When you have visited Thailand, then you have got in all probability fallen in love with the nation’s white sand seashores, inexperienced jungle interiors, Buddhist temples, pleasant individuals, and scrumptious meals, similar to I’ve.
I’ve returned to Thailand so many occasions and traveled all throughout the mountainous area of Northern Thailand and extensively hopped across the islands within the South, and I’ve many favourite spots that I at all times love to come back again to.
However having been so many occasions, and desirous to tick off a brand new nation off the checklist at the very least yearly, I discovered myself in search of some Thailand alternate options with an identical vibe.
And I’ve discovered a number of, many however not all in Southeast Asia, that provide an identical welcoming tradition, bustling cities, worth for cash, gorgeous seashores, and unimaginable nature to find.
What makes Thailand so particular?
There are plenty of various factors that make Thailand some of the visited international locations in Southeast Asia. It begins with the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, the place you’ll meet pleasant individuals with a tradition steeped in Buddhist traditions, and uncover a giant fashionable metropolis with a wealthy cultural historical past.
It is definitely a favourite personally and an ideal hub to fly to from my residence base in Australia to meet up with household and associates from Europe. As a gateway to the remainder of the nation, Bangkok can also be fashionable with backpackers and consumers.
From Bangkok, many vacationers head to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand. In addition to being a good looking city with greater than 300 Buddhist temples, it’s the gateway to the north the place you’ll be able to uncover jungles, waterfalls, rice paddies, and historical Buddhist ruins.
It’s a nature lover paradise with loads of day journeys and an ideal place to pattern Thailand’s well-known spicy avenue meals.
Head south for a seashore trip within the Andaman Sea and keep in Phuket, identified for its seashore bars, vibrant nightlife, and island hopping, whereas Koh Samui within the Gulf of Thailand is understood for its tranquility and high quality resorts.
Thailand’s south provides stunning seashores with turquoise waters, inexpensive luxurious resorts, night time markets, and colourful cocktails. And remember the wonderful diving!
So, the place else on the earth are you able to journey to discover a comparable expertise?
Prime 7 Thailand Alternate options
1. Palawan, The Philippines
An archipelago of over 7,000 tropical islands, the Philippines matches Thailand for stunning seashores and wealthy jungle interiors that cover loads of pure wonders.
It’s culturally completely different, being predominantly Christian moderately than Buddhist, however the persons are simply as pleasant and welcoming.
The Filipino capital of Manila is crowded however would not examine to vibrant Bangkok. For gorgeous seashores and pure sights, head to Palawan, the lengthy island string within the west. As certainly one of Southeast Asia’s hottest locations, you’ll find crystal clear waters, white sand seashores with gorgeous limestone cliff backdrops, and luxurious jungles.
Base your self in El Nido for island hopping and snorkeling, plus lots of the finest lodges and seafood eating places. Coron is a scuba diving paradise with a number of WWII Japanese shipwrecks. Journey to Puerta Princesa to find the Cabayugan River, the world’s longest underground river.
Throughout the island, you’ll find avenue distributors promoting rustic Filipino meals, which is wealthy and hearty moderately than spicy, and bars serving bottomless beers.
2. Cambodia
Sharing a border with Thailand, Cambodia has a equally heat and pleasant tradition steeped in Buddhist traditions and Khmer tradition.
I liked staying in Siem Reap, the gateway city to find the Angkor Wat temple advanced, certainly one of many gorgeous and fascinating temples with majestic constructions and complicated carvings, alongside Bayon and Ta Prohm.
Like Thailand, Cambodia has stunning seashores alongside the south coast at spots comparable to Sihanoukville and the island of Koh Rong. Much more spectacular are the luxurious rainforests within the mountainous inside, particularly round Cardamom Mountain.
Like in Thailand, Cambodian meals favors spicy curries. Each the nation’s capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are bursting with native flavors. The streets of Phnom Penh are energetic with retailers, bars, fascinating markets, and avenue meals stands.
