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Oh, Thailand. What a magical place.
From postcard-perfect islands to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok to the unexplored interior, this mega-popular Southeast Asian country is a never-ending playground for travelers.
Thailand is for all types of travelers, really. Whether you’re ballin’ on a budget, seeking the ultimate adventure, the most scenic beach vacation imaginable, epic wildlife encounters, or digital nomad communities…
The list goes on and on and on in the best of ways…
But there’s a new trend in Thailand’s booming tourism sector.
While Bangkok is typically travelers’ entry point into the country, many visitors are ditching the action for a slower pace in undiscovered ‘secondary cities’.
According to the Bangkok Post, these 5 lesser-known Thai destinations are piquing a newfound interest in going off-path:
- Chanthaburi
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Nakhon Nayok
- Ratchaburi
- Chiang Rai
Nakhon Nayok surprisingly climbed to the third spot, doubling the number of Agoda searches compared to the other destinations.
Go Beyond The Tourist Trail
Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, maybe even trendy Koh Samui if you’re into island-hopping.
These are the main stopping points for most travelers venturing into Thailand.
A cheap, under 2-hour bus ride from Bangkok, the virtually untouched region of Nakhon Kayok is close enough for a convenient trip into uncharted territory and adventurous enough to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
No longer do you have to stay in the humid, polluted cities perusing traditional floating markets and night markets for a sense of local culture.
Wide open spaces are calling your name. Nakhon Nayok offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and unmatched charm that’s caught the attention of wanderlust travelers.
Brimming within stunning natural sites, you can still go temple-hopping, but you can also activate your inner 90s kid and chase waterfalls.
And don’t worry, Nakhon Nayok is no scrub – it’s destined to impress with gorgeous National Parks, a vast array of wildlife, and eye-popping temples just as impressive as the household names of other Thai cities.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Nakhon Nayok’s Alluring Tranquility
Despite its drawbacks, Bangkok is a really cool city, so at the very least, keep Nakhon Nayok on the backburner as a tranquil escape when the maze of chaotic streets becomes sensory overload.
To be clear, Nakhon Nayok is also the main city in the province, and they share the same name. The region as a whole is a nature lover’s dream turned reality.
Some would say it’s a shame it’s not more popular, and to the others, they would say there’s no better time to visit since more and more TikTokers are revealing the province’s hidden treasures.
One is Sarika Waterfall, a cascading sight that is popular for its refreshing swimming hole and picnicking areas.
Costing only $5.50 for tickets, a visit to Khao Yai National Park is well worth a visit for reasons beyond the scenic waterfalls.
Thailand’s oldest designated National Park is teeming with beautiful photo opportunities, including majestic mountains, thick green forests, and spacious grasslands.
Located nearby is the Pa Deo Die Cliff, a hikeable lookout point with some of the best views in the country without having to weave in and out of selfie sticks.
Temples Galore: Who Needs Bangkok Anyway?!
Religious views vary; there’s no doubt about it.
But at the end of the day, there’s no reason we can’t all admire the marvels of mosques, cathedrals, and, more often than not, insanely pretty temples in Thailand.
One of the most common ways to explore Bangkok, among other cities, is to go temple-hopping.
But a visit to Nakhon Nayok will have you forgetting all about the rest of Thailand’s temples, no matter how impressive.
Offering a more intimate and serene experience, Nakhon Nayok allows visitors to connect with local beliefs and incomparable architecture.
These are 5 must-visit temples in the province:
- Wat Yai Thakkhinaram
- Wat Chulabhorn Wanaram
- Wat Phra Phuttha Saen Khao Manee
- Wat Maneewong
- Wat Tham Sarika
The last 2 are connected to caves, where Wat Tham Sarika beholds ancient images of Buddha.
One of the best ways to explore this region is by motoribike, essentially getting lost in the scenic countryside allowing this underrated section of Thailand to reveal itself to you.
Better yet, locals love seeing tourists visit. Don’t be afraid to ask for hidden gems!
Who knows, you could stumble upon giant Ganesha statues or a local farming community serving up the best farm-to-table eats.
The bottom line is that Nakhon Nayok is full of surprises, and it’s easy to see why it’s trending upward.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.