12 hidden gems tourists shouldn’t miss in Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is recommending 12 hidden gems that tourists must not miss when they are in the kingdom, as part of its new ‘Discover Thainess’ campaign, which aims to emphasise the priceless treasures of the country – the people, the culture and society.
TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “Among the so many attractions and points of interests Thailand has to offer, these 12 fascinating provinces of Lampang, Phetchabun, Nan, Buriram, Loei, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Trat, Chanthaburi, Trang, Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat will surely give travellers something extra to remember from the trip to the Land of Smiles.”
There are 77 provinces in Thailand, which are assigned into five regions: North, Northeast, East, Central, and South. Each province contains unique cultural, historical and natural attractions. Among them, 10 major destinations (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Samui, Hat Yai, and Phang-nga) are currently drawing a number of tourists from across the world.
The 12 irresistible destinations comprise two or three provinces each from the five regions of Thailand.
Representing the North are Lampang, where time stands still, Phetchabun, mist shrouded mountains of flowers, and Nan, the most romantic province in Thailand. In the Northeast, two enchanting provinces not to miss are Buriram, where ancient Khmer and modern Thai civilisations meet, and Loei, the province with the most pleasant climate in the country.
In the Central Plains, two fascinating provinces are Samut Songkhram for its unique river-based lifestyles and Ratchaburi for its famous art and craft communities. Representing the East are Trat, which has been selected as an ideal destination to enjoy pristine islands and beaches while Chanthaburi is home to all fruits of Thailand.
In the South, Trang is the place to be for nature and food lovers, Chumphon for beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea, and Nakhon Si Thammarat for a variety of distinctive religious and natural attractions.
The TAT Governor said, “On top of the 10 major attractions, these are 12 spots that everybody visiting Thailand should not miss. International travellers may not know that these secondary tourist destinations offer all the distinctive traditions and cultural attractions, sites of historical importance and abundant natural resources.”
