However, Krabi isn’t all just sand and water. The incredible karst mountains that jet out from the ground and ocean below provide people seeking adventure with the perfect climbing conditions. Jagged limestone, craggy cliffs, and boulders are begging to be conquered. It’s simply a climbers dream, period.

So where can you climb in Krabi?

To climb with the cool kids, there are two awesome spots located on the mainland of Thailand. In the bustling coastal town of Ao Nang you can bask under the sun and then catch a long-tail boat to Ton Sai or Railay. Again, both are on the mainland, however you do need to take a boat to reach these places.

Railay Beach is a beautiful spot with nearby limestone islands sitting quietly in the distance as you ascend up the huge cliffs above all the lackluster sunbathers. There is a nearby lagoon that requires some free climbing to get to, so anyone can really do it. Should you want a fantastic new experience that’s rewarding and challenging, sign up for a deep water solo climb. This form of climbing doesn’t involve ropes, so when you fall, only the clear ocean water is there to catch you.

If you want to tone it down a bit, the nearby Ton Sai Beach offers climbing as well and is for the more avid climbers who have a sense of living simply. Most of the accommodation are simple bungalow style huts with a few exceptions, if you’re willing to pay the price, and almost the entire area runs on generators at night (which if you haven’t guessed, means no electricity during the day). The scene is equally as spectacular on Ton Sai and you are surrounded by mountains of rock. Pick one and climb!

Perhaps the busiest, yet also equally beautiful spot for climbing, is Koh Phi Phi. That’s right, Krabi’s little darling gem that receives visitors from around the world and serves as one of iconic images of Thailand, can also be climbed. So if you are just stopping by to get a glimpse of that famous view, feel free to get a good climb in as well for even more amazing scenery and of course, bragging rights.

Alright, so you are now ready for a secret spot, the newer climbing spot on the scene, the spot that many might not know about… If that’s what you’re craving, then Koh Yao Noi is your place. Let’s hope this ideal climbing location doesn’t get too big because right now, it’s just perfect for getting away from the high season crowds on the mainland climbing spots. Be aware this island is not exactly equipt for tourists. It’s most definitely still under the radar so don’t come here expecting the infrastructure and conveniences you might have on the mainland. You come here, climb, beach it, sleep, and repeat the next day. Enjoy and climb on.

Photos by Benjamin, Mark Fischer and Will McElwain

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There are many vacancies in agencies for English Speaking Teachers. Some good and some not so good. You may find a job in a government school or even a private school quite quickly especially if you have a genuine University Degree. Many people get these jobs and don’t have the qualifications There are some employers who ignore the rules and the laws. It’s wise to check carefully before taking on any position and you should ensure Work Permits have been applied for by your employer. This is not free. A good school may pay the cost but an agency may not. Having no work permit is not advisable and you could get in to trouble.

If you are serious about teaching and wish to maximise your earnings a TEFL course could improve your chances of getting good contracts for work. Most TEFL courses run over five weeks with 120 hours of face to face teaching. You learn about all aspects of Teaching English as a Foreign Language and leave with a recognised certificate that opens doors to work and better pay. I completed a course back in 2005.

The UEC TEFL Graduate Eight Years Later

Back in 2005 I was living and working in Bangkok. Teaching was my main source of income but I struggled to earn a wage that would see me through a month comfortably. I decided to study TEFL for five weeks at UEC Bangkok. It was to be the best decision I have made regarding Teaching and climbing the ladder of success.

The success came in the form of better contracts with better wages working for some excellent institutions and companies. Tesco Lotus took me on in the north of Thailand Teaching their staff how to converse with English speaking foreigners. It was so much fun and I was paid a good salary for my efforts. Seven Eleven North Bangkok signed me up to visit all their stores and teach too. Rachada International School of languages in Udonthani took me on and because of my TEFL training it didn’t take long to demonstrate my new abilities in the classroom and receive a larger pay packet. Every job I applied for I got. Was this because I am good looking? No. Was it due to my aura and positive manner? No again. It must have been because I could speak Thai rather well. No, no, no. It was because I had studied TEFL and evolved into a better Teacher. All my skills had improved and I had gained many new techniques on how to get my message across to my students.

