Um Phang, Koh Tarutao, Bueng Kan… These names might not ring a bell to you. That's normal, as they are towns and villages rarely known and frequented by tourists. In other words, they are off-the-beaten-path destinations! So, if you love getting lost in a country for true cultural immersion, you're in the right place! Here are the off-beaten-path destinations for an authentic journey in the Kingdom of Siam…

1. Tha Ton

We begin our journey in the northwest of the country with a remote town, Tha Ton. Often just a stopover to Chiang Rai, tourists rarely venture here, except maybe to take a boat ride. However, this small town deserves more attention. With wild landscapes, agricultural cultures and rice fields, villages of hill tribes, proximity to Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, and near the Myanmar border, there's plenty to explore!

2. Bueng Kan

Still in the north, but to the east this time, we find a small town nestled along the Mekong River at the Laos border, seeking authenticity. This is Bueng Kan, a provincial town with extraordinary landscapes. Don't miss Wat Phu Tok, a temple perched on a sandstone cliff offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, as well as the Thai-Lao market in the town center.

3. Koh Kood

Looking for deserted beaches with fine sand and translucent water? Head to Koh Kood Island! Located in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border, this island attracts only a handful of tourists seeking quiet isolation. Apart from the heavenly beaches, fishing villages, and forests with ancient trees, there's not much else! And that's precisely what adds to the charm of this small paradise island.

4. Um Phang

In a wild and remote region lies the small town of Um Phang. Located near the Myanmar border, the village is predominantly inhabited by Karens, an ethnic minority fleeing Myanmar. Surrounded by jungle and waterfalls, nature is omnipresent here. It's perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, offering opportunities for hiking, trekking, and rafting!

5. Phetchaburi

A peaceful provincial town, Phetchaburi has it all: temples, caves, palaces, markets, old teak houses, cliffside sanctuaries, and parks inhabited by monkeys… Despite the abundance of things to do and see, very few tourists stop here. Most of the vacationers you'll encounter are Thai school groups whose children enjoy practicing English with every tourist they meet, and it's quite endearing!

6. Koh Tarutao

One of Thailand's wildest and best-preserved regions, Koh Tarutao is covered in primary jungle, mangrove swamps, limestone cliffs, caves, and stunning white sandy beaches. Unlike most Thai islands, it hasn't seen much development because it served as a prison for over 3,000 common law prisoners starting in 1938. During World War II, many prisoners perished due to a lack of supplies (food and medicine from the mainland). As a result, both prisoners and guards turned to piracy and committed atrocities! Rest assured, today you can enjoy the island's landscapes without encountering pirates.

Florine Dergelet