Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand Contents

Overview | Location | Coastal Regions | Destinations | Further Info

Overview

Southern Thailand‘s a globally recognized travel destination, visited by numerous tourists from all around the world.  Moreover, ex-pats settle here, calling this place home. The devastating tsunami on boxing day of 2004, although painful, only served to increase its popularity. This region of Thailand has a habit of bouncing back after natural disasters and global economic downturns, such as the GFC. It’s currently carving its path to recovery through the global Covid-19 pandemic! Both the Andaman Sea on the west and the Gulf of Thailand on the east host picture-perfect beaches and tropical islands. Koh Phi Phi, the Similan Islands, James Bond Island, and Koh Samui are great examples. Furthermore, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Ranong are star attractions of Southern Thailand.

Location

A narrow-curved strip of land stretching from Chumphon down to the Malaysian border defines Southern Thailand. Although comprising 14 provinces, it can further be condensed into six coastal sub-regions. Due to the Andaman Sea on the west and the Gulf of Thailand on the east flanking the region!

Coastal Sub-Regions

Northern Andaman Coast

The Northern Andaman coastal sub-region incorporates Phang Nga and Ranong provinces. While the Similan, Surin, Koh Phayam, and Koh Chang islands sit just off the coast. Forest-covered mountains and waterfalls abound. While heavy rain that’s most persistent in the wet season ensures everything stays green. If you’re into diving, then this is the place to be! You’ll also find many high-quality resorts along the mainland coast.

Phuket Southern Thailand

Phuket is both a city, a region, and an island of its own. Hammered by the Dec 2004 tsunami, it has long since fully recovered. You have the old Phuket town on the east and the tourist, ex-pat-dominated towns of Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata on the west. It needs no introduction; however, I will say that the views from the Promthep Cape and the beautiful white sandy bays of this island will draw you back time and time again!

Krabi Southern Thailand

Krabi province is synonymous with rock climbing, limestone karst formations, beautiful sandy beaches, and tropical islands. The mainland beach-town for Krabi is Ao Nang, and that’s a short drive away from the old Krabi heritage town. Picturesque and a little quiet compared to Phuket but popular among thrill seekers because the adventure activities are limitless.

Central Gulf Coast

The Central Gulf coastal sub-region incorporates Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. While the Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao, islands just offshore are well-known vacation hotspots. The notorious full moon parties are held on the islands; diving is also a must-do activity at Koh Tao. However, the beaches of Chumphon are incredibly unscathed as the tourists haven’t swamped them yet!

Southern Andaman Coast

Trang and Satun, which borders Malaysia, make up the southern Andaman coastal sub-region. The Hat Chao Mai National Park in northern Trang hosts several mainland beaches and an Archipelago of seven islands just offshore. This is where you’ll find Koh Kadrad and Koh Muk. Further south, the Mu Ko Phetra Marine National Park covers a mainland coastal region shared by both the Trang and Satun Provinces. And added to that, another 30 islands just offshore in the Malacca Strait. Finally, the Tarutao National Park just off the coast of Satun consists of 51 islands, of which one is Koh Lipe. The Southern Andaman Coast is simply stunning!

Southern Gulf Coast

In the extreme south, the Southern Gulf Coastal sub-region incorporates the provinces Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhia, and Phatthalung. The southern railway line ends in Narathiwat province with Songkhia, Yala, and Narathiwat all, bordering Malaysia. Phatthalung and Yala are both landlocked with no coastal exposure! Given separatist insurgency exists in the provinces Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, these areas should not be considered tourist destinations! Having said that, it’s still a very pretty part of the world!

Southern Thailand Destinations

Tropical island hopping, picture-postcard beaches, or a chaotic nightlife scene are what the international-tourist of the 21^st century is looking for. And where better to get all that than Southern Thailand. However, this region has so much more to offer. Consider castaway islands, tranquil getaways, diving sites, rock-climbing, caving, and numerous national parks, temples, and cultural heritage sites. Southern Thailand caters to backpackers, couples, families, and I’m pretty sure it’s got you covered too! So, without further ado, let’s get into Southern Thailand’s destinations.

