Quantcast
Channel: Thailand Things to Do » Kanchanaburi
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3

5 Alternatives to Thailand’s Southern Beaches

0
0
Alternatives to Thailand's beaches

The Golden Triangle in the Chiang Rai region of northern Thailand. Image courtesy of Frank Kovalchek via Flickr.

Many alternatives to Thailand’s beaches can be found in the north of the country and are arguably some of the most beautiful and culturally significant places in Southeast Asia.

1. Chiang Mai

Up in the north of Thailand, almost 700 km from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is one of the more obvious alternatives to Thailand’s southern beaches. With its distinctive architecture, fascinating indigenous culture and an abundance of things to do in the city and surrounding countryside, it’s not hard to see why those who intend only to spend a few days here end up staying much, much longer.

2. Chiang Rai

Head further north still and you might be lucky enough to find yourself in beautiful Chiang Rai. In many ways, Chiang Rai is a quieter, small-town version of Chiang Mai, and is a far cry from the the beach scene in the south of the country. From here you can visit remote hill tribes, delve into the region’s outstanding natural beauty and head up to the golden triangle where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. (For more, see the Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle Day Tour from Chiang Mai.)

3. Ayutthaya

Dating back to 1350, the ancient city of Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. What remains gives a clear indication of the city’s grandiose past, with its crumbling ruins and spectacular temples. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya’s proximity to Bangkok makes it a popular cultural day-trip for many travelers.

4. Kanchanaburi

In the depths of the countryside to the northwest of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi attracts nature lovers and other intrepid travelers looking for something a bit different to the usual beachy backpacker trail. Kanchanaburi is abundant with national parks and nature reserves, which are perfect for marvelling at the region’s natural beauty – including some spectacular waterfalls. A visit to the magnificent Erawan Falls cascading down over 1500 meters is a particular highlight.

5. Bangkok

The most obvious ‘non-beach’ destination in Thailand, Bangkok can at times be a noisy and polluted place to visit. Nonetheless the country’s capital is a lively and fascinating pit-stop for most visitors. Be sure to see some temples, haggle for a bargain on the Khao San Road and soak up all that nightlife and shopping before perhaps moving on to a more relaxed pace of life in Thailand.

-Kirsty Stuart

5 Alternatives to Thailand’s Southern Beaches from Thailand Things to Do


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images