How to Travel Thailand in 2025: Underrated Experiences Beyond Bangkok

How to Travel Thailand in 2025: Underrated Experiences Beyond Bangkok

Bangkok? Basic.

Thailand offers a wealth of unique and exclusive experiences that go far beyond the crowded streets of Bangkok. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape in a quiet coastal town or an adventure in the wilderness, these underrated destinations will leave you with unforgettable memories. Here’s a guide to the best activities that Thailand has to offer in 2025!

Also read: A Taste of Thai Luxury: Indulgent Culinary Experiences in Bangkok and Beyond

1. Private yacht charters to secluded islands

Image credit: Hype Boat Club | Official Facebook

How does lounging on plush daybeds with a cocktail in hand while sailing across the Andaman Sea sound? If that’s your idea of paradise, Hype Boat Club’s signature catamaran party is the experience for you! This catamaran glides toward the stunning waters of Coral Island and Racha Island with plenty of time for snorkelling, paddleboarding, or simply floating in the sunshine. It’s the perfect blend of tropical escape and an upscale day party.

Contact: +66 2 430 4405

Average Price: From ฿3,500 (~S$135+)

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Phuket International Airport. Depending on the package you purchase online, you will set sail from either Chalong Pier or Royal Phuket Marina.

Image credit: Ocean Marina Yacht Charter | Official Website

If you’re looking for an alternative closer to Bangkok, Ocean Marina Yacht Club offers a chic coastal escape minus the crowds. Their star sailing catamaran, Sonic, fits up to 20 guests, making it perfect for private parties, family days out, or stylish getaways with friends. 

Lounge on the sun-drenched netted deck, glide across the water in a kayak or keep the mood going with your favourite playlist on their waterproof Bluetooth speakers. With an experienced crew at the helm, cruising through the Pattaya islands and the Gulf of Thailand will be effortlessly smooth and refreshingly serene.

Contact: +061-994-0633

Average Price: From ฿6,500 (~S$250+)

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take a car transfer to Pattaya or fly into the U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport.

2. Mountain onsens and world-class wellness

Image credit: Onsen @ Moncham | Official Website

Forget the sea for a second, how about hot springs in the clouds? Onsen @ Moncham, just outside Chiang Mai, brings the Japanese onsen experience to the lush mountains of Northern Thailand. Picture yourself in a private tub, overlooking misty forests and alpine blooms. It’s a tranquil escape perfect for a calming retreat!

Contact: +66 53 111 606

Average Price: S$200+

How To Get There: Take a direct flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai International Airport before taking a car transfer to Onsen @ Moncham. 

Image credit: Chiva-Som Hua Hin | Official Facebook

Chiva-Som Hua Hin is another serene sanctuary where wellness takes centre stage. Recently named one of the Top 10 by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, this beachfront wellness haven blends holistic therapies, bespoke wellness programmes, and Thai hospitality to offer a truly transformative retreat. 

Whether it’s through a Thai massage, aqua aerobics, or nourishing cuisine, Chiva-Som creates a deeply restorative experience designed to inspire lasting lifestyle change.

Contact: +66 32 536 536

Average Price: S$1,800+

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take either a car transfer or train to Hua Hin. 

3. Horseback riding along pristine beaches

Image credit: Krabi Horse Riding | Official Website

Thailand’s underrated experiences aren’t just off the beaten path. Sometimes, they’re on the beach, on horseback, and under a blazing sunset sky. Krabi Horse Riding at Ao Nam Mao Beach offers a unique way to explore the stunning coastal landscape on horseback, whether at a gentle trot or a thrilling gallop. Suitable for all experience levels, their guided tours include beach rides, countryside treks, and even swimming with horses! 

Sunset rides provide a particularly magical setting, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink. For those looking to explore beyond the beach, excursions to Fossil Shell Beach, the Emerald Pool, and the Hot Spring Waterfall add to the adventure, making this an unforgettable way to experience Krabi’s natural beauty away from tourist-heavy areas.

Contact: +66 90 161 2498

Average Price: From S$50+

How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Krabi International Airport before making your way to Ao Nam Mao Beach via car transfer.

4. Golf resorts with breathtaking views

Image credit: Black Mountain Golf Club | Official Website

If the beach isn’t really your kind of holiday, you’ll be happy to hear that Thailand’s golf scene is nothing short of spectacular. Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin is a prime example of the country’s world-class offerings! Ranked among Asia’s top courses, Black Mountain is set against a stunning backdrop of rolling mountains, providing a perfect blend of sport and scenic beauty. 

Formerly a jungle and pineapple plantation, the course is renowned for its natural terrain, including rocky outcroppings, lush trees, and rustic creeks. It offers a challenging yet accessible experience, with varied holes and strategic layouts that cater to both seasoned golfers and beginners.

After a round, guests can unwind in the club’s luxurious spa or enjoy a meal with panoramic views of the course from the clubhouse, making Black Mountain an ideal destination for both sport and relaxation.

Contact: +66 32 618 666

Average Price: From ฿5,000 (~S$194+)

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take either a car transfer or train to Hua Hin. 

Image credit: Robinswood Golf Club | Official Website

Robinswood Golf Club, located in Lam Luk Ka, Thailand, is another golf course that blends beauty with challenge. Apart from offering an 18-hole golfing experience, the course features lush greenery, stunning water features and an impeccable design that appeals to golfers of all skill levels. 

