Best Hidden Gems in Thailand
Discover the hidden gems of Thailand, including beautiful temples, charming towns, lush national parks, and more.
Thailand is renowned for its famous palaces, temples and beaches. While you should include the most famous sites on your bucket list, it is worth venturing off the beaten path to discover some of the hidden gems of Thailand that most tourists never see.
Escape from the crowds and venture into verdant jungles, picturesque towns, and beautiful temples on this tour of Thailand's hidden places.
1. Thon Buri, Bangkok
One of the hidden gems of Thailand is actually right in Bangkok. It’s called the Thon Buri district. You will probably stop here to visit Wat Arun, one of Thailand’s most photographed landmarks. After marveling at the temple, most tourists turn right around and leave. Here are some reasons you should stick around a little longer.
For one thing, this district is very quiet, giving you a relaxing break from the hubbub of the rest of the city. For another, it is home to some intriguing sites, such as the 17th century Wichai Prasit Fort, Wat Kalayanamit, the Tonson Mosque, the Santa Cruz Church, and the scenic "khlongs" (canals).
One of the most unique places to visit in Thailand is the Artist’s House, also found in the Thon Buri district. In this historic house, you can sip a cup of coffee, shop for handcrafted souvenirs, or just sit and relax. A Thai puppet show can add some extra delight to your visit.
A particularly unusual attraction in Thon Buri is the so-called “Death Museum,” more properly referred to as the Siriraj Medical Museum. This attraction comprises six museums in one location, featuring anatomical and forensic exhibits.
To make sure that you do not miss out on any of the highlights of Thon Buri, book the Thon Buri tour with Exotic Voyages. Our expert heritage conservationist will guide you through the historic quarters and markets of this district, sharing stories about its history and culture.
2. Kanchanaburi
Source: Thai Unika
Kanchanaburi’s history dates back to the 18th century, when King Rama I created it to defend against the Burmese. The town’s original site was 16 km northwest of where it is today. Situated where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers merge with the Mae Klong River, it is quaint and scenic.
Book a stay in one of the over-water bungalows for a relaxing stay with magnificent views of the water. When you are ready for an outing, you can use this town as a staging ground to reach destinations such as Wat Tham Khao Noi, Khao Laem National Park, and the Giant Rain Tree.
Although many tourists miss out on Kanchanaburi, it does have one international claim to fame, which is its WWII history. If you have seen the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai, this was the site of the POW camps the film was based on. Be sure to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the JEATH War Museum to learn more about the men who suffered and died laboring on the railroad, now known as the infamous “Death Railway.”
3. Khao Sok National Park, Khaosok
Take a break from the crowds of the city by venturing into the tropical forests of Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. These rainforests are some of the oldest on the planet.
Whether you spend an afternoon here, or you book a multi-day safari, this park is a paradise for nature lovers. Over 200 species of plants coexist here in a spectacular display of biodiversity. Expect buttress roots, pitcher plants, coconut palms, fig trees, bamboo, rafflesia, and so much more.
Animals that call Khao Sok National Park home include tigers, leopards, Malayan sun bears, gibbons, tapirs, elephants, crested serpent eagles, ospreys, Asian water monitors, mangrove pit vipers, and so many others. All these wild creatures carry out their lives against a stunning backdrop of limestone mountains.
Speaking of scenery, one of the most splendid sites in the park is Cheow Larn Lake. Taking a boat tour of this lake is a wonderful way to take in breathtaking views of your lush surroundings.
Originally, this lake was created by damming up the Pasaeng River for electrical purposes. While that event disrupted the area’s ecology at the time of its creation, nowadays, it is part of that ecology. With its karst formations jutting up out of the water, it may remind you of Halong Bay in Vietnam.
4. Hua Hin
You know a location is worth checking out when it is one that the locals flock to. Bangkok residents looking for a weekend getaway often travel to Hua Hin, a beach town south-southwest of the capital. This region of Thailand is sometimes called the “Thai Riviera.”
Many beach resort towns in Thailand are crowded, overdeveloped, and noisy even into the small hours of the night. What makes Hua Hin special is that it is quiet, laidback, and tranquil.
