The COVID-19 pandemic has driven people to seek an escape to reclaim a sense of sanity. Some do this by binge-watching their favorite shows on Netflix; some find their release by cooking their favorite dishes; some are making lists of places they’ll travel to once things get back to normal. When things in life return to their new versions of normal, you’re going to need something else to do, something better, something truly extraordinary; you’ll need a trip to Thailand.
While it is a well-known travel destination, Thailand is riddled with hidden gems and places to find once in a lifetime experiences. Although we can’t fly to Thailand at the moment, it’s only a matter of time before travel opens up again so get your travel goals list ready and be sure to add some of these hidden gems in Thailand.
- Tham Kra Sae Bridge
For those of you who want to walk along the paths of history, visit the Tham Kra Sae Bridge. This bridge is a portal back through time offering an eerie glimpse into the WW2 era when thousands of soldiers traversed the region.
When you’re able to visit Thailand, it’s worth taking a detour to the infamous Tham Kra Sae Bridge. A train brings visitors to the nearby caves, one of which is said to be the site of a field hospital for Japanese soldiers in WW2.
Riding on the train you’ll have a stellar view and a prime opportunity to take plenty of incredible pictures along the way. Take a trip to Lum Sum in the Sai Yok district to see it for yourself.
- Nui Beach
Imagine a beach that’s not smothered with people everywhere. You can find such a place at Nui Beach in the Kingdom of Thailand. Located in Phuket, Nui Beach is largely shielded from the swarms of tourists that had previously saturated other beaches in the region. While many of Phuket’s beaches are well-known and filled with visitors, Nui Beach is a magical exception. Just 120-meters-long, the beach is accessible via a three-kilometer hike through the jungle.
No visit to Nui Beach is complete without checking out the Karon Viewpoint and then making your way down to the waterfront which is only a 15-minute journey on foot.
- Suan Lamai
Two hours southeast of Bangkok sits the idyllic area of Suan Lamai, which is commonly referred to as the Kingdom of Fruit on the Mountain. The mountainside gardens and exotic fruit trees of Suan Lamai offer a place to relax, unwind, and forget your troubles while taking in extraordinary beauty.
This incomparable natural beauty of Eden is still hidden from swarms of tourists, making it an ideal vacation destination for those who wish to practice social distancing!
- Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan
The Erawan Museum is a pink lover’s paradise, with intricate designs covering the structure in the color. It’s a place where you can observe some of the most priceless and unique reflections of Thai heritage.
Just south of Bangkok in Samut Prakan, the museum includes a massive three-headed elephant statue outside, fine art, religious relics, and magnificent stained glass. Add this beautiful space to your travel wishlist!
- Ko Mook
Resting off of the shores of Thailand is a magical island known as Ko Mook. You can find peace, happiness, and bliss on these enchanted sands.
As Ko Lanta’s much quieter neighbor, Ko Mook provides an escape from more crowded destinations. Right off of the Trang Province in the Andaman Sea, Ko Mook is a typical Thai fishing village with white beaches and wonderful snorkeling. Its main attraction is a majestic cavern known as Emerald Cave, accessible via an 80-meter swim or kayak through the mountain and ending at a small beach.
- Wat Phra Thart Pha Sorn Kaew in Phetchabun
Completed in 2004, Wat Phra Thart Pha Sorn Kaew was only registered as a temple in 2010. Known as the Temple on the Glass Cliff, witnessing the wonders of Wat Phra Thart Pha Sorn Kaew is an incredible experience. Although Thailand is peppered with lovely temples, only a few can compare to the beauty and structural uniqueness of the Temple on the Glass Cliff.
In the past 10 years, it has become a popular Dharma retreat for monks and Buddhists. Being known as the Temple on the Glass Cliff, the structure is built into the mountainside, providing breathtaking views for meditation. One of the most remarkable features of the Temple on the Glass Cliff is its uncanny modern design.
- Wat Pa Phu Kon
If tranquility and seclusion is what you seek, you need to make a trip to Wat Pa Phu Kon. This temple is a place where you can find balance and sink into sweet tranquility that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Found inside the Na Yung-Nam Som National Forest Reserve in northeastern Thailand, Wat Pa Phu Kon is a peaceful oasis. The temple was designed as a secluded spot for monks to practice meditation and improve mental development.
Once you step inside this magnificent temple, you will find a 20-meter-long white marble Buddha lying on its side. While gazing upon the white marble Buddha, you’ll find the kind of inner peace that you can’t find anywhere else. This Buddha’s serenity is indescribable; it’s something that you need to see and feel for yourself.
- Talay Bua Daeng (Red Lotus Sea)
The Kingdom of Thailand has many beautiful sights, but one of the most spectacular views in all of Thailand is Talay Bua Daeng. Known as the Red Lotus Sea, this inland lake is covered with breathtakingly beautiful pink water lilies.
Between October to January, the Talay Bua Daeng lake’s pink water lilies come into bloom, transforming its limpid waters into a pink spectacle as far as the eye can see. Hop aboard one of the pontoon boats at the water’s edge and enjoy the breathtaking view as the boat makes its way through the lotus blooms.
- Pai Canyon
One of the most aesthetically astounding places in Thailand is Pai Canyon. You can easily traverse the sights around the area on a scooter that you can rent for $5. The sunset views are spectacular beyond belief, and you’ll find plenty of stalls offering refreshments along your journey.
The natural wonder of Pai Canyon (or Kong Lan in Thai) makes it one of the most popular attractions in this small town. The unique area has been formed by continuous erosion over decades before reaching the current condition. Though not big like the term ‘canyon’ often leads you to imagine, the geological formation has its fair share of spectacular grandeur, and the views up there are excellent.
It’s also large enough for you to find a quiet corner to sit and embrace the scenery. The geological magic of the area offers an incredible 360° panorama, making Kong Lan one of the most scenic spots to enjoy the sunset while it can be enjoyed at sunrise too.
- Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) at Ko Muk
The island of Ko Muk is renowned for its glistening white beaches and the Tham Morakot (Emerald) cave. The Emerald Cave is graced with magical water that turns into a brilliant shade of emerald green when the sunlight hits it at just the right angle. Visitors have to pass through a small passage that’s only accessible during low tide to access the hidden white sandy beach.
Experience the Hidden Gems in Thailand for Yourself
Although you can’t fly out to Thailand just yet, it won’t be long before you can see these remarkable scenic treasures for yourself and gaze upon them in all their glory. The hidden gems in Thailand are truly magical; seeing and experiencing them for yourself will give you a whole new perspective on life.
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