7 Hidden Gems in Thailand You’ve Never Heard Of (But Locals Love)
Tired of tourist traps? Discover 7 hidden travel gems in Thailand that even most visitors miss. Loved by locals, these peaceful and authentic spots will change how you see Thailand.
When most travelers think of Thailand, places like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai come to mind. But the real charm of Thailand lies beyond the tourist crowds. Hidden among its lush forests, remote islands, and quiet mountain towns are destinations known mainly to locals—offering peace, beauty, and a deeper connection to Thai culture. Here are 7 hidden gems in Thailand that are worth exploring on your next adventure.
1. Ban Rak Thai – A Touch of China in the Thai Mountains.
Ban Rak Thai is located in Mae Hong Son Province, Northern Thailand, nestled in the hills near the Myanmar border.
It is a small Thai-Chinese village founded by former Kuomintang fighters from China after the Communist takeover in 1949. The village has a strong old Chinese influence, with many signs in Chinese, Chinese-style buildings, and much of the population speaking a heavily accented version of Mandarin Chinese.
Ban Rak Thai is known for its tea products, peaceful lake, and mountains. The village is surrounded by lush and aromatic tea plantations, thanks to the mountainous landscape and cool climate.
Every year in February, an annual Tea Tasting Festival is held at Ban Rak Thai. Clay teahouses, wooden bridges, and a lake surrounded by tea plantations create a dreamy, mist-covered scene. Try a cup of Yunnan tea while watching the sunrise for a truly tranquil experience.
2. Koh Yao Noi – Thailand’s Quiet Island Escape.
Koh Yao Noi is located between Phuket and Krabi.
This peaceful island is a world away from the party beaches of nearby Phuket. Life moves slowly here—local fishermen still mend their nets, and quiet beaches stretch for miles. Rent a scooter and explore mangrove forests, rice paddies, and local villages.
On paper, it doesn’t make sense that Koh Yao Noi is so rarely visited. It’s situated right within the tourism triad of Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi, which makes it incredibly easy to get to. Based on location alone, it should be swarming with tourists. But the locals on Koh Yao Noi don’t want the word getting out about their beautiful home—and so far, they’ve succeeded.
Though it’s not quite as undiscovered anymore, and there’s now a wealth of information about the island online, it’s still the perfect place to come if you’re looking for a place to rest in Thailand.
There are no nightclubs, no crowds—just pure, authentic island life.
3. Phu Langka – Sunrise Above a Sea of Mist.
Phu Langka is one of the most magical spots in Thailand, located in Phayao Province.
Phu Langka is a small village located on the remote mountain slopes of Phayao National Park. However, this little-known spot actually has one of the most spectacular sunrise viewpoints in Thailand!
Phu Langka is known for its iconic sunrise viewpoint, where the fog drapes the valley like a blanket and limestone cliffs peek through like islands in the clouds. It’s a magical place for photographers and nature lovers. Spend the night so that you can wake up to magical sunrise scenes.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
It’s popular with Thai travelers but rarely found in international guidebooks.
4. Sam Phan Bok – Thailand’s Grand Canyon.
Sam Phan Bok, located in Ubon Ratchathani, Northeastern Thailand.
Sam Phan Bok is also known as the Grand Canyon of Thailand for its interesting layers of pockmarked rock. Every year, the monsoon rains raise the level of the Mekong, submerging the sandstone. The river currents swirl sand and rocks over the soft stone and wear it down over time. The eddying water carves canyons and bores out holes, which are all exposed when the river level falls again. The holes trap water and are replenished by occasional rain. Some are large enough that they hold water all year, and they can trap fish that live in their own ecosystem for half the year until the river rises and they can rejoin the waters.
Sam Phan Bok, or “3,000 holes,” is a unique rock formation carved by the Mekong River. During the dry season, strange craters and wave-shaped rock beds appear, forming Thailand’s version of a desert canyon.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
Remote and seasonal, it’s visited mostly by locals and nature enthusiasts.
5. Wat Pa Phu Kon – A Temple in the Forest
Wat Pa Phu Kon, located in Udon Thani Province.
Wat Pa Phu Kon is a Buddhist temple situated within the area of the Na Yung–Nam Som National Forest Reserve. During the day, its turquoise-green roofs shimmer in the sunlight, reflecting through the forest like sunbursts off a mountain stream. At night, the temple’s warm yellow lights glow brilliantly against the blackened mountains.
The temple is known for its serene atmosphere and natural beauty, which make it a popular spot for both local worshippers and tourists.
This serene temple is hidden deep in the forest and features a stunning white marble reclining Buddha. The architecture is breathtaking, and the peaceful setting makes it ideal for quiet reflection or meditation.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
Its distance from major cities keeps it peaceful and untouched by mass tourism.
6. Koh Mak – Thailand’s Eco-Island.
Koh Mak, located in the northeastern part of the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Chang in the Trat province.
The island, Koh Mak, has been a pioneer for ecotourism in Thailand. It has fought mass development and has retained its laid-back charm. While there is tourism here, rubber plantations and fishery are still the mainstay of the island’s economy. If you’re seeking a tropical retreat with no high-rise resorts, no wild parties, and no throngs of tourists, add Koh Mak to your Thailand itinerary.
Koh Mak is a small, family-owned island committed to sustainability. No high-rise hotels, no loud beach bars—just quiet bungalows, organic farms, and friendly locals. The coral reefs are perfect for snorkeling.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
Its eco-conscious values and community-based tourism keep it low-key and special.
7. Phetchabun – Rolling Hills and Rainbow Temples
Phetchabun, located in Central Thailand.
Known for its picturesque nature and cultural heritage, this land is home to magnificent mountains and rainbow temples. This not only captivates tourists with its beauty but also proves itself as the soul of Northern Thailand.
Phetchabun is home to strawberry farms, cool mountain air, and the eye-catching Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew—a temple decorated with colorful mosaic tiles. It’s a favorite local weekend getaway.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
It has the beauty of Chiang Mai without the crowds or commercialization.