After many happy, productive years working all around Thailand I returned to England and settled into the British way of life again. I remember thinking that my TEFL Certificate would sit in a draw and gather dust as I was no longer teaching English. How wrong I was. I took it with me to interviews and showed it off with pride. Potential employers looked positively upon my UEC qualification.

Here I am in 2014 living in beautiful, historical Oxford City just forty miles west of London. I work for a charity called Emmaus. The position involves sorting and researching antiques and collectables which have been donated then selling them on to raise money for people in need. Every day my skills learnt at UEC assist me in getting my message across to others in a clear, easy to understand fashion.

Whatever you decide to do with your time in Thailand have fun and enjoy one of the most wonderful places on earth. In my next blog join me as I go inside village life and chat about the cultural differences between Thailand and the west.

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Your Home Away from Home

Please hold on to your horses before you set out for this wonderful place called Phuket. As the very first thing, book a wonderful place for your stay and let the fun begin. Check out places like Double Tree Resort Phuket to get the ball rolling. The location of the hotel is the clincher with a scenic location on the beach. And the beautifully decorated rooms with their own private terrace take your home sickness miles away from you. The 4 star hotels provide you with luxurious spas, which offer massages and other treatments to make you feel lively and bubbly with energy. The rooms are the hubs of comforts with satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities, in-room safe, mini bars, private terraces and pool accesses

Adventure Park

Check out the extreme thrills which are in store for you at Chalong, Phuket. The area spanning odd 19,000 sq. m in rubber plantation is the place for your ultimate thrills and fun. There are an array of activities which keep you on your toes and your adventurous spirits on record high with tree top adventures. You are attached to a harness, hence your safety is ensured and so are your thrills. You can go zipping on the zip line or walk on the netted ropes hung between trees and feel yourself left hung and nowhere to go expect forward. It is a life time experience you and your family are going to enjoy.

Water Fun

If you have the sea-surfing craves, Phuket is the right place for you. Though the waves can be dangerous for surfing during certain periods when the waves are rough, but during other periods it is calm and the rush for adventure is enough for people take on to this thrilling sport. On the Kalim beach, the surfers ride waves up to three meters high. The magnetism of surfing on Phuket West Coast beaches is fast coming to age and gaining in popularity.

Then you can go for scuba diving in Phuket, which is considered as one of the best places in the world. The clear water and abundance of colorful marine life and spectacular reefs and rock formations are a joy to watch. Or, you can stretch your fun further by opting for snorkeling. The sea is inviting throughout the year, though November-April are the ideal months when the sea in more calm.

Phuket Cabaret

Watch the colorful display of color and fun at the Simon Cabaret here. It is considered as one of southeastern Asia’s best shows. The musical show with elaborate costumes and make-up is spectacular to watch, which displays different cultures of the world. Tourists from all over the world pour in for the show every night which speaks of its popularity.

You can write volumes about the fun and entertainment business of Phuket and still feel you missed some of it. Hence, make a visit to this fantastic place and miss out nothing.

Photo by William Cho

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If you are in Thailand, take this opportunity to hire a car and follow the road. Of course, you would need an itinerary but it would be much more exciting and adventurous than following the travel agent’s itinerary. Ask a local, a friend or someone who has been in the country for a long time and you will know what places to visit, where to stay and what to do. Here is a sample itinerary planned just for you –

Phuket – Start your trip from Phuket. Hire a car and do all that tourists do. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. You can take a city tour to visit old Phuket town. From here proceed to Khao Rang Hill from where you get a view of Phuket. Proceed to Wat Chalong, a renowned monastery.

Stop for lunch and enjoy the local cuisine. Phuket is known for its seafood. Your cuisine should include Tom Yam Goong, chicken cashew nuts, Kuay Tiew, Pad Thai, Green curry chicken, the spicy papaya salad, the galangal chicken soup, fried rice, chicken- rice and Massaman curry.

After lunch, visit Phromthep Cape.

Phi Phi Island – The next day, start early and take a boat tour to Phi Phi Island. This island is situated between Phuket and Krabi and is at a distance of 48 kms from Phuket. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Spend time with the colorful tropical fishes and visit Bida Islands, Pileh Bay, and the Viking Cave.

