At TTM+ 2019, Runjuan Tongrut, the Tourism of Thailand Director of the Americas said, "We want to show [tourists that] Thailand is not only Bangkok or Phuket." We agree with her.

For far too long, travelers to Thailand have visited the same two destinations, and while they offer so much to see and do, Thailand is a country full of beautiful attractions and experiences for every type of traveler. We've gathered 25 of the top emerging destinations that offer tourists off-the-beaten experiences in nature, shopping, sports, and culture, and you'll definitely want to add them to your list for your next visit to Thailand.

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park showcases just how beautiful Thailand is. You'll find plenty to do here from taking a boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake to staying overnight in the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp's luxury floating tents. There are opportunities to jungle trek to the Diamond Cave, kayak on the Sok River, bathe elephants at the Elephant Hills Camp, and catch sight of stunning limestone cliffs and wild animals.

Pai is slowly becoming a millennial favorite in Thailand and it's easy to see why. Travelers love exploring the Thai Pai Hot Spring, Pai Canyon, Pam Bok and Mo Paeng Waterfalls, shopping and eating at Pai Walking Street, or checking out Baan Santichon, a traditional Chinese village with clay houses and Yunnan cuisine. Plus, there are plenty of photo-worthy spots like the big white Buddha of Chedi Phra That Mae Yen and the strawberry-themed, Love Strawberry Pai.

The northern province of Chiang Rai is growing in popularity because it offers cooler temperatures in the mountains and unique cultural experiences with diverse peoples from hill tribes in nearby villages. Exploring Mae Sai Market is a popular activity, as is cruising down Kok River, and jungle trekking. Don't miss a chance to take a photo of Wat Rong Khun, a white Buddhist temple, and Wat Rong Seur Ten, a blue temple.

Islands are beloved Thai destinations, and thankfully, there are still some islands where you won't have to fight the crowds. Enter: Koh Kood. Next to the more popular Koh Chang, Koh Kood has lovely beaches, clear waters, and great snorkeling and dive sites. The island is mostly covered in forest with limited infrastructure (so no banks or ATMs), but a growing number of resorts offer relaxing vacations. If you have time, check out Ao Salat, a traditional fishing village, to see the island's true local culture.

Phu Kradueng National Park is among one of the most astounding national parks in Thailand, and the best part -- it doesn't receive that many tourists making it a great spot to explore in solitude, especially if you visit during the week. Here you'll find long trails, waterfalls, and beautiful lookout points. Consider camping at Phu Kradueng National Park as there are many restaurants near the campsite, making it easy for a foreign visitor to find things to eat and drink.

People have lived in Lop Buri since the Bronze Age, making it one of the oldest cities in Thailand with plenty of historical sites. The biggest attractions include hiking the highest mountain of Lop Buri, Khao Wong Phrachan, the Phra Kan Shrine and Phra Narai Ratchaniwet. If you visit Phra Prang Sam Yod or the Monkey Temple, take care of your belongings as the monkeys are notorious for snatching them.

If you can't get enough of sweet tamarinds, you'll want to make your way to Phetchabun, a province known for growing the delicious fruit. After chowing down on delicious foods made from tamarinds, head to Khao Kho National Park, nicknamed "Little Switzerland" for its scenery and cooler weather. The Than Thip Waterfall and Nam Nao National Park are two other favorite spots of this province, as is the ancient ruins of Si Thep Historical Park. Be sure to have your phone charged when you visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew as its white Buddha pagoda is a fantastic sight.

This seaside town south of Bangkok is the kind of place where you can relax on the beach in peace. With a variety of affordable to mid-range and luxury resorts, travelers of all backgrounds can find a hotel and a beach that isn't overcrowded. With Sam Roi Yod National Park and Pranburi Forest Park nearby, there is plenty of opportunities to kayak through a mangrove forest or experience nature on a hike.

Less than two hours away from Bangkok, Nakhon Nayok is home to Khao Yai National Park, full of hiking opportunities, and white water rafting experiences on Maenam Nakhon Nayok and Nakhon Nayok River. Many of the resorts offer ATV tours on trails, and you can also find some charming temples like Wat Khiriwan.

Chainat or Chai Nat means "place of victory" and it's definitely a win for travelers. You can discover ancient history at Wat Mahathat or the Chai Nat Muni National Museum. Travelers flock to Wat Phra Borommathat, the largest temple, as well as to the Chai Nat Bird Sanctuary which protects over 100 bird species. The province is also well-known for high-quality products like pottery, weaving, and handmade goods, all at an affordable price.

Narathiwat is a unique region in Thailand, not only because its the main area for gold mining, but also because the Muslim culture is very prominent here. In addition to beaches, you'll discover the Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park and the Namtok Sipo National Park. Wat Khaokong and Wat Chon Thara Singhe are two of its most prominent Buddhist temples. Narathiwat borders Malaysia, so for those who want to explore that country too, Narathiwat might be a good jumping off point.

Trat has 52 islands, making it the perfect beach vacation spot in Thailand, especially for those who want a quieter beach experience. It's also known to have some of the best diving and snorkeling because of their untouched coral reefs. If you love jewelry, you'll want to shop for a ruby in Trat, as it's one of Thailand's important ruby mining areas.

