Emerging destinations

A voyage of discovery awaits in amazing Thailand

Emerging destinations

Vast parts of Thailand remain ‘off the beaten path’ in Thailand, with travelers often opting for its more infamous destinations. But there’s so much more; not to mention a whole other side – quite literally – waiting to be discovered. But there’s no need to be an adventurous traveler; Thailand’s lesser-known spots are more accessible than ever before.

For those starting to dip their toe in more unfamiliar waters;  drive North of enormous Phang Nga into Surat Thani and you’ll find the Khao Sok National Park, home to the breathtaking Elephant Hills. Surat Thani also fronts the Gulf of Thailand, a different coast (and Monsoon season) to beachfront escapes facing the Andaman Sea, where if you squint you’ll see Koh Samui. Further Northwest, you’ll find Ranong with its untouched, beautiful beaches and beach life – what locals consider too far from Bangkok, and also out of reach of usual Southern sun worshippers.

Thailand’s Southernmost destinations are opening up after being in the dark – Trang is an unspoilt paradise with 70 miles of pristine costs; where barefoot beach-hutting is the order of the holiday. Don’t expect beachclubs down here, it’s really about getting away from it all. Koh Lipe is also rising in notoriety; as well as its neighbouring islands, geographically closer to Malaysia than they are Thailand. Koh Libong for example, is a snorkelling and diver’s paradise.

On the East Coast, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a time-capsule of a place that adventurous foodies and culture vultures alike will love; a real glimpse into Muslim-Thailand and the influences that has on Thai culture. It’s also the heartland of Thailand’s latest foray into community-based and eco-tourism.

Further North, Kanchanaburi, Chantaburi and Khampeang Phet is historically fascinating; and Khao Yai holds nature’s secrets. The final frontier is the North Eastern province of Isan; whose spicy and unique food has become internationally renowned of late.

Inspiration

Inspiration

Country roads: four reasons to go trekking in Thailand

What does Thailand have in common with Canada, Norway and New Zealand? Well, not a whole lot on the surface. But the Southeast Asian kingdom easily matches any of those countries (and many others) in the trekking category – whilst offering a totally unique hiking experience! Whether you explore the ever-green hills of the north,…

In the footsteps of the Khmer – visit the Thai-based strongholds of a lost empire

Bangkok has many sacred sites, from Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew to the iconic Temple of the Reclining Buddha, to name but a few. Anyone who’s visited them on their travels around town (and really, there’s no excuse not to) knows that Thailand and temples go together like Pride and rainbow flags! Leave the…

Pink paradise – Thai attractions in our favourite colour

Dive Phuket’s turquoise waters, trek the juicy, green rice terraces of Chiang Mai or feast on a red chilli curry and you’ll soon realise Thailand is a country of colour. While there isn’t any one specific hue to please all LGBT+ travellers (after all, we fly the rainbow flag for reasons of diversity!), there does…

Soul searching – Thailand’s most meaningful experiences for solo-travellers

To travellers around the world, Thailand is a dream escape: its sandy beaches and glistening pagodas lure families, friends and couples alike. But one group of visitors has taken a special liking towards the Southeast Asian kingdom: solo-travellers. Countless wandering souls explore all that Thailand has to offer every single day, some on a prolonged…

Came to sustain: eco-friendly ideas for a greener Thai holiday

Thailand is often said to have it all. More than anything else, however, the country’s natural wonders are the stuff traveller’s dreams are made of: who wouldn’t get excited about the prospect of fresh coconut juice, ivory beaches and clear ocean waters? Beyond the kingdom’s coastline – which stretches for a remarkable 1,660 kilometres –…

Lights, camera, action: visiting Thai places you’ve seen in the movies

The making of a great film includes a clever plot, sound acting, sharp editing and more. One aspect that can make or break a motion picture is where it’s shot: amazing locations stay in our minds long after the curtain falls! Home to magnificent beaches, evergreen jungles and a certain, highly recognizable metropolis, Thailand has…

Bangkok breaks: quick escapes from Thailand’s bustling capital

  Some destinations elude being described in a few words and Bangkok is certainly one of them. The Thai capital is shrill, beautiful, progressive and full of wisdom – the city’s many temples and shrines being an emblem of this. It’s no surprise most visitors fall head over heels with busy Bangkok. In fact, many…

Stranger Things – weird and wonderful places to see in Thailand

Thailand has its fair share of sublime, untouched and simply beautiful places. But it’s the bizarre corners of any country that often make for the best travel anecdotes! Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Kingdom, or you find yourself on Thailand’s shores every other month – you’re sure to stop and stare when you…

5 ways to celebrate Songkran in Thailand

January 1st now seems like a date in the distant past, but in Thailand, a new year is just about to begin. ‘Songkran’ as its called is Thai New Year (and a national holiday), celebrated around the 13th April each year. The festival is all about transformational change, the idea being to ‘cleanse’ the old…

Five Thai festivals and rituals to be part of

Songkran Probably Thailand’s most well know festival, this three-day celebration marks the Thai New Year. You’ve probably seen scenes of revelry as whole streets are shut to traffic to allow giant water fights. It’s a lot of fun to take part in and a spectacle unlike any other to behold. It’s also an important part…

Bangkok’s hidden jungle: Bang Krachao

One of the hardest parts of planning a trip to Thailand isn’t finding the flight or hotel, it’s actually deciding where to visit in the country. We know that every area of the country has something different to offer, and it gets a little bit more difficult to decide where to go with so many…

