When planning a trip to Thailand, the images that often spring to mind are those of golden pagodas; buzzing markets and nightlife in Bangkok; and the busy beaches of Phuket. But " the land of smiles" holds many more secrets waiting to be unearthed in its lesser-known cities and towns. They´re all safe for travelers; accessible via the country´s efficient network of air routes, roads, and trains; and offer a range of accommodations; The best time to visit them is during the relatively cool, dry season between November and early April. And here are eight worthy of mention
Chiang Rai: Gateway to the Golden Triangle
While Chiang Mai often steals the limelight in northern Thailand, its neighbouring city, Chiang Rai, stands as an unmissable destination. It is home to the extraordinary "White Temple," Wat Rong Khun (top), an art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple. This architectural marvel, with its intricate carvings and surreal layout, will leave you awe-struck. Chiang Rai's location in the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, offers unique cultural experiences and breath-taking landscapes.
Hua Hin: A Royal Beach Retreat
Located on the southern coast some three hours from Bangkok,,this town has been a popular beach resort since the early-20th-century king Prajahipok (Rama VII) had a summer palace built there. It´s a perfect blend of urban life and beach relaxation, with a long, serene beach, lively night markets, attractions including a historical railway station; Sam Roi Yot National Park with its Praya Nakhon Cave.
Loei: Thailand’s Wild Frontier
The gateway to northeastern Thailand, on the Mekong River bordering Laos, is a mountainous, relatively sparsely populated region often overlooked by foreign tourists, a natural wonderland with unique landscapes from fog-shrouded mountains to stunning national parks such as Phu Kradung and Phu Ruea,. Loei’s rich cultural heritage and annual Ghost Festival make it a destination filled with excitement and intrigue.
Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Blend of History and Nature
Down south just over two hours by air from Bangkok, this city of 102,000 is one of Thailand´s oldest, marrying historical riches with natural beauty. Its towering temple Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is one of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist sites, attracting pilgrims with its majestic spire and revered Buddha relics, and the region is also famed for its "shadow puppet" plays and classical táknon dance-dramas. and Outside town you'll find unspoiled beaches as well as verdant jungles and mist-laden peaks at the Khao Luang National Park.whose dazzling waterfalls and singular flora and fauna make it an ideal escape for nature lovers.
Pai: A Hippie Haven
A town of some 2,300 ucked away in the mountain valleys of far northern Thailand, Pai has for quite a few years already been a hippie/counterculture paradise. Its laid-back atmosphere, coupled with stunning landscapes of cascading waterfalls, hot springs, rivers for rafting, and endless rice fields, makes it a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Sukhothai: Birthplace of Thai Civilization
Sukhothai, a six-hour drive or 1½-hour flight north of Bangkok, is a modern city of some 37,000, but its main draw is the nearby ruins of the first capital of Siam (1238-1438) - a must-visit for history buffs. The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses an impressive collection of nearly 200 temples, monuments, and Buddha statues. Exploring the ancient ruins, one can’t help but feel transported back to the kingdom's golden age.
Trang: The Hidden Gem of the South
A just-over-four-hour flight south of Bangkok this quiet city of around 60,000 offers an authentic local experience away from the typical tourist crowds. Trang is known for its delicious street food, charming old town, wall murals, atmospheric markets, and unspoiled nearby beaches and islands.
For excellent Thailand tour packages, click here, and for more information about all the above and more, check out TourismThailand.org.
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