Thailand is no doubt a popular holiday destination for its incredible nightlife in Bangkok, stunning temples in Chiang Mai, and gorgeous beaches in Phuket and Koh Samui. Yet, while those destinations are trending in the top most searched flights to Thailand*, other equally interesting places are worth the detour and yet to be overrun by visitors.
Wandering off the beaten path here is rewarded with multitudes of natural wonders left in their unspoilt, undeveloped state. Explore the unseen Thailand, far from crowds, in any of our favourite authentic city and nature destinations across the country.
Unseen Thailand – near Bangkok
Khao Luang Cave, Phetchaburi Province
The mystical and magical Khao Luang Cave
Nestled in one of Khao Luang’s many hills, over 150 Buddha statues sit surrounded by stalactites hanging from the cave’s ceiling. The warm scent of incense and burning candles fills the sun-lit cave, as Buddhists and visitors alike come to pay their respects to the huge reclining Buddha. Besides this beautiful golden, cloth-wrapped statue, the highlight (literally) of the cave is the giant hole in the ceiling, that lets the sun’s rays shine through, accentuating the mystical vibe present here.
It isn’t rare to see mobs of monkeys cheekily waiting for persuadable visitors to give them food, but be sure they don’t follow you in and snatch things from your purse, while you’re not looking. The visit to the cave can be combined with a visit to Bangkok.
Getting there: the cave is about a 1hr drive south of Bangkok
Wat Tha Ka Rong, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province
Spend a day gawking at all the colourful masks at Wat Tha Ka Rong temple and market © Battery2029
Throughout Thailand, you won’t run out of inspiring temples to visit, but the Wat Tha Ka Rong is one oddity worth the detour. The ubosot (temple architecture) is the first masterpiece to take in, decked in bright colours and intricate woodcraft. Inside, it’s statues galore – from Buddhist to Hindu to just plain kitsch. While some visitors will get caught up scrutinising every detail of the life-like monks, others may be standing in line to try the “best toilet in Thailand 2006”, according to the sign.
On the bank of the Chao Phraya River, the floating market is the second great reason to visit (only open on weekends). Feel like a kid in a candy shop trying the local foods, multi-coloured snacks, and going home with a silly trinket.
Getting there: the temple is about 1hr 30min drive north of Bangkok
Unseen Thailand – North
Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Rai Province
Endless rolling hills of tea leaf plantations in Mae Salong © kudumomo
For an immersive visit of Thailand’s agricultural landscape, visit the high-perched tea leaf plantations of Doi Mae Salong. In the village Santikhiri, formerly known as Mae Salong, settled by Chinese people who fled Yunnan in the 1960s, the cultural influence is very present in the foods and local produce, notably the oolong tea. A trek on Doi Mae Salong winds through the endless rows of tea plants, covered in misty clouds in the early morning.
Towards the end of the winter season, the smell of roasting tea fill the streets, as production is in full steam. Get cosy in one of the many tea shops and enjoy a cup of local oolong tea, or stop by Wang Put Tan, the largest producers in the area, to grab a bag to take back home.
Getting there: the tea leaf plantations are about and 1hr 20min drive from Chiang Rai
Unseen Thailand – Northeast
Phu Thok Mountain, Loei Province
The “sea of fog” view from Phu Thok Mountain at sunrise
Get an early start and catch the sunrise atop Phu Thok Mountain. As the chill of morning starts to fade, the sun pushes through a thick cloud covering the foot of the mountain. On a clear day, from the summit, the sea of fog gives way to views of the Mekong meandering through the landscapes of the Loei Province below.
Head to nearby Chiang Khan, and take a stroll down Chiang Khan Road, the famous walking street popular among Thai tourists, with its old wooden houses. Local crafts, books, clothes, and food will keep you popping into the stores that line the street, each with its own personal flare.
Getting there: Phu Thok Mountain is a 1hr drive from Loei
Unseen Thailand – South
Cheow Lan Lake (Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir), Surat Thani Province
A floating bungalow with a view of the Cheow Lan Lake
Flooded in 1982 during the creation of the Rajjaprabha Dam, the forest-cum-lake is now the habitat to numerous fish that enjoy contouring the submerged trees. As you float along, soak in the peace that emanates from this unique place, whose name means “the light of the kingdom”.
