thailand south travel guide

The Best 2 week South Thailand Itinerary (2024)

Wondering how to plan your 2 week South Thailand Itinerary? We’ll help you! The Thai Islands are incredibly beautiful – with crystal waters, white sand beaches, impressive viewpoints and more!

There are so many things to do in South Thailand and too much to explore in any amount of time. A plan is a good idea if you have 2 weeks in Southern Thailand and you’ll be able to explore a few islands. Let’s plan your South Thailand route!

How to plan a 2 Week South Thailand Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

So you want to visit the South of Thailand for 2 weeks? We’ll help you plan your Thai Islands itinerary. The first thing you want to figure out is what you like to do on your trips – swimming? beaches? hikes? viewpoints? best restaurants? big nightlife? quiet peaceful getaways? With 1430 islands in Thailand, there’s going to be an island for every type of traveller.

In the South of Thailand, you have amazing islands in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Sometimes travellers focus on one area during a short trip although it is possible to explore both in 2 weeks due to great transport, boats & flights.

Here are the most popular islands on both coasts: Andaman Sea – Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Railay and more. Gulf of Thailand – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

We’ll show you a Southern Thailand itinerary that you can follow when you visit the beautiful Thai Islands!

Check out our other  Thailand Posts :

• 3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary: The Best Koh Samui Guide
• The Best 4 Day Phuket Itinerary: What To Do (2024)
• Volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare: Thailand (2024)
• 3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)
• 11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

How to get around the Thai Islands?

The best way to get around the Thai Islands is by boat ! There are many ferries and speedboats running to all the popular islands in Thailand and they’re also easy to book. If you ever need to know how to get somewhere, ask your accommodation and they can guide you in the right direction! We often book boats on 12Go and it’s a great way to book travel in advance – find times and prices here !

As some of the islands are so big (especially Phuket!) you’ll also need a way to get around. Local transport such as songthaews are on islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. Renting a car or scooter is one of the easiest ways to get around if you feel comfortable driving in Thailand.

It’s possible to grab local taxis when needed and even walk parts of the islands. Luckily on islands such as Phi Phi, there will be no traffic and a lot of the island’s main area is walkable.

Best time to visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is  between November and April . This is Thailand’s dry season, so you’re more likely to have clear skies throughout your trip. If you do happen to visit outside of these months the weather can still be great, however, you may experience more rain between July and October .

2 Week South Thailand Itinerary

This Southern Thailand itinerary will show you the best places to visit in 2 weeks. We’re going to show you a fast-paced route through the Thai Islands – so you can see the main highlights. We will also include a more relaxed itinerary afterwards for those who prefer slow travel.

Phuket – Day 1 & 2

Whether you’re arriving from Bangkok or on an international flight – Phuket is a great place to start your 2 week South Thailand itinerary.

It’s the largest island in Thailand and there are many things to do in Phuket (sometimes people spend 1 or 2 weeks exploring the beaches and temples of the island)

Check out our The Best 4 Day Phuket Itinerary: What To Do (2024) travel guide for more details!

What to do in Phuket?

One of the best things to do in Phuket is to take a boat tour day trip to Maya, Phi Phi and more – however we’re going to visit Koh Phi Phi next on this South Thailand 2 week itinerary.

The Big Buddha

One of the best places to visit during your 2 weeks in South Thailand is The Big Buddha in Phuket. It’s located at the top of a hill, so it’s definitely worth catching a ride or renting a scooter. The view from the top makes the Big Buddha even more impressive and it’s even free entry to visit!

It’s important to wear the correct clothes when visiting here – cover your shoulders and knees. (Our tip is to bring a thin sarong with you to wrap around your waist when visiting religious areas in Thailand).

Find the location here – The Big Buddha (Phuket)

Ao Sane Beach

This is our favourite snorkelling spot on the island and it’s not as popular as the other beaches. There’s snorkelling equipment at the restaurant near the ocean so you can spend a good few hours here enjoying the cosy beach.

Find the location here – Ao Sane Beach

Karon Viewpoint

Karon Viewpoint is one of the best places to see the sunset in Phuket – you’ll have amazing views of three famous beaches on the island. It’s really easy to get here as the parking spaces are next to the viewpoint. Find the location here – Karon Viewpoint .

There are day tours in Phuket that will take you to Karon Viewpoint and the best spots on the island .

Beaches in Phuket

• Yanui Beach (Cosy Beach)
• Kata Noi Beach (Long Relaxing beach)
• Karon Beach (Family Beach)
• Patong Beach (Most Popular Beach)
• Ra Wai Beach (Fishing boats & Seafront)

Phuket Old Town

If you’re in Phuket on a Sunday you must visit the Sunday Walking Street Market , filled with delicious food and things to buy. This area is also worth visiting any other time of day! Phuket Old Town is a lovely place to explore and you can find some cute cafe’s here too.

We recommend trying one of the Buddhist Kay restaurants here in Phuket – Hesan Vegetarian . It’s a buffet-style restaurant and you can fill up your plate with delicious Thai food!

Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham

Start your day 2 in Thailand with a visit to a Buddhist temple in Thailand. Even if you’re not here to pray, you can visit Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham to appreciate the architecture of the temple. They’re all so beautiful in Thailand! It’s also close to Phuket Old Town so you can pair these activities together.

As it’s a religious area – you also have to cover up here.

Central Phuket Floresta

There are markets all over Thailand, but if you need something specific – Central Phuket mall is where you’ll need to go. It’s the best place to go shopping on the island.

Another great activity to do in Phuket is a Cooking Class ! Then you can end your time in Phuket on a Luxury sunset cruise ! This is a lovely way to kick off your Southern Thailand itinerary.

Where to stay in Phuket

We recommend staying in Old Town if you want a relaxed and unique place to stay in Phuket, it’s also easy to get to from the airport and very close to the ferry terminal for your next trip. If you love nightlife – Patong or Karon area is the best place for you!

Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Phuket – SHA+ ($-$$) – Phuket Old Town – Find on Booking.com here!

The Malika Hotel – SHA+ ($-$$) – Phuket Old Town – Find on Booking.com here !

Shanmen Art House Phuket ($-$$) – Patong – Find on Booking.com here !

Best Restaurants in Phuket

Check out our Ultimate Vegan Restaurants in Phuket guide – it’s not just for vegans! There’s some amazing Thai food mentioned on here.

• Vegan Phuket $-$$ (Chalong) – Great Thai Food with an amazing cafe
• Street Food Market $ (Patong) – Best places to find cheap Thai Food
• Go Vegan Cafe $$ (Rawaii) – Healthy food in Phuket
• Vegan Junkie $$ (Chalong) – Best Vegan Burgers in Phuket

Koh Phi Phi – Day 3 & 4

The next stop on your 2 weeks in South Thailand itinerary is Koh Phi Phi! This island became famous after the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach . It may also be the main reason you want to visit South Thailand in the first place – have you seen the photos?!

The famous Maya Bay attracted so many people, that the government had to stop visitors so that the marine ecosystem could recover. This is one of the negative parts of famous spots around the world. After the closure of three and a half years, Maya Bay officially opened again on the 1st of October 2023.

How to get to Koh Phi Phi?

From Phuket, you can book a ferry to Phi Phi from most travel agents including your accommodation. They will most likely include a hotel-pick up to take you to the pier. Ticket prices are around ฿750 for a ferry and it takes around 2 hours. Once you arrive you may be able to walk to your accommodation from the pier. Book your tickets online !

What to do in Koh Phi Phi?

Phi phi snorkeling day trip.

A visit to Koh Phi Phi isn’t complete without a boat trip around the islands to see some amazing snorkel spots and to visit Maya Bay . You can book these trips all over the island and you can even hire a longtail boat privately to choose exactly where you want to go!

This is a must-visit on your 2 weeks on the Thai Islands itinerary. Book your Beat The Crowds Island Hopping Day Trip here !

Phi Phi Viewpoint

This viewpoint takes around 30 minutes to reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with the iconic view of Phi Phi Don. Find the location here – Phi Phi Viewpoint

Go Kayaking

Rent a kayak from one of the stalls at Loh Dalum Beach and make your way to Monkey Beach . It’s a popular and relatively easy spot to snorkel to and you can swim in the crystal waters at Monkey Beach!

Loh Dalum Beach

One of the main beaches to relax after a busy day of snorkelling! You can also watch fire shows along the beach at night. Koh Phi Phi has to be added to your Southern Thailand itinerary!

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is made up of a few islands, but the one you’ll find accommodation on is – Koh Phi Phi Don! This is also where all the restaurants, bars, and markets are. The price of hostels, guesthouses and hotels here are a little more than on other islands but it’s still worth a visit!

Ivory Phi Phi Island ($) – Find here on Booking.com !

Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island ($-$$) – Find here on Booking.com !

Dee Dee Sea Front ($$) – Find here on Booking.com !

Best Restaurants in Koh Phi Phi

• Dow Restaurant ($-$$) – Amazing Thai food with vegan options!
• Only Noodles ($) – The best Pad Thai in Koh Phi Phi
• Garlic 1992 Restaurant ($) – Great Thai food!

Krabi – Day 5 & 6

Krabi is a lovely spot to spend days 5 and 6 of your Thai islands itinerary, there are actually a few different things you can do here! Krabi is popular for rock climbing , so it’s worth spending an extra day if that’s your thing! Otherwise, we recommend visiting Railay Beach – known as one of the most beautiful beaches in South Thailand.

How to get to Krabi?

From Koh Phi Phi you can catch another ferry or speedboat over to Krabi , it’s very easy to book with any company or at the pier terminal. Krabi has an international airport so it’s another good location to start your 2 weeks in South Thailand trip or fly to another area of Thailand. Book your tickets online !

What to do in Krabi?

One of the best things to do in Krabi is to go on an island hopping tour ! This is very popular in the region so if you’re feeling up for it again on this Thai Islands itinerary, we recommend this 7 Islands Sunset Tour !

Railay is the main reason travellers visit Krabi and it’s because of the beautiful beaches! It’s ฿200 return to get to Railay Beach from Ao Nang and you can definitely spend a few hours or even the day here.

• Railay Beach
• Phra Nang Beach
• Rock Climbing

Book your Half-Day Rock Climbing at Railay Beach here ! It’s one of the best things to do in Krabi and perfect for adventurous travellers!

Tiger Cave Temple

If you fancy a challenge on your 2 weeks in South Thailand route, try climbing 1,260 stairs to reach Wat Tham Suea. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the surrounding jungle. There’s also a Buddhist vegan restaurant here to give you energy! Check out Hong Ming Vegetarian Food .

Find the location here – Tiger Cave Temple (Krabi)

Krabi Hot Springs

Hot springs? In a hot country? Yes, it’s possible! The best time to visit the Krabi Hot Springs is early in the morning around 7am when it’s not too hot yet or in the late afternoon. It’s a lovely place to visit as it’s not usually too busy. There’s a ฿200 entry fee for an unlimited time in the hot springs! The best way to get there is to book an excursion to the Krabi Hot Springs .

Shopping in Ao Nang

If you’re staying in Ao Nang, you’ll notice all the restaurants and shops along the seafront. It’s definitely a busy area and has great nightlife too! There are also a lot of international restaurants which is why we recommend trying Indian food here!

You can also visit the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi on a day trip if you’re running out of time on this 2 week South Thailand itinerary.

Where to stay in Krabi

The best place to stay in Krabi is actually Ao Nang! If your main reason to visit Krabi is to see Railay Beach, Ao Nang is much closer and there’s more variety than staying on Railay. We’ve stayed in both Ao Nang and Krabi and can recommend a few places for different reasons.

J Mansion $ (Ao Nang) – Find here on Booking.com !

The Krabi Forest Homestay  $ (Ao Nang) – Find here on Booking.com !

OYO 1118 KL boutique Hotel $ (Krabi Town) – Find here on Booking.com !

Avatar Railay $$ (Railay) – Find here on Booking.com !

Best Restaurants in Krabi

• Plant-erian $$$ (Ao Nang) – The best vegan food in Krabi!
• Bombay Palace Indian Restaurant $$ (Ao Nang) – Amazing South Indian Dosa’s!
• Govinda’s At The Beach $ (Railay) – Perfect veggie beach food & shakes!
• Chalita Cafe & Restaurant $$ (Krabi Town) – Amazing Thai food before the airport!

Koh Samui – Day 7 & 8

If you’re adding Koh Samui to your Southern Thailand itinerary we definitely recommend checking out our detailed Koh Samui guide where you can find out even more information about visiting the island!

How to get to Koh Samui?

The best way to get from Krabi to Koh Samui is by bus/mini-van and then a ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. You can book these tickets from any travel agents around Krabi and also the accommodation you’re staying at. Book your tickets online !

What to do in Koh Samui?

One of the best activities to do in Koh Samui is a 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour ! It’ll take you to some of the best places in Koh Samui that we’ve listed below. Find out more details here !

Na Muang Waterfall 1 & 2

Na Muang Waterfall 1 is really easy to view as the parking is next to the waterfall with only a 2 minute walk. It’s a very lovely waterfall with a pool you can jump in! There’s a ฿50 parking fee here. Find the location here – Na Muang Waterfall 1

Na Muang Waterfall 2 is harder to get to but it has impressive views! It’s 20 minute uphill climb to reach the top where you can bathe in the pools and enjoy the view of the jungle. It was one of our favourite spots in Koh Samui.

Find the location here – Na Muang Waterfall 2

Visit Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is a beautiful Buddhist Temple in the northeast of the island. This area is so photogenic as there are also two statues (Goddess of Mercy Guan Yin and a laughing Buddha) and a lake to enjoy.

Find the location here – Wat Plai Laem

Visit the Big Buddha

Another easy spot to reach in Koh Samui is the Big Buddha. It’s possible to climb up the stairs to get a view of the ocean and surroundings. There is also a market near the area to find any clothes or food (check out Jay Tamachad Vegetarian for amazing Buddhist vegan food)

It looks totally different to the Big Buddha in Phuket, so definitely check it out on your Thai Islands itinerary. Find the location here – Big Buddha

Beaches in Koh Samui

• Silver Beach – Personal favourite beach in Koh Samui
• Ban Tai Beach – Hidden beach spot
• Lipa Noi Beach – Best sunset beach!
• Chaweng Beach – Most popular beach
• Mae Nam Beach – Laid-back beach

Take a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park on a day trip from Koh Samui ! We didn’t have time to fit this in on this 2 week South Thailand itinerary but it was high on our list!

Where to stay in Koh Samui

The most popular area to stay in Koh Samui is near Chaweng Beach .  Lamai, Bophut or Choeng Mon are also great areas to stay with a more chilled vibe.

Private Lodge Beachside Samui Lamai  $ (Lamai) – Find the Booking.com link here !

Lub d Koh Samui Hostel Chaweng Beach (SHA+) $$ (Chaweng) – Find the  Hostelworld link here !

Hotel Samui Beach Residence Hotel $-$$ (Chaweng) – Find the Booking.com link here !

Escape Beach Resort (SHA+) $$ (Mae Nam) – Find the Booking.com link here !

Best Restaurants in Koh Samui

Check out our Top veggie restaurants in Koh Samui guide for a full list of restaurants!

• Pure Vegan Heaven $$ (Lamai) – Amazing vegan food in Koh Samui
• Jay Tamachad Vegetarian $ (Bo Put) – Buffet-style veggie food
• Greenlight Cafe $$-$$$ (Fishermans Village) – A great all-rounder restaurant
• La Fabrique French Bakery $-$$ (Lamai & Chaweng) – The best spot for bakery cravings!

Koh Phangnan – Day 9 & 10

Koh Phangnan is known for its famous full-moon parties, but the island has more to offer than parties on the beach!

How to get to Koh Phangnan?

Head to the ferry terminal in Koh Samui and hop on a speedboat to Koh Phangnan . It’s easier to book with a travel agent or the accommodation you’re staying at as they often include hotel pick-up for a small price! You can also head straight to Koh Phangnan from Surat Thani and miss Koh Samui. Book your tickets online !

What to do in Koh Phangnan?

The thong sala night market.

If you’re in Koh Phangnan on a Saturday then the night market is a must-visit! Filled with many stalls of food, clothes and items – you can spend a couple of hours here. We even managed to find some vegan snacks such as cake, dumplings and of course fruit shakes! Find the location here – Saturday Night Market

Hiking to the Bottle Beach Viewpoint

Wanting another challenge on your 2 week South Thailand itinerary? A hike to bottle beach is definitely a hard one! How to get to the viewpoint? Once on the beach, head to Bottle Beach Resort 2 and follow the path up to the viewpoint. It can take around 50 minutes to reach the top and it’s very high up. Make sure you bring enough water with you!

Find the location here – Hike to Bottle Beach

Snorkel at Mae Haad Beach

Mae Haad Beach is a lovely beach with a strip of sand leading to another small island. It’s amazing for snorkelling as the water is so clear. You can rent snorkel gear at Koh Ma Beach Resort and it’s also where we parked our scooter for the morning.

It’s best to visit Mae Haad Beach nearer to low tide as the beach strip in the middle will be revealed. Check tide times here – Tide Times at Mae Haad Beach & Find the location here – Mae Haad Beach

Ko Ma viewpoint (360 bar)

Ko Ma Viewpoint gives you a beautiful view of Mae Haad beach from above! It’s an amazing spot to visit for sunset, although it’s great to visit at low tide as you can appreciate the beauty of Mae Haad Beach. (There is also a bar at the top, although it keeps changing names)!

Find the location here – Koh Ma Viewpoint

Full Moon Party

When creating your Thai islands itinerary you may want to go to the famous Full Moon Party in Koh Phangnan, the dates change monthly – check here for the correct time to visit the island.

Full Moon parties have been happening every full moon since 1985, and it’s definitely one of the craziest parties in Thailand! Here’s the website for more info – Full Moon Party Website .

Find the location here – Haad Rin Beach (Also take a look at Haad Rin Rock viewpoint ).

Where to stay in Koh Phangnan

If you’re visiting Koh Phangnan for the full moon party – the best area to stay in is Haad Rin ! Otherwise, the best areas to stay are Baan Tai , Thong Sala , Srithanu , Haad Yao & Haad Salad . Srithanu & Haad Yao is close to a lot of yoga and vegan eateries if you’re interested in that!

Haad Salad Resort $ (Haad Salad) – Find here on Booking.com !

Shiralea Island Resort $ (Haad Yao) – Find here on Booking.com !

Tiki Beach Koh Phangan  $-$$ (Baan Tai) – Find here on Booking.com !

Best Restaurants in Koh Phangnan

• EAT.CO $$ (Srithanu) – Healthy vegan food in Koh Phangnan
• Vegan Food & Thai $ (Srithanu) – Vegan-friendly Thai food
• Tito’s Bitchin’ Burritos $-$$ (Thong Sala) – Budget burritos in Koh Phangnan!
• Mama Pooh’s Kitchen $ (Srithanu) – Amazing Thai food with great prices

Koh Tao – Day 11, 12 & 13

Koh Tao is the smallest of the 3 islands in the Gulf of Thailand and it’s actually one of our favourite islands in Thailand. There’s a really good vibe and atmosphere on the island and almost everyone is interested in diving here – if you didn’t know, Koh Tao is famous for diving!

How to get to Koh Tao?

From Koh Phangnan you can easily get a speedboat to Koh Tao . Just head to Thong Sala Pier and purchase a ticket 30 minutes in advance. You can check the times of departure when you arrive on the island. You can book tickets on 12Go .

Also check out our 3 Day Koh Tao Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024) !

What to do in Koh Tao?

Diving is one of the main reasons travellers visit Koh Tao and it’s definitely worth a visit during your 2 weeks in South Thailand. We scuba-dived for the first time here and loved it so much that we did our Padi Open Water and Advanced Open Water with the best diving company – Ocean Sound & Yoga ! (GoogleMaps Location – Ocean Sound Diving )

It’s an incredible experience being able to breathe underwater – we saw trigger fish, puffer fish and rays whilst exploring down to 30 metres! Check out Ocean Sound & Yoga if you want to dive in Koh Tao. One of our favourite experiences in Southern Thailand!

Tanote Bay is a great spot to snorkel and you can see so many varieties of fish and sometimes even turtles! You can rent snorkels from the nearby restaurants and it’s a lovely beach to set up for the afternoon. Find the location here – Tanote Bay

Koh Nang Yuan

You can get to Koh Nang Yuan via a longtail boat from Sairee Beach or the piers. It’s a short visit from Koh Tao as the islands are so close together. The viewpoint on Koh Nang Yuan is one of the most famous and photographed panoramas in Thailand – and it’s definitely worth a visit on your Thai islands itinerary. It’s a short but tiring hike up to the viewpoint though, make sure you bring water!

Head out on a Snorkelling day trip to Koh Nang Yuan and explore Mango Bay, Ao Leuk beach, Hin Wong and Japanese Gardens. Find out more here !

John-Suwan Viewpoint

John-Suwan viewpoint is another view to add to your Koh Tao bucket list, it’s only a short hike up to the top and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and beaches! Find the location here – John-Suwan Viewpoint

Just like it sounds, Shark Bay is your best opportunity to find black-tip reef sharks and turtles! We were lucky to see one of each here as you have a high chance of finding them.

You can get to Shark Bay by parking at Taatoh Seaview Resort and walking down to the rocks/ladder entering the ocean. It’s also possible to rent a snorkel from the restaurant at the top! Find the location here – Shark Bay

Sunset at Sairee Beach

Sairee Beach is the main beach in Koh Tao and you’ll likely end your day there finding delicious food along the main strip. The sunsets are something you have to see!

Find the location here – Sairee Beach

Where to stay in Koh Tao

As Koh Tao is a small island, most of the accommodations you’ll stay at will be around Sairee Beach. This is the best area to stay in Koh Tao to be close to all the main points. If you come here to dive – your diving company can arrange accommodation for you that’s close to the shop.

Budchui Village2 $ (Sairee Beach) – Find here on Booking.com !

Aiya Resort Koh-Tao $-$$ (Sairee Beach) – Find here on Booking.com !

Sairee Hut Resort Koh Tao-SHA Plus $$ (Sairee Beach) – Find here on Booking.com !

Best Restaurants in Koh Tao

• Vegetabowl $-$$ (Sairee Beach) – Amazing healthy food in Koh Tao
• Coconut Monkey $-$$ (Mae Haad Pier) – A big international menu with good prices
• La Carotte Qui Rit $-$$ (Mae Haad Pier) – Great Thai food!
• The Factory Cafe $$ (Sairee Beach) – Vegan-friendly brunches & cakes
• La Pizzeria $$ (Sairee Beach) – Best pizza on the island

Night Ferry & Leaving – Day 14

As you may only have 2 weeks in South Thailand, your last day will be spent preparing to leave. Koh Tao is quite far away from an airport so you’ll have to catch the night ferry the day before overnight. This is easy to book with the pier, accommodation or any tour agent on the island.

You’ll arrive at Surat Thani very early in the morning and from here you can get onward travel to your next destination. There are airports in Surat Thani, Krabi or Phuket that may be options for you to leave Thailand.

Other places to visit in the Thai Islands

• Khao Sok National Park (incredible lake views!)
• Koh Lanta (a laid-back island!) Find out more here!
• Koh Lipe (smaller and quiet island!)

2 Week South Thailand Itinerary: Breakdown

Phuket – 2 days

Koh Phi Phi – 2 days

Krabi – 2 days

Koh Samui – 2 days

Koh Phangnan – 2 days

Koh Tao – 3 days

Leaving South Thailand – 1 day

Slower South Thailand Itineraries:

When visiting a new country you obviously want to see everything! It’s a natural instinct to not want to miss out on any places or islands on a trip especially if it’s far from home. We have done two trips to Thailand, one fast-paced and one slow-paced through the Thai Islands.

We enjoyed them both – so we’ve created itineraries for both types of travellers. Using the information we’ve already provided you can change your days to match these itineraries! We recommend choosing an area which means you will need another trip to Thailand to revisit the other side (Which is what we did!)

G ulf of Thailand – Krabi 3 days – Koh Samui 3 days – Koh Phangnan 3 days – Koh Tao 5 days

Andaman Sea – Phuket 3 days – Koh Phi Phi 3 days – Koh Lanta 3 days – Krabi 3 days – Khao Sok 2 days

Our personal favourite islands – Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi & Koh Lanta (We volunteered on Koh Lanta for 2 months)

Where to stay in Thailand

There are many hotels, hostels, resorts and guesthouses all over Thailand for you to enjoy during your 2 week South Thailand itinerary. You can find anything from bungalows to high-rise hotel rooms on your Thai Islands itinerary.

