As the general hordes of holiday shoppers are in full force, we can surely all relate to avoiding crowds.
Whether it’s opting for Uber Eats, Amazon Prime, or traveling to places you didn’t know existed, the common denominator is all the same.
When it comes to Thailand, two places you want to avoid for these types of frustrations are definitely Phuket and Bangkok, albeit the latter is an urban sprawl, making it easier to find your inner Zen as needed.
Phuket, on the other hand, has been dealing with overtourism concerns, so that may be the last Thai beach paradise you’ll want to find yourself in to unwind.
The good news for you is there are many tranquil spots along Thailand’s mainland shores and numerous postcard-worthy islands.
Lonely Planet just highlighted a pair of such places – one on the mainland, along with a gorgeous island you may have never heard of.
Best of all, they’re both very affordable, virtually untouched, and studded with idyllic beachside bungalows up and down the pristine shores.
Ko Wai: Thailand’s Unspoiled Island Escape
The island life is appealing to all of us, and when it comes to Thailand, there seems to be a never-ending list of off-shore paradises from which to choose.
Lonely Planet showcased Ko Wai as one of the best alternatives to Thailand’s resort-lined beaches rather than embracing the unknown of unspoiled coastlines with traditional bungalows.
Before Thailand became a global icon where vacationers flock to the urban delights of Bangkok or the pristine beaches of numerous destinations, the latter looked a lot like Ko Wai.
Coming here now can be seen as a time capsule, especially as prices are still ridiculously low and landscapes virtually untouched.
Long-held local traditions are still in effect, so don’t expect to see billboard eyesores, mega cruise ships, or towering resorts.
Ko Wai perfectly sums up one of Thailand’s most popular types of travelers: those of us ballin’ on a budget!
Ranging anywhere from $15 to $45, check out Koh Wai Paradise, home to 30 thatched-roof bungalows or slightly cheaper Good Feeling Bungalows, where one recent visitor claimed it’s ‘Heaven on earth’.
Golden Beaches & Traditional Stays: Welcome To Bang Saphan Yai
Turns out Bangkok isn’t the only Thai getaway to go out with a ‘Bang’.
Bang Saphan Yai isn’t a place you’ll see highlighted in bold on the map like the country’s staples of Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.
Small yet mighty in terms of untamed beauty, this quaint beach town is located in the trendy Prachuap Khiri Khan province, yet this side remains hush-hush for locals to enjoy.
Lonely Planet mentioned ‘sublime sunsets’ overpowering golden beaches lined with bamboo huts, and while bearing witness to the fiery skies is certainly a must, there’s a lot more to make your trip worthwhile.
One such way for an epic adventure is to take a $4 train from Bangkok to Hua Hin and make your way down by bus or train on 12Go.
The coastal views are a sight to behold and a far cry from beach crowds elsewhere, as this tranquil side of the country is a whole different vibe.
Upon arrival, there are ample beaches to scout for endless bliss in the sunshine, especially if bungalows are more your jam than ritzy resorts.
This is not to say that these traditional-style stays are run-down by any means, but don’t expect swim-up bars and silver platter room service.
And if you must visit an island, tour operators can make arrangements to visit lesser-known Ko Thalu. But, with idyllic huts, sensory overload markets, and snorkeling and kayaking the turquoise waters as options, there’s no harm in staying on the mainland.
Check out Sangjun On Beach Resort, which has $25 beachside bungalows with top reviews claiming, ‘Big balcony with a fantastic view of the ocean’ and ‘If you want absolute peace and quiet, this is the place for you’.
New Thailand Rule For U.S. Travelers
On the one hand, Thailand has done Americans a favor by extending their visa-free allowance to 2 months rather than the prior 30 days.
But now, there’s a new annoyance – dreaded forms!
That’s right; all Americans crossing into Thailand beginning in December have to fill out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance, but the good news is there are no fees.
For deeper insight and peace of mind to ensure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s, check out our recent article covering the new entry rules and benefits.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
