After two years of living and traveling in Thailand, I’ve explored a lot — and I know the places to avoid in Thailand, trust me. I’ve been everywhere from the bustling streets of Bangkok to hidden mountain villages in the north (lots of those) and chilled, quiet beaches in the south. This incredible country has so much to offer, but I’ve also learned that not every destination lives up to the hype. Some spots feel overcrowded, commercialized, or just off—but for every tourist trap, there’s a quieter, more authentic alternative!
Trust me, I know a tourist trap when I see one. There’s nothing worse than walking down a street and having a million hands pushed at you to buy buy buy. It takes away from the experience of being a traveler and seeing the true country.
So let me guide you through three places you might want to skip in Thailand—and the better, lesser-known gems that will give you a much more fulfilling experience. Here is my guide for 3 places to avoid in Thailand (and where to go instead):
Places to avoid in Thailand & where to go instead
1. Skip: Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s most famous island, but after visiting, I quickly realized it’s not my kind of vibe. Sure, some of the beaches are beautiful, but they’re often packed with tourists. Patong is a really crazy area, and not the good kind of crazy. Buckets full of people selling crap and creepy older western men and trash everywhere. The constant hustle is the worst: people trying to sell you everything from tours to trinkets, not to mention a nightlife scene that’s dominated by s*x tourism. If you’re hoping for a laid-back beach vacation, Phuket will leave you feeling drained and overcharged.
I went to Phuket once and the best thing I did was a day trip to Phang-Nga bay for kayaking and snorkeling. It’s beautiful up there, but the island of Phuket itself is too big and too crowded.
Go to: Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta, on the other hand, is the breath of fresh air you’re looking for. It’s pretty easy to get to from the Krabi airport, and a hidden island gem in Thailand. During my 5 day stay here, I rented a motorbike and spent hours cruising along quiet island roads, stopping at secluded beaches that felt like they were just for me. Truly, sometimes I was the only person there. Koh Lanta has an ultra chill hippie vibe, affordable accommodations, and friendly locals. I stayed at the Serene Lanta Resort for 500 baht / night with the nicest local owners just a few minutes walk from the beach.
One of my favorite memories was finding a little beachfront café where I spent the afternoon sipping a cocktail and watching the waves—no crowds, no stress, just pure sabai sabai (relaxation). If you’re looking for a peaceful island escape, Koh Lanta is where you’ll find it.
Check out my blog post: top 3 favorite islands in Thailand, & why
2. Skip: Pai
I’ll admit it—I was super duper excited to visit Pai at first. Everyone I met who was traveling through Thailand raves about it as a backpacker’s paradise. But after a couple of days, I realized that Pai didn’t feel like real Thailand. First of all, the road to get there is SO DANGEROUS and not at all safe to travel to in a minivan. I got so carsick the first time and almost threw up from the twists and turns. Also, it’s overrun with tourists, the vibe is more Western than local, and while the scenery is beautiful, it’s not true Thailand.
Go to: Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao is a hidden gem of northern Thailand. I’ve been to Chiang Dao FOUR times and I always leave rejuvenated and in touch with nature. The vibe is exactly the vibe I go for — secluded, in nature, quiet, local. It’s only an hour from Chiang Mai and offers so so so much. Driving a motorbike through the mountain roads in Chiang Dao is one of my favorite things to do in all of Thailand. The rice fields, the hot springs, the mountain views, the forests — Chiang Dao is the home of a fairy family I swear. It’s breathtaking.
If you’re craving solitude and soul-stirring scenery, Chiang Dao is northern Thailand at its finest.
Check out my blog post 5 great things to do in Chiang Dao
3. Skip: Pattaya
Pattaya is another overhyped destination in the south. It’s loud, chaotic, and feels more like a giant party zone than a relaxing beach vacation. The beaches? Honestly, not great. And the s*x tourism scene can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just trying to enjoy a tropical escape. DON’T GO HERE. Out of all the places to avoid in Thailand, I think Pattaya takes the cake.
Go to: Koh Chang
If you’re heading southeast, skip Pattaya and make your way to Koh Chang instead. This island is a true slice of paradise. I’ve visited Koh Chang multiple times, and every trip feels like a new adventure. The beaches are stunning—think soft sand, crystal-clear water, sprawling mountain roads, and barely any crowds.
What I love most about Koh Chang is how the island gets more remote and untouched the deeper you go. Renting a motorbike here is a must—it’s the best way to explore hidden beaches, jungle-covered roads, and small villages that feel far removed from the hustle of the tourist hotspots. One of my favorite days on Koh Chang was spent discovering a secluded cove, swimming in its calm waters, and eating fresh seafood grilled right on the beach.
For anyone looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, Koh Chang is the perfect alternative to Pattaya.
Final thoughts
Thailand is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries I’ve ever experienced, but it’s not without its overly touristy spots (as any country is). I know which places to avoid in Thailand, so you don’t have to figure it out on your own! During my two years living and traveling here, I’ve learned that it’s worth skipping places like Phuket, Pai, and Pattaya in favor of more authentic, quieter destinations like Koh Lanta, Chiang Dao, and Koh Chang.
These alternative spots offer everything you could want—stunning scenery, authentic culture, and the kind of peaceful vibe that makes Thailand feel magical. Whether you’re motorbiking along Koh Lanta’s empty roads, hiking Chiang Dao’s misty mountains, or swimming in Koh Chang’s crystal-clear waters, you’ll get to experience the real Thailand—the one that stole my heart.
If you liked this blog post on places to avoid in Thailand then you’ll like my others:
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