Where to Discover a Different Thailand

Written by Designer Journeys’s Eilidh Wilson.

When you think of a trip to Thailand, your thoughts will likely drift to the white sand beaches of Koh Phi Phi and Lanta, both of which are part of the well-trodden trail of Krabi Province – and a tiny fraction of what Thailand has to offer.

Boasting white sand beaches, azure waters, chilled coconuts and sizzling heat, it’s easy to work out why the far south has become so popular.  But with these alternatives, you’ll be exploring the natural beauty of the Land of Smiles at a much more relaxed pace.

Cha-am

Cha-am is a beach-lined part of the flat, countryside of central Thailand, just three hours from bustling Bangkok. It neighbours the popular tourist city of Hua Hin which offers the conveniences of a beach town, alive with beachside resorts and convenient restaurants selling non-spicy Thai food. Cha-am has a much more local feel, with bars serving stunning seaside Thai dishes.

Here, you can enjoy a little cycling, pool time and evenings by the beach, yet still remain within a short distance to the nightlife of Hua Hin, where you can enjoy lively night markets and music.

Hua Hin District

Trips you may like

16-Day Divine Thai Culture

With Bangkok as your base, this culturally immersive Thai experience takes you on and off the tourist trail in search of temples, markets and rural countryside landscapes finishing on a stunning island! Starting in the capital, you’ll find yourself on all manner of transportation to explore fully. You’ll take a traditional boat through the city’s ‘klongs’, hop on tuk-tuk’s, and metro systems to see temples, the Royal Palace and the depths of Chinatown, Bangkok’s food haven. Leaving the city behind you head to Kanchanaburi, home to the Death Railway before you hop between Siam’s old capitals, Ayutthaya, Lopburi and the famous Sukhothai, the home of Thai culture as we know it today. Each of the capitals have their own tales to tell, taking you on a journey through Thai history that is essential for your cultural immersion, ready to head to Thailand’s most traditional city, Chiang Mai. Your two weeks spent Thailand sightseeing finishes with 6 glorious days to relax and enjoy nature at its finest. You’ll be just moments away from the jungle and beach at all times where you can relax, read a book, go snorkelling, scuba diving or island hopping at your leisure – bliss!

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11-Day Authentic South Thailand

The pristine beaches and stunning limestone scenery of southern Thailand have made it a favourite backdrop for Hollywood movies, such as “The Beach” and of course James Bond’s “Man with the Golden Gun” – you’ll feel like you are on a movie set riding through this gorgeous landscape. Staying at some of the most beautiful resorts Southern Thailand has to offer, including the Haven Khao Lak for some rest and relaxation during your 11-day bike tour! Southern Thailand has more to offer than turquoise waters, white sand and lush jungles – it’s also home to a fascinating mixture of cultures. Thai Buddhists mingle with Muslim seafarers to produce colourful people steeped in history and tradition. Priding themselves on their openness and hospitality, the people of the south, or Khon Dai, are always ready to show “farang” (foreigners) their country. Our tour starts on the Gulf of Thailand, at a pristine beach that is off the tourist track. We then head inland and spend time on a stunning lake and ride on the edge of Khao Sok National Park – home to the last of Thailand’s great rainforests – before we head to the beaches on the Andaman Sea. From Khao Lak, we’ll head to the paradise island of Koh Yao Noi where you’ll spend time with a local fishing family. As we boat through Phang Nga Bay towards Krabi be awed by the spectacular limestone cliffs rising vertically from the sea. Though we ride through the world-class tourist destinations of Khao Lak and Krabi, we also leave behind the tourist enclaves and see a southern Thailand that is a rarely visited gem to be discovered. Cycling distance: 384 km (4 full/4 half) Elevation profile: +3,454m/-3,434m Minimum age: 18 years We cycle 384 kilometres exploring beaches, waterfalls, jungle, fishing villages and islands. We enjoy some time off the bike so we can take in boat rides, wildlife and the culture of this fascinating region. Cycling is on a mixture of tarmac and dirt roads. An air-conditioned minivan that travels behind the group provides excellent support. You can cycle as much or as little as you like and still enjoy the same views as the rest. – Suitability: The riding is primarily on tarmac roads, with a few undulations, but there are no major hill climbs. The distances are well within the capability of most riders with a reasonable fitness level.

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9-Day Temples of Thailand

Discover the beauty of Thailand’s rich culture, warm and friendly locals and fascinating history and architecture on this nine-day adventure from Bangkok to Chiang Mai! Beginning in Bangkok, you’ll explore the city in a number of unique ways: canal boat, tuk-tuk and a segway scooter! You’ll discover the wonderful landmarks of this city and get your first introduction to Thai food. Moving on, you’ll head to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya to explore the many temples. Next, you’ll head to Sukhothai, Suphanburi and Lampang for a few days before heading north to Chiang Mai where you’ll spend the last few days of your trip exploring the city.