We recommend using Hostelworld , Booking.com or Agoda to find accommodation that meets your budget. You can filter the budget, area and amenities you’d like such as a pool or air-con.

When finding budget accommodation in Thailand such as guesthouses or sometimes hostels – you may come across hard beds or cold showers. This is Thai standard and whilst hotels usually don’t have these for guests, it may still happen. Cold showers feel good after a long day in the sun anyway!

Best Restaurants in Southern Thailand

The South of Thailand has a mix of delicious local Thai food, international cuisine and cosy vegan restaurants. Some of the best restaurants in Thailand can be found in street markets, busy cities or simply at your own accommodation. Here are a few restaurants we recommend you try on your visit to South Thailand:

• Vegan Phuket $-$$ (PHUKET) – Our favourite Thai Food with an amazing cafe
• Only Noodles $ (KOH PHI PHI) – The best Pad Thai in Koh Phi Phi
• Bombay Palace Indian Restaurant $$ (KRABI) – The best South Indian Dosa’s in Thailand
• Pure Vegan Heaven $$ (KOH SAMUI) – Amazing vegan food in Koh Samui
• Mama Pooh’s Kitchen $ (KOH PHANGNAN) – Great Thai food with great prices
• Vegetabowl $-$$ (KOH TAO) – The best healthy food in Koh Tao

Best Tours During a 2 Week South Thailand Itinerary

Although Thailand is a budget-friendly country to visit overall, the tours can be a little pricey ( but so worth it )! Here are a few of the most popular tours to do in the Thai Islands. We also highly recommend taking a day to go diving with a local company in Koh Tao. and we love Ocean Sound & Yoga !

• Phuket – Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch
• Koh Phi Phi – Beat The Crowds Island Hopping Day Trip
• Krabi – Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour
• Koh Samui – 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch
• Koh Tao – Snorkelling day trip to Koh Nang Yuan

What to pack for 2 weeks in South Thailand?

Thailand has a lovely tropical climate so it’s good to pack for hot weather and the possibility of heavy rain in any season! Here are a few things we highly recommend when packing for a trip to Southern Thailand.

• International Worldwide Travel Adaptor – The only plug to have when travelling in different countries.
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are our saviour when it comes to travelling a South Thailand route and we even use them at home!
• The Little Bodhi Microfibre Towel – A lightweight travel towel for your Thai islands itinerary.
• Sawyer Mini Water Filter – If you want to reduce your plastic consumption, we highly recommend buying a water filter and bringing a Stainless Steel Water Bottle .
• Waterproof Bag 20L with Waterproof Phone Case – Having a waterproof bag for your Thai Islands itinerary is great for all the boat rides you’ll do to other islands. They keep your valuables safe and away from all the salty water!
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – We love our Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A600 and there’s also a  Joby Phone Tripod too!
• GoPro Hero 12 and a GoPro Water Float are two essentials we loved having in South Thailand!

Where to go after South Thailand?

After planning your 2 week South Thailand itinerary, you may be wondering what to do next- here are a few options! (the choices are unlimited!) Book your tickets on 12Go !

• The North – if you have more than 2 weeks in Thailand, head to Bangkok and then to the beautiful North. You can get a flight from Krabi or Surat Thani to Chiang Mai to enjoy the mountains and waterfalls around.
• Bangkok – The capital city of Thailand is a must-visit and a great place to enter or leave the country, check out the big malls, skyscrapers and rooftop bars in the city before leaving Thailand.
• Malaysia – Thailand and Malaysia connect so it’s possible to travel from Koh Lipe to Langkawi (Malaysia) in a day, it’s an amazing country to explore with a variety of places to visit. Here’s our 2 Week Malaysia itinerary !
• Cambodia – Head up to Bangkok and catch a bus to Siem Reap or even fly from Krabi or Surat Thani to Phnom Penh. Cambodia is another great country to explore on the Southeast Asia loop. Here’s our 2 week Cambodia itinerary !
• Anywhere international – The airports in Southern Thailand connect to countries like Singapore, Philippines , Sri Lanka and even over to Europe or Africa.

• 3 Day Koh Tao Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)
• Top 8 Vegan Restaurants in Koh Samui, Thailand 2024
• Or browse our  travel blog  for more inspiration!

That’s the end of our 2 Week South Thailand Itinerary! Have a great trip to the beautiful islands in Thailand, and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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A SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

14 Aug 2023   ||    SOUTHEAST ASIA    |    THAILAND

The vision of pristine, palm-fringed beaches is synonymous with a south Thailand itinerary; sun-drenched images that endure in your mind, long after you leave.

Akin to glistening jewel strings draped across turquoise oceans, flawless Thai beaches line the south coast of this popular southeast Asian country. Islands, like sparkling pebbles, dot the warm waters, encircled by soft, sandy shores.

It may all sound a little romantic, but Thailand is a legitimate beach-lover’s utopia and I challenge anybody to be disappointed by it. Following this south Thailand itinerary will, no doubt, be a trip that remains with you.

Island-hopping in southern Thailand is one of the most popular tourist adventures in the country. Exploring the untouched beaches of south Thailand, hopping on-and-off ferries, hiking the inland jungles, hunting for waterfalls or diving with exotic sea life; it’s all on offer here.

There are around 1430 islands, clustered around the east and west coasts of southern Thailand (the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, respectively). For this south Thailand itinerary, we’ve chosen six alluring, characterful Thai islands and coastlines with a range of vibes, activities and beaches, ideal for all varieties of tourist (and budget). We’ve included places to stay and eat, things to do and how to get around, all based on our personal experiences from many months spent in Thailand.

As always, accompanied by our honest, genuine opinions.

IN THIS GUIDE //

South Thailand Itinerary

WHY CHOOSE A SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

ARRIVING IN SOUTH THAILAND

BEST TIME TO DO THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

TRANSPORT IN THE SOUTH THAI ISLANDS

MAP OF THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

WHAT TO PACK FOR THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

ACCOMMODATION FOR THAILAND

ABOUT THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

EXTRA TIME ON THIS ITINERARY

FINAL THOUGHTS

WHY CHOOSE A SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY?

South Thailand is a paradise; the type you see on the front of travel magazines.

With year-round warm weather, it’s the perfect beach break destination. The food, accommodation and transport are extremely affordable and it’s a fantastic place to relax because, simply, everything is so easy-going there. Mostly, it’s uncrowded too – even during peak season.

South Thailand also has the most spectacular landscapes in the country. This itinerary island-hops down the Andaman (west) side of the coast – the region has the most dramatic scenery and greatest variety.  On a two-week trip, you’d lose a minimum of a day hopping across to the Gulf coast.

We’ve included lots of optional extras later if you’ve got extra time and want to see even more!

⋅ NUMBER OF DAYS FOR THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY ⋅

Many people visit Thailand for a two-week vacation, attempting to see Bangkok, the north around Chiang Mai, plus both coasts of south Thailand. This is, objectively, a terrible idea and unless there are very specific reasons for somebody opting to do this, we highly recommend focussing on one region.

That’s why we’ve written a specific south Thailand itinerary – concentrating on the prettiest region, one that can easily take 2-3 weeks of your time.

Most international flights to Thailand will likely arrive in either Bangkok or Phuket. Depending on your departure country, either of these airports are convenient for a south Thailand itinerary. 

♦   Flights to Bangkok are typically cheaper, but will involve catching a separate domestic flight to Phuket (where this south Thailand itinerary starts). There are lots of companies servicing this route, including AirAsia, Thai VietJet Air, Thai Airways, Nok Air and Thai Smile. They are all fine for a short 1.5-hour flight. Be aware that some of these airlines fly out of Bangkok’s second airport, Don Mueang (DMK), rather than Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

♦   Alternatively, with some extra time, you can catch the train and/or bus from Bangkok to Phuket (great for the environment, far more exciting and saves a little money). For bus and train routes, check 12GoAsia , a reliable broker for transport companies in southeast Asia.

♦   Flights directly into Phuket, where available, are more convenient but occasionally a little more costly.

♦   This itinerary can actually be designed with ‘open jaw’ flights in mind. This means flying into one airport and out of a different one, travelling overland between them. With a little extra time, it is possible to fly home from Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi, in Malaysia!

To check flight prices for this trip, we recommend Skyscanner . It’s the website we use for all flight comparisons and bookings, all over the world. It even lists all the budget Asian airlines for domestic transfers, perfect for this itinerary.

FLIGHTS TO THAILAND

We exclusively book our flights through Skyscanner . It’s the cheapest way to book flights from anywhere in the world.

If you book your flights to Thailand through our link below, we make a tiny commission that helps to keep this site running, at zero cost to you. Thank you!

BEST TIME FOR THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

Thailand has distinct seasons, but they depend on which area of the country you are visiting. For this particular itinerary, the Andaman Sea coastline is best visited between November and April. The oceans are calm, the sun is shining, temperatures are moderate (but still really hot!) and it doesn’t rain very much.

It’s high season for tourists during this time, which means that all the ferries are operating and the restaurants are all open.

During the off season, it can be extra hot (in April-June time) and then rainy (July-October). This results in less tourists and significantly lower prices, however some services either don’t run or aren’t open and the weather increases the risk of cancelled ferries and seasickness. Certain ferry routes only ever run in high season – it’s worth checking for your dates in advance.

We’ve visited this region of Thailand at various times of year, including the peak off-season. It was very quiet, there was a little rain but we had a great time nevertheless. 

TRANSPORT IN THE SOUTH THAILAND ISLANDS

Given that this is a Thai island-hopping itinerary, naturally the primary form of transport is ferry, longtail or speedboat. These are reservable far in advance if you are on a strict schedule, or it is possible to purchase tickets for your next destination each time you arrive at a new island.

For representative prices and the option to book ahead of time, we use 12GoAsia . This company is a broker for transport companies across southeast Asia and is very reliable. Prices can be a dollar or two higher as they are a booking service, however it functions perfectly in English and we fully recommend them. If you want to book transfers before you leave your home country, 12GoAsia is the best choice.

Within each location, taxis, songthaews, scooters and bicycles are available, depending on the size of the island/coastline.

Below is a saveable Google Map displaying every place mentioned in this itinerary, including restaurants, accommodations, ferry piers and more.

Click the star next to the name to save it.

Blue points indicate the primary destinations, the yellow stars are piers and airports, the green houses are accommodation options and purple marks the food!

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SOUTH THAILAND TRIP

This entire Thailand itinerary is based around the beaches and islands of south Thailand. So, along with your obvious stuff like swimwear and sunglasses, we recommend bringing:

♦   Bug spray – 7-Eleven in Thailand sells a really nice low-percentage deet spray, but if you want strong stuff, bring your own.

♦   Sunblock – many sunblocks in Thailand include skin bleaching, bring your own if this is an issue.

♦   A hat – this one is obvious! It’s hot and you’ll be on a bunch of boats and beaches!

♦   Your 1968 IDP with motorbike endorsement – if you intend to rent a scooter.

♦   Travel towel – these are so useful and lots of people don’t realise how tiny and lightweight they are!

♦   Tevas/Chaco sandals – these are epic if you want to hike, especially through rivers or waterfalls.

♦   Universal Plug adaptor – you’ll come across type A, B, C and O, potentially. We found A and C the most common outlets.

♦   Water filter and reusable water bottle – saving the environment, one crappy single-use plastic bottle at a time.

♦   Waterproof bag for any electricals – this keeps your camera/laptop/phone safe when travelling on longtail boats

♦   Waterproof case for phone and passport and money – you can swim with your phone and money!

♦   Go Pro for snorkelling/diving – if you’re doing a bunch of water activities and want decent footage, a Go Pro is the only way to go.

AcCOMMODATION FOR THIS THAILAND ITINERARY

Accommodation in southern Thailand varies from precisely landscaped resorts with five-star service, to small, fan-only beach huts with minimal security and a bug net! Accompanying these options is, naturally, a vast array of prices.

On this south Thailand itinerary, Phuket is the most commercial and, predictably, the most expensive. Although other islands are often cheaper, there is affordable accommodation on Phuket too.

Each island/area has a mix of affordable and luxury options. Having said that, the Thai islands are not as cheap as they used to be (pre-covid) for mid-range accommodation. So, if you travel as mid-range budget travellers like us, factor in a few pounds extra for travel in high season.

This itinerary notes any places we’ve stayed on the islands throughout our trips (mostly budget and mid-range), plus hotels our friends have reliably recommended (higher end!).

In southeast Asia, we always book our accommodation using Booking.com . It is reliable and has excellent, flexible cancellation policies.

ABOUT THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARy

This itinerary can be started from either end and travelled in any direction. We’ve written it from north to south (see the map below), but it’s easy enough to grab a speedboat to the furthest point and travel northwards.

Although this south Thailand itinerary assumes you’ve landed in Phuket International Airport, it is also possible to start the itinerary from Krabi Airport instead. Visit Ao Nang first, followed by Koh Phi Phi and onward, leaving Phuket out altogether.

⋅ SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY ⋅

Number of days: 1-4.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a mega-tourism hub – more than 14 million people a year routinely vacationed here, pre covid.

It’s a vast island, worthy of several weeks alone if you wanted to do it justice, with many beachy coves, Buddhist temples, towns and nightlife to explore. However, on this Thailand itinerary, we’re choosing to *nearly* skip it, because generally we don’t spend a lot of time in excessively touristy, expensive locations. It’s also a bit seedy and known, in areas, for being a party hub. It’s expensive to get around too, with taxis routinely charging far more than most other areas in Thailand.

Beaches and Things to Do

If you opt to check out Phuket for a few days, we really liked Naiyang beach. It’s low key, pretty and also conveniently near the airport. Other quieter beaches we enjoyed in Phuket include Nai Thon Beach, Ao Sane Beach, Bangtao Beach and Kamala Beach.

For those looking for a party and a beach, consider spending some time around Patong, or, to a lesser extent, Kata or Karon beaches for some lively fun for families.

Restaurants in Phuket Town

♦ One Chun Cafe & Restaurant – a popular, well known place set in a colonial building with rather quirky decor. Specialises in specific dishes such as crab curry. We visited with friends and really enjoyed it.

♦ The Column Phuket – live music, craft beers, a cracking atmosphere and decent food! What more could you want?

♦  Lau Pa Sat Phuket Town – sharing a name with the famous hawker centre in Singapore is always a great sign! True to form, this Singapore-style, family run restaurant has exceptionally good value food.

Accommodation on Phuket

There are so many areas to stay in Phuket!

We generally choose lodging in Phuket Town but have also stayed by a few of the beaches too. This heritage town adjacent to the ferry port is surprisingly colourful, charming and full of character. The colonial Chinese and Portuguese architecture is remarkable and there’s a fantastic variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and craft beer places. On Sundays, there is a genuinely lovely, bustling walking street market in Phuket Town.

If you’re interested in Buddhist temples and are unhappy to be missing out on Chiang Mai, check out Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham. It’s beautiful and just outside Phuket Town.

In Phuket Town, we recommend:

Budget $ – Shunli Hotel – clean, bright and helpful hotel right in the centre of Phuket Town. It’s an absolute bargain, we loved it.

Mid-Range $$ – WOO Gallery and Boutique Hotel – beautiful hotel in a renovated heritage building, kind of unique and in a wonderful location – we fully recommend.

Upper-Budget $$$ – BAAN 125 STAY Phuket – get the apartment with a terrace! This place is quirky, central and classy with a cute café area. The décor is top-class.

Transport on Phuket

Getting around Phuket is easy, either by scooter (check your travel insurance is valid and covers this), rental car or taxi. Grab taxis are available and are the best option on the island (taxis are notoriously expensive in Phuket). Your accommodation will always be able to arrange transfers for you too.

Tip – to catch a Grab from Phuket airport, you’ll need to leave the terminal and order one from the road outside. This has always been what we have done when not renting a car.

Ferries – leave from Rassada Pier

Nearest Airport – Phuket International Airport

ELEPHANT EXPERIENCES

Many people visit Thailand with the intention of having some kind of interaction with elephants.

There are few ethical ways to do this, especially in Thailand, a country which claims the unpleasant title of ‘most elephant cruelty occurrences’ across the world.

If you want to visit an elephant sanctuary, be extremely careful about who you choose. These are reputable:

Following Giants – Koh Lanta

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – Phuket

Elephant Nature Park – Chiang Mai

Chang Chill – Chiang Mai

To read more about why this matters, have a read of our post on the elephants of Koh Chang .

13 TIPS FOR ECO-TRAVELLERS    |  THE QUEST FOR AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

AO NANG - RAILAY - KRABI TOWN

Number of days: 1-3.

Ao Nang, a small town on the mainland coast of Krabi adjacent to some remarkable karst rock cliffs, is another quite popular destination on this south Thailand itinerary. It is included here due to its proximity to the most outrageous, mind-boggling beach scenery in southeast Asia – Railay.

Ao Nang can be worth staying in for a few days if you want to explore mainland Krabi or take some island-hopping boat tours. However, we find the main strip in Ao Nang kind of gross. It’s basically a lot of tourist restaurants (many, many Indian restaurants with distinctly average food), stalls selling tacky souvenirs and generally unpleasant tourist hassle. Not everyone feels this way though, so check it out for yourself.

Railay, on the other hand, is stunning. In high season, it heaves with day-trippers during the day, but as soon as they leave in late afternoon, it has a beachy, sunset-glow perfection. This is why we recommend a night or three here!

Railay is not technically an island, but a small peninsula that can only be reached by boat. Its geography provides an isolated kind of vibe, very reminiscent of a paradise island after the day-trippers leave on the last boat.

On Railay, there are no motorised vehicles other than porter’s golf buggies, (mostly) low-key nightlife, great viewpoint mini-hikes and perfect bays to swim and kayak in. All this, surrounded by the best scenery south Thailand has to offer.

The peninsula that encompasses Railay is split into segments – Railay West, Railay East and Phranang Beach. All three areas are walkable from each other via a walking street crammed with restaurants and shops.

♦   Railay West is the beautiful bay you’ll see on Google Images. It has more upscale accommodation options and the best views for sunset.

♦   Railay East is where the more backpacker budget accommodation and bars are found, with only a narrow, minimal beach. 

♦   Phranang is an exquisite beach on the southern tip. Its huge walls are ideal for climbing, there’s a penis cave (seriously) and the views of the offshore karsts are epic.

Popular activities in Railay include rock climbing, with walls for various abilities and experience levels. Kayaking and hiking are also popular, as is visiting Tonsai Beach, located just to the north of Railay West via a shortish hike.

Accommodation in Railay

Not unexpectedly, Railay has hugely inflated accommodation prices for lower quality accommodation. The tourist interest in this confined area is high enough to drive up prices significantly. Hotels can also sell out quickly in this area.

Budget $ – Railay Garden View Resort – set in the jungle on Railay East, these rustic seafront bungalows are a steal. There’s no aircon, but the price is definitely right! 

Mid-Range $$ – Railay Village Resort – this place was another surprise for us. I was expecting a bit of a rundown resort style place, but it was quite luxurious and the pool and grounds were like a tropical jungle filled with flowers. The rooms were clean and spacious too.

Upper-Budget $$$ – Rayavadee – truthfully, I’ve not stayed at this one, but if I could stay at any hotel in southeast Asia, right now, it’d be at the Rayavadee. Between the impeccable service, glass-like infinity pool and split-level bungalows in a prime location between Phranang beach and Railay West, it’s utterly exquisite.

Transport Around Railay

The only way to get to Railay is by boat. On the beach in Ao Nang, there are several spots where longtail boats to Railay depart. You can arrive in Railay on the west beach, or the pier to the east. Depending on your baggage, you may want to make sure you arrive at the correct pier, as most boats from Ao Nang arrive in at the west (the longtail ride is about ten minutes to Railay West).

For an interesting loop, it is possible to get a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay West, then stay in Railay for several nights. After, take a longtail from Railay East to Krabi Town and explore the night market, then catch a ferry to your next destination. This is a route we have taken in the past and loved.

Nearest Airport – Krabi Airport

KOH PHI PHI

Pronounced ‘Pee-Pee’, this is one of the best-known locations in the entirety of Thailand (and possibly the world now!). Koh Phi Phi consists of two main islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. 

You can only stay overnight on the larger Koh Phi Phi Don, a compact, energetic mecca in the middle of the ocean with hundreds of hotels, restaurants and lively bars. There are daily fire shows on the beach, Muay Thai boxing matches, tattoo parlours and drink offers galore.

Spectacular Koh Phi Phi Leh is home to the famous Maya Bay, now a national park and the filming location for ‘The Beach’, the renowned Leonardo Dicaprio movie. Longtail boat tours carry tourists over there daily from Phi Phi Don.

Maya Bay and Other Things To Do

Maya Bay, the main reason for visiting Koh Phi Phi, was closed for several years by the Thai government due to extensive ecosystem damage. It’s currently closed again now (until October 2023) to, once again, help it recover and monitor the health of the bay. Since re-opening in 2022, there is a 400-baht national park fee if you want to visit the beach. Trips to Maya Bay usually include swimming and snorkelling stops in Pi Leh Lagoon and some other pretty stops around Phi Phi Leh, lasting around 3-4 hours.

Along with visiting the legendary Maya Bay, there are hikes around the island, including the most famous ones to Phi Phi Viewpoints 1, 2 and 3. It is also possible to kayak to various secluded, breathtaking bays, such as Monkey Beach and Nui Beach.

Many people come to Koh Phi Phi for the night life and it doesn’t disappoint in that respect. If that’s your cup of tea, head to the east end of Loh Dalum beach towards Slinky Bar. Most of the beach parties happen around there.

Restaurants in Koh Phi Phi

♦ D.M.C Restaurant and Bar – one of the cheaper options on the island, serving a wide variety of dishes. There was also Jenga to play!

♦ Garlic 1992 – we loved the Thai Language for fun card given to each of us on arrival and the morning glory with tofu was some of the best we’ve had in Thailand. Portions are huge.

♦ Atom Resto Phi Phi – some of the best Italian food on the island served in an attractive, modern setting. Decently priced drinks too.

Accommodation in Koh Phi Phi

Hotels on Phi Phi Don don’t come cheap. If you are getting something at a super bargain price, there’s usually a reason for it. Also, nothing on Phi Phi has great reviews, so check these extra carefully. We whole heartedly recommend the mid-range choice below as the best option on the island unless you are looking for some solitude, in which case, the upper budget option might suit better. 

Budget $ – PP Insula – it’s got the four C’s: cheap, cheerful, clean and central. We stayed one night and it was great for the relatively cheap price tag.

Mid-Range $$ – P2 Woodloft – we were surprised by this one. It’s surprisingly modern and the staff are particularly helpful. The location is exceptionally central, yet quiet. Get a room with a balcony if you can. Honestly, we’d recommend this for upper-budget stays too.

Upper-Budget $$$ – SAii Phi Phi Island Village – posh, resort style hotel on the far side of the island away from the backpacker nightlife. It’s wonderfully secluded, with the drawback that you need a boat back to the main area.

Transport in Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi Don is compact – you’ll not need much in the way of transport.

Ferries arrive at Ton Sai Beach on Phi Phi Don (you can see the ferry route on Google Maps).

Nearest airport – Krabi Airport

A LITTLE BIT OF HONESTY

Some people love magnificent Koh Phi Phi and others, well, don’t.

It’s a tourist hotspot – meaning huge crowds, noise and bustle. There is almost no space to breathe and, truthfully, it’s kind of toxic. Overtourism has really taken a hold here – you get off the boat and are immediately faced with a Burger King and McDonalds. On a dazzling, remote, paradisic island in Thailand, this feels pretty jarring.

However, we figure everyone is going to visit this island, no matter what, so it’s on our itinerary. We would be remiss to not mention the horrible downsides to badly managed mass tourism though. Time your trip, if possible, to avoid December through February, as this is when the visitors peak.

AN INTRO TO SLOW TRAVEL    |    RIDING SCOOTERS IN VIETNAM

Number of Days: 3-5

Koh Lanta, still part of Krabi, is a larger island southeast of Koh Phi Phi. Connected to the mainland by a quick ferry shuttle, it’s possible to reach here by road if you’d prefer from Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Krabi Airport. For all routes and options, check 12GoAsia .

This island is sizable, but surprisingly peaceful. There are cars, motorbikes and dual carriageways, yet always with a serene vibe. It’s a favourite of regular visitors to Thailand who want a low-key beach trip without all the McDonalds!