However Cambodia additionally has a darker historical past with over one million individuals who died when the Khmer Rouge rose to energy in 1975; many are buried within the Killing Fields. Nonetheless, the individuals of Cambodia as I’ve skilled them have been very pleasant and joyful, welcoming guests from throughout the globe.
3. Sri Lanka
The island nation of Sri Lanka, off India’s southern coast, is a tropical paradise often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. It has a wealthy tradition that dates again hundreds of years and is soaked in traditions comparable to Buddhism and Ayurveda.
Discover the previous at historical metropolis ruins comparable to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the cave temples at Dambulla, and the Sacred Metropolis of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage website. There are many fantastic locations in Sri Lanka with a novel mix that resembles items of Thailand.
This wealthy tradition is matched by stunning seashores comparable to Unawatuna, Mirissa, and the surf haven of Arugam Bay and the hidden gem of Hiriketiya Seaside. Head inland to the central highlands to find the “tea nation” round Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
And do you know, which you could see various wildlife comparable to elephants, leopards, and birds at Yala and Wilpattu Nationwide Parks?
Sri Lankan meals matches Thai meals for its spiciness, with rice, curries, and seafood served at most meals. However anticipate to really feel extra remoted in Sri Lanka than in Thailand, and be ready to make do with what is accessible on the island. You too can learn my in-depth Sri Lanka itinerary right here.
4. Costa Rica
Whereas not geographically positioned in Southeast Asia, Costa Rica shares many traits with Thailand, together with tropical climate and gorgeous surroundings.
It has each Caribbean and Pacific seashores with clear heat waters and various marine life. It’s estimated that Costa Rica has 25 completely different species of whales and dolphins, and different fascinations comparable to sea turtles and rays.
Costa Rica can also be residence to varied endangered species, together with the jaguar and the inexperienced macaw.
Costa Rica is understood for its various landscapes. Lush forests are perfect for mountain climbing, comparable to Corcovado Nationwide Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. There are additionally a number of volcanoes and sizzling springs.
Costa Rice is among the prime international locations for eco-tourism with loads of outside actions and adventures comparable to kayaking, mountain climbing volcanoes, rafting and browsing as you journey cross nation.
Costa Ricans, higher often called Ticos, even have a repute for being pleasant and relaxed. They’ve a philosophy, often called Pura Vida, that life is to be loved fortunately and slowly.
Costa Rican meals is a mix of Spanish influences however shares the Thai give attention to recent fruits and seafood. After all, Costa Rica can also be well-known for its espresso.
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If the place that you simply love most in Thailand is Bangkok, contemplate touring to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of close by Malaysia instead.
You possibly can anticipate comparable vibrant streets which are a mixture of historic and new skyscrapers, filled with markets and avenue meals distributors, and residential to various cultural heritage that could be a mixture of Malay, Chinese language, Indian, and indigenous influences.
Discover the Golden Triangle, town’s foremost business and nightlife district with varied purchasing, leisure, and eating choices. You will not need to miss visiting the well-known Petronas Twin Towers, you’ll be able to even stroll the sky bridge on flooring 41 or head to the commentary deck on the very prime. Or just watch the sunshine and fountain present from the underside.
Stroll Chinatown and Little India, and go to the numerous mosques dotted across the metropolis. Malaysia is a majority Muslim nation, so anticipate to decorate extra modestly than you’ll in Thailand. However the nightlife continues to be incredible and you’ll find something from rowdy backpackers to high-end golf equipment.
The meals within the metropolis resembles that in Thailand, with a lot of wealthy spices, nevertheless, it has extra Indian and Arab influences.
You possibly can anticipate the identical tropical and humid local weather in Kuala Lumpur, however you need to drive out of town to search out seashores. Town is surrounded by inexperienced forested hills. It’s also price visiting the close by Batu Caves that maintain an enormous statue of the Hindu deity Lord Murugan.
From Kuala Lumpur, it’s a 5-hour drive to the island of Penang with its foremost city George City, which jogs my memory somewhat of Chiang Mai with its Outdated Metropolis boasting wealthy cultural heritage, historic structure, vibrant avenue markets, and a various culinary scene, mixing custom and modernity.
