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We all know the astonishment of Thailand with its world-wonder landscapes, vibrant array of wildlife, tangible cultures throughout massive cities and traditional villages, and of course, insanely cheap street food throughout its famous night markets.

But the truth is there’s far more to discover than Bangkok and Phuket — and you can throw in Koh Samui after its wildly successful White Lotus run.

In the age of overtourism — which Koh Samui fits the bill — there’s actually one Thai city that wants to welcome more tourists after recovering from disastrous floods that ravaged the region.

We try to be impartial, but there’s no shame in admitting Thailand is a Travel Off Path favorite, so we’re always stoked to report any inkling of major news.

In this case, the virtually unknown city of is on a promotional tear with hopes you’ll give it a chance to become the country’s new vacation hotspot.

With stunning undiscovered beaches close by and its own delights in the city limits, such as astounding temples and buzzing markets always captivating to visit.

Southern Thailand’s Largest City

Don’t be denied boarding. Check the latest entry requirements for your destination before your trip.

You’d never guess it, but Hat Yai is Southern Thailand’s largest urban sprawl, chock-full of goodies.

If the name rings a bell, it’s more likely you heard mainstream news cover Mother Nature’s wrath in fall of 2025, when horrendous floods wiped out swaths of the city, ultimately taking it off the map for tourism with the exception of surrounding towns.

Songkhla Province, where Hat Yai is located, is well worth exploring beyond the cityscape — and don’t worry, we’ll get there.

But the city itself is what’s been promoted by both tourism and government officials, not just to ease the crowds of Thailand’s household names, but to boost the economy for one of the nation’s biggest hidden gems, in more ways than one.

What makes the city of Hat Yai special is how it feels refreshingly local, especially for such a globally popular country.

A far cry from Bangkok, it’s a southern hub known for markets, street food, shopping, temples, and even easy access to Malaysia, so you can double-dip your trip.

Even if you do cross over, you won’t break the bank on either side, as both Malaysia and Thailand are remarkably affordable across the board.

Though, one could argue nothing beats Vietnam’s prices.

We’ve done some digging and found 3 absolute must-sees while you’re here:

• Khlong Hae Floating Market: vendors sling snacks, sweets, seafood, and daring drinks concoctions from boats
• Wat Chue Chang: a vivid Chinese Buddhist temple in the heart of the city that speaks to the city’s Thai-Chinese roots
• Kim Yong Market: a chaotic market where you can get a real sense of the city, with local snacks, imported goods, bargain finds, and the kind of sensory overload that makes you want to go each day

That’s our take.

For what it’s worth, TripAdvisor says Central Festival Hatyai is the #1 attraction to shop ’til you drop.

Beyond The City: Springboard To Songkhla’s Secret Shores

Hat Yai may not scream “Thailand beach getaway” at first glance, but you’re in for a surprise.

The same way I was shocked how beautiful the outskirts of Bangkok are with gorgeous countryside right outside the city, the same can be said for the shoreline beyond Hat Yai.

The Songkhla Province quietly hides a postcard coastline most travelers skip altogether in favor of the names we’ve all grown accustomed too with even Pattaya rebranding — or at least giving it the ol’ “college try”.

Rather than rows of flashy resorts and jam-packed beach clubs, this side of Thailand boasts long sandy shores, freshly caught seafood by the water, numerous undiscovered beach towns, and unparalleled bliss away from the city grind.

That said, there are some resorts — it’s just not anywhere near Phuket’s level. Definitely check out Ao Thai Resort.

I’m not even going to list how cheap it is because you won’t believe me — you’ll have to check here yourself.

How Safe Is Thailand To Visit?

Thailand is currently designated “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution“, which is the second lowest designation that’s on par with many of your favorite destinations, such as Mexico.

But how are travelers really feeling visiting this Southeast Asia phenom?

