Thailand is ubiquitously known for its unparalleled blazing-blue water and pristine beaches, freckled with rocky islands and hemmed by emerald jungle. Yet this Southeast Asian country teems with undiscovered hidden corners.

CHIANG RAI: GOLDEN TRIANGLE TANGENTS

Tucked on a 25-square-mile land mass bordering Laos and Myanmar is Thailandâ??s northernmost province of Chiang Rai. Its hilly terrain and bucolic backdrops make Chiang Rai an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from rafting the currents of the Mae Kok River to setting out on a hike to reach 230-foot Khun Kon waterfall. Pass rice paddy fields and verdant farmland during adventurous pursuits into the mountains of Wawi â?? home to an estimated seven different ethnic groups comprising the hill tribes of Thailand. Be escorted past the Huay Kee Lekâ??s spirit gate adorned with narrative carvings to personally meet the Akha families living here and admire their hand-woven bamboo creations.

Authentic exploration becomes even more exclusive at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, 50 miles north of Chiang Raiâ??s city center. The clusters of 77 rooms and suites create a jungle village setting where the waters of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers converge. Meet more than 25 elephants residing in the camp, and learn the commands that mahout trainers use to communicate during your elephant trek, or while practicing yoga from a new perspective â?? on the gentle giantâ??s back.

KRABI: SUMMIT SPLENDOR

On the west coast of southern Thailand lies Krabi, a province distanced about three hours by road from Phuket. More than 130 limestone karst formations flank surrounding waters like jagged green ramparts, while the rugged interior harbors hot springs, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries.

The exotic camp at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve hosts 54 freestanding pavilions and villas hidden in the lush landscape of tropical gardens and serves as a luxurious base for excursions to Krabiâ??s renowned rock climbing destinations. At spectacular southern-tip Railay Beach, choose from 700 different climbing routes, some lofting you 196 feet above the Andaman Sea, or belay along the beach at nearby Ton Saiâ??s limestone overhangs. Travel inland to see another limestone formation at Lang Rongrien rock shelter, Southern Thailandâ??s oldest archaeological site, where artifacts dating back nearly 40,000 years have been found.

Continue to explore Krabiâ??s history as you kayak the mangrove forests and stalactite-dappled caves of Ban Bor Thor, anchoring your sea craft for a hike into Pee Hua Toh cavern adorned with 3,000-year-old paintings by prehistoric seafarers.

KOH PHANGAN: BELOW THE SURFACE

A diminutive island resting in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is home to a duality that contrasts its festive full moon celebrations at Haad Rin beach with the quieter days on Samui Archipelago â?? where Ang Thong Marine Parkâ??s 40 mostly uninhabited islands sprawl across 60 miles of the gulfâ??s lapis waters.

Climb aboard a speedboat to reach the marine parkâ??s outlying islands and plunge into the waters of the Koh Wao cluster at its northern edge. The sheltered cove here, a secreted snorkeling spot, harbors brilliant whip and fan coral formations abuzz with neon reef fish. Or, set sail on a catamaran to the clandestine diverâ??s paradise of tiny Koh Tao, or â??Turtle Island,â? favored for its placid waters where you can swim alongside namesake sea turtles.

A jungle trek on Koh Phanganâ??s peninsula will lead you to another must-experience secluded bay. The just-under two-hour hike to Haad Rinâ??s twin beaches is a rarified one, even for locals. This makes the experience feel incredibly singular as you crest a scenic mountain plateau and descend to the waters framing the beach at Haad Yuan for a refreshing swim.

Thailand rewards with beach paradises while simultaneously imparting unexpected adventure. Whether youâ??re seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience or a tranquil and luxurious stay, let us help you uncover the hidden side of Thailand.