It is high season in Thailand. Avoid the crowds by visiting these lesser-known destinations

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When it comes to holiday destinations, Thailand is one of the most popular countries in the world. According to reports, the country has already attracted around 26 million international tourists this year, with it set to become even busier in 2025.

The Southeast Asian country is known for its beautiful beaches, gastronomy, vibrant nightlife and temples. But it is also known for its hustle and bustle.

Over the years, Thai authorities have tried to tackle the impact on natural attractions by closing popular national parks at certain times of the year to give them a chance to recover. Maya Bay is perhaps the most extreme case: in 2018, the bay made famous by the 2000 film ‘The Beach’ was completely closed to tourists and underwent a massive rehabilitation program, reopening to visitors in 2022.

“The resources and the structure of the place became so overcrowded… that was pure overtourism and it affected the water quality, the quality of the beach and the landscape,” recalls tourism analyst Gary Bowerman of travel trend research firm Check-in Asia.

“The natural environment was damaged, there was rubbish everywhere, so there were all these problems. The Thai government saw that the only option was to close it down. Use it as an example of how if tourists treat a place poorly or there are simply too many tourists at once, we can turn the taps on and off and stop people from going. .”

Maya Bay has reopened with many additional restrictions and remains closed seasonally to ease pressure on the ecosystem – this year it was off-limits to travelers from August 1 to September 30.

The closure is an example of the struggles Thailand faces. Ultimately, tourism is essential to the country’s economy. Last year, visitors generated approximately $38 billion (1.31 trillion baht) in this sector, contributing significantly to GDP.

So while the Thai government doesn’t want to get rid of tourists, it has adopted several strategies to encourage visitors to visit less popular spots, easing some of the traffic congestion in traditional hotspots such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.

“The Thai travel industry has a great opportunity to benefit from a stronger focus on sustainable tourism practices,” said Olivier Ponti, director of intelligence and marketing at travel data company Forward Keys.

“This shift is not only about minimizing environmental impacts, but also about promoting economic stability and improving the well-being of the local community. By encouraging visits to less crowded areas and using digital tools to manage access to popular spots, Thailand can better manage overtourism and protect its natural resources.”

Among the places that are constantly highlighted for their unique cultural attractions are Nan and Lampang, says Ponti. Both destinations are “attractive to those interested in delving deeper into Thai heritage,” he says.

“Our data shows that international tourist visits to Lampang increased by 102% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year,” he noted. “This suggests a growing interest in these hidden gems, possibly driven by the desire for more authentic and less crowded experiences.”

Would you like to experience some of these lesser-known destinations for yourself? Here are a few options to consider as Thailand enters its busiest season of the year.

Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai

Located in the north of Thailand, about an hour’s drive from the city of Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is an ideal escape for those looking for beautiful views with a touch of adventure.

It is home to the country’s third highest mountain, hot springs and local markets selling regional products such as hill tribe textiles and bamboo handicrafts.

The city of Chiang Dao itself is small but offers travelers an authentic, local Thai experience. The area is an excellent destination for trekking, with tour companies offering multi-day trips to the surrounding mountains.

The area’s best-known attraction is the Chiang Dao Cave Complex (Tham Chiang Dao), which consists of dozens of caves, some of which are illuminated and decorated with Buddha statues.

Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Located on Thailand’s southeastern coast in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Khanom is ideal for those looking for a relaxing, non-gentrified holiday with beautiful beaches, fishing villages and prime views.

Travelers can expect to see pink dolphin statues around Khanom; dolphin watching is a major attraction there, with tour companies offering boat trips for those who want to get a closer look at these locals.

While visiting Khanom, it is worth trying Khao Yam, a regional specialty. This flavorful and colorful dish uses rice as a base and combines other ingredients such as herbs, vegetables, fish sauce, dried shrimp, coconut, fresh lime juice and chilies.

Bonus: Khanom is located on the mainland not far from the Don Sak ferry terminal, which serves the popular islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, making it an easy side trip for travelers before or after their visit to the islands.

Koh Kood, Trat

Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut, is an island in the eastern region of Thailand, near the Cambodian border, and is considered a “must-visit location” by connoisseurs.

Travelers looking for beautiful beaches – Klong Chao Beach and Bang Bao Beach are two highlights – snorkeling adventures, hiking, waterfalls and a relaxing atmosphere should add this destination to their itinerary.

To reach this beautiful paradise of clear seawater and soft white beaches, you’ll need to take a ferry or speedboat from Laem Sok Pier on the mainland, in Trat province, unless you’re staying at the luxury resort Soneva Kiri, which offers air transfers from Bangkok .

Most resorts on the island have limited occupancy, meaning advance booking is crucial, especially during peak season.

Nan

Nan is another popular destination loved by Thai tourists and somewhat under the radar for foreign visitors.

This quiet town in the province of the same name is worth a visit for two or three nights and offers outdoor adventures, striking temples and a nice range of accommodation and food, including Khao Kan Chin – an aromatic and savory northern Thai dish that combines rice with minced pork, pig’s blood and herbs.

Doi Phu Kha, a national park with caves, waterfalls, mountain views and forests, is among the highlights of the province, making it a dream destination for trekkers and those seeking adventure.

When it comes to temples, Wat Phumin is Nan’s most famous and has been around for over 400 years. It features a unique mural that took more than twenty years to complete, with the most popular scene depicting a flirting Thai couple.

Travelers looking for hilltop temples should head to Wat Phra That Khao Noi. At this 15th-century religious site, a golden walking Buddha statue stands in the center of the terrace. For the best possible experience, get there during sunset and enjoy the view of the city and the surrounding area.

Lampang

The city of Lampang – capital of Lampang province – is about a 90-minute drive from the center of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, and is worth a minimum two-night stay.

While strolling around Thalart Gao Road, tourists can see historic buildings including the Lanna-style teak house, Ban Sao Nak. It was built in 1895 and is known for its 116 pillars.

Visitors can also walk through the city center on the south side of the Wang River and along Sri-Kird Road to see street art that celebrates the city’s culture.

In the 1950s, entrepreneurs in this district opened several kitchenware factories that produced rice bowls with rooster designs – a symbol of good luck and hard work. Today, tourists can still enjoy steaming hot bowls of noodles served in Lampang’s famous rooster bowls, which are sold throughout Thailand.

Meanwhile, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a must-visit spot for those interested in intriguing architecture and religious sights. This ancient Buddhist temple dates back to 1476 and is one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Thailand.

Tourists who want to know more about the religious sites in the area can also visit the temples of Wat Si Rongmuang, Wat Chiang Rai, Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram, Wat Pong Sanuk Nua and Baan Sao Nak. There they see sparkling gemstones, striking gold details, shrines, dragon motifs and white elephant statues.

For something truly unique, the mountain pagodas of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiet are worth the trip to the Chae Hom district, an hour’s drive from central Lampang.

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