Thailand’s natural beauty and its unspoiled countryside are often overlooked by travelers, who instead decide to spend the bulk of their vacation in the city of Bangkok and the beaches of Pattaya. While it is true that these destinations may have some of the best entertainment options found in South East Asia, but venturing a little off the beaten path has its rewards too. Much of Thailand’s population lives the rural backwoods that travelers seldom see, so an adventure in this part of the country helps one become closer to the people rather than just seeing the glitzy nightclubs of the capital. Undiscovered beaches that are yet to be exploited by holiday resorts and dense rainforests that have stood for centuries are some of the delights that await the traveler.
An interesting place to visit for such experiences is Mai Khao Beach, which despite its remoteness is easily accessible as it is just 11kilometers to the north of the tourist town of Phuket. The beach stretches for miles and miles, and one could walk for hours without meeting another human being. This is a stark contrast from the overcrowded beaches only a few kilometers away.
Another attraction in Mai Khao is the wildlife reserve that also encompasses a part of the beach. This wildlife reserve is unique in that it combines a wildlife reserve on land, a portion of the beach and also a certain part of the ocean that has been designated as a Marine Park. The beaches are great for swimming, however avoid the monsoon months as the sea become very unpredictable and rough.
Tourists can sign up for trekking in the rainforests and the mangrove swamps that are an integral part of the eco-system of the region. Travelers staying at a Phuket Resort such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand can easily make the journey along the north western coast to Mai Khao as the road network is quite developed. For those staying at a Phuket Beach Resort a trip here is a welcome break from the hectic nightlife and the throngs of tourists. A visit here in many respects allows for a stress free holiday that also allows you to experience the authentic Thai countryside.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.