Iconic holes challenge players to tee off from a wooded hillside, cross large lakes, and even land on an island green, making it a visually captivating and thrilling destination for golf enthusiasts.

Contact: 02-978-8888

Average Price: Overseas membership for ฿250,000 (~S$9,700+)

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take a car transfer to Lam Luk Ka. 

5. Luxury resorts in paradise

Image credit: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort | Official Website

Thailand’s lush rainforests provide the ultimate setting for an indulgent escape, blending adventure with luxury. The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai offers a one-of-a-kind experience, where guests arrive by longtail boat along the Mekong River, passing the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Beyond the stunning views, there are plenty of unique activities to elevate your stay. Ride through the jungle in a Royal Enfield Classic 500 sidecar, cruise past elephant pastures, or embark on a multi-day Mekong River voyage aboard a private rice barge, stopping at remote hill tribe villages.

With the Golden Triangle and historic Phrathat Doi Pu Khao Temple nearby, breathtaking panoramas and cultural discoveries await, making this retreat a perfect blend of nature and heritage.

Contact: +66 53 784 084

Average Price: From ฿2,000 (~S$80+)

How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Chiang Rai International Airport and the hotel will arrange for a transfer via longtail boat.

Image credit: Rayavadee Krabi | Official Website

Next on the list is Rayavadee Krabi, it’s the kind of place where your jaw drops even before you check in. Nestled on the Phranang Peninsula and only accessible by boat, this luxury resort is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters.

Once you arrive, you have one job: to relax. And how do you do that, you may ask? Well, Rayavadee offers a variety of activities designed to help you unwind. Kayak through mangroves, scale limestone cliffs with a private guide, or set sail to explore Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay. The possibilities here are endless, and all of them are pure bliss!

Contact: +6623011861

Average Price: From S$500+

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Krabi and the hotel will arrange for a transfer. From Krabi International Airport, it’s a 20-minute van ride to a private pier, followed by a 20-minute boat trip to the resort. 

6. Polo matches at local Clubs

Image credit: Thai Polo Club | Official Website

Thailand’s polo scene offers an exciting blend of luxury and sporting elegance. The Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya is a premier venue, hosting high-profile international tournaments, exclusive training sessions, and vibrant festivities. Set amidst over 2,000 rai (about 250 hectares) of lush grounds, this venue offers an idyllic setting for polo enthusiasts.

Spectators can enjoy thrilling matches while immersing themselves in the festive activities surrounding the tournaments, adding an extra layer of excitement!

Contact: +66 81 617 4744

Average Price: Free entry for events

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take a car transfer to Pattaya or fly into the U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport.

7. Michelin-starred gastronomy in Phuket

Image credit: PRU | Official Instagram

Thailand’s culinary scene goes way beyond pad thai, and at PRU Restaurant, it’s a full-on community-to-fork journey. As Phuket’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, PRU embraces sustainability and local sourcing at every turn. Ingredients come directly from its organic Pru Jampa Farm and nearby local producers. The result? Delicious dishes that showcase the true essence of Phuket’s culinary landscape. 

Every detail of the restaurant’s theatre kitchen has been meticulously crafted to offer a dining experience that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but for the eyes as well. Watch in awe as dishes, like durian with caviar and aged duck, are expertly prepared right before you, adding a unique visual element to the unforgettable flavours.

Contact: +66 76 683 344

Average Price: ฿1,000+ (~S$40+)

How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Phuket International Airport and take a car ride to the restaurant. 

8. Island-hopping with a long-tail twist

Image credit: Kiri Phuket | Official Instagram

Luxury doesn’t always mean yachts, sometimes, it’s a beautifully restored long-tail boat taking you to secret beaches and hidden lagoons. Kiri Phuket offers premium half-day or full-day island-hopping tours with a local twist, bringing guests to stunning swimming spots and secluded shores that feel worlds away from the usual crowds.

Contact: +66 91 897 8777

Average Price: ฿12,900+ (~S$500+)

How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Phuket International Airport. You can arrange for a pick up from anywhere in Phuket for an extra charge of ฿2200 per car or head directly to Kan Eang Pier. 

Image credit: ILoveRanong84 | Official Facebook

Alternatively, book a tour with ILoveRanong84 for a unique long-tail boat island-hopping adventure where you’ll discover secluded beaches and enjoy fresh, delicious seafood along the way. Accompanied by friendly, knowledgeable local guides, these tours offer an authentic insight into the area’s hidden gems. With their expertise, you’ll uncover the beauty of the islands while savouring local flavours, making it an adventure that’s both educational and unforgettable.

Contact: +66 95 267 7579

Average Price: From ฿400 (~S$15+) per person

How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Bangkok (BKK or DMK), then catch a domestic flight to Ranong.

With its lesser-known gems like secluded islands, pristine beaches, and cultural treasures, Thailand offers a wealth of experiences that are perfect for those looking to go beyond Bangkok. Whether you’re sailing to private islands, enjoying a round of golf with breathtaking views, or immersing yourself in traditional Thai craft, these underrated experiences promise an unforgettable trip to Thailand!


Brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand

About Author

Tan Li Ann
Tan Li Ann

Li Ann loves immersing herself in new experiences and sharing the joy they bring with others. A smile always lights up her face as she embraces each moment with genuine delight. After all the hustle, she dreams of ending each day beneath a canopy of a thousand twinkling stars.

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