Krabi – The next morning, drive off to Krabi and stay there for two days. A trip to Krabi is incomplete without sea kayaking or visiting the night markets. Shop at the night markets and have dinner near Khong Kha pier. Try one of the special Thai foods like the papaya salad.

Cha-am – Cha-am is approximately 7 hours distance from Krabi. There are huge statues of chickens, elephants and kangaroos on the way. Stay at a resort on the beach so that you can watch all the activities on the beach and the road. You can hire 5-seater pushbikes to move around. Visit the fishing pier, a popular spot, for seafood rice.

Don’t miss the cooking of a whole pig over a barrel. The pig is manually turned with rotisserie. The entire process of cooking takes about 1.5 hours.

Puek Tian Beach – Close to Cha-am is Puek Tian Beach, which is famous for its sea statues. These are statues of Sunthon Phu, a famous Thai poet and his 30,000-lined story, Phra Aphai Mani. There are some nice temples on the way to Puek Tian Beach.

Prachuabkirikhan –Visit the Dolphin Bay, the breeding ground for dolphins.

Thung Wua Lan Beach – 16 kms from Chumphon lies Thung Wua Lan Beach. Just outside the town of Chumphon lies the Cowboy Country. Take the back roads of Thung Wua Lan Beach to see the famous teepees. These are bars, saloons, coffee shops and others. Visit the Prince Chumphon Shrine & Memorial.

Khanom – After driving for 180kms, you will reach Khanom in the Province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Your first stop should be Khanom Beach with miles of white sand and beautiful sunrises. The next stop should be Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, an important historical site. You will need hours to see this place as it is huge. The Pagoda is 55.7meters high with a pure gold top. Make sure you make your hotel reservations for at least 4 days at Khanom.

After Khanom, it is time to head back to Phuket. To complete this journey, you will just need 4.5 hours. Stop for lunch at don’t miss the local Thai food. Plan a 12 day trip as it should cover all these areas.

This post comes from the road crazy travellers at Skedaddle Car Hire, if you’re considering a four-wheel holiday anywhere, check into their blog and learn more.

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The nature that surrounds this cute town is really quite spectacular. Mountains are sprinkled around, there are rivers flowing through some of them, wildlife roaming, canyons, waterfalls, and other wonderful scenes of mother nature at her very best.

Despite the stomach-turning 3 hour ride to get here from Chiang Mai, I really can’t think of anything bad to say about Pai. Let’s get to the details…

Pai has a river flowing through it’s town in which you can find some charming little bungalows strewn across and nearing close to the water. This is one of the nicest areas to stay in the town. Otherwise, outside of the town is my personal favorite. When I say “out of town” I mean only 1-3 km away from the main town, not bad at all. There are even better and sometimes cheaper places out this way. Many of them are set on a mountain with awesome views or in the valleys look up at a mountain range.

Rent a motorbike and just cruise around. It’s easy to get around just be careful riding up and down hillsides. Make a visit to the canyon for a thrilling experience. Like many things in Thailand, there isn’t much in terms of safety precautions so use your head when exploring the canyons. There are narrow paths that skim the tops of the canyon. One small slip and you might be at the bottom. It’s a gorgeous site, and staying back if you’re too clumsy will still provide you with some great views.

There are a few reputable elephant camps here. There is one near the hot springs that takes you to the river to play with the elephants and splash around. When I went, my mahout (elephant trainer) got my elephant to shake and throw me off a few times into the water. The elephant would then slouch down so I could climb back up him. Who gets to say they have played with an elephant in the river?

There is plenty more nature activities to occupy your time with here or just simply chill and do nothing. Try to catch a party while you’re here as well. There is often some music and entertainment provided at some of the local bars. Pai is an awesome place to mellow out, loose track of time, and get to know yourself a bit more while exploring the pure and beautiful nature that you are encompassed by during your stay here. It’s one of my most recommend spots in the country.

