"There are times I think when I am not sure of something which I absolutely know."Wise words indeed from Mongkut, the King of Siam that expresses perfectly how I felt when I first visited Thailand.
I thought I absolutely knew what Thailand was all about but I was soon to be surprised.
For most people who have not visited other parts of the country, their impression of Thailand is mirrored by their perception of Bangkok. Which is sad although on its own Bangkok is a fascinating city, it does not represent all facets of this amazing country.
If you are familiar with Thai cuisine, you will know that every dish is a little spicy, sweet, sour and sometimes even a tinge bitter. It is this delicate blend of flavours that make Thai cuisine so tantalising to the taste buds.
Similarly, lesser known destinations in Thailand offer a symphony of experiences that are bound to deliver what you are seeking for in your next holiday and then some. Forget the usual suspects where tourists from every corner of the world are choc a bloc.
Explore instead the places I had the pleasure of discovering.
Suan PhungJust 270 kilometres from Bangkok, Ratchaburi's Suan Phung district is a calm and pristine paradise less than 2 hours drive from the hectic capital. Nestled in the highlands stretching out from the Tennasserim Range and bordering Myanmar, Suan Phung is a scenic hilly district that is blessed with cool temperatures that turn chilly at night with the sea breeze blowing in from the Gulf of Martaban.
Although it is relatively unknown on the normal tourist map, the region is developing fast as entrepreneurs are capitalising on it's attractions; scenic hilly countryside, hot springs and fresh air. Lot's of resorts line the windy mountain road with each one offering outdoor attractions that range from horse-riding to river rafting.
An eco-puritan might frown at the irony of clearing land for resorts to enjoy nature but personally I think it is a good move as this offers city dwellers an opportunity to escape the sweltering heat of the concrete jungle to commune with nature.
Hua HinThis famous beach resort town lies just 200kms south of Bangkok. It is known as a royal town as the Thai royal family and former kings made this place the destination of choice for Thailand's elite.
5km of white sandy beaches and clear water make it a heavenly seaside escape. However, if you are looking for go-go bars, you are going to be disappointed. Due to it's proximity to the Royal Palace, there are no go-go bars to be found.
However, this does not deter the serious globetrekker who is looking to enjoy Thailand the way the Thais do. The pace is slower compared to other places like Phuket or Koh Samui but it gives you a real glimpse into the daily lifestyle of the everyday Thai.
On the way to Hua Hin, just outside of Cha Am district in the Petchabouri province is a fun ATV Park which offers 3 different skill tracks and for all age groups. It also has an enclosed Paint Ball section where you can shoot to your heart's content.
Look out for this place because it is definitely worth a stop before rolling into Hua Hin to work on your tan.
There you have it, surf and turf just outside of bustling Bangkok served in a way you probably have not experienced in the Thailand you thought you knew.
At least I didn't.
I returned home knowing that there is so much more left to explore and experience and that this was only the tip of the Thai iceberg.
Just like her food, Thai landscape from countryside to seaside is a feast for the senses and you leave aching for more.
