Thailand is home to some of Asia's best tourist attractions, some of which are less well-known but just as cool. If you're looking to get off the beaten track and see some of the more undiscovered attractions that this lovely country has to offer, check out our list below for the top 10 most underrated places in Thailand.
Established in 1962, Khao Yai was the country's first national park. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and its wildlife is understandably impressive. From rare elephant sightings to bats and birds, a visit to this beautiful park is a great place to see wildlife. Visitors can choose their own itinerary, which includes hiking, wildlife viewing, waterfalls, whitewater rafting, and overnight stays in the park. If you like rock climbing, it is also recommended to hike to the top of the viewpoint.
Sukhothai means "dawn of happiness" in Thai and is a great place for those who want to visit the ruins of the ancient city. Here, Sukhothai was the first capital of Thailand in the 13th century CE, and its founder was King Ramkhamhaeng. In addition, these ruins have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making them a unique attraction. Ancient temples such as Wat Mahathat and monuments, as well as the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum are also part of the site. Tourists can also visit the Royal Palace for some cultural education. Finally, Sukhothai is home to 2 national parks: Ramkhamhaeng National Park and Sri Satchanalai National Park.
Just 100 kilometers from the east coast and close to Cambodia, lies one of the most underrated places in Thailand. Filled with mountains and tranquil beaches, this island is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It is considered one of the most scenic places in Thailand, and tourists agree with it. In addition, visitors here can see magnificent waterfalls, the largest of which is the Kling Tide. Snorkeling, kayaking, or jungle trekking are other great options if you want to explore beyond the beach. In addition, there are several fishing villages on the island, such as Ao Yai and Ao Salat, which are worth visiting to see how the local islanders live.
Traveling to Koh Muk requires some planning as it includes a ferry ride from the mainland in Trang province. However, once you arrive, Farang Beach will make you feel right at home. And, if you didn't already know, "farang" is the Thai term for "white foreigners". Here, head to the island's most famous attraction: Tham Morakot, a cave featuring emerald waters. In addition, tourists can see other things, such as traditional fishing villages. Alas, if you don't like sightseeing, you can always lie on a beach mat and relax on the beach. Remember to dress conservatively, as the island is mostly populated by Muslim locals.
From Bangkok, the city is famous for free-roaming crab macaques. Hence, the city is known as the Monkey City because it is full of these four-legged monkeys. Marco Polo is considered the first explorer of the city, as he even mentions it in his book Travels. Also, visiting Khmer temples and shrines is another great option to visit Lopburi as they are absolutely stunning. A word of warning is to hide everything on you, as monkeys are known for pickpocketing. If they think you have food, they'll attack too, so be vigilant!
Phetchaburi is famous for its desserts, and if you want to taste delicious Thai food, Phetchaburi is the perfect place for you. Here, khanong mor gaeng, a very popular custard, among other delicacies. The city actually has the same name as the provincial capital, which makes it a bit confusing. However, it is one of the oldest cities in Thailand and one of the most underrated, so history buffs will love learning about its roots. The Royal Palace or Khao Wang is located on a large hill, making it a popular attraction. Alternatively, visitors can head to the nearby Khao Luong C**es, which have Buddha statues or ancient trees surrounded by stalactites.
Close to the Cambodian border, in the Gulf of Thailand, lies Koh Maak. Visitors to this island describe it as a tropical paradise, and these ** seem to back up their claims. The water here is crystal clear, and there are rubber farms and coconut plantations on the island. Snorkeling is also recommended here as the reef is visually appealing. In addition, if lying on the beach is too monotonous, visitors can also choose to take part in Muay Thai or cooking classes. One thing to know is that since there are no ATMs on the island, it is important to carry cash.
Phimai Historical Park is home to some of Thailand's best-preserved Khmer temples. As tourists say, these temples are comparable to the temples you see in Angkor Wat, Cambodia, and the park is definitely a great place to visit. Also, unlike Angkor Wat, you won't trip over people just to take a good picture because there aren't many tourists in the park. An interesting tidbit about the park is that the temples were actually built by Hindus, but in the style of Buddhist temples. However, they still retain Khmer architectural features. Most of the buildings in the park were built in the 11th and 12th centuries and are sure to delight those interested in the history of the area.
Located in the Andaman Sea, this tranquil island is one of the most underrated places in Thailand. The hotel offers a peaceful place to relax. Since it is part of the Had Chou Mai National Park, the island is protected land. Although the island is a narrow strip of land, it is known for providing excellent snorkeling because of its coral reefs close to the shores of Sunset Beach. Another major beach on the island is called Paradise, which is more suitable for sunbathing or enjoying the scenery. Plus, the paradise is perfect for viewing the other surrounding islands and continents, making it a great place to take photos!
Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay, a 30-minute boat ride from Phuket. The island is known for being unspoiled by numerous tourist destinations, with only a handful of resorts and budget accommodation. The island is known as the "Little Long Island" because of its appearance and scenic mountain ranges. The east side of the mountain range is where you can swim and snorkel, while the west side is perfect for viewing mangroves and rice paddies. Diving courses are available here, and boat trips to other islands are also available. This is one of the best places to relax while basking in the tropical sun in a hammock.