1. Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai
It may be the largest city in northern Thailand but these two places haven’t been hit by the throngs of tourist that frequent Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket, yet.
Overflowing with picturesque landscapes, friendly hill tribes and elephant sanctuaries, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai boast of some really kick-ass and offbeat experiences.
Highlights/What to do:
1.) Do not miss dropping by the elephant sanctuaries. You can get up close and personal with the adorable giants. Indulge in a little mud spa and bath session with the elephants!
2 .) An absolute contrast to the numerous golden temples you’ll see all around Bangkok and the rest of Thailand, Chiang Rai is home to the stunning silver or white temple called Wat Rong Khun!
3.) You can also try the Chiang Rai Golden Triangle tours which are organized by local travel guides.
They bring you to the Golden Triangle (where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet) as well as other temples and attractions – including a boat ride down Mekong River!
4.) Explore the jungles like Tarzan!
Skip the usual hikes and jungle treks, try out the Flight of the Gibbon Tour. A jungle adventure through the eyes of a gibbon which allows you to have a breath-taking view of the rainforest as you zip line your way through the jungle canopy!!
The cost of this experience is around 8,600 INR.
5.) A visit to Mae Kampong is definitely refreshing.
Experience rural Thailand, its postcard landscapes, sparkling waterfalls and seize the opportunity to have a cup of local coffee at the coffee shops around the village and have a chat with the friendly locals.
How to reach:
There are flights directly going to the Chiang Mai International Airport from India (via Bangkok).
You can also take a bus or rent a taxi from Bangkok or any other place in Thailand to get to Chiang Mai.
Daily trains operate from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Train Station to the Chiang Mai Station and take about 12-15 hours to reach Chiang Mai. The train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is fairly comfortable and one has the option of traveling first or second class.
Getting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is straightforward, although the highway between the two northern cities stays perpetually busy. The best way to travel between these places is to grab a cheap bus or hire a private car or a taxi.
2. Ayutthaya
Nestled amidst forests, on an island surrounded by three rivers Ayutthaya is probably one of the most spectacular cities of Thailand.
Founded in 1350, it used to be the capital of Thailand until the Burmese attack of 1767. Today the ruins of the attack are considered an important visiting spot. This place is like the Angkor Wat of Thailand.
Highlights/What to do:
1.) Get lost at some of the most impressive temples in all of Thailand.
2.) Witness the most famous statue of the Buddha’s head entwined in the roots of a fig tree at Wat Mahathat.
3.) Rent a bicycle and make a day of it, and make sure you’re there to catch the sunset – the sun coming down on these temples is mesmerizing.
4.) Go on a photo-walk!
The combination of the lotus-filled ponds sitting at the feet of the temples and statues make for a pretty scene, providing the perfect opportunity to click some unique photographs.
How To Reach:
The ruined old city of Ayutthaya is situated only around 80 kilometers (50 miles) directly north of Bangkok. There are several different options for travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, including car, minivan, bus, and train. While cabs are more convenient for tourists, a train is the cheapest and the most scenic route.
Trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, which you can reach via the MRT, and they leave regularly throughout the day. (Third Class ticket = 32 INR)
3. Koh Chang
The beaches of Phuket and Bangkok have become over-crowded, thanks to the spurting Indian and international tourist population. Skip these overdone beaches and choose from Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood.
These are neighboring islands – each one with its own gorgeous snorkeling spots and powdery white-sand beaches.
Highlights/What to do:
1.) Soar above the beautiful island of Koh Chang, the second biggest island in Thailand.
Get to take in Koh Chang's beautiful scenery from above while zipping, swinging, and biking from treetop to treetop! Try out any of the treetop activities available.
Cross rope bridges, Tarzan swings, the “flying skateboards," walk the tightrope and try zip-lining.
3.) Indulge in Beach bumming at Koh Chang’s most popular, white Sand beach or head for Klong Son beach or Lonely beach to bask in some sunshine at these pristine water, isolated beaches.
4.) Get some underwater action, grab your gear and go snorkeling.
You’ll discover the astounding reefs, a myriad of pretty corals and colourful schools of fish that Koh Chang has to offer.
How to reach:
You could book a private transfer that will take you directly from Bangkok to Koh Chang. With a pickup straight from the heart of Bangkok near Khao San road, getting to this tropical wonderland isn’t that difficult after all and take about 6 hours.
4. Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi islands is another heavenly beach getaway destination for those who just want to live the island life all day, every day.
Highlights/What to do:
1.) Soak in the tropical vibes as you laze around the beach for an afternoon snooze or paddle in crystal-clear, aquamarine waters.
2.)Explore and uncover the towering karst landscapes to secret caves within the seas and lagoons.
3.) Snorkel with the amazing bio-luminescent plankton (that glow in the dark or at night).
4.) Island-hopping from Maya Bay to Monkey Island and Pileh Cove, and swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.
5.) Start your night on a high note at a beach party with a fire show or on a sublime note by watching the sunset on kayaks around Koh Phi Phi.
6.) A soothing Thai Massage at Phi Phi Villa Resort or an energy fueled session at pirate island adventures house.
How to reach:
This group of six islands is located 46 km from Phuket and roughly the same distance from Krabi. To get to Phi Phi, there are basically two options: ferries and speedboats.
The ferry is by far the most popular method of reaching the islands. Ferries take about two hours from Phuket and 90 minutes from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The main departure/arrival port in Phuket is Rassada Pier, located in Phuket Town. In Krabi, the main ferry pier is Klong Jirad Pier, situated just south of Krabi Town.