7 places to avoid the crowds when on holiday in Thailand

Most visitors to Thailand swamp the usual hot spots. Consider some quieter places instead

From unspoilt islands to an archaeological park, the hills of the north and a liveaboard junk on the Andaman Sea, here are seven places that will be less busy

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The Mon bridge at Sangkhlaburi, near Thailand’s border with Myanmar, spans part of a lake and is a favourite of photographers. It’s one of the less visited attractions in the country. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:15am, 13 Jul 2020Updated: 3:51pm, 1 Oct 2022

Thailand could well be the first stop for Hong Kong holidaymakers once coronavirus restrictions are lifted and international borders open.

It was reported at the end of last month that talks about a Hong Kong-Thailand “travel bubble” were under way, although last week Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn told Reuters fresh outbreaks are creating uncertainty and a bubble could be delayed.

Whenever it happens, the kingdom’s all-time favourite destinations are likely to be a little busy for Covid-era comfort – so where to go? From the old capital of Siam to the rural north to an island in the Chao Phraya river, there are plenty of less crowded must-sees.

Here are seven picks:

Khao Lak

Most people who arrive in Phuket turn right out of the airport and head south. But hit the road north, cross the Thepkasattri Bridge, and about an hour’s drive leads to Khao Lak, which matches – many would say surpasses – its island neighbour’s beaches and maritime entertainments, but with rather fewer humans about the place.