If you’re ready to step off the beaten path and see Thailand the way few visitors do, you’re in exactly the right place. Thailand has long been one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved destinations — and it’s easy to see why. But beyond the well-worn trail of Bangkok temples, Phuket beaches, and Chiang Mai night markets lies a whole other side of the country that most travellers never get to see.
Koh Kradan: The Best of the Beaches
Koh Kradan was officially voted the world’s best beach in 2025 — and the chances are, you’ve never even heard of it. It’s the kind of place that feels almost too good to be true — peaceful, unspoiled, and a world away from the packed shorelines of Phuket. If you can get yourself there, do it, and head back to the best hotels in Thailand for some R&R.
Khao Yai National Park: The Wildlife Exposed
Most people land in Bangkok and head straight for the tourist trail — but if you can spare a day, Khao Yai National Park is one of the best detours you’ll ever make. Located just two hours from Bangkok and Avani Hotels & Resorts in the city, this national park is home to wild elephants and is one of the best places in Thailand to witness wildlife in an ethical way.
Koh Chang: Nature’s Wild Embrace
If your idea of a perfect day involves getting completely lost in a tropical jungle, Koh Chang is calling your name. The island is famous for its lush forest cover, but the real gem here is a legendary local guide named Mr Tan, who personally created hiking paths through the jungle himself.
Mae Hong Son: Culture in Waiting
Hidden beyond a river that can only be crossed by a local’s boat, there are villages here where you can meet residents, watch traditional crafts being made, and hear firsthand stories of how people rebuilt their lives in Thailand. The village sustains itself through donations and the crafts its people sell.
