I spent two months traveling through Thailand, and I get the hype — the food, the beaches, the culture, the people, and the atmosphere truly make it one of the best destinations in the world.
But here’s the problem: because Thailand is so popular, places like Phuket and Krabi are now completely overrun by tourists. Instead of feeling magical, many of these destinations feel crowded, rushed, and far from authentic.
So rather than following the usual route, I intentionally searched for hidden gems in Thailand — places that still feel untouched, peaceful, and special.
In this travel guide, I’m sharing 8 hidden gems in Thailand without the crowds. I visited every single place myself, and this guide is based entirely on my own experience. If you want to see a different side of Thailand — one that still feels real — you’re in the right place.
Disclosure: The Always Wanderer is supported by its readers. When you buy something using my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
1. Visit Koh Kradan, the World`s Best Beach
Not many people know, but the beach which was officially voted as the world`s best beach in 2025 is in Thailand! It is on the tiny island called Koh Kradan.
Koh Kradan has no streets or any permanent inhabitants. There are a few resorts on the island, the beach, and the coral reefs, teeming with wildlife
I couldn`t believe my eyes, how beautiful it was. If you have a chance, visit Koh Kradan.
Koh Kradan Beach, Thailand Relaxing on Koh Kradan
Location of Koh Kradan Beach
2. Wildlife Watching in the Khao Yai National Park
When starting your Thailand trip, chances are that you arrive in Bangkok first. Only 2 hours away from Bangkok, there is a National Park where wild elephants still roam around. It is called the “Khao Yai National Park” and it is one of the best places in Thailand to witness wildlife an ethical way.
Opt for a whole-day jungle trekking experience to have the highest chance of seeing the animals.
Accommodation and Tour Recommendation: Greenleaf Guesthouse
We stayed at the Greenleaf Guesthouse and can only recommend you do the same. The Greenleaf Guesthouse is located in a village called Pak Chong, which is considered an entry point to the Khao Yai National Park. Due to the guesthouse`s proximity to the park, only by staying here, we heard so many unique animal sounds at night.
As the staff at the Greenleaf Guesthouse organizes hiking tours to the Khao Yai National Park, we decided to go with them on a full-day jungle trekking experience.
Our guide on the tour was one of the most enthusiastic guides I have ever met. At that time, he even had a broken arm, and despite that, he was speedily carrying the large spotting scope, and he showed us a great variety of wildlife animals: gibbons, an elephant, hornbills, monitor lizards, and many more.
(The Greenleaf Guesthouse also provides leech socks – I know that this was my concern, so maybe you are wondering about the same!)
White-Handed Gibbon Wild Elephant Encounter
Location of the Khao Yai National Park
3. Enjoy the Island Life on Koh Yao Noi
Never heard of “Koh Yao Noi”, located in Phang Nga Bay among those famous limestone cliffs?
Me neither before, and I was so glad that a friend of mine from Thailand told me about this wonderful island.
Koh Yao Noi is a real hidden gem, and it became my favourite Thai Island. Koh Yao Noi had everything we wanted: beautiful and empty beaches, lots of nature, great food, friendly locals, and only a few tourists.
I have a complete guide on visiting Koh Yao Noi.
Hotel Recommendation:
Absolute Best: TreeHouse Villas
Mid-Range: Annie Meen´s Place
Little Long Beach 
Four Islands Day Trip
Location of Koh Yao Noi
4. Jungle Trek with Mr. Tan in Koh Chang
Before visiting Thailand, we binge-watched YouTube videos about the different places Thailand has to offer. There was one island in particular that caught my eye due to its lush tropical jungles- this is why we headed to Koh Chang.
There are only a few more things I love more than being in the jungle; therefore, I wanted to find the best person on Koh Chang to guide us into the jungle.
After an extensive search, I read about a legendary person named Mr. Tan who created hiking paths in the jungle by himself. I texted the agency he is working with, and luckily, we could get a spot for the next day to go hiking with Mr. Tan.
The hiking trip was easily the best hike we did in Thailand because we learned so much about the jungle.
We even swam in a crystal clear river in the deep fores,t and it was such a precious experience – especially because no one knows the entry point to this hiking trail except Mr. Tan.