Koh Lanta is our favourite place on this itinerary. There are miles of coastline to explore, high-quality restaurants and lively beach bars. All this, while being peaceful enough to offer up empty beaches and a sleepy fishing village without tourist crowds. The beaches are broad, calm and clean and the hotels range from high end to comfortable budget. It’s a fantastic place for every type of south Thailand visitor. If you’re interested, we’ve written a detailed guide to all the best beaches on Koh Lanta .

Beaches and Things To Do

As Koh Lanta is a big place, many ask ‘ which beach is best ’. These beaches in question run from top to bottom, down the west side of the island. The most popular beaches with accommodation are found towards the northern end, including Klong Dao Beach, Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach) and Klong Khong. Further south, there is Klong Nin Beach, then it becomes more rural the further down you go until you reach Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

We personally like Klong Khong Beach, but honestly, you can’t go wrong really. For lively bars and activities, stay nearer the northern end of the island.

Two other exceptional highlights of Koh Lanta are the National Park at the southern tip and Lanta Old Town, a small enclave halfway down the eastern coast. We particularly enjoyed visiting the distinctive Lanta Old Town, with its friendly residents, Chinese influence buildings and quirky, original shops.

Restaurants on Koh Lanta

♦ The Garden Restaurant – set in a quieter location just a short distance from the main road, this lovely restaurant has a whole load of top-notch veggie and vegan options. An added bonus: the restaurant is part of a Thai cookery school.

♦   Loro Loco Pizza Cuisine – up there for the best pizza we’ve had in Thailand and their falafel and hummus platter is both colourful and delicious.

♦   Malina’s kitchen – run by a friendly English expat and his wife – we ate here a few times. The portions were giant and reasonably priced too (for the Thai islands!). We can always recommend the papaya salad.

Accommodation on Koh Lanta

Unlike Railay and Phi Phi, Koh Lanta has very affordable accommodation options, many right on the beach.

Budget $ – Grand House – single-digit pounds for a bright, modern double room? This friendly guesthouse is incredible value, central, and clean but doesn’t have hot water or aircon.

Mid-Range $$ – Fill – Feel @ Long Beach Resort – six perfect little bungalows in a tropical garden near the beach, a wonderful owner and free pad thai on arrival. What are you waiting for?

Upper-Budget $$$ – Lanta Casa Blanca – this place is super-stylish and modern, on the beach with a big pool. We want to stay here on our next visit!

Transport on Koh Lanta

The best way to get around Koh Lanta is on a scooter. It takes around an hour to ride from top to bottom, depending on where you begin. It’s also possible to get a taxi or tuktuk.

The ferries arrive into the northern end of Koh Lanta, at Sala Dan Pier. From there, shared taxis wait to take you to your chosen area. 

Number of Days: 2-3

Koh Mook (sometimes written Koh Muk) is a tiny island in a province called Trang (where Trang Airport is located if you need to make a quick getaway). 

Trang consists of a whole bunch of islands – the most commonly visited are Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, Koh Libong and Koh Sukorn.

None of these islands get many tourists, in fact, at time of writing they don’t even have any 7-Elevens (elsewhere in Thailand they’re on every street corner). Koh Mook is probably the island with the most tourist infrastructure mixed with things to do – we’d recommend it. It’s the closest you’ll come to a deserted island on this south Thailand itinerary!

There’s one posh resort on an incredible sand spit and lots of budget accommodation inland. Whilst there are no cars, you can rent a scooter (although it’s only half an hour to walk from one beach to the other if that’s not your cup of tea). There aren’t many roads and few of them are paved!

It’s the most chilled out island on this itinerary – don’t miss it! For a complete guide, check out our dedicated Koh Mook post .

Koh Mook is a pretty chill place, but there are quite a few things to do on this Thai island. Definitely do not miss a sunset at Charlie/Garnet Beach, on the western side – there are little food vendors, a couple of bars and a glorious strip of sand.

Emerald Cave is another favourite – around the western side of the island is a small sea cave, leading to an enclosed inland bay. The cave is pretty spectacular – just wait around until the tour groups have gone! It’s easy to rent a kayak from Charlie/Garnet Beach – the journey takes around 25 minutes. Take a torch and check the tides before visiting – high tide can be problematic on a kayak!

It is also possible to hike inland to a viewpoint and also some small, remote bays.

Restaurants on Koh Mook

♦ Perfect Bar and Restaurant Koh Mook – lovely, friendly restaurant with seating on the beach and excellent, classy food and service.

♦ Sugar’s coffee and restaurant – another place with a beach view but in a more rustic setting. Great price point for the food here.

♦ Miss Island Bakery – fantastic, central venue for coffee with a variety of foods on offer. It was often completely full and we bought something from here every day!

Accommodation on Koh Mook

Koh Mook has reasonably affordable accommodation options, although the standards are not always as high as on Koh Lanta. You’ll get incredible deals here outside of the high season.

Budget $ – Mook Ing Lay – we stayed here for six days – it’s cute, has friendly owners, is nearby the beach and next to the small walking street.

Mid-Range $$ – Mook Lamai Resort and Spa – lovely pool, inland jungle location, wonderful owners who help with *everything*.

Upper-Budget $$$ – Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort – the nicest resort on the island, these bungalows are spread out across the long sand spit of Pearl Beach, providing tremendous views of the sunrise and the Thai mainland, opposite.

Transport in Koh Mook

There’s no real need for transport on Koh Mook! We rented a scooter which made it easier to reach the absolutely stunning, enclosed Garnet (Charlie) Beach, but there are tuktuks and motorbikes that will take you there and back for about 50 baht per person each way. Everywhere else is a very easy walk and inland hotels send vehicles to the pier to pick up their customer arrivals.

Ferries arrive in at the only pier on the island (Koh Mook pier), by the little town on the eastern side.

Nearest Airport – Trang Airport 

A QUICK RUNDOWN OF THE TRANG ISLANDS

For a little more low-key island time on this south Thailand itinerary, consider adding in another island (or two) in the Trang province:

Koh Kradan – stunning beaches but incredibly expensive accommodation

Koh Ngai – beautiful resorts but nothing else – no walking streets etc. Great for couples wanting some peace and quiet

Koh Libong – large, remote, very few tourists

Koh Sukorn – even more remote than Libong, few places to stay for visitors

AN EPIC SINGAPORE STOPOVER    |    UNIQUE TEMPLES IN CHIANG RAI

Number of Days: 3-4

Koh Lipe, the final and most isolated island on this list, is an energetic, often bustling, fantastically pretty little place. The island is situated within a Thai national park so there is a small payment to enter, but that’s just demonstrative of how beautiful it is. Located on the southern border of Thailand adjacent to the large island of Langkawi, Koh Lipe is an easy hop away from Malaysia.

Koh Lipe has beautiful beaches on every side, so whether you want to check out a sunset or sunrise (or anything in between), there’s a Koh Lipe beach for you. It’s even got a small sandbank on the northern coast!

It’s also another island with no cars, so is small enough to walk around or get a tuktuk taxi across (there’s only a few hills which makes it easier). However, the walking street is narrow, busy and feels a little frenetic – whether that is a good or bad thing is up to you! The island also has a 7-Eleven.

Despite being isolated from other islands in Thailand, Koh Lipe is remarkably popular. We last visited over the Christmas/New Year period and it was insane. However, the weather was perfect and there was a great energy. There are enough beaches for everyone on the island and it probably has the best beach bar atmosphere out of all the Thai islands I’ve visited.

As with Koh Phi Phi, set expectations accordingly and you’ll have the most fabulous time!

The most popular strip of sand in Koh Lipe is Pattaya Beach. This is where most boats arrive, including the international ferries from Malaysia (they stop offshore though). The beach is lined with beanbag-ladened bars with tiki-torches and cocktail offers. Music is often reggae-heavy and in the evenings, it’s one of the more attractive nightlife-oriented beaches I’ve visited. 

The aptly named Sunset and Sunrise beaches are, logically, on the west and east coasts respectively. Sunrise Beach is lined with mostly higher-end accommodation options. It is a little quieter than Pattaya Beach and often full of fishing boats.  Sunset Beach is the more remote of the two, with less facilities.

Our favourite beach on Koh Lipe is on the northern coast. The glistening turquoise waters are so shallow that, at low tide, there is a wide ribbon of sand which stretches far into the channel.

There are ample opportunities for kayaking and hiking on and around Koh Lipe. Small, sandy coves are etched into the coastline to the west and there is a small islet to the east of Sunrise Beach.

In Tarutao National Marine Park, there are also some excellent offshore snorkelling and diving opportunities, along with more strenuous hiking and camping possibilities on nearby islands like Ko Adang. The entry fee for the national park is 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child – but this is paid on arrival to Koh Lipe. Ensure you keep your ticket.

Restaurants on Koh Lipe

♦ Elephant – one of the first places along the walking street from Pattaya Beach, serving a kind of fusion Thai-Western mix. There’s a decent variety of vegan food on the menu and although prices are a little higher, you’re paying for the vibe (it’s a popular place).

♦   The Box – this tapas restaurant has a great atmosphere in the evening and serves a variety of European dishes – there are also a handful of veggie options too. They even have moderate wines!

Accommodation on Koh Lipe

The hectic walking street reaches from Pattaya Beach through the centre of the island towards Sunrise Beach. If you want to avoid the crowds on your south Thailand itinerary, choose accommodation away from this area! For peace and quiet, the northern shore is fantastic and is home to the best beaches and views on the island. Pattaya Beach, anywhere near the boat dock, is lively too.

As with certain other Thai islands, accommodation is expensive on Koh Lipe – it is, however, decent quality from our experience. Our recommendations:

Pattaya Beach $$$ – Ananya Lipe Resort – central location in the middle of Pattaya beach, yet quiet accommodations. Adjacent to the walking street for access to restaurants. Absolutely fantastic pool – worth the money just for this.

Walking Street $$ – Nest Hostel Lipe – smack bang in the middle of the island, yet surprisingly quiet, nearby to a 7-Eleven with super friendly staff. Hostel beds and private rooms offered here.

Northern coast $$$$ – Irene Pool Villa Resort – a brand new boutique hotel with modern villas, each with a decent sized private pool. Set on, by far, the prettiest stretch of sand in Koh Lipe – I had a quick look around and want to stay here the next time we visit!

Transport on Koh Lipe

Arriving in Koh Lipe, the main pier is on the southern Pattaya Beach. This is also where immigration is for any arrivals on the ferry from Malaysia. Ferries departing from Koh Lipe leave from the same beach.

If you are arriving from within Thailand, you will not have to go through immigration but will still have to queue to pay for your national park entrance fee (Koh Lipe is officially part of the park).

On the island, there are motorised tuktuks that will take you anywhere you need to go and, commonly, accommodation will pick you up from the pier. The island is mostly flat and easy to walk around.

Nearest airport – Hat Yai Airport

Extra Time IN Thailand

If you have spare time after this itinerary, it’s possible to add some extra destinations on to your south Thailand trip. Here are some that we suggest:

♦   Langkawi/Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia

♦   Koh Phangan/Koh Tao – Gulf of Thailand

♦   Koh Yao Noi/Koh Yao Yai/Koh Ngai/Koh Jum/Koh Kradan – other south Thailand islands on the Andaman side

♦   Koh Chang /Koh Mak/Koh Kood – Gulf of Thailand

♦   Khao Sok National Park – north of Phuket

Whatever you choose, they’re all worth it! Our personal preference would be Khao Sok National Park (spectacular limestone karsts), Koh Chang or the trip to Langkawi in Malaysia. Flights back to Phuket or Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur can sometimes be cheaper than internal domestic flights in Thailand!

FINAL THOUGHTS - SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY

South Thailand is often a traveller’s first foray into southeast Asia and is a fantastic place to start a ‘banana pancake’ adventure. It’s honestly such an incredible region – I’m one of those people that was determined to hate Thailand because it was so popular but ended up loving it despite my (incorrect) preconceptions. 

I recommend Thailand to everyone we know now. The food is exquisite, transport is both affordable and efficient, there are minimal language barriers (Google translate is your best friend) and the temperatures and sunshine are exactly what you’ll need for a relaxing or exciting getaway. The local residents of the islands are wonderful too – Thailand is called the ‘Land of Smiles’, after all.

We know you’ll have a great time, wherever you choose to visit in Thailand.

Thanks for visiting us here – let us know in the comments if you have any questions!

Hi, thanks for visiting our blog! If this post has been of help to you, or you’ve just enjoyed our random ramblings and musings, say thank you by buying us a coffee ! It helps keep The Restless Beans blog up and running without ads.

Thank you, Claire + Nick

2 thoughts on “A Definitive South Thailand Itinerary (2023)”

Would you stay in Phuket for 4 nights and take day trips to 1 or 2 islands? It’s my first time and I need to fly out of The Phuket airport.

Sorry for the slow response, we’re currently travelling.

If you only have four nights, then I would stay in Phuket. Alternatively, depending on the time of your flights, you could stay in Krabi (it’s not a long transfer between them).It is super easy to arrange day/overnight trips to Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, Railay Beach etc. from either Krabi or Phuket.

Have a great trip!

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Exploring the 15 Best Beaches on Koh Lanta, Thailand (2024)

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Southern Thailand

Stretching from just south of Bangkok down to the Malaysia border, Southern Thailand plays host to some of the Kingdom's biggest tourism drawcards. From diving off Ko Tao, to climbing in Krabi, partying on Ko Phi Phi or just laying in a hammock pretty much anywhere, the south is not short on choice.

The southern region is climatically split in two: the southeast (Gulf of Thailand) and the southwest (Andaman Sea). Each is affected by a different monsoon through the year, meaning that regardless of when you're in Thailand, you should be able to find a slice of good weather somewhere. Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Tao are the best known of Southern Thailand's many islands, though Ko Lipe and Ko Lanta have also caught on in more recent years. Beyond these you still have dozens more islands to choose from, and many of the more obscure options often provide the best experiences. When selecting an island or two for your trip, it pays to do some research. Phuket is Thailand's largest and most popular island, with over a third of all tourists to Thailand finding themselves here at some stage during their trips. While it was badly damaged in places by the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the main beach areas are now fully recovered and the crowds have long-since returned. Many budget travellers have long steered clear of Phuket, put off by the higher prices and heavily touristed nature of the place, instead spending their time on the more backpacker-orientated islands off the west coasts of Ranong , Phang Nga , Krabi , Trang and Satun provinces. To see all of the Thai islands that we currently cover, check out our dedicated Thailand islands page . But don't make the mistake of ignoring the mainland in your rush to get to that tropical beach paradise. The coast of Krabi province, including the Ao Nang and Railay areas, is home to some of Thailand's most spectacular scenery. The stunning beaches and towering limestone karsts have made Krabi a major rock-climbing destination. Heading up the west coast, north from Phuket, you'll find Khao Lak -- almost totally destroyed by the tsunami, it has been rebuilt and the tourists are back -- big time. Further north again you can hike through millions-of-years-old rainforest in the spectacular Khao Sok National Park . If the season is wrong, many don't even bother with the west coast, instead plying their time in a hammock on the east coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao. If you're not up on the Thai weather, be sure to give our page on Thailand's weather a read. These east coast islands are all well-developed nowadays with regular ferry connections both to each other and the mainland. Ko Samui (the largest of the three islands) has an international airport, large-scale shopping centres, hundreds of resorts and even three international hospitals -- and yet it continues to develop at a rapid pace. Ko Pha Ngan , infamous for its Full Moon Parties , and Ko Tao , famous for its diving, are both big drawcards. However long you're planning on staying here, don't be surprised when you suddenly find yourself staying twice as long. If you're headed out to one of these Gulf islands, you'll be transitting through either Chumphon (for Ko Tao) or Surat Thani (for Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan). It's a straightforward deal to get a through ticket to any one of these islands from Bangkok. On the mainland, the east coast includes the popular resort towns of Hua Hin and Cha-am , long-running family favourites that continue to attract a mixed crowd of Bangkok-based Thais and expats, along with heady crowds of primarily European tourists. While the beaches are not as good as those further south, they are very convenient to Bangkok and Hua Hin in particular is developing as a popular spot for retirees. Other points of interest along the coastal strip between Bangkok and Chumphon include Phetburi , Prachuap Khiri Khan and Bang Saphan Yai . Further south you have the little visited provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phattalung -- both fine options if you're looking to step off the tourist trail. For those comfortable travelling in a region with heightened security concerns, the predominantly Muslim far southern cities of Hat Yai , Pattani , Narathiwat and Yala are fascinating and certainly rewarding areas to visit, though we'd suggest you read our feature on travelling in the far south of Thailand , and kept abreast of current affairs before planning a trip through there.

Highlights of Southern Thailand

Thailand's beach paradise. Head to the east coast to relax with the family on Ko Samui , party on Ko Pha Ngan and dive on Ko Tao . Then head to the west coast for Phuket , the cliffs of Railay Bay , the low-key Ko Lanta , rapidly rebuilding Ko Phi Phi and a bevvy of island getaways off Trang .

Destinations in

Ao Nang Ban Krut Bang Saphan Yai Betong Cha-am Chumphon Hat Yai Hua Hin Kaeng Krachan National Park Khanom and Sichon Khao Lak Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Khao Sok National Park Khuraburi Ko Adang Ko Bulon Lae Ko Chang Noi Ko Jum Ko Kho Khao Ko Kradan Ko Lanta Ko Lao Liang Ko Libong Ko Lipe Ko Muk Ko Ngai Ko Pha Ngan Ko Phayam Ko Phi Phi Ko Phra Thong Ko Ra Ko Rawi Ko Rok Ko Samui Ko Si Boya Ko Sukorn Ko Surin Ko Tao Ko Tarutao Ko Yao Noi Ko Yao Yai Krabi Nakhon Si Thammarat Narathiwat Natai Pakbara Pattani Phang Nga Town Phattalung Phetchaburi Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Railay Beach Ranong Satun Similan Islands Songkhla Sungai Kolok Surat Thani Tak Bai Takua Pa Trang Yala

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• Asia , Thailand

If you’re ready to head to Thailand for beaches, sunny days, parties, islands, snorkeling and all of the other incredible island activities, explore this 3-week southern Thailand itinerary to help you plan your trip. Featuring popular destinations, like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan, as well as more quiet islands, like Koh Lanta, you can experience the best of what the south of Thailand has to offer.

Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

If you’ve been planning a three-week backpacking trip through the south of Thailand, but aren’t sure where to go or how long to spend in each place, this is the itinerary for you!

With lots of island hopping, exploring cool destinations, visiting vibrant cities (hello, Bangkok!), and visiting little-known Thai islands that’ll blow you away, this 3-week south Thailand itinerary ticks all of the boxes.

Check it out below and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!

Psst, before you embark on your trip, don’t miss out on reading my 4-part guide on everything you need to know before visiting Southeast Asia !

Table of Contents

Three-Week Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary

A few notes before we jump into this 3-week south Thailand itinerary! These will help you better understand my guide and how to plan the best trip possible.

Note 1: In this itinerary, you’ll find that I say “X nights” instead of say “X days” because I think this makes it easier in understanding how long I recommend you should actually be in a destination. Sometimes, I find that using the term “days” can be confusing, as it doesn’t really stipulate when you should depart said destination.

Note 2: You’ll find that every itinerary starts and ends in Bangkok, as this is the most common city to fly in and out of in Thailand. However, if you’re flying in and out of a different destination, such as Krabi or Koh Samui, adjust the itinerary as needed!

Note 3: This Thailand island-hopping itinerary is flexible! Don’t think you have to visit each and every destination on the list. Mix and match based on your personal preference.

Note 4: With the note above on flexibility, I recommend keeping your schedule open! When I’m backpacking Thailand, I like to book only one or two nights in advance, just in case I really like a place and want to stay an extra day or two, or I totally dislike somewhere and want to leave early. You should do the same!

With that said… let’s get into it!

Featuring an amazing selection of some of the best islands in Thailand, this itinerary is for all my sun-soaking, island life-lovers, beach-bumming backpackers.

You’ll find the following destinations on this 3-week south Thailand itinerary:

Bangkok (1 night)

Krabi/ao nang (3 nights), railay beach (2 nights), koh phi phi (2 nights), koh lanta (3 nights).

• Krabi (1 night)

Koh Tao (3 nights)

Koh phangan (3 nights), koh samui (2 nights).

This island-hopping Thailand itinerary starts off in the crazy city of Bangkok! Depending on how tired you are from your journey getting here, you may want to just book a chill hostel or hotel to relax in.

If you do have some energy to explore, here’s some things to do.

Things to do in Bangkok:

• Explore the Grand Palace
• Visit Wat Pho and Wat Arun (be sure to wear the right clothing !)
• Go on a free walking tour (there are many that occur throughout the day)
• Party on Khao San Road
• Experience a different side of the city on a river cruise
• Spend time at the floating markets
• Go shopping at popular shopping malls like Terminal 21 (Asok), MBK Center and Platinum
• Visit Jim Thompson’s House
• Relax and read a book (or scroll through TikTok!) in Lumphini Park
• See a cabaret show
• Feed your foodie side on a Bangkok food tour

Where to stay in Bangkok:

• Budget-Friendly : The LOL Elephant Hostel OR Kinnon Deluxe Hostel
• Mid-Range : Dhevi Bangkok Hotel OR Tamni
• Luxury : Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai OR Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel

Bangkok → Krabi

After spending a night in Bangkok, it’s time to make your way down to the area of Krabi and Ao Nang! As a sustainable traveler, I always recommend traveling via bus or train to minimize your environmental footprint .

From Bangkok, there are countless buses that go down to the south of Thailand — you won’t be short on bus transportation options. I recommend booking your Bangkok to Krabi transportation via 12go Asia .

This journey takes around 13 to 15 hours and can be done overnight, meaning you’ll save $$$ on accommodation!

Plan on staying in hostels while traveling Thailand for 3 weeks? Check out my blog on must-have hostel essentials to make your stay as comfortable as possible!

A popular destination for tourists, Krabi and Ao Nang are filled with a myriad of souvenir shops, restaurants, tattoo shops, bouncing clubs, tour operators, and other great things to keep you occupied.

Things to do in Krabi and Ao Nang:

• Spend the day on the sea and hop around to different islands (I recommend this 7-island sunset with snorkeling + BBQ !)
• Visit the notorious Emerald Pool (check out this tour if you don’t want to rent a scooter to get there)
• Go rock climbing at Railay Beach
• Explore Krabi Town and its vibrant night market
• Get a relaxing Thai massage in Krabi Town or Ao Nang
• Visit the Phi Phi Islands on a day trip tour
• Ascend the 1256 stairs to Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
• Take a dip in the hot springs at Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve
• Marvel at the beautiful sea life on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour
• Go on a day trip to the famous Maya Bay
• Hike to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint for an insane view of the limestone karst mountains
• Immerse yourself in wildlife and go jungle trekking

Where to Stay in Krabi/Ao Nang:

• Budget-Friendly : Pak-Up Hostel OR K-Bunk Hostel
• Mid-Range : The Brown Hotel OR Sugar Marina Hotel CLIFFHANGER Ao Nang
• Luxury : Anana Ecological Resort OR Ban Sainai Resort

Krabi/Ao Nang → Railay Beach

Getting from Krabi to Railay Beach is easy, with many shuttle boats operated by local tour providers and private boat owners. The journey is only around 30 minutes and takes you past gorgeous limestone karst rocks jutting out from the sea and surrounding landscape. You’ll love it!

Railay Beach has become a major hotspot for backpackers seeking outdoor adventures. From rock climbing and snorkeling to island hopping, jungle trekking, and more, Railay Beach features a broad spectrum of exciting activities.

And even if you’re not into those types of things, you can fill you day sitting on the beach, soaking up the sun, and admiring the insanely beautiful views!

Top things to do in Railay Beach:

• Get your tan on at the beach (Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach and Tonsai Beach)
• Go on an island-hopping boat tour
• Have a go at rock climbing
• Explore some caves — Phra Nang Princess Cave and Railay Bat Cave are popular!
• Hike to Railay’s “hidden” lagoon
• Go snorkeling (I recommend bringing your own snorkel mask to Thailand)
• Rent a kayak and explore the nearby islands and limestone karst rocks (like Ko Rang!)
• Experience Railay’s vibrant walking street
• Admire the many stalagmite and stalactite formations

Where to Stay in Railay Beach:

• Budget-Friendly : Blanco Hideout Railay OR Friend Seeker
• Mid-Range : Railay Garden View Resort OR Avatar Railay
• Luxury : Railay Phutawan Resort OR Tinidee Hideaway

Railay Beach → Koh Phi Phi

Getting from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi is often a breeze! You’ll take a short boat ride from Railay Beach back to Krabi and then a ferry or speedboat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. Depending on when you get your boat from Railay to Krabi, this journey should only take a few hours.

