The best bits of Thailand that aren’t in any guidebooks, and are passed on by word of mouth alone; discover the secret hotspots no one wants you to know about.
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For many seasoned travellers and backpackers Thailand is old hat. Having been a popular tourism destination for more than twenty years, Thailand is now suffering somewhat from a perceived lack of exoticism and a distinctly ‘mainstream’ over-touristy feel.
The result is many travellers are reluctant to tread the well-worn backpacker trail around the standard tourist spots. But in reality Thailand has some incredible off-the-beaten-track places very few people know about, and which offer amazing, authentic Thai experiences for those in the know.
Here are some of the best kept secrets:
Koh Phayam
Off the Andaman coast of Thailand, Koh Phayam is a spectacular island which has remained off the mainstream tourist trails for a surprisingly long time. The island’s jump off point is close to Ranong and it has views of the beautiful Burmese archipelago which lies directly to its north.
The sleepy little island is a retreat for many people who enjoy its broad white beaches, shady trails, and funky bungalow operations. There are no cars or proper roads, transport is strictly limited to mopeds, and it can only be reached by old style fishing boats. These facts add both to its old-school charm and pleasant inaccessibility. Travellers who make the effort will be well rewarded by an island which provides a truly Thai beach experience.
Talay Noi
One of the most spectacular sights in southern Thailand, Talay Noi is a vast wetland and lake spanning 457 square kilometres and providing sanctuary to some 187 species of birds. The huge lake can be explored by longtail boat, and is absolutely breathtaking in its scale.
Visitors can see hundreds of buffalo wading through the wetlands, while local fishermen work the waters, or explore the incredible flora and fauna. The village of Talay Noi is a quaint, old-style Thai town, largely untouched by tourism, and has a wide range of handmade woven products on offer, which are made by the local people.
Chiang Dao
If you’ve tired of the commercial areas surrounding Chiang Mai and Pai in northern Thailand, why not take a two hour bus journey to Chiang Dao for some of the best kinds of northern Thai magic. Chiang Dao is a quiet little town with a spectacular backdrop of limestone mountains, and a stunning national park.
The rolling hills, characteristic of the area, make for a relaxing and beautiful retreat, and standard backpacker accommodation is available in the town. Chiang Dao also makes a great base point for trekking and exploring the waterfalls and peaks of the area, and has a weekly market where local hill tribe people come to sell their handicrafts.
Doi Mae Salong
The stunning location of Doi Mae Salong is its main attraction, nestled as it is within a short distance of both the Laos and Burmese borders. Until recently the town was fairly inaccessible and that has meant it has remained a well-kept secret.
Doi Mae Salong has a fascinating history as an isolated guard point for the Thai border and had a strategic part to play in the Vietnam War. It was also renowned as the former central point for the notorious opium trade of the golden triangle.
Nowadays the town boasts chilled out resorts, and a thriving hill tribe population of Akha people. Tourists can be prepared for a warm welcome, a fascinating taste of hill tribe culture, Thai history, and a delicious exploration of the many tea plantations.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You forgot to mention Isaan – One of the biggest regions in the country. Non tourists what so ever, and the poeple are so darn friendly it’s unreal!!!
Thailand has indeed got many secret hotspots, mainly untouched by the Nike trainers of tourists. These kind of places seem to be reserved and locked away like secrets in the minds of expats and local Thai folk alike. Bloggers like yourself do however share these delights from time to time.
I do like the sound of Chiang Dao and I know someone who may not know about the bird delights of Talay Noi, I best drop them a line.
Martyn´s last blog ..The Thailand – Burma Death Railway
The new layout is very nice. This post is interesting since I like birding. I haven’t looked on the map but are we talking about Trang and that direction?
Unfortunately I live in Prachuap so I guess its a fair trek?
Taking up your theme, I couldn’t agree more (about the best places) there are so many. We have some tiny national parks near us and you hardly ever see a tourist. Visit midweek and the place is yours!
Mike´s last blog ..Ao Manao-Japanese Landings 1941
still lots to see in Thailand i love the islands and could easily spend six months back on kao tao but udon thani and issan as chris points out is a special place my son was born there so he.s a real Thai boy
jungle girl your guides are spot on and sure to be helpful to many of us outside the area
regards john
expatudon08´s last blog ..typical expat day in ban dung issan thailand part 2
Hi mike, thanks for stopping by….Talay noi Laek is in the far south. You often hear it referred to as Patthalung, which is the other side. We access the little town of Talay Noi from the Songkhla side so it’s far far south, more so than trang. On the national parks – I am promising myself this year that I’m going to take some mini-breaks and see some of the incredible National Parks, which I never do. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated?????
Thanks for your comment, I have to claim complete ignorance of Udon and Issan, much to my chagrin. We’re planning a family trip up there this year, it’s been so long since I’ve been up there, and there are some truly magical places, people, and FOODs to be explored over yonder. Looking forward to getting educated Isaan style!
Sorry Chris, as you so rightly pointed out Isaan is stunning, the food is gorgeous and it is fabulously untouched by the tourist madness. I’m planning a trip this year and will right a full report on the northern joys when I get back….it’s been too long.