11 Overrated Spots in Thailand (My Spicy and Opinionated List)

Scribbled by Claire ⬩ 26 Apr 2026

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and want to know if there are any dodgy spots to avoid? Find out which places have made my personal no-go list and what ratings I gave them, after years of living and travelling here.

Two unsupervised tourists touching an captive elephant that's wearing a chain around its foot.

I’d like to preface this post by saying that I really love Thailand. There’s no question about it – it’s one of my favourite countries on the planet.

However, it’s also heavily loved by a big chunk of the rest of the world, too.

Overtourism and the toxicity that has come from this type of popularity is no stranger to Thailand – a country which has seen almost unprecedented tourism growth since Covid and continues to smash visitor records. (Bangkok was the most visited city in the world during 2025).

Vast numbers of visitors to a country isn’t always an issue, unless they all congregate in only a few places, like in the popular areas around Thailand. It’s especially problematic in locations where tourism is mis-managed, or not managed at all.

Thailand has not escaped the sex-tourism culture of southeast Asia, either. It’s illegal, but prevalent in certain areas, and many visitors arrive with a (very unfair) preconceived view of women in this country.

Throughout my years of living in and travelling around Thailand, I’ve noticed a sharp change in the type of tourists and the resulting development of certain areas. This has sadly led to some unpleasant transformations of spots that used to be astonishing. Places like Pai, which is just a gentrified mess now, and Koh Phi Phi, which was tragically leveled during the 2004 tsunami but rebuilt with no care for the environment or residents.

It’s made me feel a little bit extra-spicy about the whole situation (which I think comes across in my tone throughout this post!).

So, below are a few places we’d recommend giving a miss on your next trip (with a spiciness rating, 5 being the worst), especially if you’re looking to avoid that mass-tourism vibe that comes from everything I’ve just said. We’ve also suggested some alternatives to help you plan a better trip!

If you disagree with any of my picks here, get spicy in the comments and tell me why!

The hand of a smaller statue holding an orb before the face of a larger hand-carved, wooden statue on the roof of the Sanctuary of Truth museum in Pattaya, Thailand.

IN THIS GUIDE //

Thailand’s Over-hyped Hubs

1. Pai
2. Chiang Mai’s Sticky Waterfalls
3. Kho Phi Phi
4. Koh Samui
Overrated Elephant Tourism
5. Pattaya
Renting a Scooter in Thailand
6. Ao Nang
7. Chiang Mai’s Old Town
8. Khao Lak
9. Patong, Kata and Karon
10. Nana, Bangkok
11. Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya
Where to Next?

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A graphic depicting a rating system for overrated places. It uses chilis from a scale of 1-5 with 5 chilis being exceptionally overrated.

1. Pai

Decades back, Pai used to be the kind of hippie, chill, peaceful little mountain town that backpackers gravitated to for a couple of nights, then never left.

Now, it’s a gross mess, filled with tourists on scooters with no skills, tat shops, and hardly any Thai people. Its town centre is lined with international restaurants and dodgy club nights. It’s quite jarring for what was supposed to be such a low-key, vibey spot.

There’s also a certain anti-nationality sentiment there (possibly justified, to be honest, because of an influx of particular visitors). So, if you’re from specific countries, it’s quite tense at times and there’s a lot of racist and xenophobic graffiti from all sides.

Pai is still the place to go if you’re 19 and want to smoke weed, pretend to enjoy barefoot hiking, and are hoping to ‘find yourself’ whilst falling off a slack line. Personally, I really don’t get the appeal of hanging out in the most gentrified town in Thailand if you’re an actual adult. There are just so many better places.

Alternatives: Mae Hong Son, Phayao or anywhere on the Nan loop. These mountain towns have lovely night markets, super affordable digs, actual Thai people living in them, and beautiful scenery.

A motorcyclist stopped on a road in the Thai countryside, along the Mae Hong Son Loop. — Escaping from Pai

The centre of Mae Hong Son town with buildings surrounding a large calm lake. — Mae Hong Son

2. Chiang Mai’s Sticky Waterfalls

The Sticky Waterfalls near Chiang Mai have become this Instagram superstar, but honestly, they’re just a bit of mild torture.

