Presenting Thailand Like Never Before

In this blog post, I take you with me on a journey to Thailand - a country that never ceases to amaze me, a country I can never get enough of! I share ten offbeat places in Thailand that need to be on your bucket list at any cost. This post is relevant to both first-time and repeat visitors to the land of smiles.


For the uninitiated, I've traveled to Thailand twice now - the first time in 2016 when the Tourism Authority of Thailand invited me on a familiarization tour to Bangkok and Hua Hin.


As luck would have it, this year too I was invited by the good Samaritans to visit Bangkok, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Pattaya. Only a fool would've said NO!


Even though I can possibly recommend a lot of places to visit in Thailand, both for leisure and sightseeing, here is a list of my favorite Top 10 Offbeat Places in Thailand that you absolutely cannot afford to miss out on.

1. Art In Paradise

The Esplanade Shopping Mall in Bangkok is home to the largest illusion and 3D interactive art museum of the world called Art in Paradise.


True to its name, this unconventional museum offers plenty of photo ops through its three-dimensional creative images, photographs, and paintings spanning across ten galleries (viz. the Camouflage Room, Under the Ocean Room, Wildlife Room, Classical Art Room, Civilization Room, Surrealism Room, Dinosaur Room, Waterfall Room, Scenery Room, and Exhibition of Art Room). Make sure to carry your DSLR or smartphone!


Art in Paradise is in all likelihood not the kind of place you'd want to visit alone. Let your hair down with a bunch of friends, and while you're at it, don't forget to click some memorable photos or make some amazing boomerangs.


In front of each 3D image, photograph, or painting is a designated spot where you'll need to go and strike a pose ... and in the process try to make the 3D illustration come alive.


Open every day of the week from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., the museum succeeds in making you feel like a kid yet again!

2. Suan Lamai

Nestled inside the Wang Chan District of Rayong is this quaint lil 'Kingdom of Fruit on the Mountain' where you can discover fresh, harvested seasonal fruits - like the Rambutan, Mangosteen, Pineapple, Lychee, Strawberry, Pomelo, Rose Apple, Longan, Zalacca, Dragon Fruit, Langsat, Starfruit, Sweet Yellow Marian Plum, Grapes, and Durian - straight from the Suan Lamai orchid.


Expect to find a variety of unique, beautiful flowers here such as the Cosmos, Salvia, Poinsettia, etc.


Hop on a tram for an exhilarating garden tour, which will take you through one of the most picturesque terrains ever. Once the tour is over, stop by at the vegetable tunnel, strawberry farm, and sheep farm. If you're fortunate, you can even receive expertise and knowledge from Chiang Rai farmers.


With an area of more than 500 Rais, the tropical garden is located in the backdrop of scenic mountains and spectacular natural forest. Open for visitors from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. every day, Suan Lamai is a must see if you're passing Rayong.


3. Old Town Chanthaboon Waterfront

Visit the Old Chanthaboon to take a step back in time and discover life hundreds of years ago during the reign of King Narai.

Located in Chanthaburi, which translates as the Moon City, Old Chanthaboon is nearly 250 km south-east of Bangkok.

Chanthaburi is a quaint lil province (changwat) in Thailand that shares its border with Battambang and Pailin of Cambodia. Its neighbouring provinces include Trat in the east and Rayong, Chonburi, Chachoengsao, and Sa Kaeo to the west and north. After the Paknam crisis in 1893, French colonial troops occupied Chanthaburi, returning it in 1905 when Thailand gave up ownership of the western part of Cambodia. A significant minority of Chanthaburi citizens are native Vietnamese, who came there in three waves: first in the 19th century during anti-Catholic persecutions in Cochin China; a second wave in the 1920s to 1940s fleeing from French Indochina; and a third wave after the communist victory in Vietnam in 1975. The town of Chanthaburi has been the seat of a Bishop of Chanthaburi since 1944. #Chanthaburi #AmazingThailand #TATNewDelhi #TAT #FAM
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Finding your way to Chanthaboon isn't going to be tricky. Tangled electric cables running over the roof of houses and shops is probably one giveaway; the narrow alleys is another.


