Here’s a deeper dive into 10 of Thailand’s most captivating natural wonders:

1. Similan Islands: This group of islands situated in the Andaman Sea is famous for its white sand beaches, clean blue-green water, and colorful coral gardens. Ideal for snorkeling, diving, or to sunbathe on a beautiful island. Dive into the deep waters and meet fishes of many types, dolphins, and manta rays. A rather calm and leisurely activity is kayaking that allows getting a closer view of the islands, whereas for the lovers of thrill, there is granite cliffs’ rock climbing.

2. Khao Sok National Park: Explore in the arms of Khao Sok, Thailand’s oldest rainforest. Trek through thick forests with an abundance of fauna, such as gibbons, hornbills, and other elusive wild cats. Visit caves with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites or watch the sunset while drifting on the boat through Cheow Lan Lake, enclosed by cliffs. Get in the canoe and travel through the flooded forest observing a number of creatures that inhabit it.

3. Erawan National Park: Erawan National Park is well known for its cascading emerald pools and numerous tiers of waterfalls. This park has easy to moderate trails through the rainforest, passing by tall trees and vivid plants. Swim in the waters of the falls; they are all uniquely different from one another. Erawan National Park allows people to embrace the beauty of nature and spend some time away from the noise and stress of daily life.

4. Phang Nga Bay: Take a boat ride through Phang Nga Bay and marvel at the formations of large limestone cliffs rising from the water. Discover secret lagoons and other isolated areas that can only be found with a boat. Paddle through these secluded coves and learn about the different species of flora and fauna in the bay area. Visit the famous James Bond Island, a beautiful limestone pinnacle turning into a symbol of the bay.

5. Doi Inthanon National Park: Climb up the “Roof of Thailand” at Doi Inthanon National Park, the country’s highest point. Take a trek in mountain areas with conquered trails featuring various plants and animals found in the region based on altitude. If you have never seen a sunrise above a sea of clouds, this would be one trip that you will not want to miss. Visit picturesque hill tribe villages which are located around the mountains and discover their way of life. Stop at the Royal Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a spotless temple at the top of a mountain with stunning views of the city and countryside.

6. Thi Lo Su Waterfall: Thi Lo Su waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand and is situated in the jungles of Tak Province. The trek involves passing by various features such as teak plantations and local villages and finally arriving at the base of the waterfall. Watch the raw energy and grandeur of this natural phenomenon, where water cascades down steep cliffs. Enjoy a swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall or hike through the jungle area to discover more waterfalls and vantage points.

7. Tham Lod Cave: Join an exciting cave trekking with a competent tour guide to Tham Lod Cave that hosted the dramatic soccer team rescue in 2018. Take a tour of the gigantic caves with sparkling formations of stalactites and stalagmites that are very large. Find out more about the features of the cave and what is being done to preserve this habitat.

8. Khao Yai National Park: Khao Yai is the first national park in Thailand that is perfect for wildlife lovers. Get to see elephants, majestic tigers on a lucky chance, gibbons in the trees, the hornbills with their large and impressive casques, and a host of other creatures as you go through the evergreen forests, grasslands, and other landscapes of the park. You can walk around the park on concrete trails or take an organized safari trip to spot them in the wild.

9. Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park, a collection of 42 islands featuring beautiful blue waters. Tal Sap, an Emerald Lake, is located deep into the island with steep cliffs on all sides of the lake. See some of the world’s most remote locations that can only be accessed by boat and marvel at the underwater world. Try snorkeling or scuba diving on the colorful reefs and meet a variety of fish and sea animals.

10. Mu Ko Chang National Park:Avoid the tourist throng in the Mu Ko Chang island; they are famous for their tranquil atmosphere and striking sceneries. Sunbathe on sandy shores that are pristine, powdery, and lined with palm trees, clear blue water, and white sand. Visit the beautiful coral gardens full of marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving. Go trekking through the thick forests of the main island and explore the trails that lead to the secluded waterfalls and cliffs with stunning views of the nearby islands. Mu Ko Chang has it all, from sunbathing on sandy beaches perfect for a photo shoot to wildlife exploration in the center of a park.

Therefore, grab your traveling gear, put your hiking shoes on, and prepare for an amazing journey unveiling the enchanting beauty of Thailand’s nature. From the pristine sandy beaches fringed by warm, blue waters to lush rainforest and majestic mountains, Thailand can accommodate any nature lover. From mountain trails to abandoned beaches just waiting to be discovered, Thailand offers something for those who want to turn the clocks back and remember what it is to be mesmerized by the beauty of the ‘Land of Smiles’.

The post Thailand’s Hidden Gems: 10 Must-See Natural Wonders appeared first on TripALoud.

1. Bangkok

Many tourists do not bother to make a stop in Bangkok at first and go straight away to other locations around Thailand. Bangkok, however a leading tourist city in 2023, is usually overlooked. It’s a fantastic spot for day trips to the southern floating markets and beaches or northern national parks. It may be a good idea to spend at least two days here before continuing.

Bangkok is a big metropolitan city with more than 10 million people, but the navigation around it does not appear to be so difficult if you prepare yourself. There are several restaurants, more than 320k, and different types of cuisines for you to indulge. There are over half a million street food vendors kind on hand around the clock so that when hunger strikes, you have somewhere to get your fix at any time of day or night. So no matter if you like Thai, Ethiopian, or Latvian food styles Bangkok will satisfy your appetite.

Bangkok is amazingly surprising with bars and clubs for nightlife. Four of them are in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. From fashionable speakeasies to Japanese bars (cause there are so many of the Japanese population in Dubai), you will not lack choices.  Whether you’re sipping on Q&A Bar’s Pinkish, a unique twist on the Negroni, trying the turmeric-spiced Old Fashioned at Vesper, or sticking to a classic martini at Bamboo Bar, if you have a particular taste, you’re sure to find something you’ll like.