Northern Andaman Coast

James Bond Island (Phang Nga)

This unique island with limestone cliffs is famous for sailing around and was featured in a 1974 James Bond movie. It was just a spot on the map in Ao Phang Nga national park (Koh Khao Phing Kan) until the 1974 movie, providing a hideout for the man with the golden gun! Unfortunately, seawater erosion is threatening to have the 20m high limestone karst collapse into the sea. However, environmental authorities are now working out how best to preserve this tourist magnet. The island usually attracts a mass of tourists. However, with the onset of Covid-19, the island is empty but well maintained. An opportunity now exists for the conservation works. I would visit now before it becomes busy!

Phang Nga Bay (Phang Nga)

James Bond Island discussed above is within the Phang Nga Bay national park, which compares to Vietnam’s Halong Bay. Striking limestone karsts towering out of the water provide super photo opportunities. Boat tours are the best way to cover the park while sitting back and taking in the views. Or you can, of course, explore on your own using a sea kayak. The Treehouse Boutique Resort of Sametnangshe, high up on the mainland, is the perfect spot for a panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay. It’s also choice accommodation!

West Coast Natai and Khao Lak Beaches (Phang Nga)

The windswept coast of Phang Nga on the Andaman Sea, with the Similan Islands, offshore is a super destination. Palm trees swaying in the wind and sunsets are a feature of both Natai and Khao Lak Beach areas. Head inland, and you’ll find waterfalls within the mountainous terrain. Classy beachside resorts will make you want to stay in this beautiful part of the world.

Similan Islands (Phang Nga)

The Similan Islands are just off the Northern Andaman coastal region of the Phang Nga province. Put your head under the water, and you’ll see what the Similan Islands are all about! With coral reefs, barracudas, whale sharks, and manta rays all within tropical waters to die for and so clear! That’s why it’s a global magnet for tourists and the diving community. Fantasy Mound is the most sought-after diving spot and where all the action is. While the white sand of Horseshoe Bay is where you can relax once you’ve had your diving fix! I believe live-aboard diving setups are also available in this region!

Phuket Southern Thailand

Phuket Island (Phuket)

Bangkok and Phuket for many years are where tourists were headed if they were visiting Thailand … Simply put, Thailand meant either Bangkok or Phuket or both. A typical holiday would involve flying into Phuket, followed by a connection to Bangkok for shopping. After that, a flight back home! Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and it has numerous beaches and bays that are mainly found on the western side of the island. Kamala, Karon, and Kata are popular tourist towns. While the main resort town of Patong is famous for its nightclubs, bar, and discos. That said, it’s entirely possible to have a quiet vacation on this island, and many ex-pats also call it home. You’ll find many luxury seaside resorts, spas, and restaurants on this island. The old Phuket town markets on the east side of the island are a good day trip change from Patong.

Krabi Southern Thailand

Ao Nang (Krabi)

Ao Nang Krabi is the main tourist center for the Krabi Province. With its Karst Limestone coastal cliffs, it’s also a perfect base for adrenaline hunters, thrill-seekers, and those who happily wake up to adventure on their doorstep. For example, rock climbers, island hoppers, sea kayakers, hikers, snorkelers, and scuba divers can all get their fix right here! Moreover, a fleet of long-tail boats provides a frequent ferry service to and from the nearby Andaman Islands. The hard-to-reach Ao Nang mainland beaches are also serviced this way. Old town Krabi is only 20 minutes away by road, with the Krabi International Airport close by.

Krabi Town (Krabi)

Old Town Krabi is an absolute pearler of a traditional Thai market town, set within a tranquil river setting. It’s also the capital of the Krabi provincial area, and it’s where all the government business is carried out. But Krabi is way more than that. You can even access the Andaman Islands or the Railay Peninsula from the town itself by long-tail boat. Weekend Night-time Markets are a top attraction of Krabi town with live music, great food, and a superb ambiance. It’s an inexpensive stopover for a one or two-night stay.

