Places to visit in Southern Thailand

Phuket

Magnificent coves and bays, beaches, islands, people and great seafood

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Phuket Islands

There are more than 15 stunning islands in Phuket that one can explore.

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Krabi

Most picturesque province with perfect beaches and stunning scenery

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Koh Samui

Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, spectacular viewpoints, temples and wellness spas.

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Koh Phangan

Famous for the Full Moon Party which is held on full moon nights every month

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Koh Lanta

6km wide and over 30-km long, featuring nine golden sand beaches and diverse terrain

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Trang

On the coast of Straits of Malacca, it 46 islands together with the mainland area

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Hat Yai

The largest City in southern Thailand, located near the border of Malaysia

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Surat Thani

Mainly known to tourists as the jump-off point to Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha Ngan

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Koh Tao

Known for its scuba diving destination of choice in Thailand

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Nakhon Si Thammarat

Second largest province in southern Thailand, 780 kilometers south of Bangkok 

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Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand is a region known for its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, tropical islands, rich cultural history, and vibrant marine life. The area is made up of 14 provinces, each offering its own unique charm, from bustling cities and remote villages to national parks and serene islands.

 

  • Population: Southern Thailand is home to approximately 9.5 million people. The population is diverse, with a mix of Thai Buddhists, Muslims, and a smaller number of indigenous groups and Chinese descendants.
  • Famous For: The region is world-renowned for its beautiful islands, clear waters, limestone cliffs, and beaches, as well as its rich cultural and religious history, particularly in its Islamic communities and ancient trade cities. It is also known for marine life, water sports, and distinctive southern Thai cuisine.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to March is generally the best time to visit Southern Thailand, especially the Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Krabi) and the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan). This period has pleasant weather, less rain, and is perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures.

Highlights of Major Place/City in Southern Thailand

1. Phuket

  • Highlights: Thailand’s largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Phuket is famous for its beaches, nightlife, luxury resorts, and cultural attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and Old Phuket Town.
  • What Tourists Do: Beach-hopping (Patong, Kata, Karon), snorkeling, diving, enjoying nightlife at Bangla Road, boat trips to Phi Phi Islands, and cultural tours.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Patong Beach: Known for its bustling nightlife and watersports.
    • Big Buddha: A 45-meter-tall statue offering panoramic views of the island.
    • Old Phuket Town: Colonial-style architecture and vibrant street markets.

2. Krabi

  • Highlights: Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, and laid-back beaches. Krabi is a popular spot for adventure lovers who enjoy rock climbing, snorkeling, and island hopping.
  • What Tourists Do: Island hopping (to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta), rock climbing at Railay Beach, kayaking in the mangroves, and visiting caves.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Railay Beach: Famous for rock climbing and its stunning limestone formations.
    • Phi Phi Islands: Known for their crystal-clear water, vibrant marine life, and picturesque beaches.
    • Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua): A temple on top of a mountain with panoramic views of Krabi.

3. Koh Samui

  • Highlights: One of the largest islands in Thailand, Koh Samui is known for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It also offers a wide range of wellness retreats and yoga centers.
  • What Tourists Do: Relax at luxury resorts, visit waterfalls, attend full moon parties on nearby Koh Phangan, enjoy beach bars, and visit cultural attractions.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Chaweng Beach: The most popular beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
    • Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): A 12-meter-tall statue on a small islet connected by a causeway.
    • Namuang Waterfall: A scenic waterfall surrounded by jungle.

4. Koh Phangan

  • Highlights: Famous for its Full Moon Party and beautiful, laid-back beaches. Koh Phangan is a favorite for backpackers and party-goers, but it also offers peaceful retreats in the northern parts of the island.
  • What Tourists Do: Attend the Full Moon Party, explore hidden beaches, and enjoy yoga retreats and wellness centers.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Beach: A legendary beach party attracting thousands of travelers.
    • Bottle Beach: A quiet, secluded beach popular for its natural beauty.
    • Thong Sala Night Market: A vibrant market with local Thai street food.