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After living in Thailand for over two years I find myself returning to one beach town that I just can’t get away from. It has charm, a beautiful beach, mountains, gorgeous views, and everything else that one could need without the higher price tag that the more developed beaches here suffer from. I am prepared to share this beach with you as not many know about it, but let’s try to keep this just between us, alright? The beach I speak of is Prachuap Khiri Khan.

A funky name indeed, but there is nothing funky floating in the water or washing up on the sand here. The beach of Ao Manao in Prachuap is clean and nice! The beaches are lined with trees to provide shade, the water is clear blue and cool, and there are excellent seafood stalls just behind you. As you are nestled between karst mountains on each side you will enjoy the peace and quiet that this beach brings you. When is last time you heard the waves crashing on shore without the background noise of someones radio, screaming children, or drunken loud mouths ruining your zen-like state of mind that you so much enjoy when you go to the beach? Yea, that’s what I thought. It’s hard to find a beautiful beach in Thailand that hasn’t been taken over by every tourist on the planet, but this spot is not traveled by most.

The actual town provides all that would need as well. There are markets, restaurant, small bars, 711’s, and everything else you need. The town is set on the beautiful Ao Prachuap which is a nice bay lined with a pathway to walk along. The accommodation is cheap and so is the food.

While in town you will notice a charming little temple perched on top of a mountain. Climb the 400 or so steps it takes to make it to the summit, hopefully unscathed by the cheeky macaque monkeys that call this very mountain home. The views are spectacular and the breeze feels amazing after all those steps. On the other side of this mountain is another mountain. It doesn’t appear to have a temple on top because it’s so high, but it’s there. Come to this mountain, located within the army base, to find dusky leaf monkeys who are cute as ever. They stay at the base of the mountain while the few people with enough stamina make the challenging climb to the top to experience even more breathtaking and awesome vistas.

This ultimate beach looks like the gorgeous and famous beaches of the Krabi province, but has nearly none of the tourists stopping by. Many people here are “off the beaten-track” type travelers. I ended up here for 3 months and then for another month when I came back and got sucked in again. Prachuap is my happy place that I will return to soon!

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I was an English teacher in Thailand and during my very first term, only a few mere weeks after landing in the country, I was already working at a school and it was time to celebrate Teachers’ Day. Everyone at the school including the students made me feel welcomed and loved already so a day for us was even more special and made me feel even more comfortable in Thailand and my school.

The covered basketball area had been transformed to accommodate more than half of the school. There were rows of chairs and a large stage that was decorated by the students. Students missed some classes a few days prior to the holiday just to prepare for it, decorate, finish off their flower offerings and to perfect their traditional Thai dances and music.

So Teacher’s Day came and my students were in grades M4, 5, and 6, which is the equivalent of grades 10-12 (in the US), or ages 15-18. I had the oldest group of kids and they were absolutely fabulous. I was super excited to see what they have been preparing for us all these days! The ceremony started, and there were groups of about 10-12 teachers that were invited on the stage and then preformed for. The students had a little choreographed ‘respectful’ dance that they showed us and then they would get on their knees, bow their heads before each teacher, and hand off the stunning flower arrangement. Seriously, the flowers were awesome. Each design was different, unique, and all so colorful!

After the student handed off the flowers they ‘waied’ the teachers. Wai-ing is when someone puts their two hands together, palm to palm, in front of their face and then does a little nod or bow. This is a respectful symbol in Thailand. After a few groups went, it was finally my turn. I walked on stage with my fellow teachers and took my seat.

As you may know, in the US and in many other countries around the world, when a woman wears a skirt or dress, they cross their legs. This is the polite thing to do. If you remember, I have only been in Thailand for a few weeks at this point and had absolutely no idea that this is exactly the opposite in Thailand. Crossing your legs is actually extremely rude. If you think about the way Buddhist people pray, their feet are always behind them, never pointing at Buddha. Feet are considered the unholiest part of the body and again, very rude. So what did I do the second I took my seat on that stage in front of the majority of my school? I CROSSED MY LEGS.

