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Thailand has a year! Once again they are breaking tourist records and travelers from far and wide flock to Thailand regardless of the season.
By launching a new digital nomad visa and a clear visa-free policy, they are only dangling the carrot that will further entice us to visit this iconic Southeast Asian country in droves.
More often than not, the bustling city of Bangkok will be your gateway to Thailand.
Not that there’s anything wrong with basing your Thai adventures around Bangkok, but there’s so much to discover outside this action-packed city.
While the food is divine, the markets are impeccable and the temples are absolutely fascinating, travelers can have similar experiences elsewhere in the country – not to mention the super cheap prices!
That’s where Agoda has stepped in, a highly popular online travel booking platform with a strong focus on the Asian tourism industry.
Based on their own dataThese are the top 3 alternative Thai getaways to escape the chaos of Bangkok this fall.
3) Chonburi: Where breathtaking coastlines meet rich culture
Thailand’s household names are where you’d normally find the majority of the country’s crowds.
As beautiful and culturally rich as Chonburi may be, the average Joe or Jane probably doesn’t have Chonburi at the top of their list.
Agoda is hyping this province based on its proximity to Bangkok and the relatively crowd-free attractions it offers.
Of beautiful beaches on the mainland and beautiful islands such as Samae San Island within easy reach you can experience Thailand’s world famous beaches and culture all in one place.
There are countless ways to delve into the daily lives of the locals, including quaint villages off the beaten track.
Ang Sila, for example, is a fishing village that offers some of the best seafood imaginable, and traditional markets showcasing regionally produced textiles and other local delicacies.
You can’t go wrong in the vast province of Chonburi, from popular holiday resorts and blissful beaches to hidden gems, including the vibrant main district of Mueang Chonburi.
Although Chonburi has one major city, it is best to explore it with an open mind as you never know what you will discover on any given day.
Tip: Entrance fees up to Samae San Island cost 600 baht ($17). Overnight stays are not allowed (check hotels near the pier).
2) Khao Yai: Welcome to Thailand’s unspoilt countryside
Bangkok is an urban sprawl with non-stop action.
Constant seeing tuk tuks whizzing by or market vendors announcing their ‘special of the day’, wherever you are in the city, it can be difficult to find your Zen.
That’s why Khao Yai, less than 2.5 hours from Bangkok, is the perfect escape to trade the car horns and city bustle for the soothing sounds and sights of nature.
Most notably, it is home to amazing things Khao Yai National Park where you will have the unique opportunity to witness elephants in the wild.
This region of Thailand is the opposite of how most imagine the country: beach-filled beaches, bustling night markets and meticulously designed temples.
Rather than getting lost in the concrete jungle of Bangkok, Khao Yai offers a peaceful retreat where nature is rich with incredible wildlife, scenic hiking trails and even postcard waterfalls such as Haew Narok.
Tip: take a look this fully guided tour through Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok for less than $75!
1) Pattaya: a beautiful holiday city that is reinventing itself
Bangkok casts a big shadow, but not big enough to keep tourists away from Pattaya.
Despite being one of the most popular cities in the country, there is still room to avoid the crowds.
Let’s face it: Pattaya has had a dubious reputation for quite some time.
To their credit, their days of “dark tourism” are waning, at least on the surface.
Pattaya is undergoing a reinvention and trying a more family friendly destination that goes so far as to upgrade their unmissable ‘Pattaya City’ backdrop.
Can you imagine Hollywood doing that?
Attracting more tourists shouldn’t be a challenge considering it’s one of the cheapest cities in the country, where luxury four-star beach resorts like the Garden Sea View Resort can be booked this fall for less than $80 at, yes, you guessed it – via www.agoda.com.
Moreover, travelers can indeed escape the hustle and bustle of Pattaya, even though the city is relatively cool during the day.
Pattaya is a great gateway to some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands such as Koh Larn, Koh Sichang and Koh Kham.
Tip: Don’t miss one of Thailand’s most striking sights, Shrine of Truthlocated on the north coast of Pattaya.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