As always, I recommend booking with 12Go Asia or asking your hostel to book your transportation.

Koh Phi Phi is one of those classic destinations that you’ll find on many Thailand itineraries!

With gorgeous turquoise waters, a beautiful island landscape, stunning views of limestone karst rocks rutting from the sea, an exciting nightlife, and exceptional boat trips that take you around to nearby popular attractions (like Maya Bay!), Koh Phi Phi often tops the Thailand bucket list for many backpacker and travelers.

Personally, this island holds a special place in my heart, as I met my husband on this island when we were both backpacking southeast !

Things to do in Koh Phi Phi:

• Embark on a boat trip to nearby attractions ( this one is popular – it goes to the infamous Maya Bay! Or check out this one , which is a private tour!)
• Hike to one of the Koh Phi Phi viewpoints for sunset (or sunrise to avoid the crowds!)
• Go snorkeling (try Shark Point, where you can snorkel right off the beach!)
• Experience Koh Phi Phi’s wild nightlife
• Watch a fire show on the beach
• Adrenaline junkie? Go cliff jumping off the gorgeous limestone cliffs!
• Visit Monkey Beach (a popular spot to stop on many boat trips)

Where to stay on Koh Phi Phi:

• Budget-Friendly : @The Pier 519 Hostel OR Sweed Dee Hostel
• Mid-Range : Paradise Pearl Bungalows OR P2 Wood Loft
• Luxury : Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort OR SAii Phi Phi Island Village

Koh Phi Phi → Koh Lanta

Getting from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta is a breeze! It’s just a one hour ferry ride and no changes. You can either book this in advance through 12Go Asia (helpful if it’s busy season!) or book it through your hostel or hotel the day before your departure date.

Itching to visit an elephant sanctuary while in Thailand? Make sure you read my guide on why MOST elephant “sanctuaries” are not ethical .

Koh Lanta is one of those islands that’s becoming more and more popular as travelers stray from the “typical” Thailand destinations and discover more off the beaten track gems!

With fewer crowds, cool cafes, mangrove forests, national parks , beautiful beaches, and more than a few hammocks perfect for relaxing in, you’ll no doubt fall in love with Koh Lanta.

Things to do on Koh Lanta:

• Simply find a great beach (there are SO many!) and relax in the sun
• Experience the magical 4-island boat tour
• Rent a scooter and explore the island
• Check out Mu Koh Lanta National Park (beautiful coral reefs!)
• Explore the vibrant Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest
• Walk around Koh Lanta Old Town
• Go scuba diving or snorkeling
• Give back at the Lanta Animal Welfare Centre
• Hike to Khlong Chak Waterfall
• Explore one of the many beach bars
• Practice self-care and book a massage or facial at a spa

Where to stay on Koh Lanta:

• Budget-Friendly : Hub of Joys Hostel OR Lanta Long Beach Hostel
• Mid-Range : Coco Lanta Resort OR Sleep In Lanta Resort
• Luxury : Layana Resort & Spa OR Pimalai Resort & Spa

Koh Lanta → Krabi OR Koh Tao

Another easy peasy journey on your three-week Thailand trip, getting from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town is just a 3 hour van ride. You can also take a ferry from Koh Lanta to Ao Nang if you want to go via water.

This 3-week Thailand island itinerary has a one night stopover in Krabi to break up the long journey between Koh Lanta and Koh Tao.

However, if you’re short on time or want to just get the transportation over with in one day, you can book your transportation to Koh Tao from Koh Lanta in one go. (Just be warned — it’ll be a LONG journey depending on what type of transportation you book!)

Personally, I would take the 6:00 AM morning van from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town , which arrives at its destination around 8:30/9:00 AM. Then, I’d book the late morning transfer option from Krabi to Koh Tao , which is a van + speedboat combo and takes around 6-7 hours.

The other (and more affordable) option is to take a van and then jump on an overnight ferry to Koh Tao. While this is cheaper, it can often be far more uncomfortable (though you do save money on accommodation for one night).

Ahhh… Koh Tao, by far one of my favorite Thailand islands!

Though it may be small, Koh Tao offers a plethora of great things to do, a phenomenal nightlife, exceptional hostels, wonderful cafes and restaurants and just an overall amazing island vibe.

I have no doubt that after you spend three nights here on your 3-week Thailand trip, you’ll love Koh Tao just as much as I do!

Things to do on Koh Tao:

• Relax on the beaches and soak up the sun
• Get PADI certified (Koh Tao is one of the best and cheapest places in the world to get your scuba certification!)
• Go on a snorkeling tour across Koh Tao’s many vibrant bays and nearby islands
• Watch the sunset from a beach or rooftop bar
• Hike to one of Koh Tao’s viewpoints (John Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock are great!)
• Party it up on an exciting pub crawl
• Take a Muay Thai class

Where to stay on Koh Tao:

• Budget-Friendly : Savage Hostel Koh Tao OR Indie Hostel
• Mid-Range : View Point Resort OR DD Hut Koh Tao
• Luxury : Cape Shark Villas OR Lücke Boutique Hotel

Koh Tao → Koh Phangan

Getting ready for some smooth sailing and an easy journey from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan . Whether you take the slower ferry or faster speedboat, this trip shouldn’t take any longer than two hours (unless there’s a delay… which is common in Thailand.)

Book your transportation from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan with 12Go Asia or through your accommodation (or a travel agency office on Koh Tao).

Koh Phangan is a popular island located between the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. With a reputation for an awesome nightlife and wild bars, it’s by far the biggest party island in Thailand. (Um, hello, did someone say the Full Moon Party?)

However, there are other things to do here, too, if parties aren’t your thing! From beach hopping and hiking to snorkeling, scuba diving, wellness activities, and more, you can find some great activity to fill your time while on Koh Phangan.

Things to do on Koh Phangan:

• Beach hop like a pro (Haad Rin, Mae Haad Beach, Bottle Beach, and Haad Khom are great!)
• Go on a snorkeling trip
• Experience the Full Moon Party or Half Moon Party
• Explore the many waterfalls on Koh Phangan (Phaeng Waterfall is a top one!)
• Elevate your wellness — try a yoga, meditation, or breathwork class
• Go off-roading on an ATV jungle adventure tour
• Hike to one of Koh Phangan’s many viewpoints
• Rent a kayak and explore the island’s coast by water
• Take a Thai cooking class
• Go on a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park
• Watch a Muay Thai fight (or take a class to learn how to fight yourself!)
• Explore the island’s many temples — Kuan Yin Temple, Wat Pho, and Wat Phu Kao Noi
• Check out Koh Phangan’s night markets (Thong Sala Night Market, or Panthip Market, is a good one)

Where to stay on Koh Phangan:

• Budget-Friendly : Hideout Hostel OR Puk’s Palace
• Mid-Range : Papillon Bungalows OR Shanti Boutique Hotel
• Luxury : Anantara Rasananda Villas OR Mayara Pool Villas

Koh Phangan → Koh Samui

At just a 30 minutes speedboat away, Koh Samui is easy to get to from Koh Phangan. Click here to book your transportation through 12Go Asia or by asking your accommodations.

I recommend getting the earliest ferry or speedboat from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui so you have more time on this fun island!

As the third largest Island in Thailand, there are plenty of things to do on Koh Samui! Whether you want to rent a scooter and explore the island, visit some temples , eat your way across the island, or simply hang out on the beach all day, you won’t get bored here.

Things to do on Koh Samui:

• Rent a scooter for the day and explore to your heart’s content (it’s a big island, so be prepared!)
• Check out some of Koh Samui’s waterfalls
• Explore the many cute and amazing cafes and restaurants on Koh Samui
• Hang out on one of the many beaches
• Soak up the culture at some of the island’s temples (here’s a great Koh Samui tour if you don’t feel comfortable on a scooter!)
• Go on a fun hike (Koh Samui is quite mountainous!)
• Walk around Fisherman’s Village, a super cute place with shops, restaurants and markets
• Go on a day trip to “Pig Island” (yes, there are real, adorable pigs!)

Where to stay on Koh Samui:

• Budget-Friendly : Chill Inn Lamai Hostel OR Kerton Hostel
• Mid-Range : Deva Beach Resort OR The Mud – Eco Hotel
• Luxury : Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui OR Banyan Tree Samui

Koh Samui → Bangkok

The end of your 3-week Thailand island itinerary has come to an end! You most likely need to head back to Bangkok for your departing flight, which you can get to one of two ways:

• Ferry/speedboat and bus combination ( click here to view it on 12Go Asia )
• Flight out of Koh Samui airport

While a flight is definitely faster, the ferry + bus combination is far more affordable (and more sustainable !).

Book your ferry + bus ticket with 12Go Asia (or your accommodation). If you choose a flight, I recommend booking that with Skyscanner (always has the cheapest flights in my experience!).

If you need to stay in Bangkok the night before your departing flight (or wherever you’re heading next), take a peek at my list of where to stay in Bangkok here .

With that said, this 3-week southern Thailand itinerary comes to an end! After weeks of beaches, blue waters, islands, culture, and delicious Thai food, you should leave this amazing country with many phenomenal memories.

Are you in the midst of planning a three-week trip to Thailand? Have any questions? Ask them in the comment section below! I’m here to help.

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

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Like this post on the best 3-week south Thailand itinerary? Pin it!

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Thailand

• Post author: Marlou
• Post published: February 4, 2024
• Post category: Thailand

Southern Thailand is most famous for its gorgeous beaches and islands. The North is beautiful too with its mountains, but make sure to avoid the burning season. The air quality becomes very bad, and you won’t be able to enjoy the views from the mountains much due to the smoke. We visited in February and March, which is the burning season, so we decided to focus on the south and we had no regrets. With only 45 days visa-free, we were more than happy to travel to Southern Thailand only and we still felt we needed more time to see all the things we wanted to see. 

This travel guide for Southern Thailand follows a route from north (Bangkok) to south with the described places color-coded as a  must-visit ,  highly recommended , and  if time permits . 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission when you click on them, at no additional cost to you. It just helps to keep this site running. I only promote products and services I really recommend and always give my honest opinion about them.

Table of Contents - The Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Thailand

• Traveling Southern Thailand – Tips & Tricks
• When to visit Soutern Thailand

How to get to Southern Thailand

Kanchanaburi, koh phangan, jungle and waterfall hike, ratchaprapha lake, surin vs similan, other things to do in khao lak, railay beach, other things to do in southern thailand, traveling southern thailand - tips & tricks.

Currency: The local currency is Thai Baht . The excahnge rate at the time of writing is about 35 Baht to 1 USD and 38 Baht to 1 EUR.

ATMs : I couldn’t find a free ATM to withdraw cash, all of them charged me 220 Baht. Since this is a flat fee, it’s best to take bigger sums out and pay by card when you can and don’t get charged extra. A bank like Wise  or  Revolut lets you take out a certain amount of cash for free per month and has great exchange rates. So using their card helps keep the fees down. And as always, always pick an ATM that gives you Thai Baht, and never accept the proposed exchange fee, if it gives you one. Both of these options mean a horrible exchange rate and therefore a very expensive withdrawal.

Transport : Thailand has a great public transport system, consisting of buses, trains, ferries, and minivans. The best website to check your options, schedules, and prices is 12GO , but I prefer to buy tickets on the spot at the ticket offices.

Food : Thai food is easily my favorite Asian cuisine, and one of my favorites overall. The food is so diverse and very tasty. From curries to fried rice to pad thai and from street food snacks to fresh fish. Amazing. If you’re a big meat eater you might struggle a bit with the local cuisine, but there are plenty of western restaurants around as well where you can get a burger or something else.

When to visit Southern Thailand

The best time to visit Southern Thailand is from November to April, when it’s the dry season in most of Thailand. The Gulf of Thailand as a slightly different rainy season though, here it rains from October to December. From January to April, the whole of Southern Thailand has their dry season, but do note that as the dry season advances, and the next rain season is coming closer, days get hotter and more humid too.

As there is not as much agriculture in Southern Thailand, you don’t need to worry about the burning of the crops like in Northern Thailand. There will be the odd one burning, but you’ll have no problems enjoying your trip here this time of year.

If you only want to visit the beaches of Southern Thailand, you can fly into Phuket . Phuket is a big international airport in the south of Thailand. If you want to see a few other places as well, or flights to Phuket are expensive, you can also fly into Bangkok and spend some time here and around before heading south.

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital. It’s a huge and busy city with plenty of things to see and do. The most famous sites are the Grand Palace  and Wat Pho (home of the famous reclining Buddha). But there are plenty of temples , big and small, famous and unknown to tourists, in Bangkok which you can visit. Do note that in order to be able to enter a temple, you’ll need to wear clothes that cover your body from your shoulders to your knees. This is where the famous elephant pants every person who visited Thailand has come in handy.

One of the best things to do in Bangkok, is taking a boat along the Chao Praya River . The boats serve as public transport to move around the city but also offer nice views and a relaxing kind of city tour. There are tourist boats you can take too, but there is no need. They are more expensive than the public transport ones, which are 16 baht each (less than 0.50 USD/EUR, at the time of writing). Plus, the public ferries take you along the same route.

If you’re tired of the city, head over to Lumphini Park . Lumphini is a beautiful big park and a great place to chill in the shade for a bit. The park is full of Asian water monitor lizards and birds, offering great photo opportunities.

Bangkok is also full of markets , from the (now very touristic) floating markets, to night markets and food markets. A visit to Bangkok is not complete without a visit to at least one of its colorful and fragrant markets. 

Accommodation Tip: Bangkok is a huge city, with many options to stay. The touristic center is Khao San Road . Here you’ll find everything you need, from souvenirs to restaurants to tourist agencies. So it’s convenient to stay close to Khao San Road, but not right in it, because it gets noisy!

If you’re flying into Bangkok, you can also opt for staying close to the airport rail link , which is what we did. We stayed at Sodsai Garden , which is close to the airport train, has easy access to public transport to travel around, and is close to plenty of restaurants and spas offering cheap and good massages. It’s a great option if you want to stay a bit further away from the touristic center.

How to get to Bangkok

Bangkok receives many daily international flights. It is one of the cheaper destinations to fly into when visiting Southeast Asia. Bangkok is also very well connected with the rest of Thailand and neighboring countries by bus and there are trains to some destinations.

Ayutthaya is one of the former capitals of Thailand, which was then called Siam. You can visit the ruins of the old city which was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.

The old city is divided into different sectors, which have an entrance fee of 50 baht each (less than 1.50 USD/EUR, at the time of writing). If you want to visit all 6 main temples you can also buy a combi ticket for the discounted price of 220 Baht. The sectors themselves are not so big, but they are a little spread out. So the best way to get to know as much of the old city as possible is by renting a bike. The grounds are too big to see everything on foot unless you stay more than one day.

To access the old city, you’ll need to take a ferry (10 baht = more or less 30 ct) because it’s on an island. Don’t bother renting a bike before boarding, you can rent one on the island for the same price (60 baht at the time of writing, less than 2 EUR/USD). This saves you the hassle of getting the bike on board the ferry and the extra fee for the bike, even though it’s not much (15 baht).

It’s also possible to hire a tuk-tuk if you don’t want to cycle. But since it’s a touristic place, tuk-tuks are quite expensive. Plus, getting around by bike is fun and gives you the complete freedom to explore at your own pace.

How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

The best way to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is by train from Hua Lamphong station. A ticket cost about 20 Baht and the journey takes about 90 minutes. If you want to visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok, take the train at 9am or 10.30 am to have enough time to visit the city.

Kanchanaburi is a town west of Bangkok. The star attraction here is the seven-layered Erawan waterfall with crystal clear water. The waterfalls are located in a National Park and you can hike to the upper level and swim in several of the pools. But there are other interesting things to do in Kanchanaburi as well. Many of those things are related to the Second World War and the Burma Railway that was built here. While it is technically possible to visit Kanchanaburi as a day trip from Bangkok, this makes your stay very rushed. I recommend staying 3 days in Kanchanaburi to enjoy everything this town has to offer.

How to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok

You can travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by train or by minivan. A train ticket costs 100 baht and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. Do check the current schedule beforehand, as there are only two trains a day each way. I found the minivans more comfortable than the trains. A ticket costs about 110 baht and the journey also takes about 2.5 hours. Vans go every hour from the new southern bus terminal in Bangkok. There is no need to go to the ticket offices upstairs. Just head to where the busses/vans are waiting and you’ll see stands that say “Kanchanaburi”.

Koh Tao was the first island in the Gulf of Thailand that we visited. It’s famous for diving, especially for beginners. With open water courses starting from around 9000 baht for 3 days, it’s a cheap spot to get your diving certificate. Besides being cheap, another reason why Koh Tao is popular for getting your diving license is because the beginner diving spots are very nice. There are better places in Southeast Asia for experienced divers, but for beginners, Koh Tao is hard to beat.

If you don’t want to go diving, snorkeling is great here too. Or if you’re not sure, all diving schools offer try dives (also called discovery dives). This way you could give it a go before you decide whether you want to get your certificate or not.

When you look up Koh Tao, the first picture that pops up is most likely one of two islands connected by a sandbar. This is Nang Yuan . It’s a resort, and therefore private property, but visitors are allowed to spend the day there. You’ll need to get a taxi boat to the island and pay 250 baht for entry. Bring your snorkel gear as well. The coral is not in great condition, but there are still fish around and we saw some small black-tip sharks, which was really cool.

It’s best to go either early in the morning or in the afternoon. Tours come around 11 and stay around 1.5 hours meaning the beach and bay are full at this time and there is a long queue to the viewpoint from where you can take this iconic picture. 

How to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok

If you’re coming from Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya, you’ll need to make your way back to Bangkok first, and travel to Koh Tao from here.

Koh Phangan is most famous for the full moon party and many other parties that are held here throughout the year. But Koh Phagnan is not only a party destination. It’s also home to some of the best beaches of the Thai Golf Islands. The largely unspoiled Bottle Beach is my favorite. There are also plenty of hikes you can do in Koh Phangan, but as we visited in the hot and humid month of September, the only hike I did was up to the Bottle Beach viewpoint. If it’s gorgeous beaches you’re after, Koh Phangan is your island. Do note that the island gets incredibly crowded during the Full Moon Party, so avoid these days if you’re not interested in attending this party. 

How to get to Koh Phangan from Koh Tao

There are multiple ferries per day between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Make sure to check the current schedule at the ferry terminal. The boat ride takes about 1h15.

Koh Samui is the biggest island of this Gulf of Thailand trio. I had high expectations of Koh Samui as many people speak very positively about it, but I was actually quite disappointed with this island. It’s very big and built up, and feels more like a city rather than a paradisic island. There are some nice sights to see, so if you like to spend your days between sightseeing and relaxing on the beach Koh Samui might be for you. But I personally liked Koh Tao and Koh Phangan a lot more than Koh Samui.

How to get to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan

Ferries between these islands are frequent and go roughly every hour throughout most of the day, with a break in the middle of the day. Check out the current schedule at the ferry terminal, or just rock up if you don’t mind waiting. Do note that Koh Samui has several piers, so make sure you’re taking a ferry to the pier closest to your accommodation or opt for a ferry ticket including a transfer to your accommodation. Taxis are quite expensive in Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao – Can’t visit them all and not sure which island to pick? Read my guide Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao: Which island in the Gulf of Thailand is the best to help you pick the best island to stay on.

Khao Sok is a national park that offers jungle, caves, and a giant (artificial) lake with limestone cliffs. You can do day trips from Khao Sok town, or stay a night on the lake. To visit the jungle and waterfalls you don’t need to contract a tour or guide. Just pay the fee of 200 baht and you can visit the waterfalls. Make sure to keep an eye open for wildlife, we saw some monkeys on the way. For the lake you do need to contract a tour.

If you want to hike the jungle and waterfall trail in Khao Sok National Park, you have the option to go by yourself or hire a guide. It’s said you need a guide to visit the waterfalls further away, but it’s not enforced. We spontaneously decided we wanted to continue after reaching the end of the trail you could do without a guide and hiked to the next waterfall. It was easy enough to visit on your own. We crossed multiple people who were on their own as well and groups with guides who didn’t tell us off for not having a guide. Guides are great at spotting wildlife though, and can tell you more about the place, so it might be worth getting one anyway.

To visit Ratchaprapha Lake you have to contract a tour. We spoke to a few agencies and they all offered some or less the same for the same price. Jungle Huts included a night your in the package though and the girl at the tourdesk was super helpful and friendly. So we decided to go with them. They were also the only ones we spoke to who offered a trip to the “water cave” at the lake, as well as the standard trip to the diamond cave. We opted for the Diamond Cave though, as that one gave us more time to enjoy the lake.

Another cool experience in Khao Sok is the night tour. Our tour guide was incredible at spotting animals! From insects to frogs and monkeys to snakes! Very impressive. We spotted more animals here than on our night tour in Borneo !

As tickets to the Khao Sok National Park are valid for 24 hours, you don’t have to buy a separate ticket if you do this tour the day before or on the same day as the lake tour or jungle and waterfall hike.

How to get to Khao Sok from Koh Samui

You can buy combined tickets for the ferry and the bus to Khao Sok from any of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Samui.

Khao Lak is the gateway to the Similan and Surin islands. You can visit the Similan Islands from Phuket as well, but it’s a lot further. I recommend going from Khao Lak instead, as this is quite a long day already.

The Surin islands are more expensive and further away from Khao Lak compared to the Similan islands. They are less touristic though and, unlike the Similan Islands, you can stay here overnight. We opted for the Similan Islands since we wanted to do a day trip and Surin is quite far for a day trip. But the underwater world of the Surin islands is said to be better than that of the Similan islands. 

The Similan Islands is a beautiful island group. Similan means nine, but this archipelago actually consists of 11 islands. Tourists are only allowed to visit a few of them though. Some are for general day trippers, others for divers. We enjoyed the trip and saw some nice fish and corals while snorkeling, but we were very surprised about the amount of people and boats going! We knew it was touristic, but didn’t expect this many people! Groups did divide a bit for snorkeling, but the lunch and viewpoint stops were very crowded. So if you don’t want this, look into a Surin overnight tour instead.

Other than visiting islands, you can also chill on the beach in Khao Lak. Coconut Beach is a very nice beach. It’s a little further from the center, but easy to reach with a scooter. The water is blue, the sand is pretty close to being white and it’s not crowded at all! Coconut Beach gets its name from the many coconut trees along the beach and the path leading up to the beach.

For something different than beaches, you can visit the Sai Rung waterfall . Entrance is free it’s just 20 baht to park your scooter/motorcycle or 10 baht to stall a bike. The waterfall is only small, but nice if you’re looking for something else to do. There is a little restaurant where you can eat or drink something as well. If you like temples, you can check out Wat Phadung Tham Phothi . This temple itself was damaged by the tsunami in 2004, but the Buddha and pagoda were untouched!

Accommodation tip – If you’re traveling with a few friends or as a family and you’re willing to pay a little more, Coconut Homes and Cafe is a great place to stay. This accommodation offers very nice bungalows, a cafe with delicious drinks and cakes, and a pool. It’s located in a quieter part of Khao Lak and within walking distance to Coconut Beach where you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal on the beach. 

How to get to Khao Lak from Khao Sok

Most buses between Surat Tani and Phuket will stop at both Khao Lak and Khao Sok, so you can use these buses to travel from Khao Sok to Khao Lak. This bus is the cheapest option, but there are minivans available as well. Buy your ticket a day in advance at the bus stop, or the minivan terminal to confirm the schedule and reserve your spot. Most accommodations offer tickets as well. 

Phuket is the gateway to Southern Thailand and one of the most popular tourist destinations. It does provide a good strategic point if you just want to stay in one place and do day trips from here. But I’m really not a fan of the atmosphere of Phuket.

It’s busy, it’s loud, and it’s the postcard example of Thailand being exploited for Western tourism. It’s all about partying and spending money and there is a lot of sex tourism as well. Many people love Phuket though, and I guess that if you just want to party at night and chill on a beach during the day you might like it. But it’s just not for me. Patong is mostly notorious for being like this, but I felt a similar atmosphere in different towns of Phuket.

If you do want to check out what the fuzz is all about, or like the strategic location, there are some nice beaches you can visit and there is the iconic Big Buddha.

Freedom Beach is probably the nicest beach in Phuket. Unfortunately, you have to pay to enter it. It did look beautiful from above, but as we arrived late in the afternoon after a day of exploring, we didn’t want to pay just to see it without having time to enjoy it. So we turned around.

