Off The Beaten Path in Thailand: 6 Unique Places to Explore

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word Thailand?

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Ko Phangan and Koh Samui?

We bet that even if you haven’t been to Thailand, you must have heard about these touristy hubs where you meet more travellers than locals.

Are there any places off the beaten path in Thailand?

Believe it or not, Thailand may surprise you by off the beaten path places where the only English speaking person will be you.

We ventured into the less travelled areas of Thailand and found these amazing hidden spots.

Off the Beaten Path in Thailand

Sangkhlaburi

Sangkhlaburi, a remote village set on the border with the neighbouring Myanmar, where Burmese, Karen and Mon communities live together with the Thai, was one of the most remarkable places we ventured to on our 4 months long journey through Thailand.

Not only we got to know different ethnicities who live in this village, but we also walked on a 400 metre long Mon bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Thailand that divides Sangkhlaburi into two parts, and two different worlds.

While on the eastern side of the bridge you will find guest houses spread out in the long streets, a Mon night market and even an ATM and 7/11, on the western side you will most likely run into smiley Burmese and discover small Burmese restaurants. Being on that side of the bridge, a few kilometres from the border with Myanmar, we felt like we already were in Burma.

And why did all the Burmese have reddish-black teeth and looked so happy? Most of them chew betel nuts all the time. The chemical components of the nut boost their energy and make them cheerful.

If you’re thinking about travelling off the beaten path in Thailand  and want to learn more about the different ethnic groups living in Thailand, Sangkhlaburi will become a place you won’t want to leave.

Moreover, Sangkhlaburi is a perfect place if you want to relax and have a swim too. The best place to stay at is P Guesthouse   because it has got a pier and thus, an easy access to the lake.

Mae Salong

Mae Salong (also called Santikhiri) is situated in Chiang Rai province in the north of Thailand. It was founded by Chinese soldiers who left Yunnan, China in 1949 after the beginning of communist rule. The ex-soldiers settled in Myanmar but were forced to leave in 1961. They left for northern Thailand where they settled down and founded this unique small town and nearby villages that don’t resemble Thai towns at all. Even generations later the Chinese community persists and keeps their traditions in Mae Salong.

The small town, surrounded by exceptionally beautiful hilly countryside, is also remarkable for the Akha hill tribe living there.  The Akha people consider the town to be their capital. They live in villages settled on the hills with tea plantations and often come to the town to sell their lovely handmade bags and bracelets.

We came to Mae Salong on New Year’s Eve and witnessed how Akha and Lisu celebrate the end of the year and the first day of the new one.  It was amazing to watch the tribes performing their rituals and dancing the whole day on the New Year’s Day. It was an unexpected and extraordinary beginning of a new year for us.

They danced in a circle from the dawn to the dusk in the rhythm of music that was played by several Lisu men. The music was quite monotonous, but cheerful and brought them slowly into deep trance. Apart from a few short breaks to have a sip of water, they were dancing all that hot day.

Buddha Park in Nong Khai

Buddha statues are a big part of the Thai life and can be seen simply everywhere. Luckily, we found a place that was distinctive from all the touristy religious and historical sites.

Buddha Park, Sala kaew ku is a surreal sculpture park close to Nong Khai in the north east of Thailand, close to the border with Laos. The park was founded in 1978 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, who fled to Thailand from Laos in 1975. The park houses more than 100 religious sculptures with elements from Buddhism and Hinduism.

We cycled to the sculpture garden and spent the whole day exploring the bizarre park. We loved the park because it was just totally different and absolutely crazy.

Phimai

We loved authentic and historical Phimai. The main attraction of the smallish town is the Phimai Historical Park, also called Prasat Hin Phimai. Built between the 11th and the 12th century, it’s one of the most important Khmer temples in Thailand.

What is peculiar about Prasat Hin Phimai is that the temple is Buddhist although the Khmers were Hindu. We were fascinated to hear about its connection with Angkor Wat in Cambodia where we were heading next. Prasat Him Phimai is oriented towards the south east, in the direction of Angkor Wat. The structures reminded us of another Khmer temple located in that area, Phanom Rung.

If you want to visit this amazing historical park, try to plan you trip during the time when Apsara Thai traditional dance is held. The annual Phimai Festival takes three days and every evening the Apsara Thai traditional dance, an absolutely spectacular show, is performed inside the historical park. 

The audience from all around Thailand was massive. Except for us, there was only one foreign couple. They told us that they came to see this particular show every year. After watching the fantastic performance  one night, we completely understood why they returned every year.

Phanom Rung

As lovers of historical sites, we couldn’t miss the chance to see the biggest and best preserved Khmer monument in Thailand, Phanom Rung.  What makes it more special is the fact that the Khmer temple complex is set on the rim of an extinct volcano.

Unlike in Angkor Wat in Cambodia, you will be the only person visiting Phanom Rung and will have a chance to enjoy the historical place without being surrounded by crowds. There is nothing that can beat Angkor Wat when it comes to the Khmer heritage, but the atmosphere in Phanom Rung and Phimai is very relaxed and quiet.

Pak Meng Beach and Hat Chao Mai National Park

You’ve probably thought that you won’t find a beach off the beaten path in Thailand. 

You will love Pak Meng Beach and Hat Chao Mai National Park fine beaches if you like tranquility and observing the quiet local life. Situated in the very south of Thailand, most residents of Pak Meng beach town are friendly Thai Muslims who sell their traditional foods on the local market during the week and gather on the beach on the weekends.

The Hat Chao Mai NP consists of rainforest, mangrove forest and pristine white sand beaches. This unspoiled natural environment is one of the last remaining in Thailand. We explored the park on a motorbike, which was the best way how to  see the area and the deserted beaches.

Hat Chao Mai National Park was the last place off the beaten path in Thailand we explored before heading down south to Malaysia. If you are planning to travel to Malaysia too, don’t forget to check out these two posts too to find tips on the best attractions of Malaysia.

10 Reasons to Visit George Town Penang Malaysia

Top 5 Places to Visit in Malaysia

Do you know about any other places that are off the beaten path in Thailand? 

Feel free to share your experience and tips in the Comments.

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