Thailand’s hidden gems: 11 unique places to visit in Thailand

Ornate temples, gilded buddhas, gorgeous coastlines, vibrant cities—Thailand really is a feast for the senses. Not sure where to start? We tapped our travel experts here at Go Ahead Tours for the inside scoop on the top places to visit in Thailand.

Thailand is nicknamed the Land of Smiles for a reason—the country practically glows (and not just because of all the friendly locals and tropical sunshine!). From the moment you touch down, you’ll feel a warm welcome everywhere you go, from bustling Bangkok and its pulsating energy to floating markets and local fishing villages. Thailand’s thrilling mix of past and present—where skyscrapers brush against history dating back millennia—is what makes a tour of Thailand a bucket list experience for travelers craving a mix of culture, cuisine, nature, and more.

While you may already know some of the most popular Thailand tourist places, like the Grand Palace, there are tons of hidden gems in Thailand begging to be explored. Read on for some you can discover on tour.

1. Chiang Mai Night Market

Tucked in the mountains of northern Thailand, the region’s largest city—and historical capital of the old Lanna Kingdom—is home to what many consider the best night market experience in the country. Unfolding outside the ancient walls of the old city of Chiang Mai, the bazaar stretches nearly a mile—and even side streets are lined with stalls serving up street food and snacks like noodle dishes and spring rolls. Mingle with artists, browse handmade crafts like wood carvings and Thai silks (keep an eye out for Thailand’s oldest silk factory, Shinawatra, where Princess Diana was said to shop), and catch a live music concert near the food court. “It’s amazing to see the sun go down and these relatively quiet streets come to life,” said traveler Kevin. “Chiang Mai has a much more relaxed vibe than Bangkok or even Phuket in the south, which makes it so fun to just enjoy strolling amongst the food vendors and souvenir shops.”

Insider tip: If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to taste mango sticky rice at the market in Thailand. This combination of coconut milk, sticky rice, and sweet, ripe mango has been a popular dessert in Thailand for centuries.

2. Koh Panyee fishing village

Extending out like a peninsula of pastel-hued LEGO pieces in Phang Nga Bay, this Muslim floating village is truly one of the most spectacular hidden places in Thailand. Fun fact: Everybody who lives here is a descendant of an Indonesian man named Toh Baboo, as well as his family and friends, who founded Koh Panyee more than 200 years ago. Explore the village on foot or board a speedboat and float into this fascinating history. One of the highlights: three floating soccer fields, the first of which was constructed with wood from old homes after the 1986 FIFA World Cup took place in Mexico. The only thing better than visiting this photo-worthy place alongside an expert guide? Sampling fresh seafood in the most scenic of settings—a floating restaurant.

Insider tip: Once a fishing village, Koh Panyee now relies mostly on tourism. The 400 or so friendly families living here are more than happy to share a deeper understanding of their lifestyle, so don’t be shy—go ahead and interact with the locals.

3. ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary

In Thailand, sanctuaries like ChangChill have developed a new ethical tourism model promoting elephant welfare. This refuge gives visitors an intimate look at elephants in their natural habitat without allowing rides or other human interactions that can be distressing for the gentle giants. (We partner with organizations like ChangChill on tour as part of our Responsible Travel initiative, which includes promoting animal welfare.) “We saw so much, and each experience was unforgettable,” said first-time traveler Danylle after experiencing our 14-day Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket trip last summer. “The floating market, all of the temples, and the elephant sanctuary were incredible.” ChangChill works with World Animal Protection to create a safe living environment for the elephants, so you’ll get an up-close (but still mindfully respectful) experience walking with Asian elephants, learning about conservation, and relaxing in nature.

Insider tip: While you’re at the sanctuary, chat with the mahouts, or caretakers, to learn more about the resident elephants or take a hands-on approach helping staffers prep medicine and food.

4. Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands may be world-famous thanks to the blockbuster movies that have been filmed there, but that doesn’t mean their crystal-clear waters and stunning hidden coves don’t offer more to discover. “Phi Phi (pronounced pee-pee) is literally paradise,” said traveler Kevin. “There are few to no cars on the island and everywhere you look offers an incredible view of the Andaman Sea. It feels like you are in a movie on this island—which makes sense, as it was the place where The Beach and [James Bond’s] The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed.”

The Phi Phi Islands are known for everything from staggering limestone cliffs and one of the world’s most abundant coral reef systems to a “monkey island,” where you can snap photos of wild, long-tailed macaques. When travelers rave about Thailand’s spectacular snorkeling and unreal, blue water, this is probably the place they’re talking about.

Insider tip: These islands are among the most popular in Thailand for their pristine beaches, buzzy restaurants and bars, but our expert guides will take you to some of the lesser-visited stretches of sand and snorkel spots. Don’t forget to pack an underwater camera, mask and snorkel!

5. Damnoen Saduak floating market

Early European visitors dubbed Bangkok’s intricate water network the “Venice of the East,” as it was the main means of communication and the hub of daily commerce. Thailand’s rivers and canals (called khlongs in Thai) are still a huge part of daily life, and one of the best ways to get insight into local culture is by visiting one of the most popular floating markets in the country, Damnoen Saduak. The iconic market, located just outside Bangkok, has been operating for more than 100 years on Thailand’s longest and straightest canal, initially built to link with Chinese riverways for transportation and trade. When you visit on tour with us in Thailand, you’ll hop aboard a boat and cruise through the market, taking in the colorful displays of fresh produce, street food, and snacks, like fresh coconut ice cream, all served from floating stalls. “I loved how much time we spent on the water throughout the tour,” said traveler Kathy, a watercolor artist who was inspired by her experiences during a Go Ahead trip to Thailand. “Whether we were visiting floating markets or coasting along the canals, traveling by boat helped us see places that we couldn’t access by land.”

