10 hidden gems to boost you up in Thailand

The never-ending to-do list at the office. The traffic jams that turn a 15-minute drive into an hour. The emails that keep pinging even when you're finally home.

Let’s be honest. When was the last time you truly laughed, the kind that leaves your sides aching?

It's enough to make even the most optimistic soul crave a serious escape. But what if we told you there was an ACTUAL escape?

Welcome to the Land of Smiles: Thailand!

Having picture-perfect beaches, dazzling temples, delicious street food, and hospitable locals who always welcome you with a big smile. Thailand lives up to its nickname. It is a perfect place to ditch the stress and reconnect with yourself on a Thailand customized tour.

Without further ado, let’s unveil 10 incredible hidden gems in Thailand to boost your mood.

1. Wat Pho: Where Serenity Meets Grandeur

There are more than 400 ancient temples in Bangkok - plenty to choose from - but few have the treasures that Wat Pho holds within its storied walls.

It is the Gold Reclining Buddha - 43 meters long and one of the largest in the world. Resting peacefully in a serene atmosphere, the Buddha inspires awe and tranquility.

(Photo credit: Nadova)

Wat Pho is right next to the Grand Palace, so it’s easy to experience both the vibrant energy of its bustling capital city and the cultural richness of Thailand's past. So, breathe out, relax, and take in the magnificence of this important spiritual retreat!

2. Mae Sai town: A Shopper's Paradise

Bordering Myanmar, Mae Sai is a charming town bursting with cultural diversity. If you love shopping and negotiating for some bargains, this is a must-visit place.

The market is big, and open-air. Travelers to Thailand can find almost anything at a very reasonable price from shoes to clothes, and even jewelry and gemstones.

(Photo credit: Internet)

3. Hill Tribe Village, Chiang Mai: A Journey to authenticity

Here, time seems to slow down as you wander through communities where traditions passed down for generations come alive. Let’s immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Thailand's hill tribes.

(Photo credit: Internet)

Learn about their way of life, witness their exquisite handicrafts, and spend a full day surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. This is a perfect option for a family tour in Thailand, offering a glimpse into a different way of life.

4. Wat Phathat Doi Suthep

Isn’t it stunning? Seeing all that shimmering gold against a clear blue sky was breathtaking.

(Photo credit: Internet)

Take a scenic cable car ride up Doi Suthep mountain and be rewarded with panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the magnificent Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

This temple complex is organized around the central chedi. Clad in gold, the angular and tiered structure houses the relic. Surrounding the chedi are a series of pavilions and chapels serving the pilgrim’s needs and places of learning for scholars and monks. All around the inner courtyards are countless sculptures of Buddha.

5. Wat Rong Khun: White temple of Chiang Rai

A stark contrast to traditional Thai temples, the White Temple in Chiang Rai is a modern architectural marvel. Designed by a visionary artist, the entire structure glistens white symbolizing Buddha's purity and mirrored glass fragments are embedded into its surface.

(Photo credit: Nadova)

However, don't be fooled by its serene exterior though. Inside you'll find murals depicting human desires along with hellish punishments according to Buddhist teachings.

6. Doi Inthanon National Park: The Roof of Thailand

Located in Chiang Mai province, Doi Inthanon National Park is home to lush forests and diverse flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds and several endangered mammals.

Due to its high altitude, Doi Inthanon National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails ranging from easy hikes of less than an hour to full-day hikes and overnight treks. The park is perfect for hikers.

(Photo credit: Internet)

Almost at the top, there are twin pagodas, the King’s Pagoda and the Queen’s Pagoda, facing each other on a hill. Make sure to witness the sunrise or sunset from the highest point. The breathtaking views stretching till the horizon make the journey worthwhile.

7. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: A Feast for the Senses

Floating markets are a local way of life in Bangkok. All the different sounds, smells, and things to look at here will hit you all at once. The market operates only in the morning from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., making it a scenic daytime stop that many tourists put on their Thailand bucket list.

(Photo credit: Nadova)

Prepare to be bombarded with a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. Old ladies cook food right on their boats, and hand dishes to you directly. An array of mouthwatering Thai street like Pad Thai, spring rolls, fried rice are all on the menu.

8. Koh Phi Phi: Island Paradise

Do you recognize this scene?

(Photo credit: Internet)

Yes, it is James Bond 007. And yes, it is the beautiful Phi Phi Island - Best island in Thailand.

Located in the middle of the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi boasts a distinctive scenery featuring limestone mountains and crystalline blue waters. The crystal-clear sea allows for clear views of a variety of coral reefs and diverse fish species. You need to row a kayak to appreciate this beauty up close.

(Photo credit: Nadova)

Koh Phi Phi also features a vibrant nightlife, with Tonsai Beach containing dozens of beach bars and restaurants and lively Tonsai Village consisting of a maze of shops, bars, and restaurants.

9. Tham Phraya Nakhon: A hidden cave temple

Embark on an exploration unlike any other at Tham Phraya Nakhon, a hidden cave temple nestled within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.

According to local legend, the cave was discovered around 200 years ago when a local ruler was forced to abandon his ship during a storm and found refuge in the cave.

At the right time of day, sunlight floods through the roof of this cave and illuminates the small pavilion hidden within. Such a breathtaking view!

(Photo credit: Internet)

10. Sukhothai Historical Park: Dawn of Happiness

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sukhothai Historical Park lets visitors step back into history with well-preserved ruins. It looks like a movie set with its abandoned temples, sky-striking columns from royal palaces, and several meter-high Buddha statues, mirrored in the surrounding lakes.

(Photo credit: Internet)

Sukhothai Historical Park was formerly divided into five different zones, but today there are three zones; the central, northern and western zones. If you have limited time, focus on the central zone, but we do recommend spending enough time to see at least one of the other zones as well.