Step away from the usual tourist trails and discover a different side to the Land of Smiles. Here we look at three beautiful regional areas of Thailand, far from the business of Bangkok and other large cities.
See ruins from a vanished civilisation at Sukhothai
Imagine ancient temple ruins surrounded by verdant greenery, watched over by serene Buddha statues. No, it’s not Siem Reap in Cambodia – it’s right here in Sukhothai, five hours north of Bangkok. Founded in the 13th century, the Sukhothai kingdom once controlled an area even larger than Thailand today. And, unlike Siem Reap, at Sukhothai Historical Park, you can explore the imposing ruins without being swamped by crowds.
Renting a bicycle is the best way to travel between the key sights, which include Wat Sa Si, set in the middle of a lotus flower-filled lake; Wat Si Chum, overlooked by a mighty 15-metre-high Buddha; and Wat Mahathat, the largest temple in the whole complex. Don’t miss Wat Phra Pai Luang temple, with its Khmer-style towers and its delicate reliefs depicting the Hindu gods Shiva and Brahma, as well as scenes from the life of Buddha.
Go wild in Pang Sida National Park
If you’ve only ever spent time in Bangkok, it’s hard to imagine how wild parts of Thailand still are. In Pang Sida National Park, near the Cambodian border, a range of trails leads you through a flourishing landscape of forests, cliffs and valleys and tree-shrouded waterfalls.
The park is home to an extraordinary array of rare animals, from elephants and tigers to Asiatic wild dogs, pangolins and civets. Many of them are elusive, but if you come at the right time, there is one species guaranteed to put on a show. Between May and July, thousands of butterflies congregate in the park – no fewer than 400 species have been recorded here. There are a number of accessible locations where they’re known to congregate, including a salt lick not far from the park office.
Head for the hills in the Golden Triangle
In the far north of the country, Chiang Rai province is home to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Many years ago, the illegal trade in opium flourished on this wild frontier. These days, however, it is as welcoming as any other part of this charming land – but with experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Explore the serene bamboo-filled Doi Chang Buddhist Park or head for the tea plantations in the hills, where indefatigable workers effortlessly carry baskets laden with freshly picked tea leaves on their heads. One of the most popular plantations to visit is Choui Fong Tea. Step further afield to learn more about local hill tribes, such as the Akha, the Karen and the Hmong, each of whom have their own colourful traditions.
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