10 LGBT+ friendly destinations to visit

Bangkok is the first name that comes to mind when you think of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) friendly places in Thailand. It is also referred to as the gay capital of Asia. The nightlife here is magical and intense to say the very least. There are plenty of attractions and activities that…

Thai cuisine is good for you

Yeah. It’s a bummer. You’ve booked your Thailand trip, but it’s the middle of winter and you’re not summer body ready. The beaches are calling your name, and with the country’s prime resorts and warm atmosphere, we know your winter layers are coming off (and then some, probably.) Most of us like to look our best…

Loving Lipe: Koh Lipe escape

A trip to Thailand isn’t complete without an island getaway. Most tourists head south-east to Koh Samui and Koh PhaNgan (of full moon party fame) or south-west to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi (of The Beach fame).   For those seeking to avoid the tourist crowds, Thailand has numerous other gorgeous islands to choose from. Having…

Date ideas for adventurer couples in Thailand

Thailand is full of beautiful forests, bodies of water, skies, and people – so what better way to experience it all than to head out for a date that sends you high-flying through the scenery! Whether it’s kayaking or hiking, zip lining or snorkeling, it’s never a bad idea to get active with your honey…

Getting festive Thai style

April brings one of the most important (and fun) Thai festivals of the year, Songkran, or Thai New Year. The entire country shuts down for several days to celebrate with family, make merit at the pagoda and participate in a water cleansing ceremony which quickly degenerates into the largest water fight on the planet. In…

Ayutthaya: Ruins, rapids and roars

Bangkok is amazing, but even the most ardent city-slickers will find it nice to get out of the city sometimes. You can choose to travel with a Thai tour operator, but it is sometimes also good to travel independently because it allows spontaneity and a better insight into Thailand and its culture. An organized tour…

Escape to Koh Kret

The craft beer trend has only just reached Thailand.  So when my friend mentioned he’d like to take a trip on the Chao Praya River and visit somewhere relaxed and not too touristy, we excitedly ventured off to the artisanal island of Koh Kret to search for lovingly made handicrafts and (more importantly) lovingly made…

For lovers (of nature): Khao Yai National Park

A favorite of Bangkok residents, Khao Yai National Park  is one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks.  Not only does it have thick, luscious rainforest, cascading waterfalls (remember the waterfall from the movie The Beach?) and abundant wildlife, but it’s often several degrees cooler than Bangkok, offering a welcome respite from the heat for those…

Alternative routes: Sukhothai

If you’re visiting Thailand then there’s a good chance you may head up north to Chiang Mai.  If you have the time (or you are on a budget or just like to do things differently and avoid the tourist crowds, like me) then a great alternative to flying to Chiang Mai is to take a…

Paradise is a place called Khao Sok

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  I’ve found the most beautiful untouched paradise.  So for those who swam with elephants, lazed under palms on white sand beaches, explored palaces and ancient ruins, danced in throngs of shirtless buff men, snorkeled on tropical reefs, shopped til you dropped and stuffed your face…

Street walking for Isaan food

I’m willing to bet my lucky left testicle that you’re already a fan of Thai food.  Tom yum soup, Thai green curry, sticky rice with mango, Paad Thai…is your mouth watering yet?   Once you arrive in Thailand you’ll find that the range of delicious things which you can put into your mouth is far greater…

Mae Hong Son: The end of the road

For those of you who need to see it all – what’s behind that last mountain, past that final valley, under that cotton shirt – then take a trip to the end of the road, Mae Hong Son.  Nestled in the north east of Thailand close to the Burmese border, this small town sits in…

Koh Samet getaway

A nice option for a weekend away from Bangkok, especially if you’re on a budget or want to reduce your carbon footprint (no air travel), is the small island of Koh Samet.  If you leave Bangkok early in the morning, you’ll be lazing in the sun in time for lunchtime cocktails. For my last trip…

Pranburi: Thailand’s hidden treasure

We’d been in Bangkok for a few days when my partner Nikki and I decided on a quick adventure before we caught our plane home from Thailand … we’re both into jetting off on last-minute, spontaneous getaways. We’d been hopping Thailand beaches for the previous two weeks, so we opted for inland greenery and discovered…

Thai massage: Ultimate healing power

After far too much complaining about our sore necks and back muscles after a grueling workout, my American friend and I knew it was time for the ultimate healing treatment: a Thai massage.  To share an interesting tidbit, I’m Thai, but I’d never had a Thai massage. As the host led us to our rooms, nervousness…

LGBT+ welcoming hotels & resorts

LGBT+ welcoming hotels and resorts

Events & offers

Events and offers

May: Bun Bang Fai Skyrocket Festival

Bun Bang Fai Festival is an ancient local festival, held in the lesser known Yasothon Province. It is associated with Thai traditional beliefs in the supernatural powers that help promote the production of rice crops for the coming planting season.In the rainy season, the local people believe that the god would hear the entreaties that they…

May: Surin Elephant Festival

Witness an ordination parade with over a hundred of elephants from Chang Swang Temple in Surin. Attend the ritual to make an apology to sacred entities and watch cultural performances.

October: Chonburi Festival

Every province in Thailand has a festival at some point during the year. These are frequently off the main tourist circuit, and these celebrations offer a peek into local life, festival style. October brings one of our favorite festivals, the Chonburi Buffalo Races. Chonburi, the provincial capital of Chonburi Province, is a mere 100 km…

November: Loi Krathong

Well, you little devil, if you’re planning to vacation in Thailand at the end of November, you’re in luck literally and figuratively. Not only will you get to witness Loi Krathong, one of the most picturesque festivals of the year, but you can also join in and float away your anger, grudges and defilements of…

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