Nai Han Beach is quite a nice beach to spend some time at. I recommend arriving early to secure a spot in the shade. Yanui Beach is also nice, but small and more exploited. There are many stalls to rent kayaks, paddle boards, umbrellas, and food stalls, so it felt a lot busier. Nai Han is a big beach, so even though there are also a lot of people, it absorbs the crowds a bit better. Other than beaches, the big Buddha is an iconic sight. It’s nice, but I prefer the smaller temples more off the tourist radar. The views are nice though, and the Buddha is pretty cool. They have some signs explaining a bit about Buddhism here as well.

How to get to Phuket from Koh Lak

There are shared minivans between Khao Lak and Phuket. Check the current schedule with your accommodation and also confirm where the van will stop. Khao Lak is a large strip, so there are multiple places where you can hop on the van.

Railay Beach is one of my favorite places in Southern Thailand. This peninsula feels more like an island and the limestone cliffs are impressive and offer beautiful views wherever you look. It’s possible to visit Railay as a day trip from Ao Nang, which is a cheaper place to stay than Railay. But I think Railay deserves at least one night. The peninsula is nicest in the early morning and late afternoon when there are no day trippers around.

Besides relaxing on the beach, Railay is also great for rock climbing, caving, and kayaking. And there are some awesome viewpoints you can hike to.

How to get to Railey Beach from Phuket

To get to Railay Beach from Phuket, you first need to take a bus to Ao Nang. There are multiple minivans a day leaving the terminal in Phuket Old Town for Ao Nang. You might need to change vans at the intersection of Ao Nang and Krabi, but you can buy a ticket for the whole trip. Ask the driver to drop you off at Ao Nang beach and buy a ticket for the boat to Railay at the ticket office. Boats leave when they have gathered enough people, which generally doesn’t take very long during the day. 

Koh Lanta is the perfect island for those who are looking for less touristic islands than the other ones mentioned in this guide. It is touristic enough to have the infrastructure for a comfortable stay (from accommodations to restaurants to scooter rentals), but it (still) lacks the crowds that visit the other islands. The island has a super laid-back feel to it, and beautiful stretches of beach with plenty of space to put your towel down without being bothered by anyone trying to sell you something.

Long Beach is the biggest beach and has the easiest access from town. I recommend staying in this part of Koh Lanta. Bamboo Beach is a remote, but beautiful beach in the south of Koh Lanta. Go here early in the morning to get shade. Be careful with the monkeys though! They disappear when the heat arrives, but they are actively looking for things to steal in the morning. Nui Bay is another beautiful beach. This beach is smaller than the other ones, so it does get more crowded. 

If you want to visit something else that’s not a beach, you could drive to Lanta Old Town. It’s more of a strip with restaurants and souvenir shops than a town, but it’s a nice destination if you want to go for a drive.

How to get to Koh Lanta from Railay Beach

Take a boat from Railay to either Ao Nang or Krabi, and a bus from there. Most busses don’t go very far down the island so keep that in mind when booking your accommodation. If you want to stay further down (I recommend staying along Long Beach), rent a motorbike on the northern tip of the island (around the harbor or Khlong Dao Beach) or take a motor taxi.

Of course, there are still many more things to do in Southern Thailand. There are so many islands left to explore still!

The most obvious one we left out, is Phi Phi . We doubted a lot whether we visited or not, but after speaking to people who did go, we decided not to. It’s just too busy and too exploited and for us, it’s hard to enjoy a place when there are so many people. So we decided to skip Phi Phi. 

We very much wanted to visit Koh Lipe , but since we had a flight booked to Sumatra from Penang already, and it was a little tricky to get to from Koh Lanta, we decided to skip Koh Lipe. Due to the long travel times, we wouldn’t have a lot of time to enjoy Koh Lipe nor Penang before our flight, so we decided to leave this one for next time.

This was the Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Thailand

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The Ultimate 3 Week South Thailand Itinerary

Posted on Published: February 12, 2024  - Last updated: June 13, 2024

Categories Popular Posts , South East Asia , Thailand

I have created this 3 week South Thailand itinerary for those who want to see it all, if you have more time I would always recommend travelling slower and really getting to know the places you visit but use this guide as a perfect starting point to plan your perfect trip.

Thailand is one of my favourite places in the world, with South Thailand coming in as my favourite place to be in this beautiful country.

The South of Thailand has so much to offer and I’ve included almost everything in this guide! You can plan adventures from island hopping, Elephant sanctuaries, incredible temples, snorkelling trips, trekking through jungles, freediving and so much more.

I hope my 3 week South Thailand Itinerary can help you see just how wonderful Thailand is and that it leaves you planning to come back over and over again.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I have recommended I will earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to keep Travels by Izzy going.

Table of Contents

3 Week South Thailand itinerary

Itinerary overview, phuket — 2 nights, koh lanta — 3 nights, railay — 2 nights.

• Krabi — 3 nights
• Khao Sok — 2 nights 

Koh Tao — 3 nights

Koh phangan — 2 nights, koh samui — 4 nights .

Due to the fact we are mainly focusing on the south throughout this 3 week South Thailand Itinerary it makes sense to start in the south to avoid wasting unneeded days travelling between areas.

Phuket airport is a large international airport that you can easily find return flights to from most countries in the world.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and has lots to offer, however speaking from experience if you have travelled a long way to get there then I would recommend just booking a nice hotel or chill hostel to relax in so you can adjust to the time zone.

Things to do in Phuket

• Freedom Beach
• Big Buddha Temple
• Bangla Road
• Banana Beach
• Phuket Old Town Sunday Night Market
• Wat Chalong
• Similan Islands

Where to Stay in Phuket

Luxury:  Sinae Phuket & Outrigger Surin Beach Resort

Mid-Range: Holiday Village & Natural Garden Resort & Alleyhill Phuket

Budget:  Bearpacker Patong Hostel & Peranakan Boutique Hotel

Phuket ➡️ Koh Lanta

After you’ve acclimatised to Thai life it’s time to head out to the islands to get yourself immersed in island life and to get this 3 week South Thailand Itinerary really started!

Getting around Thailand is relatively easy and most means of public transport run smoothly, are well organised and often run on time.

Depending on where you are staying in Phuket you will need to make your way to Rassada Pier in Phuket Town by bus, local taxi or Grab (just like Uber in the UK).

You can buy boat tickets on arrival but to ensure you have seats booked I would always recommend booking in advance, I always use 12go.asia here you can find all departure times and book instantly with immediate confirmation.

💡 If you would like to stop at the world-famous party island Phi Phi then this is the perfect time to slot in a 1 or 2-night stay.

A bit more off the typical tourist’s path Koh Lanta is one of my favourite places in Thailand, it is like stepping back in time to Thailand before tourism.

Here you can find cute rustic accommodations, beautiful beaches, reggae bars and a whole lot of that chilled island life vibe.

Koh Lanta is a true example of island living, here everything moves slowly and with not too much to do you’re encouraged to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life.

Things to do in Koh Lanta 

• Relax Beach
• Mu Ko Lanta National Park
• Beaches of South Lanta
• Koh Rok Snorkelling Tour
• Lanta Thai Cooking Class
• Rent a Scooter and go exploring
• Koh Lanta Old Town
• Visit the Lighthouse
• Learn to Scuba Dive
• Watch the sunset from a Reggae beach bar
• Join a Yoga Class
• Eat at some of Lanta’s amazing restaurants
• Walk the dogs at Lanta Animal Welfare

Where to Stay in Koh Lanta 

Luxury: Baan Thai Lanta Resort & Long Beach Chalet

Mid-Range: Chomview Resort & Na Vela Village

Budget: Navareeya House Seaview & Hub of Joys Hostel

Koh Lanta ➡️ Railay

Getting from Koh Lanta to Railay is easily done using one of the ferries that depart daily, you can find the full schedule here at 12go.asia and book your chosen time with immediate confirmation.

To get to Sala Dan ferry port located in the north of the island I recommend speaking to your accommodation to see if they can book you a joint taxi with anyone else that might also be leaving that day, or to book you a private taxi.

‼️ Note that when you get to Railay the ferries are too large to approach the floating pier so you will be transferred from the ferry onto a longtail boat in the middle of the ocean, this works very smoothly but just ensure you keep an eye on your bag and make sure it gets onto the longtail boat – when we did this someone’s bag got left on the ferry!

Most people skip staying in Railay and just visit for a day from Ao Nang in Krabi but doing it this way means you miss so much!

Railay had to have a spot in my 3 week South Thailand Itinerary, it may be small but it has so much to offer from lazing on the beach, hiking to viewpoints, amazing food and rock climbing there is something here for everyone.

Imagine stunning white sand beaches lined with palm trees and huge limestone cliffs as the backdrop.

Not accessible by car there is no major infrastructure here meaning it gives off small island vibes without being an island.

Things to do in Railay

• Railay Beach
• Tonsai Beach
• Phra Nang Cave Beach
• Phra Nang Cave
• Phra Nang Beach Viewpoint
• Hike to Railay Viewpoint & Lagoon
• Phra Nang Nai Cave (Diamond Cave)
• Rock Climbing
• Wander the boutique shops
• Eat some local food
• Visit one of the many cute cafes
• Relax in a Reggae Bar
• Take a day trip to Phi Phi – check out my full guide

Embrace the tranquility of Railay and check out my ‘ 12 Best Things to Do in Railay in 2024 ‘ guide to give you a more in-depth insight into the best things to do here and to plan your perfect stay.

Where to Stay in Railay

Luxury: Sand Sea Resort Railay & Railay Phutawan Resort

Mid-Range: Avatar Railay & Railay Princess Resort

Budget:  Blanco Hideout Railay & Rapala Rock Wood Resort

Railay ➡️ Ao Nang, Krabi 

Getting from Railay to Krabi is very simple and only a short 5/10 minute journey each way by longtail boat. It’s getting to and from the longtail boat that is the interesting part!

The longtail boats at Railay are always docked just off the shore on the main beach, to get a ticket just head to Railay Beach from the main path and head right, just a little way along you will see a small wooden hut, here you can buy a one-way ticket from Railay to Ao Nang for 200 THB (£4.50).

‼️ Note that you will have to carry your belongings into the ocean, depending on the tide this could be up to about knee height or just below your bum! Of course, depending on how tall you are… It was a very interesting experience having to carry 2 big backpacks into almost waist-height water! Luckily we made it to the boat with our bags all dry.

Ao Nang, Krabi — 3 nights

Ao Nang is located in Krabi and is the perfect place to stay if you are planning on visiting some of the surrounding islands on a boat trip, from here you can get to The Phi Phi islands , Maya Bay and do the 4 Islands Tour.

This popular tourist hub has a lot to offer from bars and vibrant nightlife to traditional spas and sunset spots. Located on the seafront it is also a great place to have the best of both worlds with a busy town offering almost everything to a white sandy beach to relax at.

Things to do in Ao Nang, Krabi

• Ao Nang Beach
• Ao Nang Nightmarket
• Take a day trip to Phi Phi & Maya Bay
• Take the 4 Islands Tour
• Nopparat Thara Beach
• Monkey Trail Walk to Pai Plong Beach
• Watch Muay Thai at Ao Nang Stadium
• Krabi Sunset Kayaking
• Mangrove Kayaking
• Watch a fire show on the beach
• Eat at The Best One Pad Thai
• Tiger Temple & Emerald Pools day trip

Where to Stay in Ao Nang, Krabi

Luxury:  Anana Ecological Resort Railay & Ban Sainai Resort

Mid-Range: The Moon Night Ao Nang Hotel & Sea Seeker Krabi Resort

Budget: @Aonang Guesthouse & Nomads Ao Nang

Ao Nang, Krabi ➡️ Khao Sok

Ao Nang to Khao Sok will be one of your longest travel journeys so far, located about a 4-hour drive north. 

I would recommend completing this journey in a minivan from Ao Nang directly to Khao Sok Van Station. 

Check out 12go.asia to find departure times and to book your journey. When booking make sure your pick-up point is from somewhere in Ao Nang, if you choose a starting point from the Krabi bus terminal you will have to pay for additional transport to get you into Krabi.

Khao Sok — 2 nights

Khao Sok is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Thailand, it is covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, here you can see huge limestone cliffs, deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, caves and wild animals.

There are 2 main destinations in Khao Sok, either Khao Sok village located near the entrance of the national park or Khao Sok Lake (Cheow Lan Lake). 

Both are equally as beautiful but offer very different things. 

Khao Sok Village is known for its hiking trails, from here you can access tons of incredible walks through the jungle and visit plenty of waterfalls along the way.

Khao Sok Lake is known for its famous raft housing, wooden huts floating on the lake, limestone cliffs, caves and viewpoints.

The Wildlife Diaries give you a more in-depth overview of Khao Sok to plan your visit yourself.

Alternatively, you can prebook a multiday trip and everything will be included for you in the one package.

Things to do in Khao Sok

• Visit the Caves
• Hike to Viewpoints
• Spot the Wildlife
• Kayaking or Canoeing
• Jungle trekking
• Boat tour on the lake
• Glamping on Khao Sok Lake
• From January – March look out for the world’s biggest flower Rafflesia arnoldii
• Jungle Cooking
• Night Safari

Where to Stay in Khao Sok

Luxury: 500 Rai Floating Resort & Praiwan Raft House

Mid-Range: Khaosok Good View Resort & The Bliss Khao Sok

Budget: Ample Forest Khao Sok & Khao Sok PalmviewResort

Khao Sok ➡️ Koh Tao

This will be the longest travel day so far out of your whole 3 week South Thailand Itinerary, taking around 8 hours.

You will have to get a minivan/taxi from Khao Sok to the pier in Surat Thani, where you will then catch the ferry from Don Sak Pier to Koh Tao.

To make sure your travel day runs smoothly many companies offer this journey in one complete package from pick up to drop off at Koh Tao’s pier. 

You can either choose a day transfer taking about 8 hours or if you only want to spend 1 night in Khao Sok you can take an overnight ferry which takes around 13/16 hours from start to finish.

You can check out all of the options on 12go.asia and book directly with instant confirmation.

Koh Tao holds the spot for my favourite place in Thailand, this small island is so tranquil and has so much to offer. 

Famously known for its diving and underwater world, thousands visit every year to get their PADI open water diving certification. 

But it has just as much to offer above land too such as jungle hikes, yoga studios, stunning beaches and plenty of amazing food to try.

Things to do in Koh Tao

• Taa Toh Beach
• Sairee Beach
• John Suwan Viewpoint
• Snorkel at Hin Wong Bay
• Try to spot the Sharks & Turtles in Shark Bay
• Mango Bay Viewpoint
• Learn to Free Dive
• Take a Yoga Class
• Book a snorkelling trip around the island
• Turtle Conservation Centre
• Koh Nang Yuan Island
• Watch a Muay Thai fight
• Stay at Sensi Paradise Beach Resort
• Explore the island on a scooter
• Visit a viewpoint cafe
• Watch the sunset
• Admire Wat Koh Charoen Santi Dhamma

For more information on Koh Tao, where to stay, where to eat and what to do check out my ‘ Complete Travel Guide ‘

Where to Stay in Koh Tao

Luxury: Cape Shark Villas & Sensi Paradise Beach Resort

Mid-Range: View Point Resort & DD Hut Koh Tao

Budget: The Dearly & Blue Chitta

Koh Tao ➡️ Koh Phangan 

Getting between the 3 islands in Thailand’s Gulf is very simple, there are 2 major ferry operators running these routes, Lomprayah and Seatran.

They both offer a wide selection of departure times and boat sizes. The Lomprayah ferries from Koh Tao depart daily at 9.30 am and 3.30 pm.

Head to 12go.asia to pick the time that works for you and book your ticket with instant confirmation. 

Famously known for its full moon parties Koh Phangan has been welcoming thousands of partygoers for decades, however, if partying is not your thing there’s plenty more to see!

With a massive Wellness and Yoga scene you can make sure your time in Koh Phangan is suited to you.

Despite its size, Koh Phangan has still kept hold of its slow-paced chilled-out vibe. As more people visit it continues to grow its name as a bucket list destination and not only for the full moon party, here you can find crystal clear waters, jungle treks, waterfalls and viewpoints.

Things to do in Koh Phangan

• Full Moon Party
• Thong Sala Night Market
• Hike Khao Ra
• Half Moon Party
• Watch the Sunset
• Kayak around the coast
• Bottle Beach
• Secret Beach
• Thai Cooking Class
• Explore the Island on a scooter
• Take a Yoga Class or book in for a Yoga Retreat
• Do your 200hr Yoga Teacher Training
• Meditate with Phra Olarn
• Visit the Waterfalls

Where to Stay in Koh Phangan

Luxury: Zee Luxury Boutique Hotel & Buri Rasa Village Phangan

Mid-Range: Baan Manali Resort & Zama Resort  

Budget: Yangyai Garden Lodge & Blessings

💡 If you are planning to visit around the full moon you can stay anywhere on the island and tons of tuk-tuks run back and forth all night – make sure to prebook well in advance though as prices rise dramatically and the island often gets fully booked!

Koh Phangan ➡️ Koh Samui

Departing from either Thongsala Pier or Haad Rin Queen Pier you can find a large selection of speedboats or ferries to catch over to Koh Samui.

When booking if you would like to use a speedboat this journey usually takes around 30 minutes, however, be warned that if it’s choppy there’s a good chance you could get wet!

If you would prefer to take a larger ferry these take anything over 45/50 minutes depending on which pier you are arriving at in Koh Samui. I would recommend arriving at either Maenam Pier or Bangrak Pier, these are the easiest to then transfer to most destinations around the island.

You can find tickets with instant confirmation on 12go.asia .

Koh Samui has so much to offer which is why I suggest you spend 4 nights here! It will also be some nice down time as the last stop during your 3 week South Thailand Itinerary.

This large island has some amazing beaches, vibrant nightlife, chilled areas, upmarket areas, a massive yoga and wellness scene, waterfalls, jungles and so much more!

It is also a great place to book some day trips out to other islands or to book an ethical elephant encounter! It is such a diverse and incredible island, there is so much to see so I guarantee you will be super busy trying to fit it all in.

Things to do in Koh Samui

• Na Muang Waterfalls 1 & 2
• Coral Cove Beach
• Chaweng Beach
• Lamai Beach
• Watch the sunset at Lipa Noi or Taling Ngam Beach
• Bangrak Beach
• Secret Buddha Garden
• Wat Phra Yai Temple – Big Buddha Temple
• Wat Plai Laem Temple
• Wat Khunaram Temple – The Mummified Monk
• Ang Thong National Marine Park
• Fisherman’s Village (especially for the night market)
• Khao Hua Jook Pagoda
• Day trip to Pig Island (Madsum Island)
• Khun Si Waterfall/Viewpoint
• Check out Central Samui Mall in Chaweng
• Elephant Rock
• Take a class or book a Yoga retreat at Vikasa Yoga
• Grandmother & Grandfather Rock
• The Jungle Club
• Samui Elephant Sanctuary
• Eat at Malee Kitchen Downtown

Check out my ‘ Complete Guide to Koh Samui ‘ for more information about where to stay, where to eat and more in-depth information about what to do to help plan your 3 week South Thailand itinerary!

Where to Stay in Koh Samui

Luxury: Melia Koh Samui & Vikasa Yoga Retreat

Mid-Range: Moon Cottage & Erawan Villa Hotel

Budget: Chill Inn Samui & Golden Monkey Samui

Koh Samui ➡️ Phuket Airport ➡️ Home

Then it’s time to head home!

After 3 weeks in South Thailand, sipping from coconuts, lying on white sandy beaches, exploring crystal clear oceans and hiking through jungles. I hope the South of Thailand has brought you as much joy as it does me.

Depending on which journey you booked you may need to make your way back to Phuket airport, you can easily do this by flying from Samui International, where you can find direct flights to Phuket.

Alternatively, if you are on more of a budget you can go via boat/bus, you can book this journey on 12go.asia .

If you are planning your 3 week South Thailand Itinerary and have any questions please drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help!

Monday 27th of May 2024

hi i'm looking to go with my boyfriend and your guide has been so helpful !! just one question where would you recommend doing the phi phi islands

IzabelleMartucci

Tuesday 28th of May 2024

Personally I didn't like the Phi Phi islands but I know others who really did! The island itself is very small and it is a party island there is no other way to put it, the whole island pretty much gets consumed by the nightlife here so if you want to go there and party and go dancing etc then I would recommend, if it's not your thing then I'd visit the area on a boat tour from Ao Nang or Phuket!

Friday 19th of April 2024

Hi that sounds brilliant we are looking at southern Thailand for 5 weeks so not in any rush so would probably take a couple of weeks to get back to phuket from koh samui would you have any recommendations on where to go on the way back ( plus I'm in my 60s not wanting to rush about lol) thanks Michael

Hi Michael, thank you! That sounds great, Thailand is best explored slowly, it's got so much to offer. If I am honest I haven't been anywhere other than where I've written about, if you wanted to stay in the south I'd just recommend spending longer in each place. Or if you would consider travelling around the whole of Thailand you could see a lot in 5 weeks.

Thursday 28th of March 2024

Absolutely amazing guide, i didn't know where to go. or have any idea, but now i know my route. :) great job

That is excellent news! I'm glad you liked my guide thank you so much for your feedback. Please let me know if you have any questions ☺️

16 Day Island Hoping in Thailand – South Thailand Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Southern Thailand is so much more than just the islands the region is famous for. The national parks, filled with diverse wildlife and amazing sceneries, offer a memorable experience too. If you’ve been wanting to visit the region, check out this south Thailand itinerary .

South Thailand Itinerary 

If you are looking for a quick 10-day south Thailand itinerary with some island hopping, this is my recommendation according to my experience:

• Day 1-4 Bangkok – check out my 4 day Bangkok itinerary!
• Day 5 & 6 Phuket – I’ve got some recommendations of the best day trips from Phuket . You’re welcome!
• Day 7 & 8 Krabi
• Day 9 & 10 Koh Islands

As an alternative, you can customize this south Thailand itinerary to suit your wants. For instance, if you want to spend a few days in Phuket and Krabi, you may turn this into 5 days Phuket and Krabi itinerary or a 3-day Phuket Krabi itinerary.

If you, on the other hand, are looking to do some island hopping, stay tuned for the full itinerary I have prepared below with some recommendations of where to go, things to do, and what you must eat.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary

First thing’s first, if you’re visiting the beautiful islands of Thailand, including some of the following activities in your Thailand island itinerary is a MUST:

• Go snorkeling
• Take a yoga class
• See a Muay Thai fight or take a class!
• Take a cooking class

Again, make sure you spend at least 2 days on each island as they have a lot to offer. Plus, getting around them is both easy and cheap, that makes this island hopping in Thailand itinerary so much better.

Without any further ado, here is my 16-day Thailand island hopping itinerary:

Day 1 & 2 – KOH PHANGAN

Your bucket list for koh phangan:.

• Bubba’s Coffee

Bubba’s Coffee has been creating amazing breakfast experiences for Koh Phangan since 2015. They offer an extended all-day brunch and dining menu with the best coffees direct from the roastery.

• Half Moon Festival

The Half Moon Party , formally known as the Half Moon Festival, is noted for symbolizing the strength of freedom, free speech, love, and harmony. The festival is one of the most well-known worldwide open-air events on Koh Phangan.

• Co-Working Spaces

If you want to be a digital nomad in Asia, Koh Phangan is one of the greatest places to visit. It’s a paradise island with beautiful beaches and co-working spaces.

Srithanu is a settlement on the western side of the island of Koh Phangan. It takes around 25 minutes to drive to Srithanu from Thong Sala. Most Westerners who moved to Koh Phangan live in this area.

Where to Stay in Koh Phangan?

Tiki Beach Koh Phangan

Havana Beach Resort Phangan

Beyond The Blue Horizon Boutique Bungalows

Day 3 & 4 – KOH SAMUI

Your bucket list for koh samui:.

• Wat Phra Yai

Though by no means an ancient temple (it was erected in 1972), Thailand’s Wat Phra Yai, or the Big Buddha Temple is a cultural and aesthetic marvel well worth a visit. You can take a guided visit to know this temple.

• Fisherman’s Village Night Market

Fisherman’s Village was formerly a bustling fishing hamlet. The fishermen have now relocated, and the main pier has fallen. Only the ancient wooden shophouses remain, with several tiny lanes running through them.

Where to Stay in Koh Samui?