As motorbikes and cars try to squeeze their way through the clumsy streets, you're welcomed by beautiful teakwood houses with solid wooden doors. It's hard not to imagine how life was back in the reign of King Narai when Chanthaburi was found in the late 17th century.

Also, a large majority of Thais here have either Chinese or Vietnamese roots*.

[* After the Paknam crisis in 1893, French colonial troops occupied Chanthaburi, returning it in 1905 when Thailand gave up the ownership of western part of Cambodia. A significant minority of Chanthaburi citizens are native Vietnamese, who came there in three waves: first in the 19th century during anti-Catholic persecutions in Cochinchina, a second wave in the 1920s to 1940s fleeing from French Indochina, and a third wave after the communist victory in Vietnam in 1975. The town of Chanthaburi has been the seat of a Bishop of Chanthaburi since 1944.]



4. Cartoon Network Amazone

The Cartoon Network Amazone is located in Bang Saray, mere 15 minutes away from south of Pattaya on Thailand's eastern seaboard.


The site comprises 10 themed entertainment zones - each one offering an array of exhilarating water coasters and attractions, delicious international cuisine, Polynesian style bar and grill, the only-one-in-the-world store of the Cartoon Network Amazone limited edition souvenir and merchandise, and all-day live shows from professional performers and Cartoon Network Toon stars.


The waterpark also features captivating live and multimedia entertainment that incorporates the latest in interactive technology – bringing fans of Cartoon Network closer to their favorite characters than ever before.


Cartoon Network Amazone takes its theme from the lush Amazon Rainforest while infusing the world's most popular animated series and cartoon heroes including Ben 10, Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo, The Amazing World of Gumball, and We Bare Bears.


Kids and parents alike can enjoy the ultimate 'family day' soaking in the fun at Cartoonival, an amazing aquatic activity area jam-packed with Cartoon Network all-stars themed slides, fountains, tubes, 150 water features, and massive splashing buckets.


At Cartoonival, you are surrounded by Cartoon Network's favorite characters – including Four Arms and Heatblast (from the Ben 10 series) and The Powerpuff Girls – making it the ideal safe aqua playground for the entire family to enjoy.


For families with slightly older kids seeking something more adventurous, Adventure Zone is where you'd want to be! The three rides here are inspired by the award-winning cartoon "Adventure Time" and longtime favorite "Johnny Bravo", and features Jake Jump and Rainfall Rainicorn.


There's also an exciting Banana Spin waterslide, filled with daring spins, twists, tunnels, and turns, making it the perfect ride to share with your loved ones.



If you and your friends are looking for thrills, look no further. The Omniverse is home to six of the customized thrilling water coasters in the world, all themed after "Ben 10's alien stars".


Challenge your besties to see who'll be the first to brave the mighty Goop Loop, a G-force ride that falls below your feet to plunge you into the abyss below.



Cartoon Network Amazone is the only place in Pattaya where you can enjoy free surfing surrounded by Polynesian pavilions, swimming pool, and a bar-and-grill joint.


"Surfarena" features Asia's most talented instructors that are thrilled to introduce all guests to the exciting world of surfing.


5. Ramayana Waterpark

Hailed as Thailand's biggest world-class outdoor water park, the iconic 'themed aqua playground' is located adjacent to the Big Buddha Mountain and Silverlake Vineyard.


Committed towards the safety of every guest who frequents the water park, the management has employed over 100 lifeguards certified by Starfish Aquatics Institute which is one of the world's leading innovative providers of training and risk reduction programs.



Ramayana offers so much more than its 21 exquisitely designed water slides, many of which are totally unique.


I thoroughly enjoyed the Aqualoop, Aqua Zumba, Lazy Wavy River, Python, Aquaconda, Double Wave Pool, Dueling Aqua-Coasters, Freefall, Boomerango, and Activity Pool.


Retreat to your private Cabanas, deposit your belongings safely in a locker, rent a towel, enjoy high-quality restaurants and bars, conveniently shop in retail outlets, pamper yourself with a massage by true professionals, or chat with friends using free WiFi provided in the entire park.


Ramayana has been built to the strictest international standards of design. It has managed to reach the highest global quality standards in a very short time. By offering a full-day experience to visitors, the water park provides access to beautiful nature, clean air, and well-maintained pools and rivers to be explored and enjoyed.

