Off the beaten path places to visit in Thailand

Jo Rushton

So, you think you know Thailand? Everyone has a good idea about the things to do in this friendly country popular with visitors for everything – beaches, parties, culture and hospitality. 

However, there are a lot more things to keep you busy and get some different photographs to what everyone else gets in Thailand. Here is an insight into some of the unique places in Thailand. Go off the beaten path to see some of the interesting experiences that are away from the islands and beaches.

When you’re looking at exploring these places, working your way around the north in a kind of loop will be the most efficient. Some of them aren’t so easy to find; so, having a local with you can make a world of difference.

Amulet Market, Bangkok

Most trips to the Thai capital start and end in the crazy city of Bangkok. There are the standard tourist activities; Muay Thai fights and the Khao San Road, but it’s worth taking the time to explore some of the lesser-known, hidden gems of Bangkok. It might seem that there is a market on every street in Bangkok, but the Amulet Market is something a little bit special and quirky. The market is filled with row upon row of stalls selling all kinds of talismans. This is where Thai people come to seek some magical protection from the world around them. The amulets range from Buddhas, bones, and brass with stories of holy incense and Buddhist blessings contained within. Your Bangkok tour guide will give you a feel for the stories behind all of the amulets you’ll come across. Make sure you bargain hard. There isn’t any way to compare the prices here, so best to know what you want to spend and buy for a price you think is worth it.

Wat Pa Maha Chedi Temple, Si Sa Ket

Located to the northeast of Bangkok and butting up against the border with Cambodia, this area is a lot less likely to be visited by tourists. Make it here, and you get to see maybe one of the most beautiful and ecological temples you will find. This superbly conceived temple complex is made completely out of beer bottles. Back in 1984 a group of monks got disgruntled with all of the rubbish in the town and started to put it to good use. Even the beer bottle caps have been ingeniously used to make mosaics, look out for Buddha under his bodhi tree! Over one and a half million bottles have been used so far, mainly from Heineken and Chang trash. Such is the monks’ dedication to the cause of recycling that even the bathrooms are made of glass bottles! This is one of the coolest things in Thailand, and it’s worth finding a-Si Sa Ket tour guide who can help you get to the right place.

Lotus Lake, Tambon Chiang Haeo

Around 50km away from Udon Thani, near to the Laos border, is the perfect photo-worthy Lotus Lake. Check with your Udon Thani tour guide whether the lotuses are in bloom before you head here, but the general season is around December to February each year. Your guide can help arrange for a local fisherman to take you out in the charming wooden boats. Make your way through the elephant grass and a world of beautiful pinks and vibrant magentas, all reflected from the mirror-like lake, lies ready for your eyes to feast on. Plan to get there mid-morning at the latest, the flowers might close their leaves and hide their wonder if the day gets too hot. This is the land of lotus-eating. From stem to stalk to seed, everything can be consumed. Your Lotus Lake tour guide will suggest an overnight stay in the village of Baan where you can find delicious lotus flower local cuisine to round off your day.

Bo Sang Umbrella Village, Chiang Mai

The ancient city of Chiang Mai is full of great food and wonderful sights but pull yourself away from the usual tourist traps and have your Chiang Mai tour guide take you out to Bo Sang Umbrella Village to learn the ancient art of paper umbrella making. A visit to the Umbrella Making Centre is a must. You can witness the full process of the umbrellas being made as well as watch the artisans create their unique decorations. Traditionally they would focus on floral designs, but some artists have moved into more modern motifs, ask your tour guide for the inside track on where to get the best artwork. If you’re lucky, you can even get one of the painters to put some of the skilled work on to your mobile phone cover or bag!

Huai Mai Khamin Waterfalls, Mae Kra Bung

If you don’t visit a waterfall, have you even been to Thailand? As you browse through Instagram before your trip, you will probably see the same places come up again and again, but head to Huai Mai Khamin and your pics will be perfectly original. This seven-level waterfall is located in Khuean Srinagarindra National Park, in the same general area as Erawan waterfall. Huai Mai Khamin is arguably more photogenic, and you can even camp out right next to it. Your Khuean Srinagarindra National Park tour guide can help you to trek to the waterfalls and organise your camping gear hire from the park offices. These places are unique within Thailand and haven’t yet made it on to the well-trodden tourist trails. Take advantage of their seclusion and use your Thailand tour guide to help you plan a trip of some of the most adventurous things to do in Thailand.

"Jo has been through many incarnations since first arriving in Asia ten years ago. From backpacker to English teacher, then tour guide and travel writer, she loves the adventure and diversity of Asia."

Image details and licenses:  

Amulet Market: https://flic.kr/p/4sT8pp (Mike, CC BY-SA 2.0), Wat Pa Maha Chedi Temple: https://flic.kr/p/cm6KSs (Mark Fischer, CC BY-SA 2.0), Lotus Lake: https://flic.kr/p/QP3vGr (Harald, CC BY-NC 2.0), Bo Sang Umbrella village: https://flic.kr/p/48g4KG (Mikhail Esteves, CC BY-NC 2.0)