5. Koh Lanta

  • Highlights: A tranquil, less crowded island with long stretches of beach, Koh Lanta is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and fantastic dive sites.
  • What Tourists Do: Relax on beaches, scuba dive or snorkel, and explore the island on motorbikes.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Mu Ko Lanta National Park: Offers hiking trails, beaches, and a lighthouse with views over the Andaman Sea.
    • Kantiang Bay: A pristine beach with a more peaceful vibe.
    • Koh Rok: A nearby island known for excellent snorkeling and coral reefs.

6. Trang

  • Highlights: A lesser-known gem, Trang is famous for its untouched beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the natural beauty of its surrounding islands.
  • What Tourists Do: Island hopping, exploring caves, snorkeling, and enjoying authentic Thai food.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot): A hidden lagoon accessed through a cave on Koh Muk.
    • Koh Kradan: A peaceful, scenic island perfect for snorkeling and beach relaxation.
    • Thung Khai Botanical Garden: A nature park with elevated walkways through the forest canopy.

7. Hat Yai

  • Highlights: The largest city in Southern Thailand, Hat Yai is known for its shopping, nightlife, and being a cultural melting pot. It is a major commercial hub near the Malaysian border.
  • What Tourists Do: Shop at markets, explore temples, and enjoy the local food.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Kim Yong Market: A bustling market selling everything from clothes to local delicacies.
    • Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol: A unique, stainless steel temple.
    • Ton Nga Chang Waterfall: A seven-tiered waterfall ideal for hiking and picnics.

8. Surat Thani

  • Highlights: Known primarily as a transit hub for travelers heading to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. It has some cultural and natural sites worth visiting for those who stay longer.
  • What Tourists Do: Use it as a stopover for island hopping, visit temples, and explore nearby national parks.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Khao Sok National Park: One of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks, featuring dramatic limestone mountains, rivers, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake.
    • Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya: An ancient Buddhist temple dating back to the 8th century.

9. Koh Tao

  • Highlights: A small island famous for scuba diving, with numerous diving schools offering courses for beginners to advanced divers. The underwater scenery is world-class, with colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life.
  • What Tourists Do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, exploring the island by motorbike, and relaxing at beach bars.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Shark Bay: A great spot for snorkeling and seeing blacktip reef sharks.
    • Sai Nuan Beach: A secluded beach known for its calm waters and beautiful sunsets.
    • Mango Bay: A fantastic snorkeling spot with clear water and colorful coral.

10. Nakhon Si Thammarat

  • Highlights: This province offers a rich cultural heritage, with ancient temples and traditional craft villages. It’s a more off-the-beaten-path destination, perfect for history and culture lovers.
  • What Tourists Do: Visit ancient temples, experience local life, and explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Wat Phra Mahathat: One of the most important temples in Southern Thailand, known for its iconic chedi.
    • Kiriwong Village: A peaceful village surrounded by mountains, known for handicrafts and homestays.
    • Namtok Yong National Park: A park with waterfalls and hiking trails.

General Tourist Activities in Southern Thailand

  • Beach Relaxation: The region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it a top destination for sunbathing, swimming, and beach parties.
  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are known for vibrant coral reefs and marine life, offering world-class diving experiences.
  • Adventure Sports: Southern Thailand offers rock climbing, zip-lining, kayaking, and jungle trekking, particularly around areas like Krabi, Koh Tao, and Khao Sok National Park.
  • Cultural Exploration: Many southern provinces offer a glimpse into traditional Thai culture, with ancient temples, local festivals, and historical landmarks.
  • Island Hopping: Tourists often travel between the various islands (like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Phi Phi) to experience the diversity of the region’s natural beauty.

Tourist Attractions Across Southern Thailand

  • Phang Nga Bay: Known for its limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters.
  • Similan Islands: A renowned destination for diving enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters and rich marine life.
  • Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park: Famous for its floating bungalows and dramatic limestone karst scenery.