Mae Phim (Thailand) Travel Guide
Just two hours away from central Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the beach resort area of Mae Phim. Pronounced “may pim”, it is less crowded and more authentically Thai than the well known city of Pattaya, which is located 30 minutes drive away. That Pattaya attracts more tourists than Mae Phim does not mean that it is the better destination.
Up until lately, Mae Phim has shied away from going all out to promote its charms and beauty. Affluent Thais have been visiting Mae Phim for a long time, as they have been all to aware of what it has to offer. These days, you will find accommodation, attractions and beaches there to rival the best anywhere in Thailand.
So, what does Mae Phim offer? Obviously, the beaches there are wonderful – white sand with crystal blue water. You can find similarly beautiful beaches elsewhere in Thailand, but the ones in Mae Phim are still wholly unspoiled. They still retain their natural charm and beauty, and have not been excessively filled with deck-chairs, or over-run with hawkers.
Mae offers several great beaches for you to choose from. You could literally spend each day of your vacation on a different one if you wanted to. If you ask the locals for some tips, then you will be able to find some truly amazing beach spots that have been left out of the guidebooks.
As for accommodation options, you will not be disappointed. From simple guest-houses to luxurious hotels, there is something for everyone in Mae Phim. You might want to consider a vacation rental home. These properties are fully furnished homes that are fitted out with all the mod-cons that you could want. Expect to find several bedrooms, private swimming pools and landscaped gardens.
Try to stay near the town center, as it has a fantastic atmosphere. Charming and authentic, but pleasingly modern, are the words that best sum it up. It has completely modern amenities, but they sit alongside the traditional Thai aspects of the town, rather than dominating them.
The food is wonderful, the bars are great for sipping cocktails in as the sun comes down, and the shops are perfect for picking up unique souvenirs for your friends back home. You will adjust to your new surroundings in less than a day, and having met some of the locals you will quickly feel at home. Who knows, you even be tempted to make Mae Phim your second home!
