Most Underrated Destinations in Thailand

Key Takeaways

• Some of Thailand’s best-kept secrets lie in its hidden gems, the less-explored provinces where culture and nature are still unspoiled, such as Nan, Chumphon, Trat, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. This “Most Underrated Destinations in Thailand” article will guide you!
• Nan’s peaceful valleys, motorbike routes, ancient temples and traditional salt wells make it a perfect destination for those seeking local encounters rather than mass tourism.
• Chumphon’s quiet beaches, fresh seafood, local night markets, and unique jungle accommodations offer an authentic glimpse of rural Thai life.
• Trat Province allows you to island-hop between more than 50 islands, with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tranquil fishing villages that are ideal for unwinding or exploring.
• Prachuap Khiri Khan is renowned for its dramatic limestone mountains, marshlands, national parks and caves, providing outdoor activities and serene beaches for nature enthusiasts.
• Work your way around the provinces with air, train, bus, or car options for getting there. Book transport and lodging ahead of time, especially in high season.
• Stay connected and make your way throughout Thailand underrated destinations with Ubigi eSIM!

Introduction

Hello! We are Danny and Diggy, a travel and foodie couple who turned a big dream into real life. We set off from the United Kingdom in 2022 with a plan to travel for just one year… and never really stopped.

After exploring, eating our way around the world, and calling Thailand home for the past three years, we’re now back on the road again, sharing honest travel experiences, local food finds, and life on the move on our YouTube channel “Danny & Diggy”.

Hidden gems Thailand mean quiet places, small towns, and off the beaten path. You discover local markets, ancient temples, and uncrowded beaches.

These locations allow you to witness everyday life and sample cuisine prepared by locals. You bypass the hectic spots and decelerate. A lot of travelers these days desire these authentic, peaceful destinations.

Next, you will learn how to identify these hidden gems and discover what makes them so special.

Nan Province (Authentic, Peaceful and Undiscovered)

Nan Province nestles in northeast Thailand, hugging the border to Laos. Its capital, Nan City, nestles in a small valley ringed with rice fields and mountains. It has a quiet, old-fashioned vibe that’s been likened to Chiang Mai of years past. In place of busy tourist destinations, you discover serene villages, lush valleys and centuries-old temples.

It’s an area that mass tourism hardly touches, so it’s a great choice for visitors who seek a slower pace, scenic driving and a genuine local vibe.

Overview

Nan is known for its authentic mix of Thai and Lanna culture. You can see this in the vernacular homes, temples, and local lifestyle. The city itself sits beside the Nan River, providing wonderful river views and a serene atmosphere.

In many such local communities, like Ban Nong Bua, resides the Tai Lue tribe behind the bright handwoven fabrics. They’re all very ‘untouched’; not many big resorts or crowds of tourists. National parks like Doi Phu Kha flaunt waterfalls, caves, and mountain lookouts.

You can ride a motorbike through winding hills, walk rice fields, and talk to locals who still keep old customs.

Things to do

The Nan City night market is Friday to Sunday, with a bustling street of food such as grilled meats, sticky rice, and sweets, as well as local crafts and clothes. Wat Phumin, the main temple, is known for paintings such as ‘The Whisper of Love.’ Locals and visitors unwind here with market snacks.

For panoramic city views, visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi, located only 4 kilometers from the city center, with a 9-meter golden Buddha overlooking Nan. It takes 2.5 hours to reach Sapan Village, Bo Kluea, which has a real rural vibe.

Nan’s scenic routes, such as Highway 1081 and Route 1148, are well known among motorbike adventurers and offer incredible motorcycle day trips. You gaze into green hills, misty peaks, and peaceful valleys.

At Bo Kluea, observe locals making rock salt through an 800-year-old tradition, then purchase a bag for a keepsake.

How to get there

Fly direct from Bangkok to Nan Nakhon Airport, which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, or from Chiang Mai. It is 3 to 4 kilometers from town, and taxis cost 100 THB.

For a more economical way, buses depart from Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 terminal or Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Terminal and take 6 to 11 hours. It takes about 9 hours to drive the 660 kilometers from Bangkok, and renting a car at the airport is easy.

All routes allow you to enjoy mountain and river scenery during the journey.

Chumphon Province (Local, Coastal, Quiet)

Chumphon lies quietly on the central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. Known as the ‘Gateway to the South,’ this province boasts over 200 kilometers of unspoiled beaches and gets overlooked by travelers hastening onto islands such as Koh Tao or Koh Samui. This is where it’s slower and local life still rules.

Chumphon provides you with a glimpse of genuine Thai fishing villages, bustling markets, and a coast unspoiled by mass tourism. English isn’t very common either, so you really get a flavor of Thai culture and day-to-day life.