Avocado Koh Samui

Samui Sunsets Luxury Villas

Crystal Bay Beach Resort

Day 5 & 6 – KOH TAO

Your bucket list for koh tao:.

• Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Tao is a popular Thai island, particularly among divers and snorkelers . Even if you don’t want to dive, a trip to Koh Tao is well worth it.

• Ocean Utopia

In March 2016, Koh Tao became the setting for a monumental undertaking: the installation of an artificial reef unlike any other. Valerie Goutard’s Ocean Utopia is a spectacular underwater art installation that also acts as an artificial reef.

Where to Stay in Koh Tao?

Moov Inn Garden Hostel

Sunrise Koh Tao

The Ozo Kohtao

Day 7 & 8 – KRABI

Your bucket list for krabi:.

• Krabi Hot Springs

Nature’s own hot-tub jacuzzis can be found in the south of Krabi province in the Klong Thom district. It’s bout 70 kilometers from town and near the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve.

• Thung Teao Forest Natural Park

Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is one of Krabi’s most impressive natural attractions. It’s extremely popular among photographers and environment lovers. The old lowland forest is home to waterfalls, hot springs, and the Emerald Pool, a natural lagoon where you may swim.

Ao Nang is a popular base camp for exploring Krabi’s karst islands, with all the amenities of a contemporary Thai harbor town.

Where to Stay in Krabi?

Pak-Up Hostel

Poonsiri Varich Pool Villa Aonang

Diamond Beach Resort

Day 9 & 10 – PHUKET

Your bucket list for phuket:.

• Big Buddha Statue

The Big Buddha in Phuket is one of the island’s most famous and cherished icons. The massive icon, which stands 45 meters tall on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach.

This cultural theme park is organized into three sections: the Festival Village for shopping, the Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant for dining, and the Palace of the Elephants for Vegas-style entertainment.

• Pa Tong Beach

Patong’s three-kilometer stretch of golden sand is one of Phuket’s most popular beaches. You can enjoy many parasailing and jet ski operators, boat drivers, beach merchants, and massages here.

Where to Stay in Koh Phuket?

Baan Baan hostel – SHA PLUS

Koh Sirey Beachfront Pool Villa

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket – SHA Extra Plus

Day 11 & 12 – PHI PHI ISLANDS

Your bucket list for koh phi phi:.

• Island-Hopping

If you’re staying on Koh Phi Phi for a few days, taking an island tour is a great way to spend your time. Island trips are simple to organize once you arrive at Koh Phi Phi Island.

Where to Stay in Phi Phi Islands?

Voyagers Hostel

Phi Phi Indigo Hotel

Viking Nature Resort

ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel and Resort- SHA Extra Plus

Day 13 & 14 – KOH LANTA

Your bucket list for koh lanta:.

Koh Lanta has some of the greatest diving on Thailand’s west coast. Koh Lanta is a popular destination for scuba divers searching for adventure. It features magnificent reefs, steep drop-offs, and enticing caverns.

• The Old Town

Lanta Old Town began as a sea gypsy encampment. It evolved into a trade-influenced community throughout the years. Many businesses, restaurants, and houses are now erected on stilts above sea level.

• Lanta Animal Welfare

Lanta Animal Welfare (LAW) is a non-profit organization headquartered on the Thai island of Koh Lanta. LAW’s goal is to rehabilitate ill and suffering animals on the island. LAW is also available to the public every day and offers one tour each day.

Where to Stay in Koh Lanta?

The Travelers Friend

Sleep In Lanta Resort

Long Beach Chalet – SHA Extra Plus

Villa Siam Lanna at Kantiang Bay

Day 15 & 16 – KOH LIPE

Your bucket list for koh lipe:.

A yoga session is one of the greatest things to do in Koh Lipe if you like to relax and unwind. You may start your day right alongside the ocean with a slow-paced Hatha yoga lesson or a dawn meditation. Yoga courses last an hour and are held every day except Sunday.

• Cooking Class

Do you want to learn how to make all of your favorite Thai foods so you can impress your friends and family back home? Not a problem! Cooking courses on Koh Lipe are a popular request and are the ideal activity for a rainy day or when you want to take a break from sightseeing , scuba diving, and exploring.

Koh Lipe has over 25% of the world’s tropical fish species, as well as dugongs, dolphins, whale sharks, minke, sperm whales, and blooming soft and hard corals. Koh Lipe is also home to beautiful rocky formations, pinnacles, and boulders.

Where to Stay in Koh Lipe?

Leelawadee Lipe Resort

Castaway Resort Koh Lipe

The Reef Hotel

Lastly, if you think that you can take on the challenge of going to more islands and want to maximize your Thailand islands itinerary while having fun traveling around the region, I advise your island hopping Thailand itinerary to look something like this:

• Surat Thani
• Koh Phangan
• Krabi – Phuket
• Phi Phi Islands

Want to visit the most famous spots in Thailand ? No problem!

The order of the destinations is up to you, there are so many amazing things to do and see in southern Thailand, you’ll most likely love it anyway. I’ve made this south Thailand itinerary according to my experience going around the region, but there is no actual right or wrong. Either you want to visit the most famous spots in Thailand or going off the beaten path, be mindful of the environment. If you are also looking for a northern Thailand itinerary , check this out.

So what are you waiting for? Bookmark or print this itinerary and book your ticket to Southern Thailand now!

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Monday 11th of July 2022

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Discover southern thailand, southern thailand essentials.

Southern Thailand draws millions of visitors each year and is a “must-do” because of its archipelago of incredible tropical islands, white sand beaches and warm weather all year round. A scattering of islands can be found across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, making it easy to go island hopping along the South Thailand map. With so many diverse activities on offer, Southern Thailand has something for everyone. 

The Andaman Sea on the Thai west coast is composed of several of Thailand’s most popular islands, with the largest being Phuket. With its own convenient airport, it is world-renowned for its numerous white sand beaches, balmy seas and water activities with ten main beaches. Phuket is also known as the spa capital of Thailand, with endless wellness packages to leave you feeling shiny and new.

Another popular destination on the southern Thailand map is Khao Sok National Park. It highlights Thailand’s preservation efforts on bio-diversity. Covering a huge 739 square kilometres, it features rich rainforests, wildlife sanctuaries, limestone structures, and the scenic Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the park. Its climate and weather remain consistent throughout the year making it a must-see destination at any time. 

Phang Nga Bay is a bay nestled between Phuket and Krabi with breathtaking limestone rock formations, caves, beach havens and hidden lakes. Many tour operators can arrange trips but sea canoeing is a fun way to explore this spectacular region.

Ko Phi Phi consists of six islands located off the mainland coast of Krabi. Ko Phi Phi Leh is the most popular, made famous by the year 2000 film named “The Beach”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. However, the Thai government closed this area in 2018 due to damaged coral reefs impacted by tourism. The region remains closed for coral rejuvenation but new eco-tourism projects see it eyeing a possible 2021 opening.

Krabi province boasts impressive natural attractions and is home to Ko Lanta National Park with famous diving sites. Nearby Ko Lipe is known for its natural beauty and is an idyllic paradise featuring a marine park with impressive coral-rich snorkelling and diving spots. Further afield, Koh Lanta is developed and yet still uncrowded enough to enjoy pristine beaches, ancient caves, dense jungle, and a myriad of waterfalls. After sundown, luminescent plankton can be found in the warm surrounding waters.

Moving across Thailand southern islands into the Gulf of Thailand, you will find the largest island in this region- Phuket – and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Ko Tao and the lesser-known Ang Thong islands.

Koh Samui also houses an international airport and is popular for its palm-lined white sandy beaches, luxury spas and resorts and iconic Big Buddha statue at the Wat Phra Yai temple.

The island of Koh Phangan is a well-known backpacker party destination for its full moon parties. Also home to Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park, which boasts a beautiful waterfall and good hiking routes.

Koh Tao (known as Turtle Island) is a recreation lovers paradise. It is a favourite among scuba divers, rock climbers and adventure seekers. The name Koh Tao comes from being a special breeding ground for hawksbill and green turtles.

The Ang Thong Islands were declared a national park in the 1980s, They form an impressive group of islands characterised by magnificent limestone cliffs and hidden coves, coral reefs and rich marine life, rugged jungle and waterfalls, native wildlife and fine white sandy beaches. The perfect day trip from Koh Samui or Phang Nga.

Things to do in Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand fits the bill of a tropical paradise. Thailand is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and it has around 1,430 islands. Most of these belong to the southern provinces.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a protected nature park in Southern Thailand. Known to be the location of the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest, the park is a dense virgin jungle with towering limestone karst formations that soar up to 300-600 meters above sea level and the man-made Cheow Lan Lake from the Ratchaprapha Dam. A lot of bamboo grows in this park, the oldest grass in the world, and prevents erosion of the topsoil in the mountainsides.

A good number of rare species call this park their home, like the giant parasitic Rafflesia flower, white-handed gibbons, hornbill birds, Malayan tapir, Asian elephant, sambar deer, bear, gaur, banteng, serow, wild boar, pig-tailed macaque, langur, squirrel, muntjak, mouse deer, barking deer and tigers.

The world’s only known amphibious centipede, the Solopendra cataracta , was discovered on a stream bank by the park in 2001.

The park contains various kinds of wild fruit, on which the animals feed on, like the wild jackfruit, mangosteen, durian, rambutan, jujube, pomelo, wild bananas, wild pepper and ginger. Khao Sok National Park fame is perhaps due to the bua phut or Rafflesia flower, the species of the world’s largest flower.

Khao Sok National Park offers many things to do for an adventure trip. There are trekking, elephant back safari, canoeing, kayaking, bamboo rafting. The Sok River is amidst lovely views. Local guides are available for hire in the canoeing and bamboo rafting tours.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands is an archipelago of 9 islands (hence the name Similan, from the Malay Sembilan meaning 9) in the Andaman Sea and part of Phang Nga Province in the south of Thailand. It is a marine border between India and Thailand and has been established as Mu Ko Similan National Park in 1982.

Around 84 km northwest of Phuket, the Similan Islands has become one of the Andaman Sea’s best-known island groups for the wonders that lie beneath its clear aquamarine-turquoise waters. It is a favourite destination for boat and yacht tours, but more as one of the most interesting dive areas in the world.

There is more variety here than you will find in most other dive destinations in the world. The Similan Islands has almost everything divers and snorkellers revel in gazing at, from coral walls to big rocks, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, caves, swim-throughs and plenty of shallows. You can find coral gardens in as little as 6-7 metres down.

The most distinctive features of the islands are the huge boulders dotting the western and southern shores, the picturesque and not crowded white coral-sand beaches and the spectacular coral growths in the world.

You can get to these islands by flying in from Bangkok to Phuket, from where you take a ferry boat to the islands.

Koh Samui or Ko Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket and a locally self-governing part of Surat Thani Province. It lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the eastern coast of the Kra Isthmus. Ko Samui is known for its clear water palm-dotted beaches, coconut groves and lush mountain rainforests, and the wide array of accommodation options from luxury resorts and posh spas to small hostels and bungalows.

Known as one of three “sisters” being closely located, with Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Koh Samui is the largest island in the Gulf. Popular activities to do on the island are diving, snorkelling, swimming and basking on the stunning clean beaches, and touring around the awesome seascape of the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Ko Samui tourist landmarks are the majestic 12 meter-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple Complex and the Secret Buddha Garden (aka Tarnim Magic Garden), a sculpture park on top of one of the island’s tallest hills filled with fountains, gardens, sculptures (of the Buddha in several poses), animals, angels, musicians, a lovely oasis for rest and meditation.

Ko Samui is the only one among the “three sisters” with an airport so domestic and international visitors of different groups land here from Bangkok. Regular ferries commute between the three islands, making for a convenient island-hopping tour.

Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan, or Ko Pha Ngan, is an island in southeast Thailand, part of Surat Thani province and is known all over the world for its famous (or notorious) Full Moon Party. This is one boisterous, colourful, super vibrant all-night bacchanalian celebration, tied to the lunar cycles, and attracts party people every month. The merriment hub is Sunrise Beach on Haad Rin peninsula, where the beach bungalows draw in a backpacker crowd.

Ko Phangan is Thailand’s 5th largest island and among its most beautiful and “untamed” nature in the region. Its interior lush verdant tropical jungle, idyllic white-sand beaches that stretch for miles and more than 20 dive sites have made this Thai island among the popular tourism destinations. Aside from the Full Moon Party getting in from 10,000-30,000 revellers on New Year’s Eve, there is also the Half-Moon Party and Black Moon Party, also monthly. If you seek a quieter beach of the same white-sand and clear waters to explore, these are on the north coast.

The fastest way to Koh Phangan from Bangkok is a direct flight to Koh Samui then a ferry to the island. The main disembarkation destinations are Thongsala and Haad Rin peninsula.

Phuket City, aka the “original Thai paradise island,” is the capital of the Thai province of Phuket Island. Thalang Road in the Old Town showcases Sino-Portugues influences on the buildings, shops and houses.

Phuket, the largest island of Thailand has remained one of the most popular among Thai destinations for its stunning sandy beaches with awesome sunsets, its vibrant nightlife and warm friendly people, delectable Thai cuisine, not to forget it has a history of welcoming foreign traders.

Popular activities are snorkelling, diving, island-hopping on the traditional long-tail boat to nearby islands, James Bond Island, Maya Beach on Koh Phi Phi Don, Phang Nga Bay, and more. There is a myriad of activities to do in Phuket for different inclinations – outdoor activities, water sports, cultural performances and shows, tours (inland and boat tours), and food!

On top of it all, Phuket is conveniently accessible with just a one-hour flight from Bangkok. At the same time, a number of international carriers land at Phuket too.

Koh Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands is an island group between Phuket and the Strait of Malacca coast of Thailand and part of Krabi Province.

Koh Phi Phi Don is the only habitable of the six islands where all types of accommodations are available. Koh Phi Phi Le had become so popular for its Maya Beach when it was the location of a Hollywood film that the Thai government had decided to close it in 2018 for environmental repair and rejuvenation.

Popular activities are island-hopping, snorkelling, scuba diving. There are boat tours for day trips where you can explore the other islands. You can get to Koh Phi Phi by flying from Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket, from where you take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Phi Phi. The whole trip would take from 5-10 hours.

Koh Tao, or Ko Tao, literally “Turtle Island” is an island in Thailand on the western part of the Gulf of Thailand and one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Best known worldwide for scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking, rock climbing and bouldering are also popular activities on the island.

Though not yet as developed with tourist infrastructure as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Ko Tao became popular starting with the backpackers seeking relatively inexpensive scuba diving certification. Lately, the island has welcomed back visitors from ten years or so, bringing along their families.

Phi Phi Island

Railay beach, surat thani, frequently asked questions.

Overall Thailand is considered safe. But it is always smart and safe to take caution and practice alert awareness since you are in a foreign country, especially when you are travelling alone. Be aware of the norms and taboos of the local culture, as well. Drug possession is taken strictly by the Thai government, it can result in a year (or more) of prison time. In Southern Thailand, three provinces are not recommended for tourists to explore.

Southern Thailand is known for its many beautiful beaches and islands, in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Among the tourist-favoured destinations are Phuket Province, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe and Koh Tao. On the Gulf Coast, there are the beaches of Koh Samui, the Full Moon parties at Koh Phangan, the diving at Koh Tao, the natural splendour of the hAng Thong Marine Park. In the Andaman Coast, there are Khao Lak, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Chang and Ranong, as well as the picturesque Koh Tarutao archipelago and the Trang Islands. Krabi Province has its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, fascinating coral reefs, caves and waterfalls. And of course, there is Phuket.

Southern Thailand, the southernmost region of the country separated from Central Thailand by the Kra Isthmus, has 14 provinces, namely: Chumphon, Prachuap Khirikhan, Ranong, Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang, Krabi, Yala, Pattani, Nakhon si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Satun and Songkhla.

Southern Thai cuisine is characterised as much spicier, hotter and saltier, than the milder dishes of the north. Fresh fish and seafood also feature heavily along with coconut-based curries.

The best time to visit the south is during the cooler dry season from November to April. The east and west coasts have different weather patterns. The Andaman Coast beaches are at their sunniest best and temperatures around the mid-30s (°C) from November to May. June to October should be avoided due to the rainy monsoon season. The Gulf of Thailand coast is best from May to September. October and November are the wettest months in this region, so best be avoided.

Take your pick! Each island offers something unique- it just depends on what you’re looking for.

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations, offering white sandy beaches, temples, festivals, luxury resorts, spa retreats, shopping and nightlife. Koh Phang Nga remains a party magnet, best known for hosting full moon parties. Phang Nga Bay possesses some of the most breathtaking protruding limestone rock formations, caves, beach havens and hidden lakes. Koh Samui remains a tourist favourite as it has a more relaxed feel to it than the busy vibe of Phuket. It is family-friendly and has a range of natural and man-made attractions to discover. Phuket is accessible to international flights so you can get there directly from where you are. If you want to have more shopping and taste “inland” culture before going back home, you could depart via Bangkok, with two international airports.

If you are passing through to the islands, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Hat Yai are good options to visit shrines and temples, try local street foods in the night markets, do a spot of shopping and engage in local provincial city life. The major cities have flights from and to Bangkok so getting there and leaving won’t be a problem.

The best time to visit is during the cooler dry season from November to April. Keep in mind that the east and west coasts have different weather patterns. The Andaman Coast beaches are sunny from November to May. June to October should be avoided due to the rainy monsoon season. The Gulf of Thailand coast is best from May to September with October and November being the wettest months.

Again, the answer to this question lies in you – your interests, your preferences. Both have their own unique attractions. Both are accessible via Bangkok.

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South Thailand Travel Guide • 1-Week Itinerary

Table of Contents

Going to Thailand a second time was a bit unexpected, but by invitation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in collaboration with ABVP , I decided to accept the challenge and go explore some beautiful places in Phuket , Phang Nga , and the Andaman Sea coast.

On this page , I will share the complete itinerary of my trip to Thailand, in order to help you prepare your next holidays to visi t Thailand – places to visit, accommodation ideas, travel tips , and much more.

Thailand is one of those countries that everyone wants to go to. Interesting that this destination appeals to almost all types of travelers: beach lovers , those who like to explore jungles, those who seek to interact with the local population , those who love to visit Buddhist temples , food freaks, etc.

Several years ago I went on another travel to Thailand, and I even wrote an article where I share a two-week itinerary in the northern part, but this time, I come to share my week-long itinerary in the south of the country, where I landed at Phuket International Airport – HKT. Let’s go!

One week itinerary in Thailand:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Phuket » Kata Beach
• Day 2 – Kata Beach » Old Phuket» Cape Panwa » Kata Beach
• Day 3 – Kata Beach » Phang Nga Bay» Koh Panyee floating village – James Bond Island » Khao Lak
• Day 4 – Taku Apa » Banyan Tree Forest » Little Amazon – Khao Lak
• Day 5 – Similan Islands » Khao Lak
• Day 6 – Khao Lak » Elephant Hills Camp
• Day 7 – Elephant hills Camp » Departure from Phuket

Is Phuket safe for tourists?  Yes, Phuket is a very safe place to go on vacation, but of course, there are some one-off situations that travelers should be careful about in order to stay safe.

How long does the plane take from Europe to Phuket in Thailand?  There are direct flights between Zurich, Doha or Dubai and Phuket, so expect about 7 to 15 hours by plane.

Attention!   Thailand is a very tourist place . I was a little shocked by the number of Chinese tourists in the Similan Islands. In Khao Lak, it is noted that mass tourism does not arrive, but yet a much calmer type of older tourist from Scandinavia that comes to relax.

My trip to Thailand

I must say that I didn’t know very well what to expect from this trip . A few years ago I stopped looking for pictures or information about the places I am going.  I prefer to discover on a daily basis, instead of staining my mind with preconceived ideas made by other travelers or photographers . I’m going on total freedom. Anyway, I’ve seen some photos of paradisiacal landscapes on breathtaking beaches in Thailand, so, somehow I knew deep inside what to expect.

When the Tourism Authority of Thailand proposal came up, I suggested they design a suitable itinerary for me, not including places of extreme mass tourism such as Phi-Phi Islands, Krabi, or Pa Tong Beach for example. Anyway, since I was in Thailand at the peak of the high season, there were a lot of people everywhere.

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Thailand Top 3

The three places I most enjoyed on this trip to Thailand.

Little Amazon

Similan Islands

One week in Phuket and Phang Nga

What to visit with one week in Phuket and southern Thailand .

Transportation in Phuket

Moving between different locations in Thailand is relatively easy.

• Bangkok to Phuket  » prices from 35 € by bus to 53 € by plane.
• Phuket Airport to P h uket Town Hotel  » transfer with prices starting from 9 €.
• Phuket Town to Khao Lak  » prices from 18 € to 65 €.
• Rent a car in Phuket

Accommodation in Phuket

The Galleri by Katathani

Address : 218/9 Kata – Saiyuan Road, Kata Beach, Karon, Muang, Phuket, 83100 Kata Beach

Price : Single Studio Room costs 107 € per night.

To  stay in the historic center of Phuket  and on a  lower budget  see  Pakta Phuket  with private rooms from 15 € to 37 €. If you are looking for a hostel see the  Best Stay Hostel  with a single bed in a dormitory with 8 beds from 8 €.

Accommodation in Khao Lak

The Leaf Oceanside by Katathani

Address : 28/15 Moo7 soi Nangtong Khukkak, Takuapa, Phang Nga, Nang Thong Beach, 82190 Khao Lak

Price : Single room with a garden view costs 110 € per night.

Alojamento em Khlong Sok

Elephant Hills

Address : Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani

Price : Individual luxury tent in the “Jungle Safari – 2 Days & 1 Night” all-inclusive package costs around € 400.

South Thailand

The South contains many beautiful beaches and islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Well-known tourist destinations are Phuket Province, Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe, and Ko Tao.

Others Regions

Get inspiration.

7 Wonderful Things to Do and See in South Thailand

An article about the best things to do and see in South Thailand including the Full Moon Party, Scuba Diving, Songkran, and much more.

South Thailand is quite possible the mecca of every single person that visits South East Asia. If you’ve been to Thailand but didn’t experience its beaches then you definitely didn’t go to Thailand at all.

And South Thailand…well, it’s just so magical to describe. It is a place where nature meets culture. A place where amazing food is cooked and sold in every single corner.

A place where you can feel what it truly means to travel instead of just visiting. Pretty cool, uh?

This year I spent one month exploring South Thailand and I wish I had stayed longer. Here are some of my best memories and experiences as well as recommendations on where to go and what to see.

Come join me in this adventure to a land of beaches, boats, and monkeys. Are you ready to feel the awesomeness my wonder friends? I know you are.

The 6 Best Things to Do and See in South Thailand

Celebrate songkran in south thailand.

In all honestly, I couldn’t have better timed my arrival to Thailand. After a very smooth overland journey from Siem Reap I was already in Bangkok, the busy capital of the country formerly known as Siam.

It was the eve of the Thailand’s new year, Songkran, and after my plans to score overland transportation to Chiang Mai failed, I ended up deciding to journey to the Gulf of Thailand for the biggest water fight of the year (April 13).

With a big-sized water gun safely packed, I was ready to begin my misadventures in the South of Thailand. And oh boy, it sure was a very intense month.

I would like to say that the journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao was a smooth one but I would be lying.

After all, arriving to the pier at 3am and waiting for the 7am ferry while getting bit by merciless mosquitos isn’t exactly what I pictured but after a few more hours I was already in Koh Tao, the legendary Turtle Island.

Koh Tao is a fairly small island that is entirely walkable (although you can cheaply rent a scooter for a few hundred baht) and boasts some incredible hikes with panoramic viewpoints for us adventurous ones.

This one below is called the John Suwan Viewpoint and well…I’m at lost of words to describe how awesome it is.

And when it come to pristine beaches…oh boy. I seriously had to pinch myself once I made it to Chalok Beach.

Can you believe that you can walk for more than 15 minutes into open water and you’ll still be knee-deep? I’ve never seen a shallower beach before in my life!

Tip of Wonders #01: Unless you’re into partying every single night, I recommend you to book an accommodation away from Sairee Beach. During my 10 days in Koh Tao I stayed at two different hostels.

The first one was Baan Chalok Hostel (close distance to Chalok Beach and the John Suwan Viewpoint) and the second was Neptune Hostel right next to the pier (close distance to my Scuba Diving school).