The entire crowded in unison all gasped and gawked at my major faux paus. Thank goodness a nice teacher next to me immediately pushed my leg down. I had no idea what just happened at this point and just sat their awkwardly as the ceremony continued for our group of teachers. After all was done, the teacher who helped me push my leg down just laughed and chatted away with me telling me that it’s “No nice to do this. Feet not nice in Thailand.” I apologized profusely to all the teachers around me, wai-ing them and putting my most sympathetic face on. They were all so sweet and most just patted me on the back saying, “It’s OK! You foreigner. You no know this. You not Thai, no problem.”

Bless all of them for being so nice. I felt a bit better after I saw everyone laughing it off, however when Teacher’s Day came around the next year, all the teachers made sure to remind me NOT to cross my legs! Although they didn’t have to, I will never cross my legs again in Thailand. Ever.

Photos by Nina

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1) Koh Tao

This stunning island is scuba central. This is THE place to get PADI certified if that’s what you’re after. If not, the snorkeling is fantastic as well. There are numerous spots around the island that are great for getting your head in the water and checking out the marine life, however Koh Nang Yuan takes the cake. This is the most popular spot to go. This mini-paradise is a tiny island off the north coast of Koh Tao. You can also climb a small mountain to get a birds-eye view of the island you are on which provides amazing vistas.

There are many species you can witness in these waters like turtles, stingrays, numerous amounts of different fish, barracuda, black tip reef sharks, and perhaps even a whale shark if you’re lucky enough. Hiking, biking and yoga are also available on Koh Tao.

2) Koh Phangan

This famous island is probably one of the biggest party islands in the world. This is the spot where the world-famous Full Moon Party goes down every month along with black moon and half moon parties. The party is held on Haad Rin beach and is literally entire bay of parties, DJ’s, bars, and slews of people everywhere raging all night long until the sun comes up.

Besides a wicked party island, the island itself offers more than buckets of liquor. There is some great hiking with paths to follow. Various water sports such as snorkeling, diving, kite-surfing and paddle boarding are available here. Take a ride on a elephant, go to a Muay Thai fight or take a fishing trip.

There are some beautiful waterfalls on the island as well as viewpoints. The viewpoint which is a must see is Domesila viewpoint and Wat Kaho Tam. When you’re ready to relax, There are plenty of beaches to go pass out on.

3) Koh Samui

Chaweng is the most popular beach of the island boasting everything you can think of, like Western restaurants, go-go bars, pubs, and a happening nightlife. Lamai beach is a bit south of Chaweng, but is quite similar with it’s offerings of nightlife and eateries. The beaches will be slightly less crowded and busy here. Mae Nam is a great family beach. It’s quieter and offers safe areas for swimming.

Besides beautiful beaches, there are a few notable other spots on this island. Wat Khunaram is the most famous temple on the island as it holds a mummified monk that’s on display. There are some interesting rocks by Lamai beach that have caused quite the crowd as they looks like the male and female sexual organs in rock form. A few other notable temples are around the area, a zoo and aquarium, as well as waterfalls.

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The date of Songkran was originally determined by astrological calculation, particularly using the solar calendar. This means that the date of Songkran changed throughout the years. When Thailand adapted the use of the modern calendar, Songkran’s date became fixed on April 13 and lasts three days until April 15. In some places, particularly in Chiang Mai, celebrations last for six days or longer.

In 2014, Songkran will again fall on those days.

Three Day Celebration

Each of the days of Songkran is devoted to a particular task. The reports vary as to what each day is particularly called or what activity is done, but Songkran is very much about families, reunions and respect for one’s elders and of course, the Buddha.

Traditions

The Thais pay great respect to their elders, and during Songkran this is of extra importance. Young people would sprinkle fragrant water into the elders’ palms in their family as a sign of respect and humility. They also ask for their elder’s blessings.

At the start of the holiday, homes are cleaned to get rid of the heavy and negative influence of the past. Sweeping the floors is one of the traditional ways homes are cleansed during Songkran.

Families also take time to go to temples and pray for a good year ahead. One of the traditions that the Thais practice is pouring water on the Buddha’s statues, specifically on the body. This is a sign of cleansing and renewal, and the water used to wash the Buddha are collected and sprinkled lightly over people as a sign of good fortune in the coming year.

Songkran is also a time for reunion, where families come together to celebrate their bond and unity. Preparations are done for sumptuous feasts to share with each other.