Overview

Chumphon’s beaches and crystal waters rim the Gulf of Thailand, granting you room to breathe and peace of mind. The region is packed with rugged karst islands and marine parks, such as Mu Ko Chumphon, Ko Phitak and Ko Wiang. Local, coastal, quiet.

Venture off the main road and you will find fishing villages and traditional homes with locals in their daily rituals. A unique sight here is that at night, the sea sometimes glows green, lit by fishing boats using colored lights to draw in algae.

Things to do

One day at Thung Wua Laen Beach. It’s got white sand, crystal-clear water and a very local feel. They have small bungalows and resorts for all budgets. Sample grilled seafood at a beach shack.

Go to Chumphon Night Market. It’s on Main Street, with food stalls. It’s cheap and the food is truly Thai, sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Go for ‘Bua Loy’, rice balls in coconut milk with a poached egg.

If you’re after fresh air and wildlife, make for the Deer Watching Bridge in Peat Khuan Kreng Forest Park. Stroll over the wooden bridge and feed Javan rusa deer with bananas. Villa Varich is a jungle hideaway by the Taphao River, with bungalows and villas plus bikes for rent. It is quiet and close to nature, only 4 km from town.

How to get there

Flying is fast. Chumphon Airport (CJM) lies 30 km north of town, with daily flights from Bangkok by Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Minivans and taxis await at the airport.

Trains depart daily from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, and the trip takes 7 to 10 hours. The station is right in town. Buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Terminal, the trip takes 7 to 8 hours and costs THB 400 to 700.

Bus terminals are all over the map, so verify with your operator. There’s not much local transport, so think in advance about getting around.

Trat Province (Tropical, Relaxation, Island Paradise)

Trat Province lies serenely in Thailand’s east, snuggled up to Cambodia. You discover a chilled-out seaboard, balmy tropical climes with average temperatures between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius for most of the year, and over 50 islands.

These islands are not packed. Most of them are uninhabited, with tranquil beaches, rubber and coconut plantations, and fishing villages where you can observe local life up close.

Overview

Trat is where you head if you want to get away from it all. It’s not your Phuket. It’s not Koh Samui. Thrill seeking encounters serenity.

Island hopping is simple and cheap. Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak are the standouts, all with a distinctly different vibe.

You get miles of beaches, dense rainforests, and coral reefs. You can snorkel or dive, or simply stroll a tranquil strip of sand. The seafood is as fresh as can be, crab, fish, shrimp, and the fruit markets are brimming with durian and rambutan.

A low cost of living means you can stay longer without busting your budget.

Things to do

Koh Chang, the second largest Thai island, has a buzzing, but not crowded feeling. Trek to secret waterfalls, test out watersports, or kayak to Koh Ngam, a minuscule island utopia.

Koh Kood is quieter, with dense forest, clear water, and tiny resorts on postcard beaches. If you seek something even more serene, then Koh Mak awaits.

Take a kayak or boat over to Ko Kham, chill out on white sand, and snorkel in shallow turquoise water. Most beaches remain empty even during high season.

Fishing villages on the mainland and islands display another lifestyle. Watch boats come in at dusk. Dine on seafood by the water and experience how locals live simply by the sea.

How to get there

The quickest route is to fly from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Trat Airport. Little planes fly daily, so book early. From other Thai cities, fly into U-Tapao Airport near Pattaya and then make the three to four hour drive to Trat.

Most hit a bus. Buses and minivans leave every hour from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Terminal, five to six hours away. Direct buses from Chanthaburi as well as minivans from Suvarnabhumi Airport are available.

You can book combo bus and ferry tickets if you’re off to the islands. If you’re driving, long-term parking is available at the piers.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province (Relaxed, National Parks and caves, Lime stone mountains)

Prachuap Khiri Khan rests between the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar. The province is most famous for Hua Hin, but that’s where the resort buzz begins and ends. Here, dramatic limestone peaks, vast marshlands, and caves hidden deep in the forest exist. National parks such as Sam Roi Yot and Kui Buri provide a glimpse into pristine nature.

The entire region exudes a languid, tranquil vibe that is perfect for those seeking refuge from bustling urban centers or overdeveloped tourist traps.

Overview

Situated in southern Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan extends from the sea to the Myanmar border mountains. Hua Hin is the well-trodden gateway, but cast your gaze wider and you’ll discover more. Sam Roi Yot National Park is particularly notable for its limestone mountains and marshes.

Phraya Nakhon Cave attracts visitors for its royal pavilion and light-filled chamber. Relax on the tranquil beaches or stroll through forests and caves, all in a single excursion!

Things to do

In Prachuap Khiri Khan, you discover huge national parks, wild animals, and limestone caves. There are royal escapes with stunning vistas and charming accommodations.

Whether you want to hike, bike, or just sit by the sea and chill, it’s all here. All of them are convenient to slip into a journey through southern Thailand.

