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With the general hordes of holiday shoppers out in full force, we can certainly all relate to avoiding crowds.
Whether you choose Uber Eats, Amazon Prime or travel to places you never knew existed, the common denominator is all the same.
When it comes to Thailand, Phuket and Bangkok are two places you’ll want to avoid due to these types of frustrations, although the latter is an urban sprawl, making it easier to find your inner zen when you need to.
Phuket, on the other hand, faces concerns about overtourism, so this could be the last Thai beach paradise you want to relax in.
The good news for you is that there are many tranquil spots along the coast of mainland Thailand and countless islands worthy of a postcard.
Lonely planet I’ve just highlighted a few such places – one on the mainland, along with a beautiful island you may not have heard of.
Best of all, they’re both very affordable, virtually unspoilt and dotted with idyllic beach bungalows along the unspoilt coast.
Ko Wai: Thailand’s pristine island escape
Island life appeals to all of us, and when it comes to Thailand, there seems to be an endless list of offshore paradises to choose from.
Lonely Planet presented Ko Wai as one of the best alternatives to Thailand’s resort-lined beaches, rather than embracing the unknown of the pristine coastline with traditional bungalows.
Before Thailand became a global icon where holidaymakers flocked to the urban delights of Bangkok or the pristine beaches of countless destinations, the latter looked a lot like Ko Wai.
Coming here now can be seen as a time capsule, especially as prices are still ridiculously low and the landscapes are virtually untouched.
Longstanding local traditions still hold true, so don’t expect billboards, mega cruise ships or towering resorts.
Ko Wai is the perfect encapsulation of one of Thailand’s most popular traveler types: those of us traveling on a budget!
Ranging from everywhere $15 to $45check out Koh Wai paradisewith 30 bungalows with thatched roofs or slightly cheaper Good feeling bungalowswhere a recent visitor claimed it was ‘heaven on earth’.
Golden beaches and traditional stays: welcome to Bang Saphan Yai
Turns out Bangkok isn’t the only Thai haven where you can date a ‘Bang’.
Bang Saphan Yai is not a place you see in bold letters on a map, like the country’s main attractions, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Small but mighty in terms of untamed beauty, this quaint beach town is located in the trendy province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, yet it remains quiet on this side for locals to enjoy.
Lonely Planet called ‘sublime sunsets’ with jaw-dropping golden beaches lined with bamboo huts, and while witnessing the fiery sky is certainly a must, there’s plenty more that will make your trip worthwhile.
One way for an epic adventure is to take a $4 train from Bangkok to Hua Hin and head down there by bus or train. 12Ga.
The coastal views are a sight to behold and are a far cry from the beach crowds elsewhere, as this quiet side of the country exudes a completely different atmosphere.
Upon arrival, there are plenty of beaches to look for endless bliss in the sun, especially if bungalows are more your thing than fancy resorts.
This isn’t to say that these traditional-style lodgings are run-down by any means, but don’t expect swim-up bars and room service on a silver platter.
And if you need to visit an island, tour operators can make arrangements to visit lesser-known islands Ko Thalu. But with idyllic huts, sensory overload markets, and snorkeling and kayaking on the turquoise waters as options, there’s no harm in staying on land.
Check out Sangjun on beach resortwho has Beachfront bungalows from $25 with top reviews claiming: ‘Large balcony with fantastic ocean views’ and ‘If you want absolute peace and quiet this is the place for you’.
New Thailand rule for US travelers
On On the one hand, Thailand has done the Americans a favor by extending their visa waiver to two months instead of before 30 days.
But now there’s a new annoyance: dreaded shapes!
That’s right; all Americans entering Thailand starting in December will be required to complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance, but the good news is there is no fee.
For more insight and peace of mind to ensure you get the finishing touches done, read our recent article on the new access rules and benefits.
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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.