Insider tip: The best time to visit the bustling market is early in the morning, when it’s in full swing, before Thailand’s notorious heat hits full capacity.

7. Bangkok organic farm

Bangkok may seem like a bustling, concrete jungle, but the city center is home to a sustainable urban farm whose farmers tend to the land using eco-friendly practices. Sample freshly picked fruit, sip a homemade coconut drink (a refreshing way to beat Bangkok’s heat), and do a little of your own hands-on planting while on our Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands tour. “This is a truly unique experience that many travelers to Thailand won’t get,” said traveler Kevin. “Thai cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, and many dishes are relatively simple. Visiting this farm and doing a hands-on activity gives our travelers a tactile appreciation for that.”

Why it’s special: A small gesture can go a long way, and this farm visit is one that shows the impact you can make while on our tours. Not only will you learn about the farmers’ eco-friendly agricultural practices—and understand what makes Bangkok’s produce so unique—you’ll contribute to growing the organic farm’s bounty during a hands-on planting workshop.

8. Talu Island sea caves

One of the lesser-known places to visit in Thailand is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Talu. Known for its crystal-clear water, shallow coral reefs, and postcard-perfect, white-sand beaches, it’s a hotspot for snorkelers. The island’s claim to fame is its cameo in the James Bond flick The Man with the Golden Gun, so it’s not exactly a secret. But while most travelers cruise the bay by traditional long tail boat snapping shots of the otherworldly rock formations, there’s plenty more to see below the service—and around it (you’ll have plenty of time to explore on our 12-day Highlights of Southern Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi trip). The best way to venture to the tucked-away lagoons, beaches, and underwater caverns? Via canoe, which you can do on our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket tour alongside experienced local paddlers who will guide you to sea caves filled with icicle-like stalactites—the ultimate definition of off the grid!

Insider tip: We’ll provide the canoes and lunch, so all you need to remember to bring is any gear you might need for canoeing (think water shoes, a waterproof camera, and a dry bag to keep phones and any other valuables safe).

9. Ayutthaya Historical Park

One of the best places to visit in Thailand, Ayutthaya, was the heart of the Kingdom of Siam and the birthplace of Bangkok’s founder, King Rama I. Today, it looks more like a seting in Tomb Raider than the bustling capital and trading port it was before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. When you visit the UNESCO World Heritage site on our Grand Tour of Thailand, you’ll step back in time and have a sense of what the city was like for ancient travelers on a cycling tour past the ruins of Pom Phet on the old city walls and to the golden spire of Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai. Cruise along the banks of the river to Ayutthaya Historical Park, eyeing temple ruins, before reaching the ultimate photo moment: the famous stone Buddha sculpture intertwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.

Why it’s special: A guided tour through Ayutthaya offers a glimpse into Thailand’s royal past with its well-preserved ruins of palaces and monasteries; landmark pagodas; sky-high, multi-tiered prang towers; and 138-foot-long stone statue of the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutha, the Temple of the Earth.

10. Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

A sacred site for Thai Buddhists, Wat Doi Suthep is considered one of the country’s most holy locations. “Legend is that a piece of the Buddha’s shoulder bone is enshrined here, and you can feel its spirituality as you walk up the stairs and wander through the temple complex,” said traveler Kevin. “There are many temples to visit in Thailand—but this is the most memorable to me because of its beauty and importance to Thai history and culture.”

Referred to as Doi Suthep after the mountain it sits on, the gold-covered temple, with its Buddha relics, pagodas, and shrines, shows off panoramic views of Chiang Mai—which is particularly stunning at sunset. The entrance—a 306-step staircase flanked by dragon-like deities—is just as dramatic as the temple itself, and one of the highlights is the large, golden Buddha statue sitting right out front.

Insider tip: If you plan to visit during your free day in Chiang Mai on our Thailand for Solo Travelers tour extension, go early to skip the crowds and watch the sunrise from the mountaintop temple before meditating and exploring the surrounding gardens. You’ll want to wear sturdy shoes, bring a shawl to cover your shoulders or legs inside the temple, and a walking stick to help with the stairs.

11. White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai

With its all-white design, intricate carvings, and reflective mosaics, Wat Rong Khun is, admittedly, one of the most famous temples in Thailand, but we couldn’t resist adding it to our list since it simply can’t be missed. The unconventional Buddhist temple blends elements of traditional and contemporary architecture for a look that’s unlike anything else you’ll see during your time touring Thailand. “It was so special because it’s strikingly different from all of the other temples we visited,” said traveler Maureen. “The coolest thing about it is that there are depictions of Spider Man, Darth Vader, Michael Jackson, Hello Kitty, and even Angry Birds characters intermingled with flames, demons, and tragic scenes in history.”

Insider tip: While it’s not on the itinerary during our Grand Tour of Thailand, squeeze in an early morning visit (this is also the time when there is the least amount of people and light is best for photography) during your two-night stay in Chiang Rai.

Have you ever visited Thailand on tour? What are some of your favorite places to visit in Thailand? Tell us about your favorite moments on our Facebook page!