REST OF THAILAND

Outside of Bankok and Phuket palm-lined beaches and crystal-clear waters become cliché. The rest of Thailand has much more to offer. 

Koh Samui, the second-largest island in the country, has been a popular destination since the '80s. Chaweng Beach is a five-kilometer-long crescent of powdery white sand is the busiest beach on the island, where most the tourism developments are concentrated. Lamai Beach is known for large granite boulders of Hin Ta Hin Yai decorating the end of the beach and Wat Plai Laem temple complex is also a popular place to visit.

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand’s mountains, is great for outdoor enthusiasts who wish to trek into the nearby hill-tribe villages, visit local mountain temples or visit the popular Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary. It’s also known for being home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, the most famous being Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.

Krabi Province is an archipelago of more than a hundred offshore islands. The Phi Phi Islands are a top destination, as is Railay Beach, which can only be accessed via boat. Nang Beach offers scuba diving in coral reefs, and nearby Mu Ko Lanta National Park is perfect for outdoor explorers.

Chonburi Province, like many places in Thailand, was originally a fishing village. But now Pattaya, the largest city in the province, boasts glamorous condos, high-end shopping malls, 24-hour night clubs and a number of cabaret bars, as well as several golf courses that offer stunning views of Pattaya Bay.