Koh Phi Phi Archipelago (Krabi)

Located SW of Krabi, you’ll find the Phi Phi archipelago of six islands. Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest, the most popular, and only island inhabited. The archipelago is essentially in the middle of the Andaman Sea between the southern tip of Phuket island and the coast of Krabi. Amazing white sandy beaches, remoteness, and ease of access make this one of the most visited destinations in Southern Thailand.  The tsunami of 2004 all but destroyed Koh Phi Phi, but it has long since recovered. Some would say it has become a little too built up for an island of its size. Covid-19 will have given the island a welcome respite from over-tourism. It’s a beautiful island!

Central Gulf Coast

Khao Sok National Park (Surat Thani)

Khao Sok National park is a nature reserve in Surat Thani, province of southern Thailand. It’s a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of the coastal resorts and has a tranquil-lakeside setting. Cheow Lan Lake, set within the dense virgin jungle, is the perfect spot for a Thailand safari tour. And that’s the best way to explore this place if visiting for the first time. Serious hikers and adventurers can really get immersed in this jungle park. However, the edge of the lake and organized tours are a better option for novel enthusiasts. Waterfalls, gorges, and wildlife can also be accessed within the park. While lake-side chalets provide novelty accommodation in the park. Bungalow options can also be found in the village close by. A day trip would not be enough time to visit Khao Sok.

Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, & Koh Tao (Surat Thani)

I’ve put these three islands together because they’re near one another and just off the coast of the Surat Thani province. That said, Koh Tao is also accessed from Chumphon by high-speed ferry.

KoH Tao

Koh Tao, the smallest and most northerly of the three tropical islands, is surrounded by pretty beaches and bays. It’s also a diver’s paradise. If you’re not already qualified, you’ll have the opportunity to get PADI certification right here on the island. The top things to do are diving, snorkeling, beach hopping, cycling, hiking, and chasing the sunsets. A pretty island indeed!

Koh Pha Ngan

The second-largest island is Koh Pha Ngan, and it’s located further south and a little closer to Koh Samui. It’s also the middle island of the three and has a mountainous jungle-clad interior. Koh Pha Ngan is known globally for the full moon parties taking place on the beautiful Had Rin Beach. The island has thrived on the full-moon party strategy from a marketing point of view. And if that works … and it does … why not! However, there’s a lot more to do on the island, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, or Muay Thai training. There’s even the Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National park, and strangely enough, it’s free!

Koh Samui

Thailand’s third-largest island after Phuket and Koh Chang are Koh Samui. It’s also the largest of the Surat Thani islands and just a little further south of Koh Pha Ngan. Armed with an international airport, three international hospitals, and shopping malls, it’s a busy island usually full of tourists. The beaches and activities are focused on the eastern side of the island, with the west being much quieter. There are no shortage of granite outcrops, sandy bays, walking streets, waterfalls, and viewpoints. You’ll also find waterfalls, and a day trip to the Ang Thong Marine Nat Pk is highly recommended. Accommodation options are limitless!

Mo Ko Ang Thong National Park (Surat Thani)

The Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands close to Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Mostly inaccessible and certainly not for staying overnight on. With that said, Ko Wua Talap has a sea-front restaurant, gives you the Buaboke Cave to explore, and a 30-minute trail through the jungle. Most visit the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park via a boat tour, and it’s a popular day trip from the island of Koh Samui. The islands look like a string of green forest-covered mountainous peaks,  when viewed from a distance, and make a super photoshoot!

Nakhon Si Thammarat (Nakhon Si Thammarat)

Nakhon Si Thammarat is another hidden gem within the Central Gulf Coastal sub-region. It’s off the tourists’ beaten track, and so it’s not so busy. However, it’s a beautiful part of the world, with long sandy beaches, jungle-covered mountains, and waterfalls. Check out the cultural sights of the Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan temple, or spot the pink Dolphins living by the river mouth at Khanom bay. You can also visit the seven-tiered Krung Ching Waterfall, the Khao Phlia Dam, or the Kiriwong village. Yes, it’s a vacation within traditional Thailand, without the 21^st-century trimmings.  And a far cry from Patong, but then again, maybe that’s what you’re looking for!