Walk the Bueng Bua boardwalk, Sam Roi Yot National Park, a 1.2 km path over Thailand’s largest freshwater marsh. In the end, ascend the 8-meter deck for sweeping views of the wetlands and stone peaks. Enjoy a boat tour from the seaside for an up-close look at the marsh wildlife and the boardwalk itself.

Monsoon Valley Vineyard is a short drive from Hua Hin. Take a vineyard tour, taste some of the local wine, or simply enjoy lunch with a view.

Phraya Nakhon Cave is renowned for its crown pavilion and sunlight shining through. Aim to visit from 10:00 to 11:30 for the best light on the pavilion. Ao Manao Beach is quiet and lined with evergreen trees. It is not crowded and food courts are nearby.

At San Chao Pho Khao Lom Muak, encounter courteous dusky leaf monkeys. Remember your ID for airbase access. Venture further with caves, forest walks and birdwatching at Huai Yang waterfall or spot elephants in Kui Buri National Park.

How to get there

Hop on the train at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal for a leisurely five-hour journey. Buses and minivans depart every hour from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal and take three and a half to four hours.

It’s a three to four hour drive from Bangkok, traffic permitting.

Travel Tips for Exploring Thailand’s Underrated Destinations

Visiting Thailand’s underrated destinations means stepping off the tourist trail and embracing a more authentic side of the country. While these hidden gems offer unique experiences and fewer crowds, they also require thoughtful planning and an open mindset.

The following travel tips will help you navigate remote areas, respect local culture, and fully enjoy Thailand beyond the highlights.

Plan Transportation in Advance

Reaching lesser-known areas often requires a mix of buses, trains, ferries, or private transfers. Night trains and local buses are affordable and efficient, but schedules can be flexible, build extra time into your itinerary.

Don’t forget to take into account travel times while planning your trip.

Respect Local Customs

In rural or less-visited regions, traditions are often more conservative. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or local villages, and always remove your shoes when required.

Stay respectful of local tradictions throughout Thailand to avoid conflicts or problems, especially in regions where tourists are less common.

Stay connected with Ubigi eSIM

Ubigi eSIM keeps you online while in Thailand, so you can map, book rides, chat with friends, and post updates with ease. No SIM swapping required, activate your eSIM on the app, as soon as you land, and save your primary phone plan.

Data plans range from 1GB to 50GB, or choose a 30-day unlimited pack. Secure speedy local data, dodge roaming fees, and top up right in the app when you need, no Wi-Fi needed.

Ubigi eSIM works (and can be reused via top ups) in 200+ destinations. It’s perfect for repeat visitors to Thailand and other major travel destinations.

This seamless connectivity solution is ideal for modern travelers who want reliable internet access on the go… While exploring busy cities or venturing further into the hidden gems of Thailand!

Conclusion

Thailand has more than its share of places that don’t get mentioned in big guidebooks. Nan’s unhurried rhythm allows you to immerse yourself in local life.

Chumphon’s coast keeps it easy, with fresh seafood and deserted beaches. Trat is like a little piece of heaven, a kaleidoscope of green and sea. Prachuap Khiri Khan transports you near natural, wild parks and towering stone cliffs.

You experience a new side to Thailand, one you won’t discover in city throngs or on congested islands. These spots provide you space to breathe, dine, and chill. Test a new province on your next trip. Visit a place the majority of people miss. Thailand’s best gems await you, beyond the clamor.

We hope that this “Most Underrated Destinations in Thailand” article helped you prepare your next trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Nan Province a hidden gem in Thailand?

Nan Province has true local culture and tranquility of landscapes, with fewer visitors. Experience unique temples, traditional villages, and scenic mountains in a relaxed atmosphere.

Why should you visit Chumphon Province instead of popular coastal areas?

Chumphon Province is peaceful and far from the usual bustle. Discover stunning beaches, fishing villages, and unspoiled islands, minus the tourist hordes.

Is Trat Province good for island hopping?

Yes, Trat Province is the ideal base for island hopping. You can explore tropical islands such as Ko Chang, Ko Kut, and Ko Mak, all providing crystal-clear waters and tranquility.

What activities can you do in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province?

Here you can hike in national parks, visit limestone mountains, explore sea caves, and stroll along tranquil beaches.

Are these provinces suitable for families or solo travelers?

Yep, all these provinces are fabulous for family and solo travelers. They are safe places, have nice people, and offer plenty of activities for kids to do.

How do you reach these hidden gem provinces in Thailand?

You can get to these provinces by bus, train, or domestic flights from major cities like Bangkok. Bus fares are cheap and widespread.

When is the best time to visit these hidden gems in Thailand?

The optimal visiting period is the dry season, spanning from November to March. You will have lovely weather, perfect for exploring.