Thailand is having a year! Breaking tourism records again, travelers far and wide are flocking to Thailand no matter the season.
By launching a new digital nomad visa as well as clear-cut visa-free policies, they’re only dangling the carrot more enticing us to visit this iconic Southeast Asian country in droves.
More often than not, the bustling city of Bangkok will be your gateway into Thailand.
Not that there’s anything wrong with basing your Thai adventures around Bangkok, but there’s so much to explore beyond this action-packed city.
While the food is divine, the markets are immaculate, and the temples are absolutely mesmerizing, travelers can have similar experiences elsewhere in the country – not to mention at super cheap prices!
That’s where Agoda has stepped in, a very popular online travel booking platform with a strong focus on the Asian tourism industry.
Based on their own data, these are the top 3 alternative Thai getaways to escape the chaos of Bangkok this fall.
3) Chonburi: Where Stunning Coastlines Meet Rich Culture
The household names of Thailand are where you’ll typically find a majority of the country’s crowds.
As beautiful and culturally rich as Chonburi may be, the average Joe or Jane probably doesn’t have Chonburi penciled in at the top of their list.
Agoda is hyping up this province based on its proximity to Bangkok and the relatively crowd-free attractions it offers.
With gorgeous beaches on the mainland and stunning islands like Samae San Island at your fingertips, you can cross out experiencing Thailand’s world-renowned beaches and culture all in one spot.
There are ample ways to dive into locals’ day-to-day life, including quaint villages off the beaten path.
Ang Sila, for example, is a fishing town that provides some of the best seafood imaginable and traditional markets that showcase regionally sourced textiles among other local goodies.
You can’t go wrong in the vast province of Chonburi, from popular resort cities and blissful beaches to hidden gems, including the vibrant capital district of Mueang Chonburi.
Despite having one major city, Chonburi is best explored with an open mind because you just never know what you’ll discover on any given day.
Tip: Entry fees to Samae San Island cost 600 baht ($17). No overnight stays allowed (check hotels near the pier).
2) Khao Yai: Welcome To Thailand’s Untouched Countryside
Bangkok is an urban sprawl with nonstop action.
Seeing constant tuk tuks whizzing by or market hawkers announcing their ‘special of the day’, no matter where you are in the city, it can be tough to find your Zen.
That’s why Khao Yai, under 2 and half hours form Bangkok, makes for the perfect escape to swap car horns and the city buzz for the calming sounds and sights of nature.
Most notably, it’s home to the astounding Khao Yai National Park where you can have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness elephants in the wild.
This region of Thailand is the complete opposite of how most envision the country—packed beaches, buzzing night markets, and meticulously designed temples to the nth degree.
Rather than get lost in the concrete jungle of Bangkok, Khao Yai offers a peaceful escape where nature abounds with incredible wildlife, scenic hiking trails, and even postcard waterfalls like Haew Narok.
Tip: Check out this fully-guided tour through Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok for less than $75!
1) Pattaya: A Pretty Resort City Reinventing Itself
Bangkok casts a large shadow, but not large enough to keep tourists away from Pattaya.
However, despite being one of the most popular cities in the nation, there’s still room to avoid the crowds.
Let’s be honest here – Pattaya has dealt with a questionable reputation for quite some time.
To their credit their days of ‘dark tourism’ appear to be dwindling, at least at surface level.
Undergoing a reinvention, Pattaya is attempting to become a more family-friendly destination going as far to upgrade their unmissable ‘Pattaya City’ backdrop.
Can you imagine if Hollywood did that?
Enticing more tourists shouldn’t be a challenge as one of the cheapest cities in the country, where luxe 4-star beach resorts like Garden Sea View Resort can be booked this fall for under $80 on, yes, you guessed it – Agoda.
Moreover, travelers can indeed escape Pattaya’s crowds, although the city is relatively chill during the day.
Pattaya is a great gateway to some of Thailand’s prettiest islands, such as Koh Larn, Koh Sichang, and Koh Kham.
Tip: Don’t skip out on one of Thailand’s most eye-popping sites, Sanctuary of Truth, located on Pattaya’s northern coast.
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