Merit Building

A central practice of Songkran is making merit. This is based on the idea that doing selfless acts for others gives you “celestial points”. Merits are earned by doing good deeds based on the teachings of the Buddha.

One of the most common practices of merit building during Songkran is donating food to the monks. Visiting nine sacred temples during Songkran is a good way of building up merit.

Water Festival

One of the biggest and most anticipated activities of Songkran is the splashing of water. We’ve mentioned that one of Songkran’s traditions involves pouring water over statues of the Buddha and using this blessed water to give others good fortune. This practice has evolved to a point that the streets of Thailand become quite a water park during Songkran. People line the streets with containers of water and throw them to passersby by the bucket. Some children use water guns, while other make use of garden hoses.

Along with the water comes the chalk. In Buddhism, powders and chalk are used in many rituals and are considered to be marks of religious blessings. In the more modern practice of Songkran, being doused with water and chalk would mean that the Thais are wishing you a happy and blessed new year. Visitors to Thailand during this season are well advised to join the festivities by donning comfortable and casual clothing, as well as protecting any items that they have that may get damaged when wet.

Modern Activities

While many Thais choose to celebrate Songkran quietly at home with their families, there are plenty of activities one can join in. There are beauty pageants in many areas around Thailand, parades and shows. Food festivals and bazaars abound where visitors can sample the different kinds of delicious Thai food.

Traditional Activities

Visitors who wish to participate in more traditional rituals of Songkran would find better luck in going to smaller communities. The Phra Pradeng district celebrates much later than bigger places like Bangkok, and their activities hold a more cultural and sacred aspect.

In Sanam Luang just across the Grand Palace, the Buddha’s image is taken out of the National Museum and is displayed in a parade for people to sprinkle water on.

And if someone offers you a bracelet, hold out your hand with the wrist up and accept it with a smile. It is another way of wishing you luck for the new year, and Thais believe that you should never remove it until it falls off on its own.

Songkran is a wonderful holiday that shows the world how deep Thais respect their families and their culture. Yet it also shows the fun side of the people, gamely getting into sharing their blessings and good fortune.

Happy Songkran Water Festival!

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Visiting the region is easier than ever before, with cheap flights to Thailand, affordable accommodation, numerous attractions and several activities on offer throughout the year.

However, if you want to avoid the common tourist traps and discover some authentic culture, here are some of Thailand’s hidden gems.

Koh Lao Liang

A favourite among Bangkok locals who want to stay away from the often over-populated tourist-filled islands, Koh Lao Liang is one of Thailand’s greatest hidden treats. However, the number of travellers allowed to visit is limited per day to preserve the island’s pristine beauty.

This also means that building work is completed using natural materials and no trees are cut down. As a result, you will get to experience a wonderful landscape featuring a near-perfect white sand beach with imposing limestone cliffs.

Nan Province

Although many travellers’ inland destination of choice if Chiang Mai, a more genuine Thai experience can be found in one of the country’s most northern regions on the border with Laos.

Here you will find rolling hills and rice paddies as far as the eye can see. Notable sights and highlights include Doi Phy Kha National Park and the Nan Riverside art gallery.

Phimai

While the town itself doesn’t have much to offer, Phimai plays host to one of the Khmer Empire’s ancient temple complexes. Similar to the stunning Angkor Wat found over the border in Cambodia, Prasat Hin Phimai is a striking example of what Thailand used to be like.

Built between the late 10th and early 11th Century, the best way to explore is to hire a bike and cycle around every corner of this breathtaking location.

Koh Khai

Yet another idyllic beach paradise, Koh Khai on the coast of Phang Nga Bay features beautiful turquoise waters and unspoilt sand.

However, this secluded retreat, which makes you feel like you’re on a deserted island, has little else to offer so a day here is plenty of time. Thankfully, Koh Khai is just 30 minutes by boat from Phuket.

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Sangklaburi

This town is certainly not on the tourist trail, but it’s on the way to Myanmar, so stop on by. The draw here is to see the exciting sunken temple called Wat Saam Prasob. During the dry season the water levels will drop drastically and even disappear giving you opportunities to wander the ruins. If you are here during the rainy season then you can hire a boat to explore the underwater temple that peaks out of the water.

