Phu Chi Fah for an epic sunrise
With viewpoints looking out to Laos, Phu Chi Fah, a national forest park in far north Thailand, shouldn’t be missed. Thais flock here at the end of the year to watch the “sea of clouds” in the valleys that occur during the winter, and a New Year visit is most spectacular. You can camp or book a homestay in the small village below the peak.
Phraya Nakhon cave and its gorgeous throne pavilion
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park near Pranburi, south of Hua Hin, is full of limestone hills (the name Khao Sam Roi Yot means “the mountain with 300 peaks”) and wetlands, a perfect place for exploring the natural wonders of the island. There’s hiking, great beaches, and epic birdlife, but the star attraction of the park is the surreal Phraya Nakhon Cave.
This sinkhole cave has a throne pavilion built for King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) inside, and when early morning sunlight shines through the roof of the cave, it sets the interior aglow. It’s one of Thailand’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations.
The majestic overlook in Sai Thong National Park
In little-visited Loei Province in northern Thailand, Sai Thong National Park is best known for its wild Siam tulips, which blossom en masse during the rainy season in June. But come here any time of year for the spectacular views of the plains below, best seen from the very steep Pha Ham Hod, an unprotected rock that juts out over the valley.
Morning mist on a lake in Pang Ung
Known as the Switzerland of Thailand, Pang Ung, also spelled Pang Oung, can be cool and crisp in the winter, with mountain pine forests surrounding a beautiful alpine lake. Thais come here to camp, and a winter holiday is the best time to take a ride on a traditional bamboo raft, especially in
A former prison isle that is now one of Thailand’s most hidden gems.
the early morning when the lake is shrouded in atmospheric mist.
Located in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, the drive takes you on steep and curvy mountain roads, but it’s well worth the effort to see a side of Thailand few tourists even know exists.
Himalayan cherry blossoms in Khun Chang Khian
Cherry blossom viewing isn’t only reserved for Japan and Korea.
Few visitors to Thailand know that in winter, the White Hmong hill tribe village of Khun Chang Khian, just outside of Chiang Mai, is home to hillsides of wild Himalayan cherry trees, which blossom in December and January.
Despite being so near Chiang Mai, most tourists from other countries don’t
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park’s hidden cave with a royal throne.
know about Khun Chiang Khian, and while the steep and narrow rutted road into the village isn’t suitable for a rental car, there are drivers with four-wheel drive or pickup trucks waiting near the entrance to take people in.
Khao Chang Phueak for beautiful but challenging hikes
Adventure seekers should head to Kanchanaburi Province, home to Khao Chang Phueak, a mountain in Thong Pha Phum National Park. You need a permit to hike here, as the climb to the peak features a knife-edge ridge where rangers and ropes help assist trekkers to reach the summit.
It’s a beautiful spot, a challenging hike, and you’ll get to experience a side of the burgeoning Thai outdoor adventure scene.