I guess if you have three excessively energetic kids between 9-13, it might be the perfect escape to keep them entertained for a while. Otherwise though, you’re hiking down this giant, steep cliff just to stand in an enormous queue of tourists (including a plethora of over-excited children) to then walk back up it via a wetter path.

Honestly, the experience is so overrated – however it is free, so if you’ve got more time than you know what to do with, check it out and see if you agree!

(It is better in the quiet season when the lack of crowds make the falls far less intolerable).

Alternatives: any other waterfalls! My favourite near Chiang Mai is Mok Fa Waterfall.

Two streams of water cascading down the cliffs at Mok Fa into a pool below. — The twin falls of Mok Fa

Multiple tourists queueing up in the shallow water at Chiang Mai's Sticky Waterfalls. — Sticky waterfall fun?

How Spicy is too spicy?

I definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, because this post was written far too quickly and easily for my liking.

I think it’s worth acknowledging that although many of these places have a bit of a toxic or tedious vibe to me, they may not for you. None of them are universally bad, either – if I say a town is overrated, it’s usually specific areas rather than the entire region.

However, I believe they deserve some of the negativity that I’m putting out there today. Other people might beat around the bush a little, but I can’t do that. I simply cannot pretend to like Pai for the views.
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3. Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a pair of islands near Phuket in southern Thailand. They were made famous by the film The Beach (staring Leonardo Dicaprio). It’s gone from one of the prettiest spots in Thailand to one of the most overrun. It makes me very spicy.

The national park there had to be shut for nearly four years to allow the coral and sea life to recover, and now is closed for a few months each year because of the tourists. The authorities have introduced major restrictions on visiting and, yet, it’s still a shitshow.

The populated island where you can stay overnight, Koh Phi Phi Don, is just a warren of shitty tourist services, bars and restaurants, fireshows on the beach and, of course, drunk backpackers. The first things you’ll see upon disembarking is a Burger King and a McDonalds – seriously! I think I’ve previously compared Koh Phi Phi to a medina in Morocco, with narrow alleys, shops and restaurants, but without any of the cultural integrity or charm.

Alternative: you can still stay on Koh Phi Phi Don but avoid the mess around the main pier area. Instead book a few nights in the SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort in the north (or for an amazing more budget-ish stay, the Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort). They’re only reachable by boat and are a world away from the tourist nightmares. (This area is the reason Koh Phi Phi doesn’t reach maximum spiciness rating).

A long boat in the blue-green waters off Koh Phi Phi in Thailand, with karst rock scenery in the distance.

Take a look at some of the best Thai island options for your trip

4. Koh Samui (east coast)

There is no place in Thailand I despise more than Koh Samui. It gets my full five-spice rating, so the below is going to be spicy as all hell.

Thailand’s second largest island is particularly problematic along its eastern coast around Chaweng and Lamai beaches. I intially went to Samui thinking that maybe it could be an alternative to Bangkok for us to live. I was so painfully wrong, and spent everyday there wishing I could leave.

After surprisingly nice experiences at the airport, car rental place, and with friendly songthaew drivers, my initial impression was tainted by the hundreds of topless ‘Samui bros’, as I call them. You know, the ones who ride scooters (with no helmets) at crazy speeds, beer in hand, literally towards kids on sidewalks. No exaggeration, I saw it a lot – it’s the definition of toxicity. A guy on a scooter actually died from a head injury from a motorbike accident while I was there. The road culture in Samui is ridiculous.

The next breaking point for me was the hordes of older men in wife-beater Chang t-shirts stalking women and lurking around the bars. It’s gross. Like, the sex tourism isn’t really separate from the day-to-day establishments, so you can’t escape it. Enjoy explaining to your eight-year-old why the ‘Sexy Sexy Bar’ is so busy with men that look just like daddy.

My final issue was that there wasn’t actually that much to do and it’s just not that pretty an island. I mean, there are the Insta spots on mountains with stuff you can pose with and a bunch of nice cafes, but really not much else. (An exception was Wat Plai Laem in the north, I like that a lot).

Alternatives: any beach destination on the Andaman coast. If you are looking for similar infrastructure to Samui, we’d recommend Bang Tao or Naiyang on Phuket – they’re quiet, but still nearby all of Phuket’s extensive amenities. If you’re visiting in summer, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao are potential options (although I heavily dislike them, too, but for different reasons). If you’re dead set on Samui, I’d recommend the southwestern coast, it’s really quite lovely.

