The mere mention of Thailand evokes images of exotic islands, picture-perfect beaches, azure blue waters and full moon parties. The land of smiles is extremely organized for tourism, which makes it an easy country to travel to for anyone. It’s no surprise that most of the people end up going to tourist hotspots like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui. Although, Thailand’s real beauty lies beyond the conventional tourist hotspots. If you dig a little deeper, you can discover lesser-known places which offer unique and delightful experiences. So, let's dig in together.
Top destinations for your next dream vacation:
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is the perfect tropical paradise – a cocktail of untouched beaches, unbelievably clear waters and a relaxed ambience. It is one of those places where you arrive but never leave. Travellers here just lounge on the beaches, gape in awe at the sunsets and chill at beach-side bars. Its dive sites are considered to be some of the best in the world. Needless to say, the first thing you should be doing is plunging into the waters.
How to reach
It can be reached from the nearest airport of Krabi by bus/taxi and ferry in 2-2.5 hours. In fact, you can also book a private express airport transfer directly from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta. This will definitely be a faster route to reach the island.
Stay
If you want to crash out in a basic sandy shack, you can check out Fisherman's Cottage or Lanta Roundhouse. Looking for a better option, Costa Lanta is an overgrown garden punctuated with fabulous polished concrete minimalist havens. Sri Lanta is a little more local, with layers of teak and rattan in its pitched-roofed cottages. Then there's Layana, somewhere between the two geographically and the jazziest place to bed down on this stretch.
Beyond the hotels, there is the kind of beach bars you really do want to find in Thailand. Kantiang beach has two gems: Same Same But Different for drinks as the sun slips down and the Why Not bar for later on.
Koh Muk
Koh Muk is mainly known for the mesmerizing Emerald Cave, which is visited from the popular neighbouring island of Koh Lanta. As it is one of the most unique natural wonders out there. However, only a few travellers take the time to stop by to explore Koh Muk itself. If you want to experience a typical Thai village lifestyle, white beaches all to yourself and excellent snorkelling, you should spend some time on Koh Muk. The island is just big enough to rent a bike or a scooter to explore the inland and beaches on the other sides of the island.
How to reach
Take a short 45 minutes ferry from Trang or a 4-hour ferry from Krabi to get to Koh Muk.
To explore Emerald Cave before the tourists come you can rent a kayak and go early in the morning at sunrise. Emerald Cave is an absolutely breathtaking place to go. It requires that you either swim or kayak the 80 meters through the mountain until you get to an opening with a small beach surrounded by high cliff walls.
Apart from the famous cave, Koh Muk also features a few lovely beaches including Hua Laem Beach, Haad Farang Beach and Phangka Bay.
Stay
There are a handful of accommodations on the island. Many are located on Haad Farang Beach and are active only in the high season between Nov – April but a few of them stay open all year round. Most Koh Muk hotels are in the budget to mid-range category, meaning you can choose from a basic bamboo chalet with a fan to a comfortable bungalow with air conditioning. One such place is Mook Lamai Resort and Spa and Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort.
Koh Lipe
Dream of owning an island without paying a penny? Then Koh Lipe is the answer to that dream. Well, you can’t really own the island, but you are certain to have the island to yourself. Koh Lipe is one of those islands completely untouched by tourism. Its beaches are milky white and its waters are a stunning green. No wonder then that Koh Lipe has some of the most spectacular dive sites in Thailand. The waters here invite some unique species like dugongs, sperm whales and minke whales. When you are not living underwater, you can walk through the tiny island and discover charming villages.
How to reach
Take a flight directly from Bangkok to Hat Yai. It’s a 4.5-hour journey from there by van and ferry.
Explore the island by foot as it is only 2km long and 1km wide or take a boat trip and do island hopping. Be aware that the coral reef is protected, so you have to be careful when snorkeling.
Stay
Some of the best hotels in Koh Lipe are in Sunrise Beach. If you can afford a room with a private swimming pool or beach bungalow, Sunrise Beach is the place. Serendipity Beach Resort or Lipe Beach Resort would be my bet. Travelling to Koh Lipe on a budget? Don’t panic, there are medium range and budget hotels in Sunrise Beach as well. However, if you book a resort in Pattaya Beach you won’t have to worry about carrying your luggage. Another positive aspect of choosing accommodation in Pattaya Beach is the food scene.