While here it’s also worth taking a stroll over the bridge called Saphan Mon. Be careful it’s a bit rickety, but happens to be the longest manmade bridge in the country. On the other side you will get to mingle with the Mon people at their village. Stop by their holiest temple while on that side of the river, it’s called Wat Wang Wiwekaram and was built by one of the most revered monks of the country.

Mae Hong Son

To get formally introduced to this town, take the climb up to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for some epic views of the town and the nice Burmese mountain range in the background. After getting your views, get some action by trekking the mountains. You will get to gaze upon Thampla waterfalls and meet the hill-tribe people in the area. The most well known tribe is the Pa Dong Karen. The women often wear brass rings around their necks stretching it and dubbing them the nickname ‘long necks.’

Chiang Rai

The main things to do and see here are actually just a bit out of Chiang Rai. Head North and you can see three countries at the same time. At the Golden Triangle you can see the land split up by the mighty Mekong River. While you’re in Thailand you can set your sights on Laos to the right which has a casino that you can visit for the day. You don’t need to get a Laos visa to do this trip, but be sure you don’t blow all you’re money. To the left you will see the hills of Myanmar.

After heading back down from the Golden Triangle the main attraction in Chiang Rai is the white temple, or Wat Rong Khun. This spectacular temple is like no other in Thailand. It’s a newly built temple that’s decorated with all the nagas, Buddhas and other Buddhist memorabilia that you often see, however the temple sparkles and shines. It’s completely white and is adorned with tiny mirror pieces that make it extra glam and glittery. A bright and spectacular sight indeed.

Nong Khai

A measly 20km from Laos is the town of Nong Khai. Here is the jumping off point to Vientiane, Laos and is often passed by tourists on the way to either visit Laos or for a border run to obtain a new Thai visa. Should you be passing by, it would be worth checking this place out just for the day. You can spend the day at the outlandish park of Sala Kaew Ku. There are randomly placed statues and structures of elephants, Buddhas, Nagas and everything else in between. Roam the area and check out this bizarre Hindu and Buddhist fused park before heading off to Laos.

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1) Koh Ngai

A spec of sand just off the coast of Hat Pak Meng in the Trang province is this cute little gem of an island, Koh Ngai. Bring your snorkel gear here and explore the depths of these crystal clear blue waters. Enjoy a lonely beach and secluded lifestyle.

2) Prachuap Khiri Khan

This is a personal favorite of mine. This spot is located just a bit South of Hua Hin and over looks the Gulf of Thailand. Easily missed by all the tourists flocking to the three main Gulf islands, this place is like the Andaman of the East. With a similar backdrop to that of the Krabi province, Prachuap (for short) provides an epic landscape with less than half the amount of tourists in the way. This tame town has Ao Manao close by for your days under the sun, cute Dusky Leaf Monkeys to play with, and a cool temple upon a mountain that provides amazing vistas.

3) Khanom and Sichon

If you truly want to go off the radar, these two spots on the mainland are it. Although they are close to the extremely popular Koh Samui, they are most certainly not as busy. No hawkers, no malls, no bars, really hardly anything is here. So if you’re looking for some real seclusion, a place where you can get lost forever, this is your spot. You can walk these two beaches in a matter of hours. Now get lost…

So you want more of my secrets do you? Well, I guess I can spare mentioning a few more hidden beaches…

4) Koh Mun Nork

Koh Ma what? Koh Mun Nork.. Never heard of it? Didn’t think so. This place is so secluded, there is only one resort that caters to the whole island. With not much else to do besides pitch up on your hammock and bronze that skin, this idyllic island is appealing for those who don’t like to share and want their own little slice of heaven.

5) Hat Chang Lang

Located in the Trang province and along the Andaman Coast is this lovely stretch of beach. With only two expensive resorts on the beach, you won’t find a crowd on the sand here. There are good places for swimming and the beaches are unspoilt and clean.

While it’s hard to keep a secret in this country, there are still some hidden and lesser known spots. So be sure to high-tail it over to Thailand and check some of these spots out before everyone else gets to them first!

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