A person walking along the built up beach front on Koh Samui, Thailand. — South of Lamai

A lone bird along a golden-rooster-topped column lined walkway leading to statues at Wat Plai Laem on Koh Samui. — Wat Plai Laem

See how indulgent you can be in the Koh Yao islands!

Overrated Elephant tourism

Elephants are a big business in Thailand.

Almost every Western tourist knows to avoid unethical elephant experiences but many, demonstrably, do not know what actually constitutes an ethical visit.

The gold standard is zero contact with the elephants and no forced behaviours. Touching, feeding, and bathing elephants is totally overrated and not a vibe. If you’re interested in learning more, check out World Animal Protection’s handy elephant guide.

They also list some amazing sanctuaries, like Chang Chill in Chiang Mai, Following Giants in Krabi and Somboon Legacy Foundation in Kanchanaburi, which we’d recommend you consider for your trip.

Also, you know what isn’t overrated, at all? Seeing elephants in the actual wild. That’s actually possible just a few hours from Bangkok in Khao Yai National Park. We went a few weeks ago and we’d highly recommend it.
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An elephant stood in the grounds of Sanctuary of Truth with a Howdah (a tourist saddle) attached to it, while looking forlorn. — No elephant rides pls (taken in Pattaya)

A captive elephant in Ayutthaya being watered, that looks like it is crying. — Captive elephant in Ayutthaya 🙁

5. Pattaya

Pattaya has an awful reputation. A really awful one.

And, for the most part, it deserves it.

Thailand’s primary sex tourism hub is exactly as gross as it sounds. ‘Love hotels’ on every corner, ‘massage centres’, gogo-bars, and streets full of establishments that cater exclusively to lonely, sad men. It’s also full of drugged-up dickheads on huge motorbikes and aggressive, drunk men who think that certain things are owed to them.

Genuinely, it’s foul.

It is possible to stay in Pattaya and avoid a lot of this – but it does also mean avoiding the beachfront areas (so, why go at all?). Definitely don’t go anywhere near Soi 6 and the Walking Street further south. I was in Pattaya a few weeks ago (to visit Buddhist temples, ironically) and managed to skirt around almost all of it (so it only gets a four-spice rating). However, you can’t fully get away from the fact that you’re spending time around one of southeast Asia’s most prolific sexpat scenes.

Alternatives: Koh Samet is literally just down the road and has nicer beaches. Alternatively, you could visit Jomtien, the beach just to the south of Pattaya. It’s a little calmer and less grim. Further afield and far nicer is Koh Chang.

A golden statue stood before black statues on a rooftop atop a chinese temple museum at Vihara Sien, Pattaya. — Viharn Sien – a worthy stop near Pattaya

Renting a SCooter in Thailand

You know what is super overrated? Getting into a scooter accident in Thailand and your insurance not covering your five-figure hospital bill.

To legally ride any two-wheeler in Thailand, you need to have a full, unrestricted motorcycle license from your home country, along with a 1949 or 1968 IDP. (Check out our guide for more information on renting a scooter in Thailand).

If you do not, your travel insurance will likely not pay out in the case that someone hits you and you break a leg, or worse.

However, there are actually companies that will provide insurance, even if you don’t have the correct license. Some will cover travellers up to 85 years old, a few are just crazy affordable, and there’s even ones that don’t require a large upfront policy payment. We’ve written about a selection of these insurance companies, take a look at your options.

Please consider getting insurance. You never know when some dickhead might ride into you.
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6. Ao Nang

Anyone that has followed me for a while knows about my intense dislike of Ao Nang. I end up there at least once a year and never fail to regret it. (This year, though, I visited straight after Samui so it didn’t seem so bad!).

Krabi’s primary tourism hub is the jumping off point for most visitors’ exploration of the area. It’s overpriced, full of absolute tat, and has an unreasonable number of restaurants serving what I can only describe as mid-quality, overpriced British Indian food.

It’s not gross like Samui, because it seems a bit more family friendly and a favourite for people with kids (this lack of prevalent sex tourism drops it a spice level). However, it’s tacky, the beaches aren’t great and, for some inexplicable reason, literally nobody can competently ride a scooter there. I genuinely feel so unsafe on the roads because of all the tourists weaving and speeding and smashing (literally) into things. I hope every day it won’t be a small child.