6. Kaan Show

Mark my words, the Kaan Show is by far the most spectacular cinematic live experience you'll ever get to see in Thailand. For the first time ever, Kaan presents a new hybrid of live action and cinema, stage performance, and world-class technology. Here's a show whose characters are handpicked directly from the classic Thai literature, including Ramayana, Phra Aphai Mani, Krai Thong, and many more.



The Kaan Show invites you into a world of imagination, creatively adapted into 75 minutes of ceaseless wonder. The show will make you forget every other show you've seen before, no kidding!



Kaan - presented by Singha Corporation - marks a new era in the history of Thailand's entertainment industry. The extraordinary theatrical experience brings together an outstanding cast and crew of more than 600 creative professionals who together spent more than 3 years developing the project and over 2 years in rehearsals to ensure that the 75-minute spectacular show thrills and enchants its audience.


7. AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa

AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa, formerly known as the Marriott Pattaya, opens its doors in one of Thailand's popular beach resort destinations. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, on Pattaya Beach, the 299-key resort offers great sea views and a relaxed vibe for both business travelers and vacationists.


Over USD 5 million has been invested in refurbishing the resort, including guest rooms, meeting rooms, the Elephant Bar and Garden Cafe Restaurant, plus the resort has introduced Pantry at AVANI, an inviting zone where guests are able to eat, grab a quick bite or stock up their minibars.


AVANI Sea View and AVANI Garden View Rooms have been redesigned to offer an improved use of space and a host of modern comforts. The design is contemporary and fresh and the neutral color palette is subtle and stylish, creating a space that is restful and soothing.


The newly refurbished Garden Cafe Restaurant offers a tranquil respite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The design style is organic, natural, and uncluttered with warm textures and muted tones of plum, gray, and shades of white. The varied buffet offers international fare and classic Thai dishes. Lunch and dinner favorites include the seabass with masala sauce, pumpkin risotto, and local tiger prawns.


Sala Rim Nam, the resort's open-air Thai restaurant, is encircled by lotus ponds and tropical flora. Experience a Thai culinary journey surrounded by the sea breeze and the fragrance of Frangipani blossoms. Standout dishes include the Massaman chicken curry and Choo Chee salmon.


The tranquil AVANI Spa offers a different approach to wellness, focusing on each guest's individual needs rather than offering only standard treatments. The therapist conducts a consultation with the guest to accurately ascertain what treatment the guest really needs. Treatment options include Boost, Balance, Calm, and Purify. Rejuvenating Boost treatments are the perfect antidote for those suffering from low energy and jet lag. Balance treatments ground the body, mind and mood and Calm treatments release muscle tension, relieve anxiety and recharge the mind. Purify treatments offer the perfect detox. Guests can also enjoy outdoor treatments in the air-conditioned spa pavilions by the pool.


AVANI Fit focuses on lifestyle elements that promote a healthy body and healthy mind and the resort's 2,000 square meter Fitness Club, with facilities comprising an aerobic studio, a full range of cardiovascular equipment, strength machines, free weights and two floodlit tennis courts, allow guests to keep up their fitness routines whilst on holiday or business. Daily exercise classes include Yoga, Pilates, and Muay Thai boxing.


Set within the lush gardens is a 650 square meter outdoor adult and children's swimming pool with a hydrotherapy Jacuzzi plunge pool.

8. Madame Tussauds Bangkok

*Spoiler Alert!* The superstars of Bollywood have arrived in Bangkok!


The opening of Madame Tussauds Bangkok is like a Bollywood dream come true for the industry's most die-hard fans, including yours truly.

Featuring four Bollywood superstars - viz. Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Prabhas Raju - Madame Tussauds Bangkok creates a fully immersive Bollywood experience, including an IIFA Awards experience and a Bollywood Augmented Reality (AR) Dance.


Expect real filming props, the 'filming-in-process' touch, and a cheeky gimmick of hidden cameras to capture your fun moments and display them on the large backdrop of the area.

The dancing challenge is a fun experience filled with thematic grooves sung by the famous actor Varun Dhawan. The AR Dance area is perfectly lit with sparkling Indian-style mirrors strewn in golden delicate frames.


