Charming old-world towns in Thailand off the beaten path.
Less-touristed old-world towns in Thailand, for travelers seeking fewer crowds but all the beauty.
Nakhon Pathom
Dominated by Phra Pathommachedi, claimed to be the world's tallest stupa, Nakhon Pathom is a city in central Thailand roughly an hour west of Bangkok.
Hua Hin
Thailand's oldest beach resort city, Hua Hin sits on the Gulf of Thailand coast in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, a few hours south of Bangkok.
Songkhla
Songkhla sits where Songkhla Lake opens into the Gulf of Thailand, giving this southern Thai provincial capital beaches on multiple sides — including Samila…
Loeng Nok Tha
A large white seated Buddha atop a forested hilltop commands sweeping views over Loeng Nok Tha's green rice plains and a broad lake beyond, making this Yasot…
Chiang Saen
Ancient walled city on the Mekong River in northern Thailand's Chiang Rai province, Chiang Saen was founded in the 14th century as a Lanna Kingdom stronghold…
Phaya Mengrai
This hilltop Buddhist stupa tiled in mirrored mosaic overlooks a misty valley at sunrise, capturing the spiritual atmosphere of this Chiang Rai district in T…
Nakhon Thai
This compact town in the eastern part of Phitsanulok province, central Thailand, sits close to mountains and is one of the oldest settlements in the region,…
Nakhon Si Thammarat
One of Thailand's most ancient cities, Nakhon Si Thammarat served as the administrative centre of the south for much of its history and was once the Kingdom…
Phayao
This lakeside town in the mountains of northern Thailand, Phayao sits on the shore of Phayao Lake and traces its origins to a city-state founded between 900…
Yasothon
This compact town on the Chi River in Thailand's north-eastern Isaan region, Yasothon has a walkable centre with a concentrated café and restaurant scene alo…
Kamphaeng Phet
This central Thailand town on the Ping River whose historical park — containing ruins of 14th- to 16th-century temples, city fortifications, and Buddha statu…
Ranong
A small provincial town on Thailand's northern Andaman Coast, Ranong sits at the water's edge with mountains close behind and a food-and-drink scene concentr…
Non Din Daeng
A district in Buriram province, northeastern Thailand, Non Din Daeng draws visitors to the Lam Nang Rong reservoir, the Nong Hong castle ruins, and the Dong…
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
The ruins of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spread across this island town at the confluence of the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rive…
Trat
This walkable town on the Trat River near the Cambodian border, with a centre full of cafés and restaurants and a waterfront shaped by fishing and maritime t…