Know of any little known interesting places around here?

[willyumiii]

I thought it might be a good thread to ask people about little know interesting places to chech out in different parts of Thailand.

I would like to see places and things that are not on the well beaten tourist track and not mentioned in the likes of the "Lonely Planet" books and I think many others would be interested as well.

It makes sense to break it up into semi specific areas, with different posts addressing different areas.

Since this is my thread, let's start with my area.

I live in Chokchai, a bit south of Korat.

So let;s start there

What points of interest do you know of within a 50km circle of Korat?

I'll start by telling you about some old ( 11th century?) Khmer ruins less than 1 km out of Chokchai on the east side of town in a wooded area surrounded by rice farms.

It is a site not often visited and there are no signs of any sort pointing the way.

That information alone makes it pretty easy to find on Google Earth ( I have "pinned" it there) but if you need more specific directions send me a private message and I will help you.

I assume we are all responsible adults and would take nothing from this site but photographs as I did.

I will attach a couple of photos of this interesting site.

I hope others partake in this thread and share some of their discoveries as well.

[CharlieH]

Better in the Travel forum

MOVED

[daveAustin]

While it is likely mentioned in LP, Si Satchanalai near Sukothai is not well beaten... certainly with respect to its illustrious neighbour.

[asdecas]

One knows of many but the threat of their being swamped by the unwashed from around the World does not permit one to be more explicit.

Sorry.

[freebyrd]

Perhaps not little known, but not visited as much as one would expect - Khao Phanom Rung Historical Park near Buriram. Not exactly Angkor Wat but bigger and more impressive than Phimai. Great place for photos. I should add though that I haven't been there since the mid 90's.

[JeffreyWitty]

Willyumiii,

You are up near my neck of the woods (Dan Kwain)!

As such, Have you tried Wat Bah Lak Loi? Farm Chok Chai? And there is some other temple in town made of a HUGE elephant! It's amazing!

I forget the name, sorry.

There is also a nice massive white temple on the way out to Farm Chok Chai.

PS - Farm Chok Chai serves the BEST steaks (and tasty burgers) I have even had in Thailand! Well worth the high price! You wanna spend a full day there and enjoy the ATV and horseback riding prior to dinner.

The 2 other attractions I can think of have already been mentioned.

Oh, i presume you have been to Ya Mo in Korat at night, walked around, and been to both Korat night bizarres?

Afterthought - Have you been to Korat Zoo/Waterpark? It's not bad - especially if you have little family members in tow.

[aehall]

Many places throughout Thailand of course. Near Korat, I enjoyed the places mentioned above very much. These are photos of the Somdet Putthachan-Tho Foundation's temple: Wat Soraphong Srang (I think that's the correct name) and Phimai Historical Park.

[craigt3365]

Come on guys. A post here on Thaivisa definitely isn't going to "ruin" lesser known attractions.

Let's keep to the topic. Several posts have been removed from view.

[denby45]

I know a place that's so little known that even I don't know where it is.

[smotherb]

I am not sure giving away sweet spots on the internet is a good idea. I had a special little place on a lake where I could take my lady for sunset dinner and a night in their nice little waterfront bungalows; then an early morning fishing trip and a great lunch of fresh fish before heading back home. I made the mistake of taking some farangs there a couple of years ago; now you can't get into the place for drunken farangs and their ladies of negotiable virtue.

[talisman01]

How about the very photogenic mountain-top Wat Phu Tok on the eastern side of Nong Khai province ?

[otocheater]

Take a look on tripavisor and you will get some ideas.

:-)

[craigt3365]

Take a look on tripavisor and you will get some ideas.

:-)

Or wiki travel, or travel fish...2 good sites also.

[craigt3365]

But not Mr. Toad ?

Come on guys. A post here on Thaivisa definitely isn't going to "ruin" lesser known attractions.

Let's keep to the topic. Several posts have been removed from view.

Mr. T gets special dispensation. I'm working on him for a free beer next time he's in town!

Just kidding...first beer will be on me, Mr. T!

[kelvink]

Wat hong klong is nice but not easy by public transport, on the coast south of bkk and a little to the east

[kelvink]

Sorry, hong thong

[henry15]

There are hundreds of litle paradises completely unknkown, and far from the beaten tracks. I know dozens of them. Bud I strongly believe its best to keep them unknow, because they don't need foreign tourists, and also Thai people keel them for themselves.