Sunrise beach is where the cool Sea La Vie Bar is located (I love it), and on the northernmost point of Sunrise Beach is Bulow Beach with stunning sunset views. Another gem, Benny’s on the Beach ( completely vegetarian) is located on Sunset beach, and it’s one of the best restaurants in Koh Lipe. However, if you want to meet people, listen to good music and dance, Maya Bar, situated right in the centre of Walking Street, is the coolest bar on the island.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island with a dual personality. On most days of the month, it’s as idyllic as it gets here. Travellers either laze on the beaches, hike in the jungles, dive into its turquoise waters or chill at its bars. On the night of the full moon though, the island transforms into a frenzied party place. Haad Rin beach – the venue for the crazy carnival is packed with 10000-30000 partygoers from across the world. The night is marked by bucket loads of booze, deafening music, drunken dancing and insane fire stunts. The madness on that night is just off the charts.
How to reach
Take a flight directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui. A 45 mins ferry from there takes you to Koh Phangan.
There is a multitude of things to do (apart from the full moon parties). Visit Thong Sala Night market, admire the sunset at Amsterdam bar and make sure you don't miss the waterfalls.
Stay
Koh Phangan Hotels are many and varied, including everything from stunning five-star beachside pool resorts to simple cheap guesthouses. If you fancy relaxing in a luxury stay, then my bet would be Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas and Spa by L'Occitane, Anantara Rasanada Koh Phangan Village Resort & Spa and Panviman Resort.
However, there are plenty of options for budget travellers as well. Notable ones are Phangan Rainbow Bungalows, Limelight Village and Havana Beach Resort (Get the beachfront room if you want to make the most out of your beach vacation or a top floor unit for unbeatable views and more privacy :) )
Koh Phangan’s dining scene is in constant evolution following the sustained growth of visitors coming to the island for holidays. Fisherman's Restaurant ( Baan Tai Pier), Luna Lounge (Thong Nai Pan Noi), Jumpahom Restaurant (Haad Salad) and many more offer an eclectic choice of dining options able to satisfy all types of diners.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is ideal for those who are looking for a quiet beach location but doesn't want to sacrifice comfort. If you feel stranded in the chaos of Phuket, Khao Lak is the perfect escape. Since, with a dreamy combination of rainforests and unspoilt beaches, you get to experience the best of both worlds sans the crowd. The surrounding hills along this paradise are home to three different national parks of Thailand.
How to reach
Khao Lak can be reached from Phuket by road in 2 hours.
Several islands around Khao Lak can be easily explored from here. These include Similan Islands, Phang Nag Bay, Surin Islands, Khao Soak and several others. It serves as the base for the world-class dive sites of Similan and Surin islands. Khao Lak is a string of gorgeous beaches that stretch on for 20 km. From Nang Thong Beach in the south, you’ll pass Bang Niang Beach, then Khao Lak Beach, before reaching Khuk Khak Beach in the north. I recommend the Khao Lak Temple tour for a unique and offbeat experience. And in case you are an adventure lover, you can enjoy the rafting and zip-lining activity.
Scuba diving in Similan islands is considered to be one of the best in the world!!!
Stay
Bang La On is the most tourists oriented of the three Khao Lak towns, and the area most commonly referred to by tourists as Khao Lak. If you are looking for luxury accommodation, then check out The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani. For a more family-oriented resort, my bet would be JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. If you are on a budget, don't fret. There are quite a few options like Baramate Khao Lak, The Retreat Khao Lak Resort and Hotel Gahn.
Khao Lak offers a good choice of places to spend the evening. From attractive beachfront venues to roadside bars, nightlife entertainment options in Khao Lak have a family-friendly touch. Khao Lak’s most popular nightspots often feature live music and cheerful ambiences like Happy Snapper Bar and Monkey Bar. Khao Lak’s dining scene is similar to many of the favourite holiday resorts in southern Thailand. You’ll find a great choice of restaurants serving food from all around the world for any type of budget. Some notable ones are Ficus Restaurant (inside The Sarojin luxury hotel)and Memories Beach Bar and Restaurant.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a place history buffs would love. Its ticket to fame is a bridge over River Kwai, made popular by a movie of the same name. There is in fact so much more to the city than the popular trios: Death Railway, Bridge over the River Kwae (Kwai) and the Allied War Cemetery. And it’s not just about revisiting history lessons here. There are dense jungles, scenic national parks, beautiful waterfalls and charming riverside villages. Whether bamboo rafting journeys along the River Kwae, Khmer temple ruins tour or a day out shopping at the gemstone village. Although a year-round destination, the best time to visit Kanchanaburi is November to February when temperatures are relatively cooler than the rest of the year.
