Where to find unique experiences in Thailand

[webfact]

Many are returning to Thailand for the long-awaited vacations, and many will most likely visit the No 1 best tourist attraction namely the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

That said if you are not into tours of temples, then here are a few attractions worth adding to your list.

Thailand has become one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia and not without good reason. 

 

The land of smiles as it is affectionately known is exceptionally large with everything from beautiful beaches to misty mountains to explore.

 

So, to avoid the hordes of selfie-mad tourists why not check out these two destinations instead.?

Koh Mook

Koh Mook is mainly known for the mesmerizing Emerald Cave, which is mainly visited from the popular neighboring island of Koh Lanta. 

However, only a few travelers take the time to stop by to explore Koh Mook itself.

 

The island is situated in the Andaman Sea just off the mainland of the Trang Province. 

If you want to experience a typical Thai village lifestyle, white beaches all by yourself and excellent snorkeling, you should spend some time on Koh Mook.

You can easily get to Koh Mook from Koh Lanta. 

But remember that there is no ATM at the island, so bring enough cash. There is one shop, though that gives you the opportunity to buy “nothing” and give you the money in cash. However, they will charge at least a 5% commission.

Take a guided trip to Lahu Hill Tribe village

Lahu Hill Tribe village is a remote community located in Northern Thailand. 

To reach the village, you’ll will need the services of a local tour guide and walk around five hours from the small town of Pai. 

This is a multi-day hike, but the trip is well worth it. 

 

The best part of the tour was not just the journey getting there but you get to stay overnight with one of the families from the tribe. 

You sleep on mats on the floor and shared a simple meal with a local family upon arrival. 

A typical meal will be rice, vegetables, and a serving of freshly harvested fried bamboo worms (a delicacy in the region). 

There was no running water, no light, other than the faint gleam coming from the candles and headlamps yet the families offer wonderful friendly hospitality. 

Hikes to these hill tribe villages can be organized from a number of towns in Northern Thailand.

 

However, be careful when selecting the tribe, you want to visit.

There are many opportunities to visit “remote” communities from Chiang Mai but too many of these visits no longer offer truly authentic experiences.

Head to the village of Pai instead, where you’ll be able to book a trip to more remote communities like the Lahu Hill Tribe village that are not yet spoiled by tourism.

Pai which is around two hours north of Chiang Mai is also a wonderful place to stay and visit their popular craft market too.

Of course, you can always stick with the hoards of tourists in Bangkok, but you will come back in a more relaxed mood by going off the normal tourist routes.

 

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[Sparktrader]

I did trek in 2005 loved it. They are have phones and bikes so not poor in villages but good

[Mac Mickmanus]

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

To reach the village, you’ll will need the services of a local tour guide and walk around five hours from the small town of Pai. 

Are there really any villages that can only be accessed by walking for five hours ?

[Sparktrader]

9 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

Are there really any villages that can only be accessed by walking for five hours ?

They are have motorbikes

[Mac Mickmanus]

6 minutes ago, Sparktrader said:

They are have motorbikes

Yes, but are there any villages that aren't accessible by car ?

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

That said if you are not into tours of temples, then here are a few attractions worth adding to your list.

And we all know where they might be.

[Burma Bill]

Where to find unique experiences in Thailand

 

Watching the antics at a busy PTT gasoline station with a 7-11 ????

[ourmanflint]

9 hours ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

Yes, but are there any villages that aren't accessible by car ?

Probably not, but the idea is to trek through the countryside and have an experience. It used to be one of the big things about a visit to Thailand back in the 90's. A couple of weeks on a beach and then a week trekking around Chiang Mai. I did it, was very enjoyable, a couple of nights under the stars and an opium pipe or two in the evenings

[freedomnow]

"Meet the future in-laws"

[PETERTHEEATER]

10 hours ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

Are there really any villages that can only be accessed by walking for five hours ?

The guides are former Bangkok taxi drivers, they know good shortcuts....