Thailand remains one of the top destinations for travelling Australians yet many of the country’s highlights remain undiscovered.
Some of the top alternative destinations include the eastern coastal areas, such as Rayong, as well as the northern provinces of Phrae, Phayao and Nan.
These regions are well-equipped with the necessary facilities and infrastructure to host travellers and are ready to welcome them.
By visiting these destinations travellers can also take heart from the fact they are helping to spread the benefits from tourism across the country, rather than just the most popular spots.
Here is our guide to just some of the hidden gems that await:
RAYONG
This seaside province in the east of Thailand offers temples, nature’s wonders, traditional arts and crafts, beaches and sunsets over the sea.
Situated in the north of the province, Wat Namtok Thammarot is a famous pink temple (main image) with two big standing Buddha images guarding a small path on stilts leading into the ordination hall. There are also many statues of deities and monks scattered among the trees.
Other highlights include Wat Pra Pradu’s 12-metre-long reclining Buddha (below) and Yomjinda Road, the most famous street in Rayong Old Town, with its ancient wooden houses, shops and the little Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine, a Chinese temple.
The Ko Kloi Floating Market is a great place for authentic souvenirs while the OTOP Ban Mabloa Cha-Own community sees locals making all kinds of basketry objects. A boat tour or a walk around the Rayong Botanical Garden is also highly recommended.
There is a range of accommodation available, from five-star international hotels to homestays, on the beach or in the city.
For dinner, there are plenty of restaurants on the beach for you to admire the sunset while enjoying fresh seafood, for which the region is famous.
How to get there: The cheapest option is a three-hour bus ride south from Bangkok. A taxi will cost you around $120.
NORTHERN THAILAND
The 17 northern Thai provinces boast local countryside at its greenest during the period of mid-May to mid-October.
During this time visitors can enjoy special events and flower festivals as well as local experiences, picturesque rice fields, amazing national parks and mist-shrouded mountains and valleys.
While Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are well-known destinations, the region is brimming with lesser-explored gems waiting to be uncovered.
Phrae Province offers authentic cultural experiences, historical treasures and natural beauty away from the main tourist trails. Known for its warm hospitality, the province blends the charm of Lanna heritage with countryside vistas.
One of Thailand’s oldest cities, Phrae is a living testament to the country’s rich history, dating back a millennium to the Hariphunchai Kingdom. Wander through the Old Town, where the wooden houses and colonial-style mansions testify to its prosperous past.
A century-old teakwood mansion, Vongburi House showcases traditional Thai craftsmanship and the lifestyles of aristocratic families from a bygone era.
Situated on a hilltop, the revered temple of Wat Phra That Cho Hae (above) is the spiritual heart of the province. The temple’s golden chedi, adorned with intricate details, is a stunning example of Lanna architecture.
Phrae is also renowned for its traditional mor hom fabric, deep indigo-dyed cotton in Thailand. Visitors can explore workshops like Ban Thung Hong and try to dye their garments while learning about this centuries-old craft.
Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park is often referred to as Thailand’s “Grand Canyon” and features surreal sandstone formations shaped by centuries of erosion. Strolling through this otherworldly terrain feels like stepping into a natural sculpture gallery.
How to get there: Phrae is accessible by air via Phrae Airport or by bus from Chiang Mai, which is about a three- to four-hour journey.
Phayao Province invites travellers to slow down, connect with nature and immerse themselves in local culture.
At the heart of the province lies Kwan Phayao, one of Thailand’s largest freshwater lakes and a focal point of local life. Visitors can hire a boat to explore the lake or visit the ancient Wat Tilok Aram, a submerged temple with a history of more than 500 years.
Charming restaurants and cafés surround the lake, where you can savour local delicacies like grilled river fish and spicy papaya salad while enjoying the sunset.
Phayao’s natural beauty extends beyond its lake. Phu Sang National Park is for nature lovers, offering lush forests, cascading waterfalls and opportunities to spot wildlife.
The Chiang Kham district is a gateway to Phayao’s diverse cultural heritage. Home to the Tai Lue ethnic group, Chiang Kham offers a fascinating blend of traditions and modern life.
When to visit: Phayao is a destination for all seasons, but the cool season (November to February) is particularly inviting.
A visit to Nan Province is food for the soul, whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast or cultural explorer.
Due to its historical role as an independent kingdom, Nan boasts a fascinating blend of Thai and Lao cultures unique to Thailand.
The town’s charming Old Quarter is the perfect starting point with the highlight being Wat Phumin, a 16th-century temple famous for its exquisite murals.
Another cultural gem is the Nan National Museum, housed in a former royal palace. The museum provides insight into the province’s history, the Lanna Kingdom and the unique Tai Lue and Hmong communities that have shaped Nan’s identity.
The Doi Phu Kha National Park (above) is ideal for hikers and nature enthusiasts, and is famous for its rare pink blossoms, known as Chomphu Phu Kha.
Nan’s charm comes alive during its vibrant festivals, with the highlight being the Nan Boat Racing Festival, typically held in October and featuring elaborately decorated longboats and thrilling races that reflect the province’s deep connections to its waterways
How to get there: Nan is accessible by direct flights from Bangkok or bus from Chiang Mai.