Wrap up your Bollywood journey at Madame Tussauds Bangkok like a true superstar by cruising the signature Green Carpet and posing for striking celebrity shots with the IIFA Awards backdrop.


Creating everyone's exclusive award-winning moment, Madame Tussauds Bangkok features the snap portrait shots of your face (provided by the cheeky hidden cameras) on the screen next to the award podium while you are making your award acceptance speech!


Gear up and embrace your favorite star-studded entertainment only at the new Madame Tussauds Bangkok!

9. Taste of Thai by Joe Louis

Fancy a nice dinner in Bangkok? Then head straight to the Taste of Thai by Joe Louis, which is located near the entrance of the Asiatique The Riverfront.


Taste of Thai is the perfect place to enjoy Thai cuisine, especially seafood and vegetarian dishes. I absolutely loved the tasty Thai Papaya Salad and Pad Thai Noodles. The best part is the food is authentic and reasonably priced.



10. Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa

The Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa is located on the stunning Eastern Thai coastline, just two and a half hours drive from the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa is located on the stunning Eastern Thai coastline, just two and a half hours drive from the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Hailed as a perfect 'wedding destination', the hotel is considered the BEST in the region to host a private beachfront wedding celebration/ceremony. With a luxurious panoramic Gulf of Thailand view, Rayong beach presents an outstanding scenery for your big day. The resort is known to be one of the most preferable destinations for Indian wedding, by the virtue of a breathtaking private beach, 205 sublime rooms and suites, tailored world-class cuisine, and talented Indian staff who revel in their knowledge of the Indian wedding and culture. Come, organize a memorable Indian wedding ceremony at the Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa ... an affair you'll remember for the rest of your life. #RayongMarriott #AmazingThailand #TATNewDelhi #TAT #FAM #Resort #Spa #IndianWeddingDestination
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Hailed as a perfect 'wedding destination', the hotel is considered the best in the region to host a private beachfront wedding celebration/ceremony.


With a luxurious panoramic Gulf of Thailand view, the Rayong Beach presents an outstanding scenery for your big day.


The resort is known to be one of the preferable destinations for Indian wedding in particular, by the virtue of a breathtaking private beach, 205 sublime rooms and suites, tailored world-class cuisine, and talented Indian staff who revel in their knowledge of the Indian wedding and culture.


Come, be part of a memorable Indian wedding ceremony at the Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa ... an affair you'll remember for the rest of your life.

#BlogYourThailand #AmazingThailand #TATNewDelhi #TATIndia #ResetInThailand

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Comments

  1. Given that we have traveled to various parts of Thailand, we have firsthand experience of the fantastic tourism facilities they offer. Bangkok for one is a business hub and Chatuchak Market, the largest crafts collection we have seen in the world. Your post opens another Pandora's box for us. So extensive. We finished reading it in parts.

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  2. This was such an indepthn& insightful post for someone who ‘s planning to visit soon. Im glad i have these top listed ; would. Not miss out visiting these places . Great blog

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  3. Wow Thailand is beautiful. It was on our travel plans this year but now we can't go. However I think this destination is a perfect place for adults n kids alike.

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  4. I will have to bookmark this one for more reads ...I've been many times but this is almost another level of details and locations to see. Thank u for the research and shares

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  5. Wow those pictures always amaze me. I loved the art in paradise. And the food. And good to know SRK is in tussads. Missed him when I visited last year.

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  6. Wow that seems so beautiful and fun. I am surely gonna visit here. It has so many things which I love. :)

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  7. Seems you had a great time in Thailand. The beautiful pictures that you shared are a bliss to eyes. Loved the art gallery pics very much.

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  8. Beautiful compilation, and beautifully presented ,your pictures speak for themselves.

    I m yet to conquer this part of the world,thanks for the wonderful insights.

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  9. I remember this mega FAM trip very well. You all were so lucky! These are some excellent experiences from the trip!

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  10. The blog post seems pretty informative and insightful. Whosoever visits Thailand has to look into your blog first to have a better idea.

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  11. I have never visited Thailand before. I am glad that after reading this post, now I have list of some offbeat places to visit there. Amazing pictures.

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