According to our very own Safety Index, travelers are reporting the vibes are high right now across the country with a score of 85//100:

As for Hat Yai specifically, you won’t find anything jarring to deter you from booking your trip, but you’ll definitely want to check the weather report given how Hat Yai got in this position in the first place…

Just remember — even if it is summer at home, that may not be the case across the world.

Thailand’s rainy season is largely considered from May to October, but tends to stretch into late November for the Songkhla province.

But all in all, “Hat Yai is Back!” as stated by the Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Take it from someone who visited St. Lucia this year — there’s far more to experience in the Caribbean than The Bahamas and Dominican Republic.

In fact, we at Travel Off Path might argue that the deeper you go into the Caribbean, the more unexpected memories you’ll bring back home with you.

Just stop at Venezuela. 👌🏻

But it’s not just us seasoned travelers here at TOP who love venturing beyond the norm to find our own slice of paradise; it’s fellow experts at Forbes who just revealed a far-flung island as the Caribbean’s top vacation destination for 2026.

Better yet, don’t let ‘far-flung’ deter you, as Delta is saving you the headache of multiple layovers with a new U.S. flight that just launched to the lesser-known island of Grenada.

Why Forbes Has Fallen In Love With Grenada

Out of 20 destinations, Forbes only highlighted one Caribbean getaway on their list of 2026’s top destinations. You guessed it — Grenada.

As such, it’s obvious that well-respected Forbes has fallen in love with an island many of us couldn’t point out on a map with a dozen guesses.

So, let’s paint a picture.

Grenada is one of the Caribbean’s farthest islands to the south of the U.S. mainland, lying directly below trendy St. Vincent & the Grenadines and far enough from aforementioned Venezuela to be completely safe as its own haven from any political spillover.

In fact, it’s one of the Caribbean’s safest islands to visit and arguably one that packs the biggest punch, given how it’s so small and easy to explore.

Grenada boasts white-sand shores and stunning volcanic landscapes with a culture that emanates laid-back Caribbean charm, and over 30 dive sites, including the world’s first underwater sculpture park.

Defined as a “hidden gem” by Forbes, they love the following aspects you can expect to savor:

• The food is no joke! — expect an array of spices, chocolate, and of course, rum
• Grand Anse — one of ’40 pristine beaches’ Forbes hypes as a must-visit
• Silversands Resort — Grenada’s most luxurious island, anchoring Grand Anse

The Caribbean’s Next Luxury Hotspot?

Punta Cana may be overcrowded at the moment as they’ve taken Jamaica’s place as they recover from Hurricane Melissa, so that leaves a handful of other notable names left in the ‘luxury’ category while Montego Bay slowly but surely recovers.

But Grenada says “hold my Carib!”.

According to insiders at yet another respected travel publication, The Caribbean Journal, Grenada is ‘making a push’ to earn a seat at the table with the Caribbean’s ritziest of islands.

Not onlt is Grenada promoting the island’s exciting new flight we’ll get to shortly, they’re promoting the glitz and glamour you can expect to experience if you opt for on of the island’s posh resorts.

While Forbes loves Silversands, our team has a few faves up our sleeves as well (when we’re not in vacation mode rockin’ tank-tops that is…):

• Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
• Spice Island Beach Resort
• Sandals Grenada

Just know you might have to take out a loan to swing Spice Island’s rates, but if you’re a splurger like we are at times, then there’s arguably no better place to spend commas.

One recent guests sounded they had no regrets, stating “This is an exceptional boutique resort hotel on the most fabulous beach in Grenada (or maybe even the entire Caribbean)”.

Delta’s Exciting New Flight To Grenada

Before December 20th, American travelers magnetized by Grenada’s laid-back vibes and low-key luxury only had 2 direct flight options:

• JetBlue — New York City (JFK)
• American Airlines — Miami (MIA)

Delta has now added a third option, making Grenada more convenient than ever being a map-dot in the southern Caribbean.

The good news is Delta is never a bad idea with so many on-board perks to bide time.

The bad news is this route is seasonal, so plan accordingly.

Launched December 20th, this daily service from Atlanta (ATL) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) is set to end April 12, 2026.