Thai treasures Getting around

Four getaways to escape crowds, bask in country’s beauty

THAILAND’S southern beaches lure travelers with their turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs, but there’s much more to explore in the Southeast Asian country.

For a Thai road less traveled, try one of these getaways outside Bangkok, far from the overly Instagrammed backpacker hot spots and the party scene of Phuket or Pattaya.

For the beach bum

In laid-back Ban Krut, travelers will find one of the cleanest and quietest stretches of white sand within driving distance of the capital, Bangkok.

This sleepy seaside community, known mostly by locals, is a five-hour drive or six-hour train trip down the Gulf of Thailand.

Don’t miss the magnificent Wat Tang Sai, a massive Buddhist temple perched atop

Thong Chai Mountain.

For the nature lover

Most visitors come for the beaches, but the rivers and parks in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province have much to offer the off-the-beaten-track

A car rental costs about $20 per day, and an international driver’s permit is required. You can also hire a driver at most major car rental companies, book a taxi or explore by train.

Be sure to have Google’s maps and translate apps at the ready.

road tripper.

Scenic trails and waterfalls abound in Sai Yok and Erawan national parks.

Just two hours from Bangkok is the famed bridge over River Kwai featured in the French novel turned 1957 Oscar-winning film.

Stay on the river at one of Kanchanaburi’s many floating hotels, or floatels, where you can kayak to your front door.

For the holiday hiker

Lush hiking trails, wetlands and mangrove forests make Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park a weekend adventure worthy of topping your Thailand to-do list.

The park’s crown jewel is the extraordinary

Phraya

Nakhon

Cave. Come early to catch the picturesque chamber flooded with morning sunshine spotlighting the royal pavilion that sits inside.

Outdoorsy travelers can camp in a park bungalow or opt for more luxe accommodations in the nearby touristy town of Hua Hin, three hours by car or four by train from Bangkok.

For the history buff

Bypass the tour groups at the ancient city of Ayutthaya and head two hours north of Bangkok for a more serene stroll through Thai history.

Lopburi, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, boasts Khmer-era temples and the uncrowded ruins of King Narai’s Palace, built in the 1600s.

It’s also known for the mischievous monkeys that gather at Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in the center of town. Tip: Keep a safe distance from the monkeys and hide anything you don’t want them to steal.

Nicole Evatt The Associated Press Wat Tang Sai, a Buddhist temple atop Thong Chai Mountain, in Ban Krut in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province of Thailand.

Getty Images Monkeys gather at Phra Prang Sam Yot temple in the center of Lopburi, known as Monkey City, in central Thailand.