Off-Beat Family Places To Visit In Thailand

One can never run out of places to visit in Thailand for it is known for its ethnically diverse UNESCO heritage sites, stunning temples, serene beaches, and rich forests, which make it to the bucket list of every explorer or adventurer. Thailand is flooded with tourists for one can experience everything from a wild nightlife to a night in wildlife at a cheaper rate. Here are some of the off-beat places to add to your next itinerary.

1. Ang Thong National Park

What was once a giant cavern, is now a beautiful saltwater lake sheltering many exquisite species of wildlife. Mo Koh Ang Thong National Park comprises of 42 islands spread over 102 kilometres. Located between the mainland and the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, it is popular for its Emerald Lake, whose serene waters cast endless shades of green, unlike the usual azure blue waters. This vegetation rich location with its enchantingly beautiful water-bodies makes it an ideal location for movies. The journey from Koh Samui to Angthong Marine Park takes between 45 minutes to an hour by a speed boat and 2 – 3 hours by a slow boat.

2. Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is any adventurer’s ultimate haven, for it houses everything from a mountainous cave to virgin jungles and picturesque waterfalls to a mysterious museum. It was known to people after the famous film, “Bridge over the River Kwai” in 1957, which is now remembered as “Death Railway” for the construction of this very place claimed the innocent lives of war prisoners who were on the lookout for jobs, during the World War II. Kanchanaburi also offers to discover the beauty of the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary which stations one of the only few virgin forests, around the world and take a walk down history lane at the Hellfire Pass Museum and enthralling rafting through the waters to the Lawa Cave.

3. The White Temple Of Chiang Rai

The beauty of the Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple reminds you of the beautiful castles of Cinderella and Bella from Disney movies. This stunning temple of Chiang Rai, Thailand that has attracted a lot of tourists off-late, is located about 5 kilometres from Chiang Mai. An earthquake in the year 2014 almost ruined this divine abode that looks like it has been straight out of heaven, and it was restored and reopened recently. This hauntingly beautiful place might seem slightly eerie due to its theme of death, rebirth and escape from hell. You can also see hundreds of hands reaching for help in a particular area of the temple. It is not just the outside of the temple, but the insides are a treat to the eyes as well, although photography inside the temple has been prohibited after the earthquake.

4. The City Of Ayutthaya

After the almost ruined, but restored the White temple, set off to experience the rich Siamese history in the form of Ayutthaya, a ruined city, which is located on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai Rail route. Back in its glorious days, it was a very sophisticated centre for arts and commerce which was burnt down and abandoned after the Burmese invasion in the year 1767. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which was a trade route is now a peaceful river cruise. The city still houses some of the most beautiful historic temples and magnificent palaces and buildings which attract the likes of people, due to its splendid architectural styles like the Wat Chai Wattanaram, the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and The Old City of Ayutthaya. It is still a cultural hub which houses a fusion of history, arts, and culture.

5. The Tropical Islands of Koh Lipe

Located near the Malaysian border, in the South of Thailand is a laidback island called Koh Lipe. Known for its scuba diving sites, it is as a haven for marine wildlife. The tranquillity of the famous white-sand shores getting bathed by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea is what makes it stand out from the rest. It is located next to Tarutao National Marine Park, a place known for snorkelling. The only mode of transport is by boats for there is no airport in this island. It has three famous beaches: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach.