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If you think you know everything about Thailand, think again!
We all know the bright lights of Bangkok, the amazing beaches of Phuket and the cultural delights of Chiang Mai, but scattered across the country are an abundance of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Let’s be honest; The train options in Asia are a mixed bag. You can hop aboard Japan’s famous ‘bullet trains’ where you’ll feel like you’re breaking the sound barrier, or ride a freight train in India and dodge tree branches and electrical wires in true local fashion.
Okay, okay, the latter is not recommended, even if it is as exciting as several Youtubers make it seem.
Somewhere in the middle of the spectrum are Thailand’s ultra-affordable trains, but they’re not talked about enough as a reliable means of getting around Southeast Asia’s most fascinating country.
To my own shame, when I visited Thailand six years ago, it didn’t even occur to me to explore Thailand by train, so don’t make the same mistakes I did!
This week I came across an extraordinary deal that is too good not to share. If I was in Bangkok anytime soon I would be all over it!
For only $4you can board a 3-hour train ride to one of Thailand’s lesser-known beach paradises.
Phuket Who?!
Thailand is one of those rare places, and it seems impossible to cover every intriguing facet. You’ll have bustling cities, enchanting temples, awe-inspiring islands and phenomenal coastlines at your fingertips at any time.
When it comes to the beach, a majority of tourists seek out Phuket, understandably.
Despite the crowds, that hasn’t stopped holidaymakers flocking to the pristine coasts and action-packed streets.
With so many other incredible Thai beaches, it’s time to open your mind to new adventures, which shouldn’t be a hard sell.
There is one such place Hua Hinthat should have happened a long time ago.
Located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province along beautiful coastlines, prepare to discover a place that seems too good to be true, especially for the entrance fee.
All aboard! Go from city gravel to blissful paradise For just $4
Bangkok is the gateway to Thailand for most travelers, and while it’s a great city to visit, you’re doing yourself a disservice by not venturing beyond the city limits.
With more and more travelers looking for new destinations, what better place than Hua Hin?
For less than what I spent on my coffee this morning, you can go to some of the least crowded beaches in the country without sacrificing other destinations and attractive attractions.
Hua Hin may not be a bustling city, but it’s not a snoozer either!
When you leave Bangkok, you have to go to Central terminal Krung Thep Aphiwat. It may be a mouthful to say, but don’t worry; it is easy to find as it is centrally located.
From here you will just need to pay more than $4 for online tickets purchased through 12Ga.
The Thai Railways ride takes about three for hours after recent infrastructure upgrades.
Of course, $4 only covers the basics, but you can splurge on 2nd class seats for $12 or level up to a ‘Sleeper’ for $27.
As tempting as it may be, you might ask yourself if you want to sacrifice all the beautiful scenery you pass just to catch up on the z’s.
You arrive at the Hua Hin Train Stationan architectural wonder in itself as one of Thailand’s oldest stations.
What to do in Hua Hin
There are several white sandy beaches in Hua Hin; it just depends on your vibe. If you want to stay close to the action, Hua Hin Beach is your best bet.
If you want to go on holiday where the locals go, you should go to Cha Am Beach, while Khao Takiab Beach is a slice of paradise perfect for photos.
That said, Hua Hin is much more than a beach holiday. Despite the temptation to park your ass at a luxury resort like the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, be sure to visit the vibrant night markets, immaculate temples and amazing nature surrounding the city.
It’s safe to say you’ll find Hua Hin made for exploring, whether you enjoy the pristine beaches or visit places like Kaeng Krachan National Park ($9 to enter) with perfect waterfalls and wild elephants.
Reminder 🚨: Americans now require travel authorization when visiting Thailand. You can read all about it here.
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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.
