Visiting Thailand means delving into a tapestry of stunning landscapes, delicious flavors, and bewitching culture. Travelers fly to Thailand to soak up the sun on the pearly beaches of Phuket or have awesome party nights in Bangkok. It is easy to fall in love with Thailand – we would like to testify! Our community loves Thailand and went to 12 trips to the country this year. However, we agree that Thailand might be too crowded in the high season and prone to overtourism. In this blog, we are going to share eight less-touristy alternatives to Thailand. Enjoy a similar or distinctively unique vibe with fewer crowds!
Thailand Alternatives – Summary
- Malaysia
- Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Cambodia
- Palawan, the Philippines
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Guatemala
1. Malaysia
I live in Indonesia and I often crave for short trips outside of the country. One of the closest and most affordable countries I can visit is Malaysia, which stretches only two-hour away from Bali. The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is very similar to Bangkok, Thailand. The towering skyscrapers adorned with star-like lights, bustling markets smelling like smoked spices, and trendy shopping centers inviting you to splurge are what I found in Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, both countries have considerably affordable prices. I spent €38/night for a comfortable hotel located in the city’s tourist center Bukit Bintang. Local food, like nasi kandar and mee tarik in standard restaurants cost around €2-4. Furthermore, you can enjoy free tourist spots like KLCC Park, Petronas Twin Tower, and Petaling Street (Chinatown).
Other alternatives to Thailand in Malaysia includes Langkawi. It is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Malaysia. It houses small islands fringed with white-sand beaches and mesmerizing coral ecosystems. Besides that, Langkawi is a favorite destination for backpackers as it has great hostels and humble local food vendors. Does it sounds like we are describing Koh Lanta or Phuket?
Best Time to Visit: March – October
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: Kuala Lumpur is very similar to Bangkok in terms of cityscape, cultural diversity, and food options. Malaysia and Thailand are also cheap to visit. Besides that, the islands are beautiful but less-touristy compared to Phi Phi or Krabi, and the culture is quite similar as both countries are in Southeast Asia
2. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Yogyakarta is the cultural hotspot of Indonesia which radiates a heartwarming and humble vibe. It is a popular tourist destination for the locals and famous for its mesmerizing temples, elegant palaces, and impressive natural scenery. While Thailand has Wat Arun, Yogyakarta showcases Prambanan Temple. It is a 9th-century Hindu temple formed out of granite, keeping the legend of a cursed princess named Roro Jonggrang. Another similarity between Thailand and Yogyakarta is both are kingdoms. Yogyakarta is the only province in Indonesia reigned by a king. You can visit Keraton Yogyakarta – the king’s palace – and learn about Yogyakarta’s culture and history.
Are you looking for place that is cheaper than Thailand? Yogyakarta is one of them. You can spend less than €40 a day, including a three-star hotel. A plate of small-sized rice dish called nasi kucing costs only €0.58. Don’t be surprised if you go to a lavish cafe and ends paying €12 for two people! Therefore, Yogyakarta can be added into your budget bucket list – as an alternative to or along with Thailand.
Best Time to visit: July-October
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: Yogyakarta is one of the underrated places like Thailand. Both are kingdoms, offering a culturally and historically rich scenes.
3. Cambodia
Cambodia is very similar to Thailand as they both have magnificent temples and breathtaking natural beauty. The country is Thailand’s neighbor, sharing no sea or river as a border. Moreover, Cambodia has notable similarities with Thailand. Both countries are home to major Buddhist communities and share almost the same historical roots. For that reason, you can find Angkor Wat, an amazing Buddhist temple complex listed by the UNESCO. Furthermore, you can enjoy Cambodia’s natural beauty by heading to Mekong Delta and take a boat to the small island of Koh Trong.
