Thailand is much larger than it appears on a map, especially if you're coming from a huge country like Australia, Canada, or the USA. The kingdom's infrastructure reinforces this impression, particularly in smaller and more rural destinations.

Flying between Bangkok and popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi is straightforward. However, planning a continuous trip without revisiting the capital—especially if you want to venture off the beaten path—can suddenly seem much more difficult.

The aim of this page is to inform you about inspiring travel destinations in Thailand off the beaten track and to show you how best to integrate them into your trip.

Why so many travelers are stuck on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Phuket route

Many of my conversation partners, whether traveling in Thailand or contacting me via email regarding my travel planning service, simply see no way to explore Thailand off the beaten track. The main reason is simple: they have only planned one or two weeks for Thailand in total, leaving them with hardly any time for further exploration after Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket (or in some cases, Krabi).

There are two obvious solutions to this problem: either spend less time on Thailand's tourist trails (perhaps even skipping certain destinations altogether) or stay longer in Thailand. The second option is clearly preferable and saves you the choice between the familiar and the unfamiliar. However, as I will explain in the following sections, even travelers on relatively short stays can take exciting excursions from typical tourist destinations to more unusual places.

My favorite ways to explore Thailand off the beaten track

Take a day trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi or Ang Thong

To discover unique destinations in Thailand, you don't have to go far from Bangkok. One option for a short trip (or ideally a whole weekend) is Kanchanaburi, a western province characterized by both its natural beauty (with the majestic Erawan Waterfalls) and its rich culture. There you'll find the Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave) temple. Alternatively, you can travel north to Ang Thong and see its giant Buddha, which, with a little planning, is also possible as a day trip.

Choose Sukhothai instead of Ayutthaya

Unless you're staying in Ayutthaya (in which case, I believe you'll best experience the unique atmosphere of Thailand's ancient capital), I generally consider the even older capital, Sukhothai, a better choice for history buffs. It's smaller, less touristy, and easy to explore. Simply rent a bicycle from your accommodation, fuel up on some Sukhothai noodles, and cycle among the ruins (which are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset).

TIP: In the central Thai provinces such as Lopburi, Phetachabun, Ang Thong and Chaiyaphum, you can explore this underrated region of Thailand even further off the beaten track, especially if you are willing to rent a car.

Add Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nan, Phayao or Mae Hong Son to your Northern Thailand itinerary.

Let's be honest: many of Thailand's unique experiences aren't found in Chiang Mai. But you don't have to travel far to discover them. Just 90 minutes away and ideal for a day trip, the tranquil town of Lampang offers a relaxed atmosphere on the riverbank. Or spend a few days elsewhere, for example, north to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, or east on the famous Mae Hong Son Road tour by motorbike or car.

NOTE: If you are ready to travel even further off the beaten track in Northern Thailand, hire a car (or hire a car with a driver) and explore the area even more intensively, whether towards Isaan, i.e. Nan province, or on a trip from Chiang Rai to the underrated Phayao.

(Or visit the underrated Isaan region)

Sometimes called the "Texas of Thailand" (and sometimes not quite so affectionately), Isaan isn't an obvious choice for many travelers. Yet it's increasingly becoming one of my favorite regions in the kingdom. From rural Loei with its Phi Ta Kon festival, to Udon Thani with its "Sea of ​​Red Lotus," to the giant standing Buddha of Roi Et – there's a lot to suggest that Isaan (which also includes the provinces of Nakhon Phanom and Ubon Ratchathani) is the most authentic part of Thailand.

Make a stopover in Chanthaburi on your way to Koh Chang.

Another example of Thailand off the beaten track, located on the way to more popular destinations? The tranquil town of Chanthaburi in the far east of Thailand. Whether you want to visit the famous cathedral, try the "authentic" Pad Thai noodles, or simply relax on the banks of the Chanthaboon River, Chanthaburi makes a great stopover on the way to or from Koh Chang and the other Trat Islands, at least as long as you're traveling overland to or from Bangkok.

TIP: Explore Thailand's Far East off the beaten track with a stopover in Trat Town, whether you stay overnight or not.

Explore Thailand's deep south (with caution).

To be quite honest, some of Thailand's southernmost provinces are genuinely dangerous—no Thai friend of mine would let me go to Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat if they knew about my travel plans. At the same time, other provinces in the area are perfectly safe, including the diverse Hat Yai (where Muslim and Chinese cultures blend), the vibrant Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, which I've heard described as "authentic southern Thailand."

Go island hopping – and do it right!

Thailand has so many islands that most people stop counting at five or six. Those wanting to explore Thailand's maritime world off the beaten track need to set aside some time. In the Andaman Sea, this can be as simple as a day trip from Phuket or Phang Nga to the protected Similan Islands, or using it as a starting point for the often-overlooked island of Koh Lanta, from which you can explore the secluded Trang and the idyllic Koh Lipe. In the Gulf of Thailand, the Trat Islands (especially Koh Wai) offer just the right thing for those who like to venture off the beaten path.

How to travel off the beaten track without leaving Bangkok

Are you planning a trip to Thailand but only want to spend a little time outside of Bangkok (if any at all)? Don't worry – there's plenty to discover off the beaten track without leaving the capital. Here are some of my favorite options:

  • The so-called “UFO Temple” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is only a few minutes away from Don Mueang Airport by Grab taxi, but feels like a completely different world.
  • Similarly, Wat Pak Nam (on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, itself a treasure hidden right before our eyes) is known among Japanese tourists as the "space temple" because of its heavenly interior.
  • Even though Ban That Thong Road will not disappear from the scene for much longer, it is currently a nice alternative to some of Bangkok's more well-known street food districts.

    • The same logic, it should be said, can also be applied to Chiang Mai and Phuket, as I have already indicated in some of the previous sections.

    Other frequently asked questions about “Off the beaten track in Thailand”

    Where can I go off the beaten track in Thailand?

    Those who have visited Thailand many times and now wish to venture off the beaten track will find the best opportunities to experience a lesser-known side of the country in lesser-known regions such as Isaan and the far south. Conversely, shorter excursions from popular destinations (e.g., Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, Chiang Rai or Lampang from Chiang Mai) offer the chance to discover other facets of Thailand without a significant investment of time or money.

    What can you do in Bangkok off the beaten tourist track?

    The easiest way to explore Bangkok off the beaten track is to travel from Rattanakosin (the tourist center of the old city) across the Chao Phraya River to Thonburi, where there are significantly fewer visitors. There, you can indulge in underrated foodie hotspots like Ban That Thong Road or take trips to unique sights such as Wat Phra Dhammakaya, the so-called "UFO Temple."

    What should I avoid in Thailand?

    Objectively speaking, there's no place in Thailand you should avoid – everyone has different interests, and most of them are perfectly legitimate. However, if you're looking for a relaxing holiday on beautiful beaches, you should probably avoid the west coast of Phuket and the center of Pattaya. While Chiang Mai can be a lot of fun, other northern provinces (namely Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son) are considerably quieter.

    Conclusion

    Discovering Thailand off the beaten track doesn't have to be difficult. The first step? Choosing your destination—or at least the types of places you want to visit. For example, if island hopping is your priority, you can easily decide which stretch of Thailand's coastline to head to and which specific islands you want to visit. The next step is to incorporate other destinations into your itinerary, whether it's a weekend trip to Kanchanaburi after exploring Bangkok or discovering an entire, underrated region like Isaan or Thailand's far south. Need help creating a truly unique itinerary? Then let me plan your Thailand trip!