10 Hidden Gems in Thailand - Beyond the Tourist Trail

[CharlieH]

While Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya dominate travel itineraries, Thailand harbours quieter destinations offering authentic experiences away from all the noise and crowds. These ten underrated locations showcase Thailand's peaceful beauty and culture without the tourist bustle.

 

 

This small national park island, just hours from Bangkok, features pristine white beaches and crystal waters, typically without the island crowds.

Experience: Beach-hopping, snorkelling, jungle trails, and evening fire-dancing shows. The island's small size makes exploration easy by motorbike or songthaew taxi.

Local Flavour: Fresh seafood grilled beachside, spicy papaya salad, and sweet mango sticky rice with ocean views.

Access: Take a bus from Bangkok's Ekkamai station to Ban Phe Pier (3.5 hours), then a ferry to Na Dan Pier. 12Go offers combined bus + ferry tickets.

2. Sukhothai

 

This 13th-century former capital, translating to "Dawn of Happiness," offers impressive historical ruins set among scattered ponds and parklands.

Experience: Explore Sukhothai Historical Park by bicycle, visiting temple ruins like Wat Mahathat with its lotus-bud towers and Wat Si Chum's massive seated Buddha. The park glows golden at sunset.

Local Flavour: Sukhothai’s famous rice noodles in sweet-spicy pork broth with green beans, lime, and peanuts. Visit during November's Loi Krathong festival for an illuminated historical park.

Access: 12GO has direct buses or train+bus combos running from Bangkok, with various options available from Chiang Mai.

3. Koh Kood

 

Near the Cambodian border, this pristine island offers emerald jungles, waterfalls, stilted fishing villages, and nearly empty beaches.

Experience: Relax at beaches like Ao Tapao and Bang Bao, trek to Klong Chao Waterfall for a refreshing swim, or visit authentic fishing villages like Ao Salad.

Local Flavour: Fresh seafood including garlic-fried squid, tamarind-glazed prawns, and yellow crab curry. Community meals are common at homestays.

Access: Book a bus + ferry combo from Bangkok to Laem Sok Pier via 12Go, then take a ferry to the island.

4. Mae Sot

 

Where Thailand intersects with the Myanmar border lies a fascinating border town that offers a unique cultural experience embedded within its markets, languages, and cuisines.

Experience: Browse the border market along the Moei River, visit colourful temples like Wat Manee Praison, explore Mae Ka Sa hot springs, or cross the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.

Local Flavour: Burmese tea with samosas or poori for breakfast, Mohinga rice noodle soup with fish broth, and Burmese-style curries with naan-like bread.

Access: Direct buses run from Bangkok (8-9 hours) or from Chiang Mai via Tak (6-7 hours).

5. Nong Khai

 

This charming northeastern town sits along the Mekong River, sharing Thailand’s northeast and east borders with Laos. Nong Khai offers riverfront markets and a somewhat mysterious natural phenomenon.

Experience: Stroll the Rim Khong promenade at sunset, explore the eccentric Sala Kaew Ku sculpture park, and witness the mysterious Naga Fireballs during Buddhist Lent.

 

Local Flavour: Try Naem Nueng (Vietnamese-style DIY spring rolls), grilled Mekong fish with chilli dip, and local Isaan favourites like som tam and larb.

Access: Take the overnight train from Bangkok (be sure to get the sleeper bunk) or buses from Mo Chit station (~9 hours).

6. Phitsanulok

 

Often bypassed for Chiang Mai or Sukhothai, this former royal capital balances history with local charm, offering spiritual sites and hearty street food without tourist crowds.

Experience: Visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, housing the revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue, and explore the Sgt. Maj. Thawee Folklore Museum, and enjoy the evening Nan River promenade markets.

Local Flavour: Sample Kuay Tiew Phitsanulok (herbal noodle soup), grilled quail, and banana desserts from local farms.

Access: A major stop on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, accessible by train or bus with easy booking through 12Go.

7. Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

 

Korat, the gateway to northeast Thailand that hasn’t lost its ancient history and traditional Issan roots as time ticked by. While Korat is often seen as a city to pass through while heading towards Isaan, it's worth a stop.

Experience: Visit the Ya Mo Monument honouring local heroine Thao Suranari, explore nearby Phimai Historical Park with its impressive Khmer ruins, and shop at Save One Night Market.

Local Flavour: Taste Pad Mee Korat (spicy stir-fried rice noodles), Korat-style grilled chicken, and som tam pla ra (papaya salad with fermented fish) for the brave.

Access: Frequent buses and trains connect Bangkok to Korat, easily booked through 12Go, with connections to many northeastern cities.

8. Lampang

 

As the only Thai city that still uses horse-drawn carriages, Lampang is a time capsule of the past, allowing you to step back in time with its relaxed pace and preserved architecture.

Experience: Take a horse carriage tour past teak houses and temples, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang's stunning walled complex, and browse Kad Kong Ta walking street on weekends.

Local Flavour: Northern Thai specialities like sai ua (herb sausage), khao soi, and Lampang's unique fried rice cakes glazed with watermelon syrup.

Access: Most Bangkok-Chiang Mai trains stop in Lampang, with overnight options available for convenience.

9. Phayao

 

This lakeside town between Chiang Rai and Nan offers misty mountain views, waterfronts, and genuine local charm without all that tourist development.

Experience: Stroll around Phayao Lake, visit the semi-submerged Wat Tilok Aram temple, see the 16-meter Buddha at Wat Si Khom Kham, or catch sunrise at Phu Langka Forest Park.

Local Flavour: Freshwater fish dishes like tom pla Kwan Phayao, grilled tilapia with herbs, and regional khao soi variations.

Access: Direct buses from Bangkok or connections from Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai make reaching this peaceful destination straightforward.

10. Mae Sai

 

Thailand's northernmost point serves as a cultural crossroads where Thai, Burmese, and Yunnanese influences meet at the Myanmar border.

Experience: Visit the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, shop at Mae Sai Market for jade and tea, enjoy panoramic views from Wat Phra That Doi Wao, and visit the famous Tham Luang Cave rescue site.

 

Local Flavour: Sample laphet thoke (fermented tea leaf salad), Burmese samosas, regional khao soi Mae Sai, and gaeng hang lay (Burmese pork curry).

Access: Regular buses and minivans run from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, with direct connections from Bangkok also available.

Each of these destinations reveals a different side of Thailand's culture and natural beauty while remaining accessible through 12Go for booking transport. 

Your most memorable Thai experiences might just come from roads less travelled. Ready to explore Thailand's hidden treasures? Book your journey now!

 

 

 

 

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