Best Time to visit: November-March
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: Cambodia shares a lot of similarities with Thailand in terms of culture, people, and attractions. It is Thailand’s untouched twin, where you can visit to see the locals’ authentic everyday life
4. Palawan, the Philippines
TripLeader Arcy is proud of her birthplace Palawan. “With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes, Palawan is a paradise just waiting to be explored,” she says. Palawan is an archipelago consisting around 7,000 islands. They are fringed with pearly sand and jungle-coated limestone cliffs. Moreover, the archipelago houses the world’s iconic underwater river in Puerto Princesa, inviting travelers from all over the world to see. At a glance, Palawan’s limestone islands formation will remind you of Phi Phi Islands in Thailand.
Arcy said that Palawan welcomes thousands of travelers each year and is undeniably a popular destination. “But there are hidden gems and local treasures that make this place so special,” she added. Some of Palawan’s untouched places include Gintu Island and Nacpan Beach. So, if you want to sail along Phi Phi Islands but hate the crowds, Palawan is a terrific place to visit.
Best Time to visit: November – April
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: Palawan is an alternative to Thailand’s Phi Phi Island with its jungle-clad limestone cliffs, flawless beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
5. India
India might not be first on your list when thinking about Thailand alternatives. Nonetheless, India has some real hidden gems and beautiful spots that shouldn’t be missed. Grab your travel buddies and head to Hindhu temples in Mysore, visit the stunning Taj Mahal or discover the hustle and bustle of cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Do you love partying and are missing the Full-Moon Parties of Thailand? Travel to Goa and party like there’s no tomorrow on white beaches. After dancing all night, take a yoga class in South Goa.
Best Time to Visit: June – September
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: India is enchanting, culturally-rich, and beautiful. Like Thailand, India has magnificent historical spots and cultural wonders to check out like Taj Mahal.
6. Sri Lanka
Another country cross our minds when we talk about Thailand alternatives is Sri Lanka. The diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka range from rainforests and deserts to highlands and sandy beaches. Discover the beautiful nature of Sri Lanka, the ancient Buddhist ruins of Sigiriya, or snorkel at Shark Point together with whales and sharks. You will find leopards, elephants, whales, and flamingos in Sri Lanka, making your Asia adventure extra special.
Best Time to visit: East coast: March – November; Southern coast: November – April
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: Sri Lanka is often overlooked by travelers so it is far from overtourism. However, the country is a top-rated sustainable destination that offers similar attractions to Thailand such as Buddhist culture and amazing wildlife.
7. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
When Phuket or Koh Chang is no longer on your list, check out Phu Quoc. This Vietnamese island is the answer for everyone looking for a well-deserved vacation. White-sand coastline fringed with palm trees, dense jungles home to exotic animal species, and unspoiled hiking trails are the building blocks of Phu Quoc. If you’re done with lazing under the sun, you can check out other activities like plantation tour or hop on the cable car to get a bird-eye view of the island. As the sun goes down the island bustles with night markets selling delectable seafood and local delicacies. Not to mention, Vietnam is as cheap or even cheaper than Thailand. So, imagine traveling to Phuket without spending a fantastic amount!
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: Phu Quoc – and Vietnam in general – is one of the places like Thailand. It offers an amazing beach vacation and natural beauty. Vietnam is also cheap like Thailand, making them both rivals and sisters.
8. Guatemala
Although the country is located 16,000 kilometers from Thailand, it features a resemblance. Guatemala might be considered as an underrated destination in South America, but its landscapes and cultural wonders will captivate you. Guatemala’s tourism centers around Lake Atitlán, which is incredibly diverse and beautiful. Moreover, the country houses ancient Mayan sites that will intrigue both history buffs and casual travelers. While Thailand has Wat Arun, Guatemala showcases Tikal National Park. Therefore, Guatemala is one of the countries like Thailand that should be in your bucket list.
Best Time to Visit: November – April
Why is it a great Thailand alternative: Both Guatemala and Thailand have distinctive cultures, captivating wildlife, and notable ancient history.
You’re ready to head to one of these beautiful Thailand Alternatives but haven’t found the right travel buddy yet? Check out JoinMyTrip and all of our Asia trips to head out on your next adventure!