6. Goa, India
India is a gigantic nation and it may possibly really feel very completely different relying on the place you journey. However if you need a Thailand-esque expertise, head the Goa on the West Coast. A seashore paradise, it feels completely different as a result of mixture of native and Portuguese colonial influences.
Your complete shoreline of the area boasts stunning seashores. Baga and Calangute have energetic seashore villages with shacks and eating places whereas Ajuna and Vagator have one of the best nightlife.
Flip inland to discover spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries in Mollem Nationwide Park. There are additionally cultural treasures to find, like the traditional Shree Mangueshi temple advanced.
When you can anticipate well-known Indian dishes on the menu, Goa has its personal Portuguese-influenced delicacies. Anticipate spicy curries and recent fish on the menu. In case you love Thailand’s markets, head to the Anjuna Flea Market, Mackies’ Evening Bazaar or Mapusa Friday Market.
In distinction to Thailand’s yoga choices, Goa’s retreats uniquely embrace a fusion of historical yogic traditions and the laid-back allure of its coastal setting, offering a definite and immersive expertise for wellness seekers.
In distinction to Thailand’s yoga choices, Goa’s retreats uniquely embrace a fusion of historical yogic traditions and the laid-back allure of its coastal setting, offering a really immersive expertise for wellness seekers.
7. Bali, Indonesia
When you have been to Thailand however you have not been to Bali, then you might be in for a deal with. This Indonesian island is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot because of its wonderful climate, gorgeous seashores, and worth for cash.
Plan your Bali itinerary with loads of actions or nothing however leisure. You might be hanging out on the native seashore membership or head to a unique seashore on daily basis, and make a day journey to the close by Nusa Islands of Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan for snorkeling and beautiful vistas.
The most effective browsing in Bali could be discovered round Uluwatu. My private favourite spot is Canggu, which has stylish cafes, stunning boutiques, and a number of the finest seashore golf equipment on the island and loads of digital nomads additionally are inclined to congregate right here.
Like Thailand, Bali additionally has a deeply non secular aspect and there are various historical temples to discover, such because the cliffside Uluwatu Temple and the Ulun Danu Beratan Lake Temple. Or take your self on an journey to trek Mount Batur, an energetic volcano that gives breathtaking views at dawn.
In case you are in search of pure sights, discover the rice terraces, rainforests and waterfalls surrounding Ubud, which can also be well-known for its Artwork Market and wellness and yoga retreat providing.
Greatest Thailand Alternate options – Often Requested Questions
❓ What’s the finest different nation to Thailand?
In case you love Thailand, there are various different Southeast Asian international locations price exploring that provide an identical mixture of vibrant cities, stunning seashores, jungle interiors, and engaging and welcoming tradition. The close by nations of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia all supply lots of the finest issues about Thailand, however in their very own distinctive manner.
🏙️ What is an efficient different metropolis for visiting Bangkok?
In case you just like the vibrancy and flexibility of Bangkok, you may take pleasure in visiting Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. It’s also a thriving and fashionable metropolis that retains a neighborhood really feel, although it’s price remembering that Malaysia is a majority Muslim nation. Singapore can also be an fascinating different.
🍴 What international locations have comparable delicacies to Thailand?
Thai meals is understood for its recent and spicy flavors. A number of international locations in Southeast Asia share some similarities in delicacies with Thailand on account of geographical proximity and cultural influences. You could find equally flavorful dishes in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Greatest Thailand Alternate options – Closing Phrases
Thailand is among the hottest journey locations on the earth for a purpose, and lots of guests fall in love with the gorgeous and pleasant nation.
In case you are wanting to recapture a number of the magic of your Thai expertise however need to broaden your horizons and discover someplace new in your subsequent vacation, many different locations share a number of the finest that Thailand has to supply however in distinctive methods.
The locations on our checklist are simply a few of these fantastic locations and I hope they assist encourage you.
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