the park strictly require a guide to walk. Visitors are not recommended to walk longer trails on their own by breaking the national park rules. There is a significant chance to get lost.
5. Koh Mak: Less developed than some of Thailand’s more popular islands, Koh Mak is known for its tranquil atmosphere, pristine beaches, and lush tropical landscapes. It is a relatively small, island, far more the typical desert island model than the mountainous Koh Chang and Koh Kood. It is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. It lies approximately 20 kilometres south of Koh Chang and covers an area of 16 square kilometres. It is roughly 10km wide and 5km from north to south, thus making it too big to walk around, but easy to see by bicycle or scooter.
6. Nan Province: Tucked away in northern Thailand, Nan Province is known for its scenic beauty, including misty mountains, lush rice paddies, and traditional Thai villages. It offers opportunities for trekking, cycling, and exploring local culture and heritage.
A trip to Nan Province will not be complete without a visit to Old Town in Nan, located in the center of the province. While the atmosphere of Old Town is slow, it certainly is not boring. Locals are welcoming to outsiders, and tours of ancient temples and museums give visitors a feel for the region’s culture, landscape and rich history.
Recommended attractions in Nan old town
- Phumin Temple
- Nan National Museum
- Sri Panthon Temple
- Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan
- Wat Hua Khuang
7. Chanthaburi: Chanthaburi is a charming town known for its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and delicious fruits.The scenic town of Chanthaburi is an eclectic province in Eastern Thailand with Chinese, Vietnamese, and Khmer influences. One has to check out places to visit in Chanthaburi to see just how culturally rich it is. From large cathedrals to Buddhist monasteries, charming waterfronts and national parks, the town offers a lovely escape from the other more prominent destinations like the capital of Bangkok and the country’s many islands. Visitors can explore the old town’s architecture, visit local temples, and enjoy the nearby waterfalls and beaches.
Conclusion:
These hidden gems offer a chance to experience Thailand’s natural beauty, culture, and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas. Concierge luxury travel can add up more information on these lines for interested visitors and plan a trip accordingly. By planning trips to such hidden gems of locations, luxury concierge creates the opportunity to experience Thailand differently.
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