No question, Thailand's most famous places are true highlights of this earth. But if you want to experience more, far away from the tourist crowds, then come with us in this article on a journey to the unknown pearls and discover fascinating sides of the Asian country.
Trang - the green oasis at zero cost
The Thung Khai Botanical Garden is located in Trang. Far from any traffic, hustle and bustle and for absolute nature lovers, you have the opportunity to breathe in peace. In the Botanical Garden you don't need any special clothes, the paths there are well paved. However, the humidity is very high so that the exotic plants like trees, colorful flowers and summer palms can grow and flourish. Temperatures are very comfortable due to the shade cast by the plants, even when the sun is at its full strength on your skin outside the garden.
If you have some time with you, you can look at the various birds, lizards and insects. They are not always visible, so be patient, listen to the chirping and look out for the colorful lizards.
A treetop trail takes you closer to the animals living high above and lets you see the extraordinary foliage in the treetops up close. Best of all, admission to the garden is free.
Loei: The remote mountain province
Loei thrives on universities and student life, especially along the river, which can be found below the universities. In the evening, venture to the daily Nightmarket and admire artfully woven and dyed fabrics in the light of the lamps set up.
The city is located in the middle of the Loei province of the same name. Here, 80 kilometers from the city, is the unique temple site of Phra That Si Song Rak. This temple was built as a temple of peace between the Ayutthaya Empire and Laos, Lang Xang. It is 20 meters high and combines both empires in architecture. There is a wax figure of the idea creator in the temple. The color red is seen as a symbol of violence and blood, so you should avoid red clothes when visiting the temple complex.
One third of Loei is covered with forests. Accordingly, outside the city you can visit several national parks, which are very close to the jungle. In addition, Loei, due to the many forests, is home to exotic creatures. Among other things, Loei is also home to a free-roaming tiger. Maybe you are lucky and see him?
The province is also known for its ghost festival Phi Ta Khon in Dan Sai district. The festival takes place between March and June and lasts 3 days.
On the 1st day, the Wum Ruan, the protection of the water spirit Phra U-Pakut is called in the form of dances, games and bell ringing. Also, there are locals running around with colorful masks that are sure to bewitch you. The second day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, dances, music and a folk festival atmosphere. The third and last day is more contemplative. Visitors to Phi Ta Khon listen to the monks' sermons and make offerings such as fruit or rice.
After the festival is celebrated after 3 days, Dan Sai district becomes a ghost town again. An absolute highlight every year! If you want to learn more about Loei and the ghost festival, read now our Articles about Thai culture in Loei.
Nakhon Si Thammarat: Paradise in the South
From Loei in the northern mountains of Thailand, we head to the coast in the south, to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Thailand is not known for its stalactite caves, but Nakhon Si Thammarat proves that this is wrong. Because here is the impressive cave Khao Won Tang, which is absolutely one of the most atypical highlights of Thailand.
Accordingly, the stalactite cave is an important day trip destination. You can explore the cave on your own, but it is recommended to go with a guide. This way you can learn more about the cave and the underground nature. To visit the Khao Won Tang, you will get a helmet and a flashlight so that you don't bump into anything. This is because the cave is dark, can have extremely slippery paths, and sometimes you even have to bend your knees to get anywhere - a headbutt or two is bound to happen here. The paths between pointed stalagmites and stalactites are adventurous, but doable. The cave is donation-funded, so leave a small gift on site when you visit this unique place.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat there are not only mystical caves, but also the most important temple of the region: Wat Phra Mahathat. Here, too, a visit is worthwhile, moreover, the temple is located directly near the city and the journey is not far if you stay overnight here.
Between mountains and rivers lies the picturesque mountain village of Kiriwong. This small village is home to several traditional family businesses. Discover a soap factory, a batik factory or a jewelry factory. You will have the opportunity to look over the shoulders of the families and, of course, buy something afterwards to bring back to your family or friends.
Nan
There is much to discover in Nan. Especially because of the many temples, which are beautifully illuminated at night, a sightseeing tour in the dark is worthwhile here.
You can see, for example, Wat Chiang Khan. Locals call the temple the Elephant Temple because the large golden chedi is carried by 24 elephants. This temple is the oldest and most important temple in Nan. It was built at the beginning of the 15th century and the style of construction is a mixture of the Lanna, i.e. Northern Thai, and the Thai Lü style.
The entrance of the temple is adorned by white lions and inside is an ancient collection of precious Buddha statues. There is also a large, ancient library that will make architecture fans daydream. Here, the entrance is also free.
Last but not least, visit the National Museum in Nan. This is directly in the city center, opposite the Wat Chiang Khan temple and can be wonderfully combined with a visit to the temple. On the ground floor there is an exhibition about the peoples of Nan and their festivals. On the second floor you can admire antiques and the valuable black elephant tooth. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Buriram: ruins and sports facilities
Buriram is known mainly for its sports venues. The Muay Thai boxers are based here and the fights usually take place at festivities and holidays. Real spectacle for 0-200 baht.
But not only the Muay Thai boxers are at home here. Soccer also has a name here, as does the Buriram Racing Circuit, which is even set to become part of Formula 1.
For those of us not so keen on sports, the silk villages in Nang Da Gai are definitely worth a visit. Watch the locals at work - from the silkworm to the finished product. Afterwards, it's worth taking home a hand-woven scarf as a souvenir.
In addition, Buriram has the most ruins in all of Thailand, with 60. Historical enthusiasts can revive the ancient culture of Thailand in their imagination. Among the Khmer temple ruins, Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Dam are particularly worthwhile.
Mae Hong Son
Wild party nights and dreamlike beaches are not to be found here. But peace, nature, friendly locals and the typical Thailand flair.
Mae Hong Son is a relaxing oasis in Thailand's mountainous countryside that you should definitely visit. In the middle of the center you will find the small lake Chang Kham. The north side has a green area and outdoor exercise equipment. Besides, here you have a direct view of two temples facing each other. The shrines are different in design from most other temples in Thailand and are worth visiting even in the dark: A play of colors by individual meaning gives them shine even at night and makes their facades reflect magnificently in the lake.
Far from the center, Mae Hong Son also has a Bamboo Bridge, the Su Tang Pae Bridge, which runs along the rice fields and ends at a temple. Walk along the bamboo bridge and feel the Thai flair on your way to the temple.
Chumphon
In Chumphon, everyday Thai life can be admired. Here in Pak Nam there are cultural markets such as the Fresh Market, the Harbour Market, the Fish Market and a Walking Street.
Also worthwhile is the Khao Matsee Viewpoint, where you have an unforgettable view of the sea and the coast. Or you can visit the Prince of Chumphon Shrine, buy firecrackers for a few baht and light them in a designated cottage. An absolute highlight in Chumphon is to cook traditional Thai dishes yourself with a family in the south. Here you can wonderfully watch the creation process of individual dishes from the front. Harvesting a coconut, using the coconut milk flowing from it and refining the cooked noodles. Experience your insight into the culinary arts of Thailand.
Your interest is now extensive for your next Thailand adventure aroused? Check out our itinerary or get more inspiration on Instagram.
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