South Thailand Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Thailand
Phang Nga featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and rugged coastline
Phuket showing rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and a beach
Koh Samui which includes a sandy beach, forests and boating
South Thailand

South Thailand Travel Guide Video

Go scuba diving around the colorful reefs of marine parks, hop between islands and party all night at beach resorts.

South Thailand lies on a peninsula with some of the country’s most iconic resorts. The scenic shorelines of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand flank this narrow strip of land known for its beaches and islands. Dance at full moon parties after a day of exploring the region’s nature parks and beaches.

Hop between islands along the Malay Peninsula. Explore Angthong National Park that stretches across 42 islands. Sail through this marine park and capture photos of the idyllic, mountainous islands that make up the archipelago.

Nearby is iconic Koh SamuiOpens in a new window island, known for its beaches, nightlife and rainforest. See the many temples here, such as Wat Khunaram, Wat Plai Laem and Wat Hin Lat, next to a scenic waterfall in the heart of a jungle. The most recognizable feature here is the Big Buddha StatueOpens in a new window just off the northern shore on islet Koh Faan.

Relax on one of seemingly countless beaches decorating the peninsula’s eastern shores near Koh Samui and western shores near PhuketOpens in a new window, KrabiOpens in a new window and Phi Phi Island. White sands, clear waters and excellent diving make these popular spots. Visit during the dry seasons of December through April and July to August. Monsoons are common the rest of the year.

For cultural experiences, head to the southeastern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Browse the exhibits of the Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum, see the fascinating Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to the coastal location of this region, southern Thai food comprises mostly seafood, along with coconut-based curries and Malaysian influences.

Find this region south of the narrow Kra Isthmus strip of Thailand between Malaysia and southern Myanmar. Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, this picturesque part of the world can be reached by boats from Malaysia and Indonesia. Fly to the airports of Phuket or Krabi and get around by bus or rental car.

Jungles, glorious beaches, islands and marine parks make up the special topography of South Thailand.

Where to stay in South Thailand

Ao Phra Nang Beach which includes a garden and a luxury hotel or resort

Ao Nang

If you're spending some time in Ao Nang, Ao Nang Beach and Ao Nang Landmark Night Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ao Nang
West Railay Beach showing swimming, a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Railay Beach

Travellers to Railay Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by West Railay Beach and East Railay Beach.

Railay Beach
Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Cafes, beaches and historical sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Phuket Town. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Talad Yai Market while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Phuket Town
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Chaweng City Center

4/5(63 area reviews)

Chaweng City Center is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Chaweng Beach and Central Festival Samui Shopping Center.

Chaweng City Center
Krabi Town featuring night scenes and a river or creek

Downtown Krabi

4/5(13 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the hot springs and festivals in Downtown Krabi. You might want to make time for a stop at Krabi Town Weekend Night Market or Wat Kaew Korawaram.

Downtown Krabi
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Lamai City Center

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Lamai City Center, you might enjoy its beaches and shopping. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Lamai Beach or Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks.

Lamai City Center
Paradox Resort Phuket
Paradox Resort Phuket
5 out of 5
509 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"We had a supreme garden villa with a plunge pool. We arrived early at the resort before lunchtime. Our room wasnt ready so we had early lunch at the restaurant. There was no welcome drink considering reception were not busy so no excuse. After lunch we had to wait over 2 hours for our room. We were ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Paradox Resort Phuket
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
5 out of 5
99 Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Patong, Phuket
The price is AU$666 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$666
includes taxes & fees
21 Mar - 22 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"The best resort in Phuket! The food is excellent and varied. We chose the all-inclusive option, and I couldn't have asked for more. The quality of service and all the food was amazing."

Reviewed on 1 Mar. 2025

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
4 out of 5
198 8-9 TAWEEWONG ROAD PATONG, Patong
The price is AU$277 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$277
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (959 reviews)
"Check in was simple and the staff were very friendly"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
HOMA Phuket Town
HOMA Phuket Town
4 out of 5
3/41 Moo 5, Soi Samkong 1, Ratsada, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ratsada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"Great customer service, awesome amenities"

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

HOMA Phuket Town
6th Avenue Surin Beach
6th Avenue Surin Beach
4 out of 5
50/37 Moo 3, Soi Had Surin 6, Thalang, Choeng Thale, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Choeng Thale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Surin Beach and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (246 reviews)
"Overall very nice staffing"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

6th Avenue Surin Beach
Panorama Samui Residences
Panorama Samui Residences
4 out of 5
79/7 Bang Por Soi 4 Moo 6 Maenam, Koh Samui, Suratthani
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Nathon Pier and Fisherman's Village ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Great view"

Reviewed on 1 Feb. 2025

Panorama Samui Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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