The best offbeat travel destinations in Thailand

Don't sleep on Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand that is characterised by majestic mountain ranges, cool air, and distinct Lanna culture. This is where you can visit The Golden Triangle – the point where the borders of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet – which has an unsavoury history as the centre of a booming drug trade but is now mostly a tourist attraction.

In the surrounding hills are amazing treks – we recommend getting to the peak of Pu Chi Fa for amazing sunrise views or hiking Doi Pha Tang for a side of Chinese culture in the nearby villages. Chiang Rai is also hot for waterfall chasing (Khun Korn is the most majestic), a soak in hot springs, and tea appreciation in the sprawling plantations. And in Chiang Rai city itself, you can shop along the lively Chiang Rai Walking Street, or see the famed Wat Rong Khun, a brilliantly intricate white temple that stands as a symbol of the wisdom and purity of Buddha. 

For unspoiled natural beauty, visit Loei, a province in the region of Isan. Its undulating mountains and natural parks are a huge draw, offering scenic hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints. A popular attraction is Phu Ruea National Park, named after a massive, boat-shaped mountain that many climb to catch the sun rising above a foggy sea. Covered in pine forest, the park also boasts a floral garden, waterfalls, and birdwatching opportunities. 

In winter, you can also head to Phu Pa Po in Pha Wai Village. Reaching the viewpoint at 900m above sea level, you might find yourself rewarded with an unexpected treat – a view of the opposite Phu Ho summit shrouded in mist, looking like Thailand's own version of Japan's Mount Fuji. 

Or live the slow life at Chiang Khan, a sleepy town on the south bank of the Mekong River. Poke into one of the teak wood houses in the morning for breakfast, before renting a bike for a spree along the river bank. In the evening, scour the lively night market for hippie and vintage finds, as well as delectable street snacks like miang kham, a leaf-wrapped salad that you can also find in nearby Laos. 

Kanchanaburi is a window into Thailand's World War II history. This Western town is known for the Death Railway, a railway that originated in Thailand and cut through to the Burmese front to aid in Japan's war efforts. Thousands of local labourers and Allied prisoners of war died in the 16 months it took to construct the railway, and their stories and lives are now memorialised in Kachanaburi.

Visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, the most famous section of the Death Railway, before heading to the Death Railway Museum and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to learn and remember the plight of the labourers. The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and Walking Trail is a hauntingly beautiful stop, where you can see remnants of this dark history along a bamboo-lined track. 

After this sobering tour, lift your spirits by soaking in some of Kanchanaburi's natural and cultural attractions. Visit Khmer temples dating back to the 12th century, check out the floating temple Wat Sam Prasop, explore limestone caves in Tham Than Lod National Park, or visit the seven-tiered Erawan Falls. 

This one is for the history buffs. Now a massive archaelogical ruin recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic City of Ayutthaya was once the heart of global diplomacy and commerce. Founded in 1350, it was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, standing tall with palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues that expressed the highest form of Thai art. 

It was razed to the ground by the Burmese army in 1767, but visitors today can still visit important religious and historical sites, including an enormous Buddha statue at Wat Mongkol Borpit and the holiest temple of the ancient Thai capital, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. There are helpful cycling routes too, to help you cover as much of the sprawling grounds as possible while you journey into Thailand's glorious past. 

We tread familiar territory in Surat Thani, a city in the south of Thailand that has more typical – but no less appealing – attractions such as limestone islands, blue lagoons, and white beaches. Starting from the popular island of Koh Samui, explore Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands that offer a wide array of activities. Try anything from a delightful snorkel in shallow coral gardens and adventurous dives into marine lakes, to a spot of wildlife tracking in the forests. 

The adventures don't stop there, with more outdoor pursuits available at Khao Sok National Park where you can take a longtail boat or kayak out onto Cheoew Lan Lake. Gawk at towering trees in Khlong Phanom National Park or go river tubing in Khlong Sok. Just want to party? Ko Phangan's full moon parties are a mere boat ride away.