Thailand is the top bucket-list vacation spot for so many people worldwide due to its chaotic charm. It is a diverse, affordable and magical country that will provide you with a good experience every time you visit the country. Hence, Thailand has become more and more touristy since most backpackers are drawn to Thailand for various reasons, including the country’s stunning beaches, gleaming Buddhist temples, friendly inhabitants, delicious food, rough mountains, and lush jungle.
Nevertheless the number of tourists, there are still hidden gems and quiet, local areas that you can explore to immerse yourself in the culture. There are always touristic areas and non-touristy spots across Thailand’s top travel destinations. In this article, we list some of the best places for you to visit next time you travel to Thailand.
1. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is one of the popular vacation destinations and the best spot for those who seek a private and calm holiday away from crowded, more popular beaches/islands in South Thailand. This island is well-developed but not overly populated, so it retains its laid-back atmosphere, which has gained popularity over time due to its chilled atmosphere with beach bum sunshine lifestyle on its long, soft sand beaches, national park, heritage town, and proximity to a number of other Thai islands with plenteous marine life and famous diving and snorkelling destinations. On Koh Lanta, some of the most popular water sports include windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, sailing and catamaran excursions, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
2. Phetchaburi
Phetchaburi is another popular tourist destination in Thailand. It is well known as a place to explore while enjoying the view of temples and learning about the nation’s history. This is because most of the magnificent Historical parks, ancient temples, beautiful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of Local foods and fresh Seafood, are located there, making it a good destination spot for you to go.
The province is located on the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Thailand and shares a western border with Myanmar (Burma) which is not too far from Bangkok, so it is one of the most visited tourist destinations by Thais and foreign travellers. The dense jungle peaks of the Tanaosri Range serve as a natural boundary between Thailand and Myanmar.
3. Phuket
Situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is well known to be a popular place to go on a beach vacation since its a home to some of the country’s most famous beaches, such as Kata Noi beach, Nai Harn beach and Surin beach. Each beach has its speciality, Kata Noi beach is famous for its quiet scenery, while Nai Harn Beach is famous due to its crystal-clear waters under the shade of palm trees, and Surin Beach is famous if you are looking for luxury resorts and high-end cuisine overlooking the sea.
Aside from that, you also can go to Nakkerd hill to view the 45-meter-tall Big Buddha, which is claimed to be the spiritual side of Phuket. In addition, you also can explore Phuket Town to see the Sino-Portuguese buildings that line Thailand Road and the old shophouses that have been turned into businesses and markets.
4. Sukhotai
Sukhothai Thani is a tiny town better known for being the home of the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO site that preserves the Sukhothai Kingdom – the ruins of the first Thai capital of Siam, founded by King Ramkhamhaeng in the 13th century. Sukhothai has an incredible history which attracts many tourists to it. Although less popular than Ayutthaya, Sukhothai also has its share of ancient sites, such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum, where you can learn a more detailed study of Thai history.
Aside from learning the country’s history, in Sukhotai, you can also indulge in mountain camping and waterfall trekking. It also serves as a venue for the very popular Loy Krathong Festival of Thailand, held annually on the full moon in November. You can head here to experience some beautiful folk performances and light shows.
