Tired of the chaos and soaring living costs in major tourist cities? Consider changing the scenery by escaping the routine to breathe fresh air in secondary provinces that conceal world-class beauty.
Certainly, expenses in these provinces remain wallet-friendly. Whether enjoying a big meal or renting accommodation with a million-baht view, the prices are still very affordable.
Thairath Online invites you to explore popular secondary destinations that satisfy food lovers, those seeking relaxation, and content creators alike—guaranteed to make you want to return.
If you want to avoid long drives but crave grand natural scenery, Uthai Thani is the perfect secondary city. Just a few hours from the capital, you’ll find the viewpoint at "Ban Chai Khao," surrounded by towering limestone mountains and vast green plantations, earning it the nickname "Thailand's Switzerland."
There is also "Huub Pa Tat," a primeval forest that feels like stepping into the Jurassic era. Food-wise, it's a heaven for taste buds. You must try the sweet, juicy fried snakehead fish with garlic or stroll along the local market street, Thanon Trok Rong Ya, where tasty local dishes cost only 10 to 20 baht each. With just a few hundred baht, you can feast comfortably.
Moving a bit further to Suphan Buri, which offers more than just Bueng Chawak or historical sites. It boasts a foreign-feeling destination like "Huub Khao Wong Reservoir" in Dan Chang district, praised as Suphan Buri's Pang Oung. It feels like camping by a lake surrounded by mountains abroad. Wake up to light mist over the water at an entry or raft stay price that is shockingly cheap.
Moreover, living costs here are extremely friendly. You can enjoy a full dinner with local Thai dishes, big grilled river shrimp, or flavorful straw-baked snakehead fish at waterside restaurants. The bill will make you want to return weekly.
In northern Thailand, a popular region for travelers, if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy genuine northern greenery and a slow-life atmosphere that isn't overly commercialized, Phayao is a secondary city worth visiting. Drive up to Phu Langka to catch the cold mountain breeze and see limestone mountains emerging above the morning mist, feeling like stepping into a European village. Or stroll beside Kwan Phayao lake at sunset for a romantic ambiance.
Food here is abundant with traditional northern dishes. Sit down for grilled fish or a khantok meal by the lake for just a little over a hundred baht. Cozy home-style cafes offer coffee with scenic views at surprisingly low prices.
A popular secondary city on the Andaman side often overlooked, Ranong is truly a paradise for those seeking relaxation. It features the natural hot springs of Raksawarin, where you can soak in mineral water to relieve fatigue amid lush forests, reminiscent of Japanese onsen. Crossing over to Koh Phayam, you’ll find overwater accommodations and clear seas earning the nickname Thailand's Maldives. Food is equally satisfying.
The cuisine offers bold flavors with a fusion hint of unusual Chinese dishes rare to find elsewhere. Fresh seafood like shrimp, shellfish, crabs, and fish come straight from fishing boats, all at prices less than half of major tourist areas.
For world-class sea views without battling for photo spots, Trang is the perfect choice. Its quiet, crystal-clear waters reveal coral reefs and schools of fish distinctly. Highlights include the Emerald Cave, a surreal, fantasy-like site. What truly wins travelers’ hearts is its vibrant food culture: fresh steamed dim sum and crispy-skinned Trang grilled pork greet you in the morning, complemented by strong traditional coffee. Every dish starts at just a few dozen baht, making Trang a city where you can eat all day and still have money left over.
Experiencing international-level beauty doesn't require a long-haul flight or draining your budget. Open your heart to these secondary provinces and discover the happiness of enjoying delicious food at low cost and relaxing with spectacular views—easy to find right here in Thailand. Hurry to find a day off and pack your bags now!