Relaxing on Hua Hin beach, shopping at the Cicada Market or the Hua Hin Night Market, or visiting the Huay Mongkol Temple or Wat Khao Takiap are all wonderful ways to spend time at Hua Hin. Kicking back and unwinding at any of the comfortable resorts in this beach town also can be a great way to enjoy yourself.
5. Koh Lanta
Known as the “Island of a Million Eyes,” Koh Lanta is a wonderful place for beach lovers to head to in order to avoid the crowds on more overdeveloped islands.
Peaceful beaches, rustling palm trees, and clear blue waters await travelers who are lucky enough to uncover this Thailand hidden place.
The most popular season to come to Koh Lanta is between October and April. Don’t overlook the off-season though. While it does rain a lot, it is typically just for a few hours each day, leaving you the rest of the day to make the most of Koh Lanta while having its beautiful beaches to yourself.
The island is pretty small. So you can get around efficiently by motorbike, which is affordable, convenient, and a lot of fun. While visitors tend to spend most of their time at the beaches, take a little time to explore the shops and restaurants of Lanta Old Town. The locals are really friendly, and you’ll be able to head home with some nice souvenirs.
6. Mae Hong Son
One of the hidden gems of Thailand is the town of Mae Hong Son in the northwest part of the country.
Surrounded by the Shann Hills, it is often cloaked in mist, thus why it is sometimes referred to by the poetic name, “the city of three mists.”
Getting to this city isn’t easy, but that is a big part of the fun. Visitors need to plan the better part of a day to drive over the narrow roads that weave around the mountains.
In Mae Hong Son, you can visit the Chong Kham Lake, as well as the Wat Chong Kham temple. Both the town and its surroundings have an enchanting quality that will make you feel like you have escaped into a fairytale.
As exciting as the city is, you’ll likely find yourself itching to get back on the scenic roads nearby. Taking a motorbike on the Mae Hong Son Loop is among the most memorable ways you can explore one of the most unique places in Thailand. Idyllic rice fields, charming towns and villages, and mysterious jungles beckon, calling you to continue your ride and discover what is around every bend.
Those who are in this area during the late part of November or the early part of December can behold the spectacular sight of wild sunflowers blooming all over the hills around Thung Bua Tong Fields. Another destination to visit is Namtok Mae Surin National Park, where you can behold the dazzling Mae Surin Waterfall.
7. Khao Yai National Park
The first national park ever established in Thailand is also its third largest, and one of the best Thailand off-the-beaten-path destinations. Khao Yai National Park features 1,347 square miles of forests and grasslands, presided over by the majestic 4,432-foot Khao Rom mountain. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Hiking in this park gives visitors the chance to see more than 3,000 species of plants, over 320 species of birds, and more than 66 species of mammals. Some wildlife to be on the lookout for in this hidden gem of Thailand include Indian elephants, Asian black bears, gibbons, wild pigs, sambar deer, coral-billed ground cuckoos, red junglefowl, and more.
To truly immerse yourself in the experience, you can stay at either of the two campsites in Khao Yai National Park: Lum Ta Kong Campsite, or Khao Rom Campsite. If you prefer something less rustic, there are additional accommodations in the park.
8. Chiang Rai
The north of Thailand features another of the most unique places to visit in Thailand, the city of Chiang Rai, located in the province of the same name. At a glance, some travelers plotting their itineraries might mix it up with Chiang Mai. That city is a much more mainstream destination, while Chiang Rai is frequently overlooked.
Chiang Rai’s history dates back to its foundation by King Mangrai in 1262. Its chief claim to fame and main attractions are its gorgeous temples, including Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Rong Suea Ten (the “Blue Temple”), and others.
Most recognizable is the world-famous Wat Rong Khun (the “White Temple”). More than just a building, this temple is a meticulous work of art by architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. Every element of the ornate, unique architecture is designed to convey a symbolic meaning. While the temple is made out of mirrored chips and whitewash, the amalgam creates the illusion that every inch is crafted out of pristine white porcelain.
What else is there to see and do in Chiang Rai? Shop for souvenirs at the Night Market, or take a bicycle ride through the charming fields surrounding the city. Hike to the Huay Mae Sai or Khun Korn waterfalls. And be sure to pay a visit to the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park to marvel at its temples, gardens and Lanna artifacts.