In and around Bangkok a dozen of floating markets, hardly seen a foreigner. I keep then a secret because one horribld tourist trap like Damnoem Saduak is enough. The sams for Night and othed Markets. Let the tourist go to Chatuchak, MBK and Pratunam, I never go there, much too expensive. There are other an realy exiting markets, were again you never ses a foreigner, Again I like to keep it that, because in all that places you can still see thd genuine Thai smile, without the $$$$$$ sign in their eyes. Tourism ruined many places in this country. I don't like to contribute to that.

[TheKnave]

There are hundreds of litle paradises completely unknkown, and far from the beaten tracks. I know dozens of them. Bud I strongly believe its best to keep them unknow, because they don't need foreign tourists, and also Thai people keel them for themselves.

In and around Bangkok a dozen of floating markets, hardly seen a foreigner. I keep then a secret because one horribld tourist trap like Damnoem Saduak is enough. The sams for Night and othed Markets. Let the tourist go to Chatuchak, MBK and Pratunam, I never go there, much too expensive. There are other an realy exiting markets, were again you never ses a foreigner, Again I like to keep it that, because in all that places you can still see thd genuine Thai smile, without the $$$$$$ sign in their eyes. Tourism ruined many places in this country. I don't like to contribute to that.

I think that much of the value is in searching for these places, exploring and appreciating the process.

While my initial reaction to those who suggest that they should be kept secret is that they are small-minded and selfish; on reflection, I think there are more than enough cool places listed in Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, et al, that can be used to 'seed' further exploration. The gems should be shared selectively, IMHO.

While the language and logistics may be limiting enough, I still recoil a bit at spoon-feeding those who have no real interest in making the effort themselves. ThaiVisa is not the tiny, intimate gathering it once was...

In general, I actually think that the internet is largely responsible for a distinct deterioration of the quality of experience living and traveling in Thailand. 30+ years ago, it took real interest and a bit of perseverance to even get to Thailand, much less to these out-of-the-way gems. Now, any yahoo with an iPhone and an erection can be on his way to Pattaya (or a hundred other venues) in a few keystrokes.

Reading back, I don't like that this sounds somewhat elitist, but it's definitely how I feel. I'm not saying that I've been here longer than anyone, but I think I have put significant effort into learning about Thailand. It has taken me over 30 years to learn what little I know - there are some who have learned as much in a few years.

Just my feelings on this subject. I know recent arrivals will be offended, but tough tacos.

[canman]

There are hundreds of litle paradises completely unknkown, and far from the beaten tracks. I know dozens of them. Bud I strongly believe its best to keep them unknow, because they don't need foreign tourists, and also Thai people keel them for themselves.

In and around Bangkok a dozen of floating markets, hardly seen a foreigner. I keep then a secret because one horribld tourist trap like Damnoem Saduak is enough. The sams for Night and othed Markets. Let the tourist go to Chatuchak, MBK and Pratunam, I never go there, much too expensive. There are other an realy exiting markets, were again you never ses a foreigner, Again I like to keep it that, because in all that places you can still see thd genuine Thai smile, without the $$$$$$ sign in their eyes. Tourism ruined many places in this country. I don't like to contribute to that.

Lot's of little known floating markets here:

http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2011/05/10-floating-markets-around-bangkok/

[Whale]

"What points of interest do you know of within a 50km circle of Korat?"

Bet the OP thought that was a simple request/question.

[willyumiii]

It's me..the OP.

I assumed it would be clear that I was not looking for places to be shared with tourist, drunks and "the Unwashed".

I have been a member of TV long enough that I feel most TV members do not fall into those categories.

If worried, specific information could be shared via PM if you are comfortable with the person asking....no?

This was not intended to be a thread for the selfish," I am superior and don't trust anyone team."

It was intended for those of us who live in and respect Thailand and what it has to offer.

Thanks to those who have posted pertinent information!

[1FinickyOne]

One of my favorite parts of Thailand is the road leading out of P-lok to Khao Kor or Lomsak - a few national parks and waterfalls along the way, several homestays, but I rarely see too many travelers, tourists… natural, clean air, wooded, - - just make sure to fill up the tank before leaving P-lok or if coming from the other way…