How to reach
Kanchanaburi is a 2-3 Hour ride from Bangkok. You can either take a cab, bus or train from Bangkok to reach Kanchanaburi.
Some of the noteworthy things to do here are caves exploration, visit Erawan National Park (housing one of the most famous waterfalls in the country), retrace the Death Railway route and indulge in some adrenaline rush with river rafting.
Stay
There are several options for places to stay – from simple guesthouses to more luxury lodgings located on the Kwai riverfront itself. My bet would be on Princess River Kwai Hotel, The Zeit River Kwai and U Inchantree Kanchanaburi. If you are looking for ultimate luxury, then look no further. The FloatHouse River Kwai floating resort aims to be the world’s best floating villas.
Kanchanaburi has an extensive lineup of bars and pubs along its riverside stretch, from the Allied War Cemetery to slightly north of the bridge. Nightclubs are more expensive and cater mostly for well-to-do holidaymakers from Bangkok. So, expect to pay for expensive food and drinks, but the live bands and DJs make the experience worthwhile. Budget travellers will find themselves at home in the bars on Mae Nam Kwae Road. Favoured by backpackers looking to share travel tales as well as good times, these venues offer a relaxing, friendly atmosphere in which you can feel totally at ease.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of the best diving destinations in Thailand. Well, it also happens to be the cheapest. The waters here are a sparkling blue, the marine life is diverse and the corals are a splash of colours. The icing on the cake is a chance to swim along with massive whale sharks. The island’s natural beauty both above and below the water, with its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life in clear, warm water, bring thousands of visitors here each year making it an unforgettable destination for divers, adventurers and travellers alike.
How to reach
Take a flight to Koh Samui or Surat Thani. From there, a boat journey takes around 3-4 hrs depending on the boat.
Are you waiting to start diving? Why not do it here. You can get your Padi degree from one of the dive schools on the island. Alternatively, indulge in some snorkelling or kayaking. Or, join one of the free guided half-day hikes to discover Koh Tao’s hideaway Southwest Coast.
Stay
Koh Tao now offers a wide choice of places to stay and as a traveller, you are spoiled for choice with uncountable hotels, hostel, Bed & Breakfasts, boutique hotels, private villas, apartments and more. For mid-range stays, Mango Bay Boutique Resort or Dusit Buncha Resort is a good bet. If you are looking for a luxury vacation, then Koh Tao Cabana Resort and Jamahkiri Resort and Spa are definitely up there.
Insider Tip: If you are on a budget and planning on scuba diving, speak with one of the dive schools to get FREE (budget) accommodation. You can thank me later...
You are spoilt for choice with upscale dining, local Thai cuisine, party places, live music and of course beach lounge bars, most of them all clustered around Sairee Beach. For some lip-smacking food, try Barracuda restaurant. And for drinks later, Lotus Bar and Choppers Bar are definitely not to be missed.
Koh Samet
Named after the ‘Samet’ trees (Thai for cajeput trees), which grow on the island in abundance, Koh Samet offers all the essential elements that make up a fun-filled holiday escape – an endless expanse of turquoise blue sea, crescent bays with fine white sand, lots of water sports and a throbbing nightlife.
How to reach
A 2.5-3 hour drive from Bangkok and about 45 minutes by ferry from Ban Phe Pier in Rayong.
Beaches are what Koh Samet is famous for. One tip, though, is that the further south you go, the less developed and less crowded it gets, which doesn’t necessarily mean less beautiful bays. The west coast is more rocky and isolated, with forest-covered headlands and white-sand beaches – the perfect setup for upscale resorts. Ao Phrao is the main landing point on this part of the island and boasts absolutely stunning beaches with azure water.
Stay
With multiple stay options available, there is something for every kind of traveller. For a mid-range stay, check Baan Ploy Sea and Vongdeuan Resort. For a luxury stay, there is Paradee and Le Vimarn Cottages and Spa.
If you prefer more of an island atmosphere and simpler local food, then head over to Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Phai, or Ao Hin Khok. Occupying these two popular hangout spots are endless rows of seafood joints, set up in a chilled-out style at nightfall, with low, candlelit tables and straw mats laden with triangular pillows and cushions. Take a pick from Jep's Bungalow & Restaurant, Baan Ploi Samet and Blu Sky restaurant.