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7-Day Thailand By Bicycle

This 7 day Thailand itinerary takes you back in time on a route paved by kingdom builders to learn about the heritage. Thailand’s history is comprised of the rise and fall of kingdoms and on our journey, we’ll cycle through more than 700 years of history, visiting three UNESCO World Heritage sites that defined the country and culture of Thailand. The Chakri dynasty established the current capital of Bangkok or, as known by locals, Krung Thep, our starting point. From here we head north to the former Kingdom of Ayutthaya, once one of the wealthiest cities in the East. Riding north through the rice basket of Thailand, we arrive at what is considered to be the first true Thai kingdom, Sukhothai. Under the Phra Ruang dynasty, the Thai alphabet was created and Theravada Buddhism was established as the religion in the short 130 years of power. Riding further northward, the terrain becomes more rugged as mountains flank our path on both sides as we enter what was once known as the Lanna Kingdom. Here we’ll cycle through the land once ruled by the Tai people and see their influence in the recently excavated ruins of the Haripunchai Kingdom before arriving at the northern capital of Chiang Mai founded in 1298. Cycling distance: 263 km Bike: hybrid bike Difficulty: active This cycling adventure is for those who wish to see Thailand’s rural countryside and explore the rich history of Siam, all while enjoying an active holiday. The scenery is ever-changing as we start our ride through the emerald paddy fields of central Thailand where the roads are mainly flat, then continue with some undulating terrain and a few gentle climbs in the northern hills, before arriving in the cultural city of Chiang Mai. The trip is fully supported and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of cold drinks and fresh fruit.

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from USD 2,020

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14-Day Island Hopping in Thailand

Take a journey from the thriving capital city of Bangkok to the south of Thailand on this city and islands tour! Over 14 days, you’ll explore the capital on boat and tuk-tuk before travelling south to Phuket where you’ll go island hopping and visit an elephant sanctuary. Moving on, you’ll spend a few days in Krabi launching off to explore the islands nearby and finally, you’ll make your way to Khao Lak before returning to Bangkok. For those looking for a relaxing island hopping trip with plenty of adventure and marvellous scenery, then this holiday to Thailand is for you!

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from USD 3,296

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Koh Yao Noi

Slap-bang in between the busy areas of Phuket and Krabi in the stunning Phang Nga, the charming little islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai still seem to miss the floods of tourist buses.

Although not as busy, Koh Yao Noi’s main village is bustling, filled with restaurants, bars, cafes and yummy street food.

There is lots of exploring to do, all of which is within easy distance, just a short local bus (songthaew), a long-tail boat or a scooter away. The island is small enough that you can take your time and do little bits at your own pace while always knowing that you’ll make it back in time for a sundowner looking over the bay. Perfect.

Mae Hong Son

Frequently travelled through, but rarely stopped in, Mae Hong Son is found not too far from Chiang Mai, in the north-west of Thailand. High in the mountains, Mae Hong Son is an escape like no other. With numerous hiking trails, hot springs, caves and temples to discover, this remote area will charm you with its roots in ethnic minority tribes and laidback atmosphere.

The town is in the province of the same name, which is famed as part of the most stunning motorcycle routes in the world. The whole route, beginning and ending in Chiang Mai, is a long one. Staying in town offers a more relaxing alternative that allows you to explore its beauty at your own pace.

Mae Hong Son

Koh Chang & Koh Kood

Close to Bangkok and easy and cheap to access, the eastern islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood gives you the best of everything. After some impressive island hopping, relax from a hammock in the garden or on a sunbed next to the pool of your 5-star resort.

Koh Chang still holds its creative small-town hippy vibe close to its heart, while Koh Kood retains its local family-run guesthouse charm, paired, of course, with luxury resorts.

Koh Chang

Umphang

Umphang is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the country, as well as being part of the largest protected area in South East Asia. Surprisingly, Umphang remains well off the tourist trail.

Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary will get even the laziest of travellers excited for an adventurous hike. With year-round hiking possibilities and a great chance of seeing many an endemic species, the jungle holds many secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

The highlight is the towering 250-metre high Thi Lor Su Waterfall, possibly one of the highest in Asia. Climb up it, swim in it (seasonally dependent) or walk around it; no matter what the angle, its natural beauty will not disappoint.

Finding the hidden spots that are less touristy, yet still known is easy for those willing to do a little more research.