When you picture Thailand, you probably imagine Phuket. It’s stunning and fantastically accessible, with its international airport offering direct flights to many Western destinations.
However, that doesn’t make Phuket the best spot in Thailand – just the most popular.
Check out these three suggestions for an even more memorable vacation.
For all the advantages of Phuket’s location without the crowds, instead of driving south from the airport down through Phuket, head an hour or so north to reach the coastline known as Khao Lak.
Whoever established Khao Lak must’ve decided to do Phuket, but better. The beaches are near-identical, but it’s quieter and cheaper! In the right areas, it even has the markets and nightlife many Phuket tourists are looking for.
While all the beaches are a treat, my favourite of them all is Pak Weep. Despite how quiet it is, there are four beachfront restaurant options, a massage place, enough trees that you can find shade if you need it, and some very instagrammable swings.
If you’re open to an inland holiday, or at least adding an inland leg to your Thailand experience, venture up north to Chiang Mai. Not only is this ancient walled city overflowing with character – it’s one of the cultural capitals of the country.
Chiang Mai itself will keep you busy with food and temples like nowhere else in the country. For the more adventurous, leave the city to hike Doi Inthanon (the tallest mountain in Thailand), meet and take cooking or crafting classes with the many tribes that can only be found here, or visit an elephant sanctuary!
Samui is the island paradise tourists expect Phuket to be.
Strict regulations limit the height of buildings on the island, so the beachfront highrises common in Phuket are nowhere to be seen. Wherever you go, Koh Samui treats you with low-lying complexes that disappear amongst the dreamy palm trees. Plus, even the luxurious hotels here are cheaper than Phuket on average!
While the island does have an international airport, the more budget-friendly option is a flight into Bangkok, a train down to Surat Thani, then a ferry to the island. Is the trek worth it? Absolutely.
Of course, these are still some of the most popular destinations besides Phuket, and they’re not all Thailand has to offer. But I’ll save discussing the hidden gems for another time! Stay tuned.