Luckily, in 2026 they’ve brought in more police checkpoints, but still – I feel like I’m dicing with death every day there (Bangkok feels so much safer to ride around, in comparison).

Alternatives: for a less toxic hub in or around Krabi, we’d recommend Koh Yao Noi or Yai, or even Koh Lanta. They have all the same island hopping trips and nice beaches, but without the utterly skill-less riders or hordes of people. Railay is an option, too, if you are happy to pay the extortionate accommodation prices.

A tourist sat alone a stretch of sand at Phra Nang Beach with a large karst rock structure in the sea, on Railay, Thailand — Railay

Sunrise over palm trees on a beach on Koh Yao Noi, Thailand. — Koh Yao Noi

Heading to the islands?

If you’re planning a trip to southern Thailand beyond the Koh Yao islands, take a look at our massive list of the 21 best Thai island options.

If you’re undecided about which ones are ideal for you (they’re all different), check it out!
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7. Chiang Mai’s Old Town

So, this is a controversial one for many people. Chiang Mai is beloved by so many, but I am consistently underwhelmed by it.

I’m specifically talking about the old town here, not the entire city (it’s too big to dislike the whole place!).

The centre has been gentrified to the max – now it’s full of tourist-priced cafes, tour operators and hotels. Even the Sunday night market is super overrated, overpacked with touristy stuff and excruciatingly busy. I know that there are nice things in the old town, like the temples and some local food, but none of it is particularly stand-out.

To me, the area just feels like it’s been developed with pretty much only tourists in mind (which is why it gets just a one-spice rating).

Alternatives: I’m definitely not saying you should skip Chiang Mai – it’s well worth a visit. I just wouldn’t dedicate too much of your holiday time to exploring the old town. There are more interesting temples, restaurants and hotels outside the inner walls! Staying outside the city can be lovely, too – check out the Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort, out on the Samoeng Loop. The whole region is stunning.

A white and gold stupa set beside a dragon staircase at Wat Pong near Chiang Mai, Thailand. — Incredible temple outside Chiang Mai

Forested scenery along the Samoeng Loop outside Chiang Mai, Thailand. — Outside Chiang Mai

8. Khao Lak

This one is my real wildcard.

I don’t hate Khao Lak, at all. It’s just not really got a lot going on. The beaches are nice, the resorts are pleasant and it’s ideally placed nearby Phuket to escape some of the more toxic crowds. There’s even excellent access to some top-notch diving trips and Khao Sok National Park.

So, why do I think it’s overrated? It’s just so very average. I don’t think you should miss it off your itinerary if you desperately want to visit or it suits your requirements. I just wouldn’t exactly be clamouring to go (hence the one-spice rating).

I’ve even been twice. I gave it second chance and was still underwhelmed!

It’s just a bit dull. I’ve seen people recommending it to first time visitors, many of whom come to Thailand for culture, food and adventure. Honestly, this is really not the place for that. It’s full of middle-aged and older Europeans who just want to hang out by a beach and pretend to get to know the ‘real Thailand’ (I’ve heard that exact line there).

Alternative: I would say that Khao Lak is quite a nice place if you rent a car and want to explore the empty beaches and small towns. It can really be quite lovely going rogue there, actually (with a car). In particular, there’s a very worthwhile Tsunami Museum and Memorial, plus a small colonial town called Takua Pa that are all good for a visit.

Tip: my favourite temple in Krabi, Wat Bang Thong, is within driving distance of Khao Lak and is on the way to Ao Nang. For more information, check out my little post with loads of photos and information on how to get there.

An empty beach with washed up trees and palm trees near Khao lak in Thailand. — Remote beaches near Khao Lak

Hanging lanterns outside a window in the village of Takua Pa, near Khao Lak. — Takua Pa

9. Patong, Kata and Karon

I figure by now that you were expecting Phuket’s infamous Patong and Bangla Road to be on my Thai toxicity list, right? Well, they’re deservedly here, but also accompanied by their neighbours, Kata and Karon.

It’s painful, because Phuket has some really lovely beaches, but sadly the main ones tend to be carpeted in multicolour umbrellas from beginning to end and dotted with jet ski vendors. This is particularly applicable to Patong, Kata, Kata Noi and Karon. I guess if you’re looking for a Benidorm-esque trip (but then why wouldn’t you just go to Benidorm?) it may actually be okay.

