More Tourists Are Visiting Thailand’s Rural Areas. – Airbnb

According to US-based vacation rental company, Airbnb more tourists are choosing rural destinations which are beneficial for the local businesses and the environment.

Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai are Thailand’s typical top tourist attractions, all of which have international airports.  However, Airbnb reports that there’s an increasing number of travelers going to rural destinations like Trat, Cha-Am, Pai, and Koh Lanta.

Trat

Trat, located in eastern Thailand has more than 50 islands and the 3 most popular islands in the province are Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood. Trat offers it all: beaches, diving, wildlife, waterfalls, and history. 

The most common and affordable way to Trat is to take a bus. The trip takes 5 hours and 27 minutes and costs less than $10 USD.

Cha-am

Cha-am is located in Phetchaburi and is an ideal retreat destination from Bangkok. Only 2 hours and 20 minutes from the capital, travelers can reach Cha-am by car, motorcycle, bus, rail, or cab.

Tourists who often visit Thailand may not see these places as very rural. Explore the wide northeastern area of Thailand known as “Isaan” if you’re seeking additional adventure.

Pai

Pai, located in the highlands of Mae Hong Son province, is also known as the “hippie paradise.” Rich in culture, landscape, rice fields, and waterfalls, the region is ideal for a relaxing vacation.

To get there, take a minivan from Chiang Mai to Pai.  Travel will take 3 hours and costs less than $5 USD for each trip. The travel will be difficult for the faint of heart since the route has 762 turns, and the vehicles go at high speeds. Travel could cause motion sickness, so make sure to get car sickness pills at the nearest 7-Eleven or any other pharmacy before the trip.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is unexpectedly easy and fast to reach. First, take a quick flight to Krabi Airport, then take a minivan to the pier and ride a speedboat to the island for 15 minutes. The transfer does not exceed 90 minutes.

If you have more time and less money, taking a boat to Koh Lanta is the more scenic choice. At the Krabi Airport, reserve a public minivan to Koh Lanta. The minivan will transport you to Krabi town, where the boat to the island will be waiting. Depending on the length of the wait in Krabi town, the overall transfer time is between 30 to 6 hours.

Notable Mentions

Trang province in southern Thailand is another undiscovered place. Trang is known for its beaches, islands, mountains, ecotourism, and culture. There are flights available going to Trang. To experience the complete rural lifestyle of Trang, spend a few days at Ban Lam Khanun.

Phetchabun region in north-central Thailand is another unique destination for a beautiful adventure. Phetchabun is located between northern, central, and northeastern Thailand. The mountains, waterfalls, and national parks make Phetchabun a perfect getaway.  You can reach Phetchabun by bus, but if you want to explore more places you’ll need to hire a vehicle.

SOURCE: Travel Daily Media

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