Gracie’s Guide to 5+ Underrated Hidden Gems in Thailand
Looking to experience a side of Thailand that most travelers miss? Gracie’s Guide to 5+ Underrated Hidden Gems in Thailand will take you off the well-known path and introduce you to some of the country’s best-kept secrets, mountains in the north and beaches in the south. I should know all the best hidden gems since I’ve lived here for over two years now!
Whether it’s a serene temple tucked away in the lush green mountains or a quiet beach that feels like your own personal slice of paradise, these hidden spots offer a reprieve from the usual tourist crowds. My 5 picks are — Phu Chi Fah, Chiang Dao, Koh Lanta, Koh Chang, and Mon Jam. Discover the charm and beauty of Thailand’s more peaceful corners, so you can actually relax instead of feeling anxious in huge tourist crowds.
5 Hidden Gems in Thailand
#1: Phu Chi Fah
Phu Chi Fa is a hidden gem in northern Thailand. Have you heard of it? Probably not, unless you’ve realllyyy done your research. Phu Chi Fa is in the middle of a mountainous region far away, bordering Laos. If you’re going to Chiang Rai, then this town is a few hours beyond it.
It took us ~7 hours to drive from Chiang Mai –> Phu Chi Fa. We rented an automatic car and it barely squeaked up the supperr steep roads. So, if you can drive a manual car, I’d recommend you do that instead!
We spent the weekend in Phu Chi Fa but I wish it could have been longer. I wanted a retreat from civilization and that’s exactly what Phu Chi Fa delivered! It’s hard to leave the quietness, the peace, the tranquility of this small village. It’s true, authentic Thailand.
We stayed at the Ban Chomdoi Resort Phatang homestay for $17 / night — a highlight from my entire time in Thailand. These owners are why Thailand is my favorite country in the world. The care, the hospitality, the generosity, openness, kindness — it’s absolutely extraordinary!! The owners cooked us delicious farm-to-table meals, and made us feel right at home in their home. It’s farm-to-table, and the ingredients are from right there on their farm!
#2: Chiang Dao
If Chiang Dao’s has one fan, it’s ME! This mountainous village ~1 hour north of Chiang Mai is a true GEM in Northern Thailand!
I wrote an entire post about Chiang Dao because I’m that obsessed with it. So check that out for more in-depth recommendations and analysis.
I’ve been to Chiang Dao three times, and each time I visit I feel the magic and magnetism in the air. There’s just something about this place. It’s authentic northern Thailand, in the mountains.
The beaten roads winding through the towering mountains, the hot springs in a fairy-like forest, the peaceful coffee shops and handcrafted artisan touches. This place is a haven in Thailand!
#3: Koh Lanta
One of the best islands in Thailand (in my humble opinion) is Koh Lanta. I spent 5 days in Koh Lanta and have nothing but positive things to say about it! This island houses a lot of expats and is a place that locals venture to. The vibes are chill, hipster hippies who love to sit around on the beautiful beach and vibe all day long, cocktail (or something stronger) in hand.
The best parts of Koh Lanta are in the southern part of the island. Nui Beach is a hidden beach only accessible by boat or steep cliff (we chose to walk down the steep cliff and it was sweaty but alright). It is HEAVEN. The waters are crystal clear and calm. There are rocks to give privacy and the landscape sweeps into a stunning display of natural beauty.
The Mu Ko Lanta National Park is an awesome adventure and fun motorbike ride adventure. We went early as it opened and were some of the only people on the entire beach, we even saw monkeys running up and down the white sand beaches!!
We stayed at the Serene Lanta resort for 500 baht a night (sweet deal)! The owners were sooooo kind and the place had great air conditioning and was very clean. You have to drive 2 mins or walk 10 mins to the beautiful nearby beach, but for that price it was worth it!
#4: Koh Chang
Coming in at the very top of the best islands in Thailand: Koh Chang. It’s the expats best-kept secret. I spent 6 days in this glorious slice of heaven during Christmas time.
Koh Chang is that girl. Calm, chill, quiet, stunning, cool. Though all islands in Thailand are more expensive than the north, Koh Chang is the most affordable out of the top three. You can do it all: wake up for a sunrise dip, walk on the quiet white sand beaches, float in the crystal clear water, we get massages on the beach. All for more affordable prices than you’d find in Phuket or Krabi.
Perhaps the best part about Koh Chang was the terrain. It is mountainous, which makes it a blast to ride motorbikes around the island. We hopped on motorbikes and rode to remote beaches, and luckily found a sunset beach bar that we stayed at for hours, eating fresh fish and drinking mojitos. It was …. incredible.
Like most islands in Thailand, it gets less touristy and more chill the further south you go. Lonely Beach & Klong Koi Beach are two southern beaches that were super calm and heavenly, and the drive there is fun on the twisty turny roads (BE CAREFUL DRIVING … go slow please!)
Another fun activity is a day trip on a boat cruising around Trat province, snorkeling and diving off the boat. We found a half day one for 700 baht!! (great deal – we went in person at a random tour agency to get the deal).
But Koh Chang is worth it if you don’t want your island vacation swarmed with 18 year old backpackers (no offense, there’s a time and place for them *cough cough Phuket*. Koh Chang is for the relaxed traveler who knows all the best hidden gems. It’s my favorite for a reason!
#5: Mon Jam
Mon Jam is ~1 hour from the old city of Chiang Mai. It’s a mountainside farming village inside Mae Rim, & the go-to place for a local getaway due to it’s stunning jungles & loads of activities in an authentic small town.
You can camp overnight here, or go glamping in a bubble tent overlooking the rice fields. I did the latter & felt such joy in the quiet calm of the mountainside. I glamped here, which was a true Thai experience. It look us forever to find the place because all signs were in Thai lol! The owners were so kind and sweet!
The weather drops 20+ degrees in Mon Jam, & the cool air with a view of the farmland is truly spectacular. Mon Jam is more authentic Thailand, as there are barley any foreigners or signs in English.
Take a scenic drive around the area & you’ll find gardens, temples, cafes, & stunning viewpoints. Mon Jam is a big collection of hidden gems scattered like a scavenger hunt. I felt like a little kid trying to discover them all!
& I must mention the glorious mountainous views! My god, it’s a spiritual experience disconnecting from the world, gazing at the mountain range in this tiny Thai village. Snuggled in big sweatshirts & beanies, I felt at peace in nature.
To Conclude
Thailand is bursting with beauty, and these hidden gems—Phu Chi Fah, Chiang Dao, Koh Lanta, Koh Chang, and Mon Jam—offer just a glimpse of the country’s quieter, more authentic side. Whether you’re trekking through misty mountains in Chiang Dao, relaxing on a secluded beach in Koh Chang, or soaking in panoramic views far from the usual tourist hotspots in Phu Chi Fah, each of these destinations offers epic experiences and new acquittances. So pack your bags, step off the beaten path, and let these underrated spots show you a side of Thailand that’s refreshingly serene and unforgettable … your adventure awaits!
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