Beyond my lack of appreciation for fluorescent umbrellas, the problem is that this area is also full of the least pleasant tourists – from the typical sex predators I’ve mentioned above to drunk bros on huge motorbikes. It’s a haven for illegal shops run by foreigners (same as all the Gulf islands) and, honestly, even Kata and Karon (which are supposed to be a bit better suited to families) felt seedy, claustrophobic and a bit gross when I was last there just a few weeks ago.

I’m really starting to wonder if a three-spice rating is high enough now.

Alternatives: In Phuket, Bang Tao and Naiyang are both nice, while Naithon and Naiharn are also lovely and a bit more natural feeling. We’d recommend renting a car to get around Phuket because a lot of the smaller beaches are easy to drive to and park at (especially Naiharn). It’s also way safer than riding a scooter (the hilly roads can be chaos, plus there are loads of police checkpoints).

Are you looking for travel insurance that covers you to ride a scooter in Thailand? Check out all your options (including with no valid license)

Tourists enjoying the sun on the soft sand of Nai Harn Beach in Phuket, Thailand. — Naiharn Beach

A small sheltered stretch of sand surrounded by trees at Laem Sing Beach near Phuket, Thailand — Laem Sing

10. Nana, Bangkok

This one is a doozy.

Bangkok has three particularly well-known sex tourism areas, Nana being one of them.

However, from my personal experience, Nana is the worst. Not just because of the sex tourism (which is, as already implied, awful), but also due to the seedy nature of the area.

Whenever I go out in Bangkok (which is most days), I never have to deal with any hassle, scammers or trouble, ever.

If I go near Nana, though? I’m not so lucky.

It’s the centre of Bangkok’s scammy opportunists. You’ll find people with fake injuries begging for money, and even more shady-than-usual human trafficking dressed up as sex workers or homeless people (accompanied by trafficked kids). It’s a no-go for me normally. I’ve had to be there previously because I was taking a language course in the area and also had a storage unit there, otherwise I’d never go.

Alternatives: just don’t get your Bangkok hotel *between Asok and Ploen Chit* on the light green Sukhumvit BTS line. That’s pretty much all you have to do to avoid this spot. Otherwise, enjoy Bangkok as usual – it’s a fantastic city!

Sunset over a silhouette of the skyline of Thailand's capital city of Bangkok.

11. Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya

So, I made the mistake of paying 500 baht to visit this Instragram-tastic imitation temple in Pattaya.

I knew it was a bad idea, but went anyway. It’s all my fault.

So, if you haven’t heard of it, the Sanctuary of Truth is a huge wooden structure in the shape of a temple, right by the sea. It’s technically a museum and, in theory, looks magnificent. They claim it to be the biggest wooden castle in the world that’s entirely made of wood, without any nails.

And, from a distance, it looks incredible. However, I promise you it’s really not a vibe. You can only visit via expensive escorted tour (with sometimes more than 50 people to a group). You have to wear a hard hat inside, it’s expensive, has a weirdly strict dress code, and is pretty boring.

Worst of all, though, they offer goddamn elephant rides there (that’s mostly what the three-spiciness rating is for).

I’ve written about this museum in more detail if you’re considering a visit.

Alternatives: any of the incredible real Thai temples around the country! Thailand has 45,000 – go visit any of them! I’ve written about my 28 favourites of the hundreds I’ve been to, if you’re interested.

A motorcycle rider driving past the ornate wooden structure of the Sanctuary of Truth near Pattaya.

Where to Next?

So, this post may sound a bit negative, I get it (I mean it was kind of supposed to). However, I think it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re planning a trip to Thailand that not all places are well suited for everyone. This country is magnificent, but it has its issues, just like anywhere else.

Mostly, it’s straight-up rampant overtourism and exploitation. However, in a few cases, it’s because destinations have had their appeal way overblown by social media and everybody’s mum.

Consider the alternatives instead – Thailand has so many magical places that are not on this list! Also remember that not everything on Instagram and TikTok is worth the hype.

If you’re planning a trip and are looking for some less known spots around Thailand, take a read of our favourite Thai temples – loads of them are in destinations that are far less visited than the average tourist spot. Also, have a peek at our top photography spots – many of these are, again, away from the typical tourist trail.

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