5 of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural treasures

By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Monday, July 1, 2019

From exploring fluorescent green pastures to venturing to the top of Thailand for the ultimate view, if you add any one of these destinations to your Thai itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.

1. The grass really is greener in Pai

Location: Pai, Mae Hong Soon Province, northern Thailand

Pai – a tiny town in northern Thailand – is known as an adventurer’s playground.

Tucked deep in a valley surrounded by mountains, Pai is the perfect place to explore by foot.

For a peek at just how expansive the town’s foliage is, climb more than 300 steps to the white Buddha statue. It’s worth the sore calves, especially at sunset when the valleys look their prettiest.

For travellers who prefer to stay on the ground, there’s a strip aptly named ‘the walking street’. Here, you can weave your way through markets selling fresh fruit, knick-knacks and traditional Thai food to fuel your energy.

Feet feeling the burn? Hop on a scooter. Pai is considered one of the safest places in Thailand to learn how to ride. The roads are quiet and there’s hardly any public transport.

Green fields in Thailand with mountains in the background.

Pai – a tiny town in northern Thailand – is tucked deep in a valley surrounded by mountains.

2. The roof of Thailand

Location: Doi Inthanon National Park, Chang Mai

It’s not unusual to feel on top of the world when you’re on holiday. If you’re chasing pure elation, head straight for Doi Inthanon National Park.

Nicknamed ‘the roof of Thailand’, the national park is positioned at the country’s highest peak, rising more than 2500m above sea level.

Majestic waterfalls, remote villages, lush tropical forests and mountainous terrain engulf travellers who venture through Doi Inthanon.

Don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Known as the best place in Thailand for birdwatching, it’s likely you’ll spot birds perching high in the towering tropical trees. The national park’s protected status makes it a sanctuary for a range of other animals too.

Named after a king who was concerned about the state of forests in north Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park remains just as much a treasure today as it was then.

Colourful picture of Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand.

Nicknamed ‘the roof of Thailand’, Doi Inthanon National Park is positioned at the country’s highest peak.

3. The underrated beach

Location: Yanui Beach, Phuket

As one of the more secluded beaches in Thailand, Yanui Beach may be small but delivers big when it comes to stunning scenery and relaxed vibes.

Split in 2 by a large rock formation that extends out into the water, Yanui Beach doesn’t have big hotels or shops. In fact, there’s only one small restaurant and a few shacks which turn into cosy beach bars at night.

It’s an ideal spot for travelling families, especially with small children. The clear shallow water close to shore is the ideal playground for the little ones.

Big kids seeking a thrill can paddle out past the large rock to explore life beneath the water on day-long scuba diving expeditions.

Aerial shot of blue water and green foliage on an island in Thailand.

Yanui Beach is one of the more secluded beaches in Thailand.

4. Don’t go chasing waterfalls – unless it’s Thi Lor Su

Location: Thi Lor Su waterfall, Tak Province

At about 250m high and nearly 450m wide, Thi Lor Su waterfall is considered the highest and largest in Thailand.

Meaning ‘black waterfall’, Thi Lor Su is located deep in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary – a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Thailand.

Despite its name, Thi Lor Su is anything but dark. White water – almost crystal clear – tumbles down throughout the year, and it’s not unusual for bare-foot travellers to feel the rumble of gushing water beneath them.

The safest time to get a closer glimpse is between July and November. Soak in the beautiful surrounds by hopping in one of the waterfall’s many rock pools.

Extend your stay by retreating to the sanctuary’s nearby camping site for a shower and a feed.

Keep in mind that in the wet season, travellers are faced with a mighty trek to get to Thi Lor Su. The journey includes rafting along the Mae Klong River, followed by a 3–4 hour trek once on dry land.

It might sound like an arduous adventure, but trust us – it’s worth it.

Gushing waterfall surrounded by lush green foliage.

Thi Lor Su waterfall is considered the highest and largest in Thailand.

5. The island for every traveller

Location: Koh Lanta Island

Tossing up which Thai island to laze about? Kick back in Koh Lanta – the island speckled with little islands.

Here, travellers truly are spoilt for choice. There’s a lot to explore – lush rainforests, swanky beach bars, mangroves, historic bamboo huts and caves surrounded by limestone cliffs. But don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s hard to get lost when there’s only one road that goes around Koh Lanta and a couple that cut across it.

If we had to pick just one of Koh Lanta’s mini islands to explore for the day, Koh Haa is a highlight. You can spend hours diving beneath cobalt water and into hidden caves to greet an underwater oasis of colourful fish and vibrant corals.

And then, of course, there’s traditional island food to fuel your energy.

Located in Klong Dao in the Koh Lanta district, The Table is a unique traditional Thai restaurant with a twist. There’s just one table. This makes it the perfect place to get to know other travellers and locals over a communal dinner. Did we mention there’s no menu? Diners are served Thai meals prepared using fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood bought that day from the local markets.

Our mouths are watering just thinking about it.

Solo traveler on the island of Koh Lanta, Thailand

Kick back in Koh Lanta – the island speckled with little islands.

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