Start our journey with two remarkable national parks that offer unique experiences with nature.

Khao Sok National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers. Located in southern Thailand, it impresses with phenomenal landscapes, including limestone cliffs, dense rainforests and the turquoise Cheow Lan Lake. Established in 1980, the park is home to many species of plants and animals, including elephants, tigers and gibbons. One of the park's biggest attractions is the opportunity to stay overnight in floating bungalows on the lake, a unique experience for visitors. Guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of this fascinating ecosystem, offering hiking and kayaking tours. Khao Sok National Park received a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from visitors, a testament to its undeniable appeal.

Erawan National Park, on the other hand, located in western Thailand, is famous for its seven-level waterfall of the same name. Each level of the waterfall forms a natural pool, ideal for swimming and relaxing. The park also offers numerous hiking trails, caves to explore and wildlife viewing opportunities. Erawan has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5, confirming its popularity among tourists. Visitors especially praise the clear, turquoise water in the ponds and the opportunity to commune with nature. It is worth remembering, however, that the park can be crowded in high season, and the water level in the waterfalls can fluctuate depending on the season.

Comparing the two parks, Khao Sok offers a more diverse experience, including the possibility of overnight stays on the lake, while Erawan is mainly centered around the waterfall and swimming areas. Khao Sok is larger and wilder, which may appeal to adventurers, while Erawan is more accessible and family-friendly with children. Admission prices to both parks are similar, but may differ for foreigners and locals.

For those looking for urban intoxication in nature, Bangkok's Lumpini Park is an excellent alternative. This 'green lung' of Thailand's capital offers an oasis of calm in the heart of the busy city. The 57.6-hectare park is the perfect place to relax, exercise and observe local life. Visitors can rent boats to cruise the artificial lake, use the outdoor gym or simply enjoy a picnic on the grass. Lumpini Park is also famous for the opportunity to observe warblers that roam freely on the grounds. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, the park is highly regarded by locals and tourists alike.

Each of these destinations offers a unique opportunity to experience Thai nature, whether in the wild environment of the national parks or in the heart of bustling Bangkok. The choice depends on individual preference and the time available when traveling in Thailand.

Continuing our journey off the beaten track, we will discover places that delight in their uniqueness and allow us to experience Thailand from a completely different perspective.

One such place is Kaew Cave, located in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. This cave is a true paradise for adventurers and caving enthusiasts. Unlike many other tourist caves in Thailand, Kaew Cave remains largely natural, with minimal human interference. Visitors must be prepared for real exploration - walking, crawling and climbing using only flashlights. The cave is famous for its fascinating rock formations, as well as for the bats that inhabit it. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, Kaew Cave is appreciated by tourists for its authentic cave exploration experience. However, it's worth remembering that exploring requires good physical fitness and no fear of the dark or cramped conditions.

Moving to the coast, discover the charming Phak Nam Bay on Ko Yao Noi Island in Phang Nga Province. This tranquil bay offers a beautiful beach and crystal clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Unlike the crowded beaches of Phuket or Krabi, Phak Nam Bay remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. The bay is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers spectacular views of the surrounding limestone islands. The place is rated 4.6 on a 5-point scale, indicating its high attractiveness to visitors.

For those seeking a balance between nature and urban life, Benchakitti Park in Bangkok is an excellent option. Fully opened in 2022, this relatively new urban park is designed as a 'forest in the city.' The 72-acre park offers bike paths, jogging and walking trails, as well as beautiful green spaces and lakes. Benchakitti Park is especially picturesque at sunset, when the light reflects in the water and the skyline of Bangkok's skyscrapers can be seen in the background. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5, the park has quickly become a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

To end this section, let's move on to Ko Yao Noi Island, home to the lovely Pasai Beach. This tranquil beach offers golden sand and crystal clear water, perfect for relaxing and swimming. Unlike the crowded beaches of popular resorts, Pasai Beach retains its tranquil, almost pristine character. The beach has been given a rating of 4.3 out of 5, a testament to its appeal to those seeking a quiet getaway.

Comparing these places, each offers a unique experience. Kaew Cave is a go-to for adventurers, while Phak Nam Bay and Pasai Beach are ideal for those looking to relax on the beach away from the crowds. Benchakitti Park is an excellent alternative for those who want to combine sightseeing in the city with getting in touch with nature.

It is worth noting that the accessibility of these places differs significantly. While Benchakitti Park is easily accessible in downtown Bangkok, getting to Kaew Cave or the beaches on Ko Yao Noi requires more planning and time. Prices also vary - admission to city parks is usually free or very inexpensive, while trips to caves or remote beaches can involve higher costs for transportation and possible guides.

Regardless of your choice, each of these destinations offers an authentic experience of Thai nature and culture, allowing you to discover a lesser-known facet of this fascinating country.

When planning a trip to Thailand's not-so-obvious attractions, it's worth keeping in mind a few practical tips to help you fully enjoy these unique destinations.

1 Best time to travel: Thailand has a tropical climate with three main seasons: hot (March-May), rainy (June-October) and cool (November-February). The best time to visit the national parks and caves is the cool season, when temperatures are more bearable and rainfall is less. For the beaches and the bay, both the cool and hot seasons can be suitable, although during the hot season, be sure to protect yourself properly from the sun.

2 Transportation: Most of the places described are most easily reached by rental car or scooter. For remote locations, such as Khao Sok National Park or Ko Yao Noi Islands, consider public transportation or organized tours. Bangkok's city parks, such as Lumpini and Benchakitti, are easily reached by subway or cab.

3 Equipment:

• For national parks and caves: comfortable trekking shoes, light, airy clothes, insect repellent, water, snacks.
• For beaches: high UV sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, beach towel.
• For city parks: comfortable walking shoes, a bottle of water.

4 Safety:

• Always use licensed guides in national parks and caves.
• On beaches, watch out for currents and heed lifeguard warnings.
• In city parks, be wary of wild animals, such as the varanas in Lumpini Park.

5 Respect nature and culture:

• Don't leave garbage behind, take everything you brought with you.
• Respect wildlife - don't feed or touch animals.
• In temples and other places of worship, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.

6 Prices and tickets: Admission prices to national parks and attractions may vary for foreigners and locals. For example, admission to Erawan National Park costs about 300 baht for foreigners (as of 2023). City parks, such as Lumpini and Benchakitti, are usually free.

7 Food and drink: In most of the places described, you'll find local restaurants and food stands. However, in remote locations such as caves and some beaches, it's a good idea to bring your own snacks and plenty of water.

8 Reservations: For popular destinations, such as the floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

9 Adapting to local customs: Thais value calm and respect. Try to be patient, smile often and avoid loud or aggressive behavior.

10 Health: Consult your doctor about any vaccinations before traveling. In Thailand's tropical climate, it is important to stay properly hydrated and protected from the sun.

Remember that each destination has its own unique character and requires slightly different preparation. National parks and caves require more physical activity and proper equipment, while beaches and city parks are more accessible and relaxing. Customize your plans according to your own abilities and preferences to fully enjoy exploring Thailand's unknown treasures.

Traveling off the beaten track in Thailand can be extremely rewarding. Not only does it offer a chance to escape the crowds of tourists, but also a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, nature and authentic life of this fascinating country. Whether you choose wild national parks, mysterious caves, tranquil beaches or modern urban parks, each of these places has its own unique charm and stories to tell. Remember to travel responsibly, respecting the local culture and environment, and your journey through Thailand's non-obvious attractions is sure to become an unforgettable experience.