Summary of the jungle trek we did:
Hiking Route Name: Klong Prao Trek
Price: 1200 Baht / Person
Including: pick up/drop off at your hotel, lunch, water, and a backpack if needed.
Phone Number Mr. Tan& the tour agency: +66 89-6452019, + 66 89-8322531
You can check out all the offered treks via Coco de Boo Tours.
Hotel Recommendation:
Absolute Best: The Retreat Koh Chang
Mid-Range: The Tropical Beach Resort
Lush jungle scenery on Koh Chang 
Mr. Tan explaining us about the jungle 
Mr. Tan`s availability 
We also swam in this river
Location of Koh Chang
5. Visit the Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge in Pai
Pai is a small, laidback village surrounded by lush mountains in Northern Thailand. The village itself gained some popularity and it is now attracting young folks, as it has a great hippie vibe.
The Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge is a wonderful place to visit near Pai. There is a Buddhist Temple at the end of the bridge. The bamboo bridge was built for the monks so that they could reach the nearby village – as the area is covered by muddy rice fields.
It is worth a visit, especially during early morning or late afternoon, when the lights are the best. The entry fee to the Bamboo Bridge is 30 Baht.
Hotel Recommendation:
Absolute Best: Reverie Siam
Budget Bungalow: Pai Homey
Location of the Bamboo Bridge in Pai
6. Chasing waterfalls around Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a beautiful tourist hotspot due to its temples, the monks, the night markets, and its beautiful surroundings.
If you want to leave the busy Chiang Mai for a day and have a relaxed nature day instead, then how about checking out the waterfalls the area has to offer? I can recommend two places:
Mae Sa Waterfall: Although not that photogenic, there is a beautiful walking trail alongside the waterfalls – there are altogether 7 of them. Choose this one if you love the jungle sounds.
Mok Fa Waterfall: It reminded me of the waterfalls in Bali. Choose this one if you want nice photos!
Hotel Recommendation:
Absolute Best: BanBooLoo Village
Mae Sa Waterfall Mok Fa Waterfall
Location of the Mae Sa Waterfall
7. Learn about Burma in Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is the name of a province as well as a town. It has a direct border to Myanmar (=Burma) where there was an ongoing serious conflict some time ago. As a result, many people fled from Myanmar in search of a new life within Thailand.
One of the well-known traditions of the Burmese Karen and the Kayan tribe is that the women wear rings around their necks.
Although we wanted to visit such a village, we did not want to contribute to harmful activities where women are being looked at due to their long necks. After some research, we found a Kayan village which is rarely visited. We decided to go there.
As we arrived, we realized that the village was completely separated by a river. After a few minutes of discussing whether we should be here or not, a villager arrived with his boat and took us to their village.
In the village, we saw people doing crafts like jewelry and clothing. We had some nice exchanges with the locals who told us how they got to Thailand and how they live now. The Kayan tribe has lived in this village for decades, and they even have their own school for the kids.
The village sustains itself by donations and the crafts that the people sell. If possible. Please donate and buy some crafts from the tribe. It will make a great memory. 🙂
Pro Tip: Stay where Angelina Jolie has—book a room at Fern Resort! We loved our stay there.
Please respect the Kayan tribe and never the a photo of the ladies without their permission.
Arriving at the Longneck Kayan Village 
We arrived with this boat at the Burmese Village
Location of the Kayan Long Neck Village
8. Visit Koh Mook, the Unknown Island
Koh Mook, located in Trang province is the least known among all these destinations. When we arrived, we felt like we stepped back in time. It is a small island with an abundance of wildlife both on land and in the sea. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot dugongs on Koh Mook!
One of the best things to do on Koh Mook is to go diving/snorkeling, visit the Emerald Cave, and visit the nearby islands. I wrote a complete Koh Mook travel guide including everything you need to know before your visit. Check it out!
Hotel Recommendation:
Absolute Best: Sivalai Beach Resort
Best Mid-Range: The Tropical Koh Mook
Arriving at Koh Mook Charlie Beach, Koh Mook
Location of Koh Mook
Conclusion
Despite Thailand being one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide, there are still many authentic places you can visit. I can`t wait to return to Thailand and discover more of this beautiful country.
Planning your next destination?
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Getting ready for Thailand:
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