Get Your Scuba Diving Certification in Koh Tao

Truth be told, it’s no mystery why many backpackers end up staying in Koh Tao for the entire duration of their journey to Thailand: parties, hikes, beaches and yes, the opportunity to get your Scuba Diving Open Water Certification at extremely low prices. It is one of the best places to get scuba certified  after all!

Ever since I first tried and failed to Scuba Dive in Easter Island back in 2013 it has been a life goal to finally overcome my fear of the depths in order to fully explore the underwater wonders of the world.

Luckily for me, I found this dive shop with a very amazing (and patient) staff so I decided to give it a go after years of dodging the bullet. Getting my Open Water certification in Koh Tao? BEST. DECISION. EVER.

They say that the first 5 meters are the hardest ones and it is definitely true.

Going from 0 to 5 is mentally harder than going from 5 to 20 and yes, Scuba Diving is HARD to learn at the beginning since it requires a lot of reading and memorizing terms but once you’re comfortable underwater everything becomes easier.

The ability of being able to conquer your fears is one of the most indispensable ones if you want to travel long term and even though my mind was telling me not to put on an oxygen tank to sink into the ocean, my adventurous spirit kept telling me to let go…and let go I did.

I guess you can call me the Mexican Mermaid (Merman? is that a word?) now.

Open Water Certification in hand (6 dives, 3 days), I left Koh Tao to head out to Koh Phangan, the infamous island home of the Full Moon Party that takes place each month during (you guessed it) the full moon.

And well, since I strongly suspect that my mom is secretly translating my blog posts from English to Spanish I cannot confirm nor deny that I tried the popular Mushroom Shakes sold at Amsterdam Bar. However, I would like to say that Super Mario Bros has nothing on me.

Tip of Wonders #02: There are more than 80 different scuba dive shops in Koh Tao and ideally you want to be in a Open Water Course that has less than 4 people at each time in order to get a more in-depth one to one time.

This time I went with Koh Tao Divers and I fully recommend them. Be sure to ask for Antti to be your instructor, he’s AWESOME yo!

Hike the Cliffs and Beaches of Krabi

The couple of days that I spent in Koh Phangan remain a blur to this day but what I do remember is taking the cheapest ferry + bus combo ticket to head out to the Andaman Sea the day after the Full Moon Party.

The Andaman Sea is known mostly for its majestic limestone cliffs that look quite similar to the ones found in Vietnam’s Halong Bay only that with less cone hats and more ladyboys.

It is also here where the highest concentration of monkeys live in so be careful and close your hotel windows since you don’t want to banana grubber stealing your precious selfie stick!!!

Krabi has its fair share of incredible beaches and two of my favorite ones are located right next to each other: Tonsai and Railay beach. They are both easily accessed from Ao Nang by a shared long tail boat and there’s many activities you can do there besides swimming.

How does rock climbing sounds? How about climbing to a viewpoint nested high in the sky? Snorkeling to find the colorful cousins of Nemo? Kayaking to a cave with a Buddhist shrine dedicated to the male genitalia? Sure, why not?

No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, you can find them in the beaches of Krabi.

Plus, one of my favorite parts about Krabi is the many day trips and excursions you can make from here, specially those exploring the nearby islands and national parks.

South Thailand is a very beautiful area of the country and Krabi it’s the crown jewel of the bunch. Oh, and did I mention the incredible mixture of Indian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine? Bet you weren’t expecting that uh?

Tip of Wonders #03: Krabi is the name of both a province and a city but don’t be fooled: there’s no beach in Krabi city itself. Instead, head out to Ao Nang from where you can easily explore the rest of the province.

Ao Nang is a very developed city with a fair share of boutique and luxury hotels. During my week there I was hosted at the Alisea Boutique Hotel and at the Aonang Cliff Beach Resort.

The views from the infinity pool of the latter are extremely epic my friends!!! Check out more Krabi accommodation options for all budgets here !

Feel the Swag in James Bond Island

“He has a powerful weapon, he charges a million a shot, an assassin that’s second to none, the man with the golden gun…” were the opening lyrics to one of the weirdest’ James Bond movies of all time.

In this one, the villain played by Christopher Lee has its secret base in an exotic Thai island where he challenges Roger Moore to a pistol duel. The movie also includes a fake third nipple, ninjas, floating market chases and a midget sidekick.

Suffice to say, the film hasn’t aged well with time but the island where it was filmed remains ageless. The best part? You can actually visit it as a day trip!

The classic day trip to James Bond Island departing form Krabi (there are similar tours departing from Phuket but with a different itinerary) will spend at least 45 minutes in the island itself. It is so small that you probably won’t need more than 20.

Nevertheless, the real highlight of the tour is the kayaking around and underneath the cliff-stones including a visit to a mangrove forest where you can appreciate the beauty of this very interesting part of Thailand (be on the look out for the weird amphibians that inhabit the forest!!!).

As lunch time approaches, you will disembark in a floating Muslim village for a really taste halal meal. The inhabitants of the island come from Indonesia and have been living here for many generations now. A visit to their newly built Mosque and their floating soccer filed is definitely a must!!!

At the end, as you go back to the mainland and head back to Krabi, you will make two last stops. The first is to a cave temple with more monkeys than people and the second is to a local waterfall that has definitely seen better days.

And speaking about monkeys, I implore you to be really careful when approaching them. Sure, they might look friendly and cute but if you make Mr. Banana Grubber angry, he will have no mercy on your soul. Better put those selfie sticks away my brothers and sisters!

Tip of Wonders #04: There are many tour companies that offer the James Bond Island day trip from Krabi. The one I went with and fully recommend is Tinggly Adventures , a gift based travel tour company.

The way it works is that you can buy a travel gift voucher for a special someone (including yourself) and exchange it for a tour/activity in any of the more than 100 countries where Tinggly operates. Cool uh?

Relax to the Fullest in Peaceful Koh Lanta

After a pleasant week in the Krabi province, I headed out to Koh Lanta, a smallish island located a few hours south of Krabi. This island is mostly known for its peaceful beaches, great scuba diving opportunities and for its beautiful Old Town where you can find floating Chinese-style wooden houses.

In this Old Town of Koh Lanta you can find small restaurants that serve some of the best cold smoothies of the country as well as incredibly views of the nearby islands.

If you’re lucky you might even convince some fishermen to take you across for an awesome day of snorkeling!

During my stay in Koh Lanta, I was hosted by the one and only Crown Lanta, the Queen of Thailand’s luxury hotels.

This particular property has some charming cabins overlooking the West side of the ocean and yes, you guessed it right: that’s the perfect setting for sunset photos!

But trust me, the best was yet to come: what do you think about an all you can eat BBQ and Seafood buffet dinner? For all of this and more, the Crown Lanta remains to this day as one of my favourite resorts of South Thailand.

PS. Rumor has it that on a clear day you can even see Koh Phi Phi from this hotel of Koh Lanta. And speaking of which…

After a few couple of days, I took the ferry to Koh Phi Phi, the filming location of Leonardo Di Caprio’s The Beach. This movie catapulted Thailand (and specifically Koh Phi Phi) into the minds of every single backpacker looking to find himself/herself in a journey of self-discovery.

What you can find this day, however, is endless parties, an insane amount of day trippers from China and an excess of vices that will be counterproductive to your path towards enlightenment. My best suggestion? Skip Koh Phi Phi and head directly to Phuket.

Tip of Wonders #05: The best way to explore Koh Lanta is by scooter and you can actually explore every single corner of the island in one day since there’s basically only two major roads that intercross at two different points.

Granted, there isn’t really much to do and see in Koh Lanta but it has some of the best prices of the entire South of Thailand plus you get the peace and tranquility of being in a place that is practically untouched by mass tourism. At least for now.

Enjoy the Romantic Cape Panwa

Up until this point I have had always had the company of friends. Either new ones that I met during my time in the Gulf of Thailand and old ones that joined me in my adventures in the Andaman Sea.

However, it was at Cape Panwa in Phuket where I decided to take some time off to treat myself (read this in Azis Ansari snappy voice) and enjoy a solomoon for one in this secluded area of the Phuket province.

Was it lonely? Yes. Was it awesome? Very. Would I do it again? HELL YEAH! ARE YOU KIDDING?

Cape Panwa is basically the polar opposite of the extremely developed and touristy Patong and here you shall find some of the cleanest beaches of all of Phuket plus incredible panoramic views of the entire island.

There’s less than 20 hotels in all of Cape Panwa and this time I had the pleasure of being hosted at the Panwa Beach Resort Phuket to enjoy my solomoon and get some work done as a digital nomad (read here to learn how to become a location independent freelancer ).

Plus, did I mention how epic the sunset from my top floor balcony was? Here’s a photo that will surely make you want to reconsider visiting Cape Panwa instead of Patong. Who needs ping pong shows when you have sunset views like this one?

Tip of Wonders #06: Cape Panwa is probably one of the few places in Thailand without a 7-11 so I recommend you to stock up and buy some provisions in Phuket town before heading down here since the nearest 7-11 is a one hour walk away.

Additionally, my original plan was to visit Koh Lipe right after Koh Lanta but since it was low season (May-August) already, there were no longer direct ferries so make sure to plan your trip in advance.

Starting in May, the rainy season begins in the Andaman Sea so you’re more likely to encounter dark clouds than sunny skies. Goodbye for now South Thailand, may our paths cross again soon…

I hope you have enjoyed this article about the amazing wonders of South Thailand my dear wonder friends. Don’t forget to subscribe in order to get more awesome updates and tips straight to your e-mail!

Have you ever been to South Thailand? Would you like to? How was your experience like? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think!

Until next time, my friends!

© Pakin Songmor/Getty Images

Gleaming temples and golden Buddhas frame the landscapes in Thailand, serving as a stunning backdrop for tours of Bangkok noodle shacks and adventures along the luxurious coastline.

Best Time to Visit

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Jim Thompson House

Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi

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Top picks from our travel experts

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Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre

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Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

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Ancient City

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

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Victory Monument

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Wat Phu Thok

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Nam Tok Soi Sawan

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Old Siam Plaza

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Home / Destinations / Thailand / The ultimate southern Thailand route guide – booze, beaches & bikinis

The ultimate southern Thailand route guide – booze, beaches & bikinis

Find the ride you need in.

With over 1,000 islands to choose from, deciding on a route around Southern Thailand can be tough. Read on for the perfect route to help you on your way.

Thailand is usually the first stop for many backpackers starting the famous Banana Pancake Trail of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. From Bangkok, you have the option to head north toward tranquil nature or head south for some island hopping and beach bopping. With Thailand being home to over 1,000 sun-kissed islands, it can be difficult to choose which islands to spend your time on. Read on for the ultimate southern Thailand route to help you on your way to those lazy beach days and fun-filled nights.

• Bangkok to Koh Tao

Most international travelers touch down in Bangkok. As it’s the hub of Southeast Asia, international flights are relatively cheap in comparison to heading to nearby countries. After spending a few days checking out some off the beaten path things to do in Bangkok, it’s time to head south for some sun, sea and sand. Our first stop is Koh Tao , the island famous for some of the most affordable scuba diving training courses (PADI) and the array of colorful coral and sea creatures. The 21km² (8 mi²) island is the perfect place to start this southern Thailand route and maybe even get PADI certified. Aside from scuba diving, take time to put your feet up and relax whilst enjoying the tropical vibes.

• Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

Next up, it’s time to cruise 44.6 kilometers (27.7 miles) across the ocean to Koh Tao’s neighbor. The island best known for hosting the famous Full Moon Parties: Koh Phangan . Koh Phangan has something to offer everyone, whether that be boogying the night away whilst slurping down cocktails on the sandy shores, motorbiking to the endless waterfalls and viewpoints or scoffing down grub at the popular market. With plenty of things to do on Koh Phangan, you could easily spend a week here, so make sure to dedicate enough time to this gem of an island.

• Koh Phangan to Ko h Samui

When you finally tear yourself away from Koh Phangan, hop on a ferry over to Koh Phangan’s bigger sister: Koh Sa m ui . Koh Saumi is the biggest island of the three in this area and is a popular paradise for backpackers and holiday makers alike. With such an international influence, Koh Samui is a melting pot of cultures. You will find all sorts of world cuisines just a stone’s throw away from popular places such as Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach. The beauty of Koh Samui is that you can opt for some relaxing “me time” in one of the mountainside condos or get down with the lively bunch in one of the many hostels.

• Bonus stop: Koh Samui to Khao Sok

It’s time to move on from the east and head over to the west, but not before making a stopover to soak up the jungle hues of Khao Sok . Khao Sok is a nature lover’s haven, with lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails and options to go tubing; it’s the perfect place to break up your beach time. It’s also one of the oldest rainforests in the world, so it’s totally worth stopping by, if not just to break up the long journey from Koh Samui to Krabi . However, if you’re strapped for time and prefer to stick by the ocean, then you can skip Khao Sok and head straight to Krabi from Koh Samui.

• Khao Sok to Krabi

Time to wave bye-bye to the greenery and say hello to the white sands and blue oceans again. Next stop is Ao Nang , Krabi’s vibrant tourist corner. Ao Nang is dotted with shops selling pretty floral dresses and Indian restaurants galore offering cheap meal deals. It’s not only the perfect place for a spot of shopping, but it’s also close proximity to the famous Railay Beach. Whilst beach-seekers can opt to stay on Railay Beach for a night or a few, budget backpackers will tend to stay in Ao Nang as the cost of accommodation is much cheaper. But that doesn’t mean you will miss out on Railay Beach altogether. Just hop on a longtail boat at the pier and jet over for the day.

• Krabi to Koh L anta

Koh Lanta is probably the least visited place on this southern Thailand route. With plenty of long, white sanded beaches to choose from, in favour of the limited nightlife options, it makes for the perfect place to detox and rest up. You may even be the only settlers on the beach for the day.

• Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi

It’s time to discover the heavenly beach of Koh Phi Phi . The beaches here are truly spectacular. The most popular beaches being Monkey Beach and Maya Bay that was made famous the 2000 movie “The Beach”. Unfortunately though, Maya Bay, with the limestone hills surrounding it, has since closed to the public to allow for restoration of the coral. As of yet, the Thai authorities have not stated when the beach will reopen again. Aside from the heavenly beaches, take time to get lost in the charming alleys and streets filled with shops, eateries and bars. The best thing about Koh Phi Phi is that there are no cars, exhaust fumes or noise of revving bikes in sight.  That’s right, Koh Phi Phi is a no vehicle zone.

• Koh Phi Phi to Phuket

To wrap up this southern Thailand route, head to Phuket . Phuket sometimes gets a bad reputation for its seedy atmosphere; lines of clubs with young Thai women swinging around on poles and massage shops that persist at dragging men inside their parlors. However, Phuket isn’t all doom and gloom. Once you get away from Bar Street in Patong, there are some nice areas and hotels. There are also plenty of night markets where you can tuck into some delicious Thai cuisine. Make sure to try the pineapple fried rice, which is actually made in a pineapple, and then tuck into mango sticky rice for dessert. Finally, Phuket makes for the perfect place to end your trip. Aside from Bangkok, flights out of Phuket to other parts of Asia are as cheap as chips.

Phew, what an epic time in southern Thailand! By following the above route from the east to the west, you’re sure to get a mix of everything from scuba diving in Koh Tao, partying in Koh Phangan, lazing on the beaches surrounding Krabi, to tucking into delicious Thai foods in Phuket. Just don’t forget to pack your swimwear and sunscreen.

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With 16 million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is Asia’s primary travel destination and offers a host of places to visit. Travel to Thailand and you’ll find that despite this vast influx of visitors, it’s cultural integrity remains largely undamaged. Thailand is a country that cleverly avoided colonisation has been able to absorb Western influences while maintaining its own rich heritage.

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Though the high-rises and neon lights occupy the foreground of the tourist picture, the typical Thai community is still the farming village, and you need not venture far to encounter a more traditional scene of fishing communities, rubber plantations and Buddhist temples.

Around 40% of Thais earn their living from the land, based around the staple rice, which forms the foundation of the country’s unique and famously sophisticated cuisine.

Tourism has been just one factor in the country’s development which, since the deep-seated uncertainties surrounding the Vietnam War faded, has been free, for the most part, to proceed at death-defying pace – for a time in the 1980s and early 1990s, Thailand boasted the fastest-expanding economy in the world.

Through all the changes of the last sixty years, the much-revered constitutional monarch, King Bhumibol has lent a measure of stability.

Furthermore, some 85 percent of the population are still practising Theravada Buddhists, a unifying faith that colours all aspects of daily life – from the tiered temple rooftops that dominate every skyline, to the omnipresent saffron-robed monks and the packed calendar of festivals.

• Country name: Divided into 77 provinces or changwat, Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 (and again from 1945 to 1949); some academics suggest changing the name back again, to better reflect the country’s Thai and non-Thai diversity.
• Population: 63 million, made up of ethnic Thais (75%) and Chinese (14%), with the rest comprising mainly immigrants from neighbouring countries as well as hill-tribespeople.
• Religion: Buddhism is the national religion, Islam the largest minority religion, but nearly all Thais also practise some form of animism (spirit worship).
• Leadership: The country has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932.
• The world record for nonstop kissing was set by two Thai men in Pattaya on Valentine’s Day, 2012, at a gobsmacking 50 hours, 25 minutes and 1 second.

Deciding where to go in Thailand depends on two things: what you want to do, and when you want to go. The varying areas of the country, from North to South offer visitors a selection of sights, activities and experiences. In this travel guide on the best places to visit in Thailand, we unearth where to enjoy the country’s range of activities, from world-class diving to carousing at lively festivals. Once that’s decided, you’ll need to check the best time to visit .

The clash of tradition and modernity is most intense in Bangkok , which forms the first stop on almost any itinerary. Within its historic core you’ll find resplendent temples, canalside markets and the opulent indulgence of the eighteenth-century Grand Palace . Downtown’s forest of skyscrapers shelters cutting-edge fashion in decor boutiques and some achingly hip bars and clubs.

Most budget travellers head for the Banglamphu district, where if you’re not careful you could end up watching DVDs all day long and selling your shoes when you run out of money. The district is far from having a monopoly on Bangkok accommodation, but it does have the advantage of being just a short walk from the major sights in the Ratanakosin area: the dazzling ostentation of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, lively and grandiose Wat Pho and National Museum.

Once those cultural essentials have been seen, you can choose from a whole bevy of lesser sights, including Wat Benjamabophit (the “Marble Temple”), especially at festival time, and Jim Thompson’s House, a small, personal museum of Thai design.

If you’re wondering where to visit in the northern uplands, then start with Chiang Mai . It’s both an attractive historic city and a vibrant cultural centre, with a strong tradition of arts, crafts and festivals.

Self-improvement courses are a strong suit – from ascetic meditation to Thai cookery classes – while the overriding enticement of the surrounding region is the prospect of trekking through villages inhabited by a richly mixed population of tribal peoples.

Plenty of outdoor activities and courses, as well as hot springs and massages, can be enjoyed at Pai , a surprisingly cosmopolitan hill station for travellers, four hours northwest of Chiang Mai.

Many colourful festivals attract throngs of visitors here too: Chiang Mai is one of the most popular places in Thailand to see in the Thai New Year – Songkhran – in mid-April, and to celebrate Loy Krathong at the full moon in November, when thousands of candles are floated down the Ping River in lotus-leaf boats.

Beyond the city limits, a number of other day-trips can be made, such as to the ancient temples of Lamphun – and, of course, Chiang Mai is the main centre for hill-tribe trekking, as well as all sorts of other outdoor activities.

Samui archipelago

The pick of the coasts are in the south, where the Samui archipelago off the Gulf coast ranks as one of the best places to go in Thailand. Ko Samui itself has the most sweeping white-sand beaches, and the greatest variety of accommodation and facilities to go with them.

Ko Pha Ngan next door is still largely backpacker territory, where you have a stark choice between desolate coves and Hat Rin , Thailand’s party capital. The remotest island, rocky Ko Tao , is acquiring increasing sophistication as Southeast Asia’s largest dive-training centre.

Tucked away beneath the islands, Nakhon Si Thammarat, the cultural capital of the south, is well worth a short detour from the main routes through the centre of the peninsula – it’s a sophisticated city of grand old temples, delicious cuisine and distinctive handicrafts.

Central plains

With Chiang Mai and the north so firmly planted on the independent tourist trail, the intervening central plains tend to get short shrift. Yet there is rewarding trekking around Umphang , near the Burmese border, and the elegant ruins of former capitals Ayutthaya and Sukhothai embody a glorious artistic heritage, displaying Thailand’s distinctive ability to absorb influences from quite different cultures.

Even if you’re just passing through, you can’t miss the star attraction of Nakhon Pathom: the enormous stupa Phra Pathom Chedi dominates the skyline.

To get an idea of what shopping in Bangkok used to be like before all the canals were tarmacked over, many people take an early-morning trip to the floating market ( talat khlong ) at Damnoen Saduak. Sixty kilometres south of Nakhon Pathom and just over a hundred kilometres from Bangkok.

The Andaman Coast

Across on the other side of the peninsula, the Andaman coast offers even more exhilarating scenery and the finest coral reefs in the country, in particular around the Ko Similan island chain, which ranks among the best dive sites in the world.

The largest Andaman coast island, Phuket , is one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations and graced with a dozen fine beaches, though several have been overdeveloped with a glut of high-rises and tacky nightlife.

Beautiful little Ko Phi Phi is a major party hub, surrounded by the turquoise seas and dramatic limestone cliffs that characterize the coastline throughout Krabi province . Large, forested Ko Lanta is, for the moment at least, a calmer alternative for families, but for genuine jungle you’ll need to head inland, to the rainforests of Khao Sok National Park .

Further down the Thai peninsula, in the provinces of the deep south , the teeming sea life and unfrequented sands of the Trang islands and Ko Tarutao National Marine Park make this one of Thailand’s top places to go. There’s now the intriguing possibility of island-hopping your way down through them – in fact, all the way from Phuket to Penang in Malaysia – without setting foot on the mainland.

The greatest interest in the deep south is currently all over on the beautiful west coast, where sheer limestone outcrops, pristine sands and fish-laden coral stretch down to the Malaysian border.

Along Trang’s mainland coast, there’s a 30km stretch of attractive beaches, dotted with mangroves and impressive caves that can be explored by sea canoe, but the real draw down here is the offshore islands, which offer gorgeous panoramas and beaches, great snorkelling and at least a modicum of comfort in their small clusters of resorts.

Khao Yai National Park

Another regular in lists of the best places to go in Thailand, Khao Yai National Park – the country’s first national park – encapsulates the phenomenal diversity of Thailand’s flora and fauna. It’s one of the very few national parks to maintain a network of hiking trails that visitors can explore by themselves, passing dramatic waterfalls, orchids and an abundance of wildlife.

Spanning five distinct forest types and rising to a height of 1,351m, the park sustains over 300 bird and twenty large land-mammal species – hence its UNESCO accreditation as a World Heritage Site.

Rangers discourage visitors from exploring the outer, non-waymarked reaches unguided, partly for environmental reasons, but also because of trigger-happy sandalwood poachers. Sandalwood trees are indigenous to Khao Yai, and though oil collection does not usually kill the tree, it does weaken it. Guides can point out trees that have been cut in this way along the trails.

Few tourists visit Isaan , the poorest and in some ways the most traditionally Thai region. Here, a trip through the gently modulating landscapes of the Mekong River valley, which defines Thailand’s northeastern extremities.

It takes in archetypal agricultural villages and a fascinating array of religious sites, while the southern reaches of Isaan hold some of Thailand’s best-kept secrets – the magnificent stone temple complexes of Phimai , Phanom Rung and Khao Phra Viharn , all built by the Khmers of Cambodia almost ten centuries ago.

We may have already mentioned the Andaman Coast, but Phuket is worth looking at in greater detail. Thailand’s largest island and a province in its own right, Phuket is the wealthiest province in Thailand, with tourism driving the economy.

Some tourist developments have scarred much of the island, however, many of the beaches are still strikingly handsome, resort facilities are second to none, and the offshore snorkelling and diving are exceptional.

If you’re after a peaceful spot, aim for the 17km-long national park beach of Hat Mai Khao, its more developed neighbour Hat Nai Yang, or one of the smaller alternatives at Hat Nai Thon or Hat Kamala.

Despite over a million visitors a year, Ko Samui remains a top places to go in Thailand. Back-packers to bougie fortnighters come to this part of southern Thailand for the beautiful beaches. At 15km across and down, Samui is generally large enough to cope with this diversity and the paradisal sands and clear blue seas have kept their good looks.

