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Oh, Thailand. What a magical place.
Of postcard-perfect islands to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok to the undiscovered interior, this is mega popular The Southeast Asian country is an endless playground for travelers.
Thailand is actually for all types of travelers. Whether you’re on a budget, looking for the ultimate adventure, the most beautiful beach holiday you can imagine, epic wildlife encounters or digital nomad communities…
The list goes on and on in all the best ways…
But a new trend is emerging in Thailand’s booming tourism sector.
Although Bangkok is typically travelers’ gateway to the country, many visitors trade the action for a slower pace in undiscovered ‘secondary cities’.
According to the Bangkok Postthese 5 lesser-known Thai destinations are sparking renewed interest in going off-path:
- Chantaburi
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Nakhon Nayok
- Ratchaburi
- Chiang Rai
Nakhon Nayok surprisingly climbed to third place, doubling the number of searches on www.agoda.nl compared to the other destinations.
Go beyond the tourist route
Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, maybe even trendy Koh Samui if you’re into island hopping.
These are the main stops for most travelers entering Thailand.
A cheap one, less than 2 hours bus ride from Bangkokthe virtually untouched region of Nakhon Kayok is close enough for an easy journey into uncharted territory and adventurous enough to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
You no longer have to stay in the humid, polluted cities and peruse traditional floating markets and night markets for a sense of local culture.
Wide open spaces are calling your name. Nakhon Nayok offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue and unparalleled charm that has captured the attention of wanderlust travelers.
Thanks to the beautiful nature reserves you can still go temple hopping, but you can also activate your inner 90s kid and chasing waterfalls.
And don’t worry, Nakhon Nayok is no scrub – it is destined to impress with beautiful national parks, a wide range of wildlife and dazzling temples that are as impressive as the household names of other Thai cities.
A breath of fresh air: Nakhon Nayok’s seductive tranquilityity
Despite its drawbacks, Bangkok is a really cool city, so keep Nakhon Nayok on the back burner as a quiet escape when the maze of chaotic streets becomes sensory overload.
To be clear, Nakhon Nayok is also the main city in the province and they share the same name. The region as a whole is every nature lover’s dream come true.
Some would say it’s a shame it’s not more popular, and for others they’d say there’s no better time to visit as more and more TikTokers reveal the province’s hidden gems.
One of these is Sarika Waterfall, a waterfall popular for its refreshing swimming area and picnic areas.
Cost only €5.50 for ticketsa visit to Khao Yai National Park is definitely worth a visit, for reasons other than the picturesque waterfalls.
Thailand’s oldest designated National Park is teeming with beautiful photo opportunities, including majestic mountains, dense green forests and vast grasslands.
Nearby is the Dad Deo That Cliffa walkable viewpoint with some of the best views in the country without having to weave in and out selfie sticks.
Temples galore: who needs Bangkok anyway?!
Religious views vary; there is no doubt about it.
But ultimately, there’s no reason why we can’t all admire the wonders of Thailand’s mosques, cathedrals and, more often than not, insanely beautiful temples.
One of the most common ways to explore Bangkok, among other places, is to go temple hopping.
But a visit to Nakhon Nayok will make you forget the rest of the Thai temples, no matter how impressive.
Nakhon Nayok offers a more intimate and serene experience and allows visitors to connect with local beliefs and incomparable architecture.
These are 5 temples you must visit in the province:
- Wat Yai Thakkhinaram
- Wat Chulabhorn Wanaram
- Wat Phra Phuttha Saen Khao Manee
- What Maneewong
- Wat Tham Sarika
The last 2 are connected to caves, true Wat Tham Sarika contemplates ancient statues of Buddha.
One of the best ways to explore this region is by motorbike, essentially getting lost in the scenic landscape, allowing this underrated part of Thailand to reveal itself to you.
Better yet, the locals love seeing tourists come. Don’t be afraid to ask about hidden gems!
Who knows, you might come across it again gigantic Ganesha statues or a local farming community serving the best farm-to-table food.
The bottom line is that Nakhon Nayok is full of surprises, and it’s easy to understand why the trend is up.
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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.