Few resorts have been authorised to establish themselves here on floating bungalows – you’ll be virtually alone to enjoy a trek through the Khao Sok National Park, home to Thailand’s largest virgin forest, which surrounds the lake. Keep your eyes out for monkeys or elephants, and, if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower species.
Getting there: after a 1hr 30min drive from Surat Thani, hop aboard one of the long tail boats at Rajjaprabha Dam
Ko Tarutao, Tarutao National Marine Park, Satun Province
A stroll down the pier towards the unique rock formation at Ko Tarutao
Don’t be deterred by the area’s reputation as an old sea gypsy den, prison base, and US reality TV show backdrop – Ko Tarutao island is a little piece of paradise. Nestled in the heart of the Tarutao National Marine Park, endless stretches of white sand and mangrove trees compete with the equally beautiful crystal clear waters and enigmatic rock formations. A wooden pier stretching out from the beach leads you to a stunning 30-metre-high cliff, shrouded in shrubbery on one side and sliced vertically on the other.
A bike ride or hike around the island, in presence of unspoilt jungle, countless butterflies, and bright hornbills, give enough reason as to why Tarutao is named after the Malay word for “primitive” or “mysterious”. Stretch out your discovery of the Tarutao National Marine Park by taking day trips to any of the other 51 other islands spread out in the Andaman Sea.
Getting there: from Hat Yai, take the 2hr drive to Pak Bara. Ferries leave the pier towards Ko Tarutao daily
Unseen Thailand – East
Sam Pan Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province
Thailand’s own “Grand Canyon” at Sam Pan Bak
An otherworldly sight hides along the Mekong River – the Sam Pan Boak rock reef, often referred to as the little Grand Canyon of Thailand. At the foot of jagged limestone rocks, the sky endlessly reflects across each water-filled crater – around 3,000 according to the translation of its name. Ponder over the holes formed through erosion over millions of years, wondering if that’s really a Mickey Mouse head or just your imagination.
Although the site is reachable by road, if you have a bit more time to spare, a boat leaving from Had Salueng in Baan Song Korn will take you there on a five kilometre, picturesque cruise. The best time to visit is from November to June, when the water level is low, revealing each fascinating nook and cranny.
Getting there: reach Sam Pan Boak after a 2hr drive from Ubon Ratchathani
Red Lotus Sea (aka Talay Bua Daeng), Nong Han, Udon Thani Province
Float through countless bright lily pads at the Red Lotus Sea © Jostartheworld
Board one of the longboats docked on the pontoon and float to the centre of this unique lake. All around you, millions of pink water lilies, or lotus flowers, hover above the water’s surface, contrasting with the deep green of the shallow lake. During the 45-minute visit, you may run into local fishermen on longboats, or catch a glimpse of small shrines set up on tiny islands. A local delicacy, try yourself to a dish of lotus stem curry or lotus stem som tam (papaya salad).
December through February are the best moments to go to see the flowers in bloom, but be prepared with warm clothing as the morning winds tend to be quite brisk. An early morning visit is best to see the flowers open (since they close with the sun’s heat) and to catch the herons, hawks, and other birds wading in the peaceful waters.
Getting there: the lake is only 45 minutes away from Udon Thani by car. Long tail boats are parked at the harbour to take you on a tour
Unseen Thailand – West
Erawan Waterfalls, Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi Province
Take a dip in the turquoise waters at the paradisiacal Erawan Waterfalls
Along the Khao Hin Lan Pee nature trail, after three hours walking through the lush forest of the Erawan National Park, you’ll finally lay your eyes on the green emerald waters of the Erawan Waterfalls. The waters flowing from tier to tier are imagined to form the shape of an elephant’s head, thus the name given to this natural wonder is inspired by the three-headed elephant in Hindu mythology.
Extremely tempting, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and jump in, splashing among the curious, nibbling fish – nature’s personal fish spa! On the 13th of April, the waterfall tiers become a water-fight playground, as visitors celebrate the annual Songkran Festival.
Getting there: the park is about a 3-hr drive west of Bangkok