2. Phuket

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, known for being a unique blend of cultures; from Hokkien Chinese to Thai and Malaysian influences. This fusion has created unique dishes such as Hokkien-style noodles and oyster omelets that are found only in the southern part of Thailand. It is no surprise why many consider Phuket one of the best travel spots.

The architecture of the island also narrates an interesting story. Due to the history of its colonization by Portugal, Old Town has Sino-Portuguese shop houses with vibrant colors and a mix of Western and Eastern styles. These buildings are similar to the ones you would see in Penang and Singapore.

Phuket has something for both first-timers and couples who want a great vacation. A week on this island promises different and enjoyable experiences ranging from beautiful beaches to the captivating Old Town.

3. Chiang Mai

The city of Chiang Mai has more than 300 temples and it used to be once the capital of the Northern Lanna empire. You have Doi Suthep which has gorgeous views, then there is Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family are kept. In the heart of Old City is Wat Chedi Luang, established in 1385, and not far from it stands proudly with its impressive golden stupas – Wat Phra Singh.

However, it is not all about temples. Northern Thai is a distinct cuisine, that incorporates Chinese motifs and colonization by Burma. They have their peculiar way of dressing, and dancing and a special dialect known as kum mueang. You will find souvenirs like food, clothing, and little things in outdoor markets such as Talat Warorot &Talat Jing Jai.

4. Ko Samui

Imagine the dreamy tropical island with soft beaches and turquoise waters – it is Ko Samui. It’s not as famous as Phuket but still attracts more than 2 million visitors annually, making it one of Thailand’s top places.

Ko Samui is not just pretty beaches, but the magnificent Ang Thong National Park where one can snorkel and kayak. Alternatively, there are the Na Muang waterfalls where you can go for a leisurely swim, and Silver Beach which is so popular among snorkeling lovers, together with several dive spots. For land, there are delightful fishing villages and golf courses among others – interestingly many wellness retreats as well.

5. Ayutthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, built in 1350 by King U-Thong represents an outstanding history of the Siam Kingdom for good old four centuries. It was the capital of Thailand until 1767 when it was raided by Burmese invaders. Today, these ancient ruins located 80km from Bangkok are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park on a day trip. Don’t leave Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and so forth to get an idea of Ayutthaya’s history.

6. Sukhothai

Sukhothai in northern Thailand is famous as a place with great history, beautiful mountains, and forests. There are also two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park, both of which display the area comprising the borders of the old kingdom during the 12th to 14th  century.

Visit spots such as Wat Si Chum and Wat Maha That. While an adventure lover, drive 30 km southwest of Thani to Ramkhamhaeng National Park for a hike and climb up the peaks.

7. Phi Phi Islands

In the southern part of Thailand, there is a tropical paradise called Phi Phi Islands. There are six islands altogether covered in greenery and surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Ko Phi Phi Don is the main island and has beautiful beaches such as Nui and Ton Sai along with other stunning spots like Phak Nam Bay or Wang Long Bay. It is also where you will discover the three best vantage points.

The second-largest island, Ko Phi Phi Le is just to the south of Ko Phi Ph om Don and it has some beautiful spots. Maya Bay Pileh Lagoon Another small island, Ko Mai Phai has the Bamboo Beach which is known as one of Thailand’s cleanest and most charming beaches. Overall, it is an ideal place for enjoying the beauty of nature.

8. Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is an island situated at the southern end of Thailand close to Malaysia- it’s in one large park called Tarutao National Marine Park. It is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Bulow, Pattaya, Sunrise, Sunset, and Sanom lucid colored waters with soft white sand.

There are boat trips to interesting islands nearby like Ko Usen, Ko Cha Bang, and others where you can see beautiful coral reefs and a lot of marine life. The beaches are lined by hotels and the central area is full of restaurants, bars, and shops. It is a simple yet enthralling place to relax and even roam around.

9. Phang Nga Bay

The Phang Nga Bay tour is a great adventure, allowing you to enjoy majestic limestone formations. Pictures of caves, cliffs, and historical monuments. Phang Nga was originally Malay, paNgan and this is the region that housed ancient locals. This Thailand tour is more than a regular boat ride from Phuket’s north – it feels like an opportunity to unwind at tranquil coastlines.

Phang Nga Bay National Park is a protected Ramsar site and one of the best marine parks. It has 42 islands in shallow waters with mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. 82 fish species, amphibians, and reptiles are common sights for nature lovers in addition to unique ones like dugong sand white-hand gibbon.

The bay is beautiful and attracts many international tourists. You can embrace water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling. A special full-day ethical elephant care tour is also available providing insight into responsible elephant welfare, and one’s interaction with them in a humane way.

10. Koh Tao

Fantastic adventure to the quiet paradise of Koh Tao’s in western Gulf, Thailand. Those islets of Ko Nang Yuan are breathtakingly beautiful and so rejuvenating that one should forget the tiredness of his journey there. Visit beautiful beaches such as Ao Tanote, Sai Ri, Sairee, June Juea Bay, and Nang Yuan Island.

Three Rocks, Tanote Bay, and Hin Wong Bay offer superb snorkeling. Scuba diving enthusiasts should check out Chumphon Pinnacles, HTMS Sattakut Dive Site, and White Rock Dive Site. Whether you’re an adventurer or just looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat, Koh Tao offers a peaceful retreat that will rejuvenate your spirit. Mango Bay and Shark Bay offer excellent marine life.

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