Southern Andaman Coast

Koh Lipe (Satun)

When you reach Koh Lipe, you’ve gone as far south as you can with the Thai Islands. After that, you cross the Malaysian border; indeed, the next island south would be the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Koh Lipe is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, which has ~51 small islands with beautiful coral-rich waters. The island is surrounded by white sandy beaches; that’s the attraction, with Pattaya beach being the most popular. If you’re into diving, then you’ll want to check out the Eight Mile Rock pinnacle and the Yong Hua Shipwreck. Both are top dive sites in the marine park, while kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling are also popular.

Trang Archipelago (Trang)

The Trang Archipelago, which is part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park in northern Trang, consists of seven islands. While all seven are considered a laid-back tropical escape, Koh Kradan, Koh Muk, and Koh Ngai are the most popular. You got the usual white sandy beaches and bays, plus clear water. But the islands are remarkably laid back and quiet in comparison to other more popular Thailand islands. Snorkeling, swimming, sea kayaking, and even climbing are popular pastimes in a paradise of relatively undiscovered beauty!

Southern Gulf Coast

Phatthalung (Phatthalung)

Phatthalung is a hidden gem within the Southern Gulf Coastal sub-region, and it’s accessible by train from Bangkok. It’s not a tropical beach or island destination by any stretch of the imagination because it’s landlocked. However, it does have a super lake with islands and provides the largest red lotus sea display in Southern Thailand. You can also check out the water buffalo and visit Khlong Pak Pra early morning to see a specular sunrise. Moreover, the city itself with its surrounding limestone karsts is worth a visit. Phatthalung tourism suffers because it’s on a “don’t visit list” by government advisories. But that’s mainly due to the separatist insurgency issues existing in the neighboring provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani. If you want to get off the beaten path, Phatthalung is worth a visit.

Further Info

Is Southern Thailand Safe?

Compared to many other international destinations around the world, Southern Thailand is considered pretty safe. Sure, there are obviously pickpockets and scams to be aware of, but that’s a global issue. Specific to Southern Thailand is the separatist insurgency existing in the Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani provinces. These areas should not be considered tourist destinations! However, that’s not to say you couldn’t have a good time there; safety’s just not a guaranteed outcome if you go!

Best Time To Go Southern Thailand

The climate in Southern Thailand is basically wet and dry. Furthermore, with the rains falling around slightly different times on the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman beaches, it’s always good somewhere! However, if you don’t want to chance the rain November through to May (dry season) is your best option. That said, June to October (wet season) on the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan is a superb option as a little less rain falls here comparing to the Andaman coast.

What To Avoid In Southern Thailand?

Southern Thailand is no different from other areas of Thailand in respect of things to look out for. However, a little common sense goes a long way in a foreign country! Some things to avoid are listed below:

• Modest dress and no shoes in temples,
• No touching of monks,
• Don’t disrespect the royal family,
• Don’t point your feet at someone,
• Always keep your shirt on around town,
• Photograph Jet Ski and motorbikes before hiring to avoid damage scams,
• Avoid Tuk Tuk scams by knowing the local costs before you go!
• Avoid Airport drivers that tell you your accommodation is canceled and direct you to another more expensive option,
• Don’t drink the tap water,
• Be careful swimming in the rough seas and strong currents associated with the monsoonal wet season. Always swim between the flags!

Things You Don’t Need To Worry About?

Some things may be causing you unnecessary concern about your visit to Southern Thailand. I’ve listed some below:

• Eat the street food … go for it … Just check the vendor is using proper hygiene techniques and cooking the food in front of you!
• Tropical illnesses are rare but know that the hospitals and health services are at international standards … you’ve got no worries there! Just have travel insurance sorted!
• Ice cubes in an established hotel or restaurant are safe!
• Can’t speak Thai, no worries, you’ll always find someone who speaks enough English!
• Don’t fret about the nightlife in Patong if you don’t like it, simply avoid Bangla Road and go to a quiet area! They do exist!

Check out my article “Travelling Thailand” for essential info, visa requirements, safety, language learning, and more for all visits to the kingdom! You can also check out the related posts below for further info on Southern Thailand.