Updated: June 2025
Thailand is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There are 1,430 beautiful islands, 147 national parks, 58 wildlife sanctuaries, and over 40,700 Buddhist temples to explore and discover.
You can find all the different landscapes here, including some amazing hills and mountain tops and some of the most beautiful tropical islands in Asia. Thailand is a very popular destination for tourists, backpackers, and holiday-makers, but there are still so many undiscovered places and hidden gems if your wish is to travel off the beaten path.
Here are some amazing and unique places in Thailand you can enjoy without the crowds!
1. Phetchabun: Camping Above the Clouds
2. Mae Hong Son: From Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
3. Khao Sok: Thailand’s best-hidden gem
4. Sukhothai: World Heritage City
5. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat: The Mountain Temple
6. Erawan National Park: Magical Waterfalls
7. Koh Tarutao: Deserted Island
8. Phanon Rung: Historical Park
9. Khanom: Pink Dolphins
10. Khao Sam Roi Yot: Phraya Nakhon Cave
1 Phetchabun:
Camping Above the Clouds
Phetchabun is a Thai province in north-central Thailand known for some of the most stunning national parks. The area offers breathtaking mountain views and is often called the Thai Alps or Thai Switzerland. In Khao Kho National Park, you’ll find many campsites, including Phu That Boek — the highest campsite in the area, where on a clear day you can witness the spectacular sight of clouds floating above the mountains.
If you want to stay overnight, you can bring your own tent and pay a small fee of 50 THB for setting up, or rent a tent from the national park for around 400 THB. Alternatively, you can stay in the nearby town of Khao Kho and visit the mountain viewpoint on a day trip.
This area is famous for its cool and fresh climate, with daytime temperatures around 15°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to between 5°C and 10°C, so be sure to bring warm clothes. There are plenty of stalls where you can buy hot tea and soup to keep cozy.
Tip: The best time to visit Phu That Boek is from November to January.
How to get here:
The drive from Bangkok takes about 6 hours from the Bangkok Bus Terminal, or you can take a 50-minute flight to Phitsanulok Airport.
2 Mae Hong Son:
From Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a remote, mountainous province in northern Thailand, close to the Myanmar border. This magical region is home to several hill tribes, including the Kayans—also known as the Padaung people or “long-neck” ethnic group.
For the adventurous, the Mae Hong Son loop is one of Thailand’s most stunning and thrilling motorbike routes, perfect for confident riders. The area is ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and mountain enthusiasts. Driving The Mae Hong Son Loop
Tip: When traveling from Chiang Mai, take the scenic route to Mae Hong Son. Don’t miss a stopover in the quirky town of Pai, famous for its laid-back “hippie vibes.”
How to get here: Fly or take the train to Chiang Mai, then rent a bike to explore the region.
3 Khao Sok:
Thailand’s best-hidden gem
Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most underrated destinations. It’s a true paradise for nature lovers, home to some of the rarest wildlife and bird species.
You’ll find plenty of accommodation around the Khao Sok area, but for the ultimate experience, book a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. The lake’s beauty is breathtaking—imagine being on the set of the movie Avatar. The crystal-clear water is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and islands rising from the water, creating a surreal landscape.
How to get here: Khao Sok National Park is just a couple of hours’ drive from Krabi or Phuket, making it an easy must-visit if you’re in the region. I recommend staying a few nights to fully explore the jungle and enjoy a day on Cheow Lan Lake.
4 Sukhothai:
World Heritage City
Sukhothai is a small town about 430 km from Bangkok, known for its rich history and peaceful atmosphere. The Sukhothai Historical Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in Thai history, and it’s less crowded than the more famous Ayutthaya.
The park is divided into five sections, each filled with ancient Buddhist temple ruins. You can explore on foot or rent a bicycle to cover more ground easily while admiring the stunning architecture.
How to get here: AirAsia and Nok Air offer daily “fly and ride” tickets that include a minibus transfer to Phitsanulok Airport. Alternatively, you can take a train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal railway station to Phitsanulok station.
5 Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat:
The Mountain Temple
This spectacular temple is perched atop a rocky hill in the countryside, about 60 kilometers from Lampang city. It’s a truly magical and awe-inspiring site.
When you arrive at the top, there’s still a 400-meter climb on foot to reach the very summit. Entry costs 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children. The ticket includes parking and a return bus trip up the mountainside.
The ticket office is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. It’s highly recommended to visit early in the morning to fully soak in the serene and magical atmosphere.
How to get here: Fly to Chiang Mai and rent a car. The temple is about a 2.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai.
6 Erawan National Park:
Magical Waterfalls
Erawan Waterfalls in Kanchanaburi may not be a secret, but it’s truly a unique and unforgettable place to visit. Like many popular local spots in Thailand, it can get busy on weekends as locals come to enjoy the natural beauty.
The waterfalls have 7 levels, so be ready for some climbing and fun sliding down natural cascades.
How to get here: Take a bus from Kanchanaburi station for 50 THB each way. The waterfalls close around 3:30 PM, and the last bus back leaves at 5:00 PM. Entry fee to Erawan National Park is 300 THB.
7 Koh Tarutao:
Deserted Island
Located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Tarutao is Thailand’s largest marine park and one of the quietest islands in the region. With only a few bungalows and a campsite, it offers the perfect deserted island vibe and empty, pristine beaches.
If you’re craving untouched paradise without the tourist crowds, Koh Tarutao is your winner. The best way to explore the island is by bike, which you can rent for about 250 THB per day.
Don’t expect luxury here—there’s no air conditioning, and electricity runs only during certain hours—but the raw experience, surrounded by wildlife and ever-present monkeys, is truly unforgettable.
How to get here: Fly to Hat Yai or Trang Airport in southern Thailand. Then travel to Satun, Pakbara Pier, and take a boat to the island.
8 Phanon Rung:
Historical Park
Phanom Rung is Thailand’s only Hindu-Khmer temple complex, built atop an extinct volcano. Located in Buriram Province in the Isan region, this stunning temple ruins site is well preserved and offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the views.
The temple is often compared to a smaller version of Angkor Wat, making it a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.
How to get here: Phanom Rung is about 30 kilometers north of Buriram town. You can reach it by train or bus from Bangkok, or fly into the nearby Khao Phanom Rung airport.
9 Khanom:
Pink Dolphins
Khanom is the northernmost district of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in southern Thailand. Nestled along the coast, Khanom boasts at least ten beautiful beaches, most of which are quiet and untouched, perfect for travelers seeking peace and nature.
The area’s biggest highlight is the chance to spot the rare and charming pink dolphins. You can join local boat tours from the town to see these unique creatures in their natural habitat.
How to get here: Fly to either Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat airports. Since taxis can be costly, renting a scooter or car is recommended to explore the beaches and surroundings freely.
10 Khao Sam Roi Yot:
Phraya Nakhon Cave
Just under 45 minutes from Hua Hin city center lies the enchanting Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The scenic drive from Hua Hin takes you through pineapple plantations, rice fields, and quaint fishing villages.
The trek to Phraya Nakhon Cave, located about 430 meters above sea level, is a steep and challenging climb of around one hour. Proper hiking shoes or trainers are strongly recommended. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of the cave and its iconic Buddhist pavilion. Entry fee is 200 THB per person.
How to get here: Drive about 45 minutes from Hua Hin to the small beachside village of Bang Pu.
Hope this inspired you to explore some of Thailand’s lesser-known gems and discover truly amazing places! Even in the more popular spots, there’s always a peaceful corner waiting for you. The only thing left to do now is to GO OUT AND EXPLORE!!!! 🌏✨
