Get to know the authentic side of Thailand
Thailand is an amazing and very popular destination. There are so many different ways to travel and discover this great destination. But how should you go about it when you want to discover what Thailand truly has to offer and not be stuck the whole time in one of the popular touristy places?
We have handpicked five experiences that will allow you to get to know Thailand off the beaten track.
Combine the highlights with lesser-known gems
1. Hike through the impressive surroundings and local villages of Chiang Mai
Do you like nature and are you ready to go hiking in the most impressive surroundings? Then is this tour perfect for you! The area around Chiang Mai is famous for its amazing nature and it is completely different from the white sandy beaches most people think about when they hear about Thailand.
One of the best treks you can do here is the Ban Jabo Hilltribe trek. For five days, you will be hiking through amazing nature, visit local villages and get to know the real Thai cuisine.
2. Volunteer at the Elephant Rescue Centre and The Wildlife Rescue Centre
Work as a volunteer with animals in their natural habitat. Here you have the opportunity to combine two amazing volunteer projects where you will help and work with local animals.
For a minimum period of two weeks, you will be helping in the Elephant Refuge Centre and Wildlife Rescue Centre in Thailand. Both places are rescue centres and focus on imitating the natural habitat of the animals with the goal of releasing them back in the wild.
The Wildlife Rescue Centre is a rescue centre for birds and other animals like gibbons, macaques, leopard cats, Asian black bears and many more. In the Elephant Refuge Centre, you will meet quite a few of elephants that come from the tourist industry.
3. Unique jungle adventures in Sai Yok National Park
Stay far away from any tourist crowds with this three day jungle adventure in Sai Yok National park. No resort stays for you here! Instead you will head out to a unique gem run by locals.
Get ready for a real jungle adventure from your floating raft on the river and make a stop at the known Sai Yok waterfalls along the way. After a night in your floating bungalow, cruise downstream with a kayak through the national park and head into the jungle for a trek with the park rangers.
When you've had enough of the jungle, grab a bike and relax at the plantations. After your tour, spend some time in the historical city before you are off to your next destination.
4. Do the Umphang Trek between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Get off the beaten track and explore Northern Thailand on this roundtrip through the jungle close by the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. Hike through the jungle, go swimming in the highest waterfall in Southeast Asia (about 400-metres-high), spend some time rafting on the Mae Klong River and get to know the local culture by staying in local villages along the way.
It is not for nothing that this area has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
5. Camp on the deserted island of Koh Kye
A beautiful island with white sandy beaches and a dense jungle - with this trip you get the complete package. Travel to this deserted island on a traditional fisherman's boat and discover untouched corals, thousands of colourfish, and camping at the beachside.
Koh Kye is truly unique and different from any other island you have visited. It is a "coral graveyard" and the beauty of the island comes from the great amount of dead corals that, through time, have been gathering, changing colour and formed a shape that looks like a white sand dune.
A perfect stop to make along the way to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or other locations in southern Thailand.