Prachin Buri's symbol is the Bodhi tree, and you can see a giant Bodhi tree thought to be more than 2,000 years old at the province's Wat Ton Pho Si Maha Pho. Beyond that, you can explore the Si Mahosot Archeological site and see ruins from the 6th century or marvel at numerous waterfalls like Namtok Than Thip and Khao I-To Waterfall. Even in the rainy season, Prachin Buri provides travelers with an exciting activity: white water rafting on the Sai Yai River's Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids.

Yala is a southern province and town, highly-beloved for their seafood, Chinese, and Muslim cuisine. Visitors here generally enjoy the charming parks, ponds and city tours before heading beyond the town to explore waterfalls and caves, bathe in the mineral waters of Beton Hot Spring, and visit Bang Lang Dam. Yala's annual ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival in March is one of their biggest and beloved events.

The Lam Nam Nan National Park covers part of Uttaradit so travelers will find plenty to do in terms of nature like visiting the Sirikit Dam, Phu Soi Dao Waterfall, and the Tham Chan Forest Park. Where visitors will discover traditional Thai architecture in the temples like Wat Phra Thaen Si La At, travelers may be surprised to come across Vineyard Canaan, a vineyard designed to resemble Tuscan architecture.

Phatthalung offers beauty in many places such as the Talay Noi nature reserve, a large lake with an abundance of wildlife. The town itself has two limestone formations, one of which has a tunnel you can pass through, making it one of the town's most popular attractions. The Thale Noi Waterfowl Park, caves, waterfalls, and hot springs attract nature lovers, while ancient monuments and temples provide a chance for visitors to learn about the history and religion of the area. Nora dance and Nang Talung, or shadow puppet play, are both thought to have been born in Phatthalung, so if you have a chance to experience either during your visit, take it.

Bordering Myanmar, Mae Hong Son is a mountainous area home to hill tribes like the Shan and Hmong. Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu, a Burmese-style monastery is one of their main attractions for its two white chedis, as is Wat Chong Klang for its glass paintings of Buddha and collection of wooden Burmese dolls. Others enjoy the outdoor activities Mae Hong Son offers like the caves of Tham Lot and Tham Pla or the Mae Hong Song Loop which is a beautiful area to explore by motorbike.

Nan is bordered by Laos and has a diverse set of Thai people. With six national parks, such as Doi Phukha National Park, waterfalls, and river rafting, it's the perfect place for the outdoor adventurer. However, people who just want a relaxing stay will find a lot to love here, too. Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and Nan National Museum are worthy attractions.

Buri Ram means "city of happiness" and there is plenty to be happy about in this province. The countryside is covered with ancient sites like the Khmer sanctuary of Phanom Rung, as well as old volcanoes. You can hike an old volcano in Khao Kradong Forest Park or Pak Plong Volcano. Nicknamed the "land of stone castles," there are small stone castles like Buriram Castle and Ban Bu Palace throughout the province. And if you love sports, try catching a game at their popular soccer stadium and motorsports race track.

The Nan River and the Yom River, which run through Phichit, were once home to crocodiles which provides the town with its nickname, "the land of the crocodiles." Today, however, crocodiles are mostly found in Phichit on freshwater crocodile farms. Beyond crocodile tourism, you'll also discover great attractions like Wat Tha Luang, Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon, Nakhton Chai Bowon Forest Park, Bueng Si Fai, and Phichit Historical Park. Market tours and the Chaloem Phrakiat Aquarium are fun family-friendly attractions in Phichit.

Tak is an ancient area set among the Western Forest Complex, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore jungle-covered mountains, waterfalls, caves and white water rafting. Visit Tak if you're looking for a more authentic Thai experience as tourism isn't massive here and you'll have the chance to meet people from local tribes like the Karen, Lisu, and Yao.

Sometimes known as Singgora or Singora, Songkhla is a city in Southern Thailand rising in popularity. Travelers love walking around the Old Town to take photos and try traditional food, or hiking to the top of Khao Tangkuan for stunning city views and a Buddhist temple. Samila beach, among many others, offers time to relax and enjoy the ocean, while the Songkhla Aquarium teaches visitors more about the world under the sea.

Life in Uthai Thani revolves around the river, offering tourists a unique chance to see floating villages. Few tourists visit Uthai Thani which is a shame because it offers gorgeous natural wonders like the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Ciber Waterfall, hot springs, caves with cave paintings, and ancient ruins. Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, Wat Chantaram, and Wat Tham Khao Wong are all worth a visit when you're in Uthai Thani.

Ranong is located on the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula in Thailand and its full of mountains, rainforests, and beaches. Explore unspoiled mangrove forests, waterfalls, and hot springs in Ranong, or shop for pearls and seashell products here after spending a day on the island of Koh Phayam. Catch the sunset at Hat Chan Damri or take a long-tailed boat to Myanmar for the day for less than $10.

Si Sa Ket borders Cambodia, so you'll find plenty of Khmer ruins like Prasat Prang Ku in the area. Or you can go across the river for a day trip to Cambodia to the well-known attraction of Preah Vihar. However, there is enough to keep you busy in Si Sa Ket like visiting Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew, a temple made of 1.5 million beer bottles, or exploring the gorgeous Park of the Duan Princess Mother Sisaket. With tons of waterfalls, parks, and temples in Si Sa Ket, travelers will make plenty of fantastic memories.