If you are looking for a place to chill with a sea view and somewhere that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, Naga Bar might be just the place for you. This is my favourite among all the other nightlife options. Few other notable ones are Baywatch Bar and Silver Sand Bar.
Koh Chang
While Thailand’s southern islands tend to get all the tourism love, those seeking out hidden gems in Thailand should consider heading to Koh Chang. Koh Chang is Thailand’s third-largest island but, compared to the two ahead of it (Phuket and Samui), it receives only a fraction of the tourists. This means Koh Chang is definitely worth visiting if you want to avoid the crowds.
How to reach
By bus/taxi and ferry it takes approx. 7-7.5 hrs to reach this island.
Once on Koh Chang, you’ll be greeted by a lush, mountainous island with idyllic beaches, cascading waterfalls, and small Thai villages. Be sure to head to the south of the island to check out Bang Bao Pier, where you’ll find a fishing village built entirely over the water.
Here's a brief rundown of the island's main beaches. These are all on the west coast, with the White Sand beach (busiest and most touristy) in the north and Lonely beach in the south. In between, you have Klong Prao - the longest beach on the island and Kai Bae beach. If you’re an adventurous type and don’t particularly enjoy spending all your time on the beach, then this island has a lot to offer. Some of the most popular activities on Koh Chang are kayaking, jungle trekking and diving and snorkelling. Another highlight is visiting the many waterfalls located throughout the island. For something more laid back why not take a Thai cooking class, ride on the back of an elephant on a jungle trek and then end the day with a relaxing massage in one of the many spas on the island.
Stay
There is an extensive range of accommodation available to suit every need and budget. From the mid-range beachfront accommodation Cookies Hotel and Warapura Resort to luxury accommodation The Chill and Chivapuri beach Resort.
There’s a wide range of cuisines on offer. Try Sharky’s Restaurant & Grill, Kai Bae or Ido Ido Restaurant, Hat Sai Noi, Bangbao. Plenty of cafes, beach bars, beer bars, pubs and clubs can be found on almost every beach, especially the popular ones like White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely beach, the latter being the hub for full-and half-moon parties held regularly. Among the most popular are 15 Palms, Sabay Bar, Casamarina, A Lee bar, Tree House etc.
Koh Kood
One of the last remaining untouched islands of Thailand, Koh Kood is the sort of place you go to disconnect from civilization, and it attracts primarily families and couples looking for a peaceful getaway. Its white-sand beaches are perfect to string up a hammock and read that novel you bought.
You could easily spend the whole day on the beach at Klong Chao, dipping in and out of the water and popping into beachfront restaurants for meals and drinks.
How to reach
It can be reached from Bangkok by bus/taxi and ferry. The total journey duration would be 6-7 hours.
For a little more activity, you can head out on diving, snorkelling, or kayaking trips. Or, rent a motorbike to explore the island independently, making sure not to miss the Secret Waterfall, the famed giant Makka trees, and the fishing village of Ban Ao Yai. Koh Kood is still pretty much a High Season only destination and it’s for nature lovers, rather than those who need a wide choice of shops, bars and restaurants.
Stay
Koh Kood’s pristine white sand beaches which skirt the west and south of the island are home to around 50 resorts, hotels and bungalows. Koh Kood’s resorts run the gamut from the usual beach bungalows up to super expensive 5-star boutique resorts. Klong Chao Beach is a great place to stay. On one hand, there is super luxury Soneva Kiri, where guests pay to the tune of $1,000 per night to reasonable 5 stars like Cham's House and Wendy the Pool. There’s also a good choice of 4-star beach bungalows at resorts such as Medee Resort or the new To The Sea in Bangbao Bay. For something a little different try Baan Makok, funky fishermen’s huts on a mangrove clad estuary.
Go straight to the beach bar at Peter Pan Resort for one of the best sunset cocktails you’ll find. And for dinner, the riverside restaurant at Mangrove Bungalows is excellent or, a bit cheaper, ‘Ra Beang Mai’, at the entrance to Klong Jao Homestay also serves up delicious Thai food. For the best views, head south up the hill to the aptly named Good View bungalows which have a small coffee shop/restaurant with a panoramic view looking down along the length of the beach.
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