The island’s most appealing strand, Chaweng, has seen the heaviest, most crowded development and is now the most expensive place to stay, though it does offer by far the best amenities and nightlife. Its slightly smaller neighbour, Lamai, lags a little behind in terms of looks and top-end development, but retains large pockets of backpacker bungalow resorts.

The other favourite for backpackers is Maenam, which, though less attractive again, is markedly quiet, with plenty of room to breathe between the beach and the round-island road.

Discover more places in Thailand

• Southern Thailand: the Andaman coast Travel Guide
• The east coast Travel Guide
• The north Travel Guide
• Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast Travel Guide

The weather in Thailand is split into three seasons: rainy (roughly May–Oct) cool (Nov–Feb) and hot (March–May).

The rains usually builds momentum between June and August, hitting its peak in September and October. The cool season is when travelling in Thailand is most pleasant, though temperatures can still reach a sticky 30°C. In the hot season, you’re best of hitting the beach.

So, the best time to go to Thailand is the cool seasons: more manageable temperatures and less rain, it offers waterfalls in full spate and the best of the upland flowers in bloom. Bear in mind, however, that it’s also the busiest season.

Thailand currently has seven main international airports: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang), Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket and Ko Samui. The vast majority of people travelling to Thailand fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Air fares to Thailand generally depend on the season, with the highest being approximately mid-November to mid-February, when the weather is best, and in July and August to coincide with school holidays. You will need to book several months in advance to get reasonably priced tickets during these peak periods.

The cheapest way of getting to most regional Thai airports is usually to buy a flight to Bangkok and then a separate domestic ticket. However, there are dozens of potentially useful, mostly seasonal, international routes into Phuket, including direct flights with several airlines from Australia.

Most international flights into Chiang Mai, Krabi, Ko Samui and Don Muang are from Malaysia, Singapore and China (including Hong Kong and Macau). Krabi also handles seasonal, mostly charter flights from Scandinavia, while Korean Airlines from Seoul is a popular route for North American visitors into Chiang Mai Airport, which has links with Myanmar and Laos too.

Travel in Thailand is largely cheap, easy and efficient – though not always speedy. For instance, long-distance journeys on land can be arduous, especially if a tight budget means you’re sat in the unforgiving second-class seats and there’s no air con.

That said, the many transport options available makes getting around Thailand a whole lot easier than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Buses are speedy, inexpensive and frequent, and can be quite luxurious.

Trains are slower, but safer and, there’s more chance to sleep during an overnight trip. It’s also worth nothing that if you’re travelling by day you’re more likely to follow a scenic route by rail than by road.

Songthaews (literally “two rows”) – open-ended vans with as many people squashed into the back as possible – supplement the bus network, especially in rural areas. Slightly more comfortable are share-taxis and air-conditioned mini-buses which connect many of the major towns and cities.

Discover more domestic transport options and how to get around Thailand .

Here is our Thailand travel guide condensed into 15 unmissable Thai destinations:

You could spend a year in Thailand's capital and still not tick off all the boxes. There are a few absolute must-sees though. Start with Wat Pho, a lively and lavish temple, encompassing the awesome Reclining Buddha. Move onto the Grand Palace, which encompasses the country’s holiest and most beautiful temple, Wat Phra Kaeo. Then the markets…

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is the region’s major resort destination for families, package tourists and novice divers. Its dining, shopping and entertainment facilities are second to none. Phuket Town offers handsome Sino-Portuguese architecture and some of the most interesting sleeping, eating and drinking options on the island.

The furthest inhabited island of the Samui archipelago, Ko Tao, has taken off as a scuba-diving centre, but despite a growing nightlife and restaurant scene, still has the feel of a small, rugged and isolated outcrop. A boat-trip round Ko Tao Satisfying exploration and great snorkelling, especially off the unique causeway beaches of Ko Nang Yuan.

Southern Thailand’s gently undulating Gulf coast is famed above all for the Samui archipelago, three small, idyllic islands lying off the most prominent hump of the coastline. A lazy stay in a beachfront bungalow is so seductive a prospect that most people overlook the attractions of the mainland. Added to that you’ll find scenery dominated by forested mountains that rise abruptly behind the coastal strip, and a sprinkling of fascinating historic sights.

Old-town temples, the best of Thai crafts, cookery courses and fine restaurants – the north’s sophisticated capital is a great place to hang out. The capital and transport centre of the north, it's also a great place just to hang out or prepare for a journey into the hills. For many tourists, this means joining a trek to visit one or more of the hill tribes, who comprise one-tenth of the north’s population.

In the last few years Chiang Rai has acquired several genuine sights of interest, notably the Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, a beautiful storehouse of Lanna art. There’s now also a good choice of guesthouses and upmarket riverside hotels in which to lay your head, and from here you can set up a wide range of trekking, day-trips and other outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside.

In recent years, backpackers have tended to move over to Ko Samui’s fun-loving little sibling, which still has a comparatively simple atmosphere. The most popular activities on Ko Pha Ngan are round-island boat trips, from Hat Rin and Hat Yao, and trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Other activities include learning to cook Thai food, bicycle tours, yoga, meditation and kiteboarding.

The “island of long beaches”, Ko Lanta has an atmospheric old town, offers an appealing choice of places to stay. There’s good snorkelling and diving nearby, plus caves to explore, kayaking and other water sports. The island is especially popular with families, in part because of the local laws that have so far prevented jet-skis, beachfront parasols and girlie bars from turning it into another Phuket, though resort facilities are expanding fast.

Ko Samui is easily one of the most naturally beautiful Thai islands, with its long white-sand beaches and arching fringes of palm trees. Samui has over a dozen scuba-diving companies, offering trips for divers and snorkellers and courses throughout the year. Also on offer are plenty of spas, as well as meditation retreats, island tours, ziplines, kiteboarding and cooking classes.

The stunning jungle-clad karsts of Khao Sok National Park are well worth heading inland for. Located about halfway between the southern peninsula’s two coasts and easily accessible from Khao Lak, Phuket and Surat Thani, the park has become a popular stop on the travellers’ route, offering a number of easy trails, a bit of amateur spelunking and some scenic rafthouse accommodation on Cheow Lan Lake.

Protected from the ravages of the Andaman Sea by Phuket, Ao Phang Nga has a seascape both bizarre and beautiful. Covering some four hundred square kilometres of coast between Phuket and Krabi, the mangrove-edged bay is spiked with limestone karst formations up to 300m in height, jungle-clad and craggily profiled. This is Thailand’s own version of Vietnam’s world-famous Ha Long Bay, reminiscent too of Guilin’s scenery in China, and much of it is now preserved as national park.

Located in an idyllic spot in Phang Nga bay, almost equidistant from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, the island of Ko Yao Noi enjoys magnificent maritime views from almost every angle and makes a refreshingly tranquil getaway. Measuring about 12km at its longest point, it’s home to some four thousand islanders, the vast majority of them Muslim, who earn their living from rubber and coconut plantations, fishing and shrimp-farming.

The fourth-largest island in Thailand, forested Ko Kood (also spelt Ko Kut and Ko Kud) is still a wild and largely uncommercialised island. Though it’s known for its sparkling white sand and exceptionally clear turquoise water, particularly along the west coast, Ko Kood is as much a nature-lover’s destination as a beach-bum’s. Swathes of its shoreline are fringed by scrub and mangrove rather than broad sandy beaches, and those parts of the island not still covered in virgin tropical rainforest are filled with palm groves and rubber plantations.

Blessed with the softest, squeakiest sand within weekending distance of Bangkok, the tiny Thai island of Ko Samet, which measures just 6km from top to toe, is a favourite escape for Thais, expats and tourists. Its fourteen small but dazzlingly white beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, lapped by pale blue water and in places still shaded by coconut palms and occasional white-flowered cajeput (samet) trees, which gave the island its name and which are used to build boats.

Ringed by high mountains, the small but prosperous provincial capital of Nan, 225km northeast of Lampang, rests on the grassy west bank of the river. Few Western visitors make it out this far, but it’s a likeable place with a thriving handicrafts tradition, a good museum and some superb temple murals at Wat Phumin, as well as at Wat Nong Bua out in the countryside. The town comes alive for the Lanna boat races, usually held in late October or early November.

We’ve curated a series of itineraries that span Thailand, from running the rapids in the northern mountains to lazy beach stays in the Andaman archipelagos.

Travel ideas for Thailand, created by local experts

5 days  / from 1180 USD

Chiang Mai Safari Adventure

The perfect trip for some family fun and adventure, lovely Chiang Mai with its lush valleys and national parks ticks all the boxes. Expect majestic cliff-top temples, sprawling national parks and exciting safari adventures.

12 days  / from 2750 USD

Thailand's Islands and Highlands

Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.

12 days  / from 2450 USD

Thailand Discovery

A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the south at the lively resort of Phuket.

8 days  / from 1250 USD

Bangkok-Pattaya Explorer

The perfect trip for adventurers, sun seekers and lovers of island life: take in cosmopolitan Bangkok’s wats or temples, street markets and waterways. Witness the excitement of Bangkok before heading to Thailand’s east coast for island-hopping in the sunshine.

5 days  / from 950 USD

Pattaya Sun

The sandy beaches and tiny offshore islands, dense forests and hidden waterfalls are a natural draw to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. Pattaya abounds with activities – from watersports to international-standard golf courses.

5 days  / from 1150 USD

Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails

Chiang Mai offers a balmy escape from Bangkok’s humidity. Regarded as the cultural heart of the country, come here for nature, lovely Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.

So, whether you want to come closer to superlative nature, satisfy your appetite for Thailand’s varied and colourful cuisine, or keep things low-key on a paradise island, this lineup of Thailand travel guides will see you navigate this incredible country with ease.

For the simplest double room while travelling in Thailand, prices start at a bargain B150 in the outlying regions, around B200 in Bangkok, and B400 in the pricier resorts. Tourist centres invariably offer a tempting range of more upmarket choices but in these areas rates fluctuate according to demand.

Most of Thailand’s budget accommodation is in guesthouses and bungalows. These are small, traveller-friendly hotels whose services nearly always include an inexpensive restaurant, wi-fi and safe storage for valuables and left luggage, and often a tour desk.

Thailand travel sales reps and other people travelling for business rather than pleasure rarely use guest-houses, opting instead for budget hotels, which offer rooms for around B150–600. Usually run by Chinese-Thais, these functional three- or four-storey places are found in every sizeable town, often near the bus station or central market.

The rest of the accommodation picture is all about tourist hotels, which, like anywhere in the world, come in all sizes and qualities and are often best booked via online discount accommodation booking services such as local outfit sawadee.com . One way or another, it’s a good idea to reserve ahead in popular tourist areas during peak season.

As guesthouses have become increasingly hotel-like and commercial in their facilities and approach, many tourists looking for old-style local hospitality are choosing homestay accommodation instead. Homestays give an unparalleled insight into typical Thai (usually rural) life and can often be incorporated into a programme that includes experiencing village activities.

Thai food is one of the biggest reasons for the country’s popularity with tourists. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the country’s big culinary centres, offering the cream of gourmet Thai restaurants and the best international cuisines. The rest of the country is by no means a gastronomic wasteland, however, and you can eat well and cheaply in even the smallest provincial towns, many of which offer the additional attraction of regional specialities.

In fact, visit Thailand and you’ll find that you could eat more than adequately without ever entering a restaurant, as itinerant food vendors hawking hot and cold snacks materialise in even the most remote spots, as well as on trains and buses – and night markets often serve customers from dusk till dawn.

Hygiene is a consideration when eating anywhere in Thailand, but being too cautious means you’ll end up spending a lot of money and missing out on some real local treats. Wean your stomach gently by avoiding excessive amounts of chillies and too much fresh fruit in the first few days.

You can be pretty sure that any noodle stall or curry shop that’s permanently packed with customers is a safe bet. Furthermore, because most Thai dishes can be cooked in under five minutes, you’ll rarely have to contend with stuff that’s been left to smoulder and stew.

Many travellers’ itineraries take in a few days’ trekking in the hills and a stint snorkelling or diving off the beaches of the south. Trekking is concentrated in the north, but there are smaller, less touristy trekking operations in Kanchanaburi, Sangkhlaburi and Umphang. There are also plenty of national parks to explore and opportunities for rock climbing and kayaking.

Diving in Thailand

Clear, warm waters (averaging 28°C), prolific marine life and affordable prices make Thailand a very rewarding place for diving and snorkelling.

Most islands and beach resorts have at least one dive centre that organises trips. Thailand’s premier diving destinations are generally considered to be Ko Similan, Ko Surin, Richelieu Rock and Hin Muang and Hin Daeng – all of them off the Andaman coast.

Thailand’s main dive resorts

• Ko Pha Ngan

Snorkeling in Thailand

Boatmen and tour agents on most beaches offer snorkelling trips to nearby reefs and many dive operators welcome snorkelers to tag along for discounts of thirty percent or more; not all diving destinations are rewarding for snorkelers though, so check the relevant account in this book first.

Trekking in Thailand

Trekking in the mountains of north Thailand differs from trekking in most other parts of the world in that the emphasis is not primarily on the scenery but on the region’s inhabitants. While some of the villages are near enough to a main road to be reached on a day-trip from a major town, to get to the other, more traditional villages usually entails joining a guided party for a few days.

For most visitors, however, these hardships are outweighed by the experience of encountering people of such different cultures, travelling through tropical countryside. Here’s our take on some of Thailand’s best trekking routes .

Rock climbing

The limestone karsts that pepper southern Thailand’s Andaman coast make ideal playgrounds for rock-climbers, and the sport has really taken off here in the past fifteen years. Most climbing is centred round East Railay and Ton Sai beaches on Laem Phra Nang in Krabi province, where there are dozens of routes within easy walking distance of tourist bungalows, restaurants and beaches.

Sea kayaking and whitewater rafting

Sea kayaking is also centred around Thailand’s Andaman coast, where the limestone outcrops, sea caves, hongs (hidden lagoons), mangrove swamps and picturesque shorelines of Ao Phang Nga in particular make for rewarding paddling.

Entertainment and sport in Thailand

Bangkok is the best place to catch authentic performances of classical Thai dance, though more easily digestible tourist-oriented shows are staged in some of the big tourist centres as well as in Bangkok. The country’s two main Thai boxing stadia are also in the capital, but you’ll come across local matches in the provinces too.

Spas and traditional massage in Thailand

With their focus on indulgent self-pampering, spas are usually associated with high-spending tourists, but the treatments on offer at Thailand’s five-star hotels are often little different from those used by traditional medical practitioners, who have long held that massage and herbs are the best way to restore physical and mental well-being.

Thai massage ( nuad boran ) is based on the principle that many physical and emotional problems are caused by the blocking of vital energy channels within the body.

Spectacular archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, generally visited on a day-trip from Ko Samui or Ko Pha Ngan.

Waterfalls, hill tribes, orchids, around four hundred bird species and the country’s highest peak.

An exceptionally pretty, seven-tiered waterfall that extends deep into the forest. Hugely popular as a day-trip from Kanchanaburi.

Coastal flats on the Gulf coast known for their rich birdlife plus an extensive stalactite-filled cave system.

Southern Thailand’s most visited park has rainforest trails and caves plus a flooded river system with eerie outcrops and raft-house accommodation.

Thailand’s most popular national park, three hours from Bangkok, features half a dozen upland trails plus organized treks and night safaris.

Remote group of Andaman Sea islands with famously fabulous reefs and fine above-water scenery. Mostly visited by dive boat but limited national park accommodation is provided.

National marine park archipelago of beautiful coastal waters in the Andaman Sea, though much of its coral became severely bleached in 2010. Good snorkelling and national park campsites.

Beautiful and wildly varied land- and seascapes on the main 26km-long island and fifty other smaller islands on its western side.

Dramatic and strange 1300m-high plateau, probably best avoided at weekends.

Nearly all Thai festivals have a religious aspect. The most theatrical are generally Brahmin (Hindu) in origin, honouring elemental spirits and deities with ancient rites and ceremonial costumed parades.

Buddhist celebrations usually revolve round the local temple, and while merit-making is a significant feature, a light-hearted atmosphere prevails, as the wat grounds are swamped with food and trinket vendors and makeshift stages are set up to show likay folk theatre, singing stars and beauty contests.

Many of the secular festivals (like the elephant roundups and the Bridge over the River Kwai spectacle) are outdoor local culture shows, geared specifically towards Thai and farang tourists. Here’s what you need to know on when to go .

Travel advice for Thailand

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Thailand

• Getting around Thailand: Transportation Tips
• Khao Sok National Park
• Eating and drinking in Thailand
• How to get to Thailand
• Travel Tips Thailand for planning and on the go

From costs and climate to tipping to taxes, this Thailand travel guide has all the advice you’ll need to stay safe and happy.

Visiting Thailand for most Western passport holders (that includes citizens of the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) is simple as they’re allowed to enter the country for short stays without having to apply for a visa.

Visa requirements for extended trips in Thailand are subject to frequent change, so you should always consult before departure a Thai embassy or consulate, a reliable travel agent, or the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website at wmfa.go.th .

Top image: Thai khon dancers © saravutpics/Shutterstock

There’s no standard system of transliterating Thai script into Roman, so you’re sure to find that the Thai words in this book don’t always match the versions you’ll see elsewhere. Maps and street signs are the biggest sources of confusion, so we’ve generally gone for the transliteration that’s most common on the spot; where it’s a toss-up between two equally popular versions, we’ve used the one that helps best with pronunciation. However, sometimes you’ll need to do a bit of lateral thinking, bearing in mind that a classic variant for the town of Ayutthaya is Ayudhia, while among street names, Thanon Rajavithi could come out as Thanon Ratwithi – and it’s not unheard of to find one spelling posted at one end of a road, with another at the opposite end.

Although the vast majority of Thais are Buddhist, nearly everyone also believes that the physical world is inhabited by spirits . These spirits can cause trouble if not given enough care and attention, and are apt to wreak havoc when made homeless. Therefore, whenever a new building is constructed – be it a traditional village house or a multistorey office block – the owners will also construct a home for the spirits who previously occupied that land. Crucially, these spirit houses must be given the best spot on the site – which in Bangkok often means on the roof – and must also reflect the status of the building in question, so their architecture can range from the simplest wooden structure to an elaborate scale model of a particularly ornate temple or even a sleek little icon of modernism. Daily offerings of flowers, incense and candles are set inside the spirit house, sometimes with morsels of food.

Such is the national obsession with muay thai , or Thai boxing, that when Wijan Ponlid returned home from the Sydney 2000 Olympics with the country’s only gold medal (for international flyweight boxing), he was paraded through town at the head of a procession of 49 elephants, given a new house and over 20 million baht, and offered a promotion in the police force. Belatedly perhaps, muay thai has recently entered the canon of martial-arts cinema: Ong Bak (2003), Tom Yum Goong (2005) and their various sequels were global box-office hits, and their all-punching, all-kicking star, Tony Jaa, who performed all his own stunts, has been appointed Cultural Ambassador for Thailand.

Though there are boxing venues all around the country, the very best fights are staged at Bangkok’s two biggest stadiums, Rajdamnoen and Lumphini, and are well worth attending as a cultural experience even if you have no interest in the sport itself (see The media & Thai boxing).

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

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Passing Thru Travel

Discover Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Incredible Destinations in 2024

Posted: March 5, 2024 | Last updated: March 5, 2024

Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and renowned hospitality, offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of the south and the lush mountains of the north, this guide will take you through the diverse facets of Thailand, ensuring a journey filled with discovery and wonder.

Bangkok, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modernity, offers an experience like no other. As you navigate its bustling streets, you’ll encounter magnificent temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, standing as serene sanctuaries amidst the urban chaos. The Grand Palace, a former royal residence, highlights the city’s rich history and architectural grandeur.

For shopping enthusiasts, the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market presents a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to local handicrafts. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Bangkok’s renowned street food, where dishes like Pad Thai and Som Tam are served with authentic flavors.

The city’s vibrant nightlife, from rooftop bars to lively street markets, pulsates with energy, offering a glimpse into the contemporary lifestyle of Bangkok’s residents. Navigating Bangkok explores contrasts, where each turn presents a new facet of this dynamic city.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the lesser-known but equally impressive Wat Benchamabophit for a more tranquil temple experience.

How To Get There: Bangkok is accessible by its two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. The city has an extensive public transport system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season from November to February is ideal, with pleasant weather and numerous festivals.

2. Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, you’ll find a more laid-back atmosphere than Bangkok’s frenetic energy. The city is replete with historic temples, the most famous being Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, each offering a peaceful retreat and a look into the spiritual practices of the locals. The Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street Market are hubs for artisanal crafts and street food, reflecting the city’s artistic flair and culinary richness.

Just outside the city, the lush landscapes of Doi Inthanon National Park await, with trekking trails leading to waterfalls and hill tribe villages. Chiang Mai’s charm lies in its blend of history, culture, and nature, providing a holistic experience of Thailand’s northern region.

Whether you’re exploring its ancient temples, engaging in a traditional Thai cooking class, or wandering through its vibrant markets, Chiang Mai captivates with its serene beauty and rich cultural tapestry.

Insider’s Tip: Take a Thai cooking class to delve deeper into the region’s unique flavors.

How To Get There: Chiang Mai has an international airport and is also accessible by train or bus from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the cool season, particularly in November, for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a blend of experiences catering to those seeking relaxation and adventure. The island’s beaches, like Patong, Kata, and Karon, offer a range of atmospheres, from bustling shores with water sports activities to more tranquil retreats. Beyond its stunning beaches, Phuket’s Old Town reveals a different side of the island, with Sino-Portuguese architecture and a burgeoning arts scene.

A visit to the Big Buddha is a must for a panoramic view of the island. The surrounding waters of Phuket, particularly the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands, are a paradise for divers and snorkelers, boasting vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.

Phuket’s nightlife, especially in Patong, pulsates with energy, offering many entertainment options. The island’s diversity, from its natural beauty to cultural richness, makes Phuket a microcosm of Thailand’s allure.

Insider’s Tip: Take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands for some of the best snorkeling and diving.

How To Get There: Phuket is accessible by its international airport or by bus and ferry from the mainland.

Best Time To Travel: The best weather is from November to February, with calm seas and sunny skies.

4. Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a journey through Thailand’s storied past. As you wander through the historical park, you’ll encounter the ruins of temples and palaces, each telling a tale of the city’s former glory and subsequent destruction.

The site’s most iconic structures, such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, showcase the sophisticated art and architecture of the Ayutthaya period. Exploring Ayutthaya is not just a historical excursion; it’s an immersive experience that transports you back to when the city was a major trading hub of Asia.

The juxtaposition of ancient ruins against a backdrop of modern life underscores the enduring legacy of Ayutthaya’s historical and cultural significance in Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

How To Get There: Ayutthaya is a short train or bus ride from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, offers comfortable exploring conditions.

In Krabi Province, you’ll find yourself amidst some of Thailand’s most picturesque landscapes, marked by dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. The province is renowned for destinations like Railay Beach, which is accessible only by boat. It offers world-class rock climbing and stunning beachscapes.

The Phi Phi Islands, with their iconic beaches and vibrant marine life, are perfect for day trips, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving. For a more tranquil experience, the lesser-known Koh Lanta provides a laid-back atmosphere with its long, sandy beaches. Krabi’s natural beauty extends beyond its coastline, with inland attractions like the Emerald Pool and the Tiger Cave Temple, each offering unique experiences.

Whether you’re seeking adventure on the cliffs of Railay or tranquility on the beaches of Koh Lanta, Krabi presents a diverse array of natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the mangroves and limestone caves by kayak for a unique perspective.

How To Get There: Krabi has an airport, and it’s also accessible by bus and boat from other parts of Thailand.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to March for the best beach weather.

Pai, nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, is a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. With its relaxed atmosphere, this small town attracts travelers looking to escape the hustle of city life. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, Pai is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring hot springs.

The Pai Canyon offers stunning views, especially at sunset, and is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The town’s charming cafes, night markets, and art galleries reflect a unique blend of local Thai culture and bohemian influences.

Renting a scooter to explore the surrounding countryside is a popular way to discover the area’s hidden gems, but be cautious on the winding roads. Pai’s natural beauty, laid-back vibe, and cultural richness make it a refreshing stop in your Thailand journey.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a scooter to explore the surrounding countryside, but be cautious on the winding roads.

How To Get There: Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, particularly from October to February, is ideal for comfortable temperatures.

7. Sukhothai

Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand, is where Thai art, architecture, and language began to develop and flourish. The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an archaeological delight with well-preserved ruins and majestic Buddha statues set amidst scenic lakes and gardens.

Exploring this ancient city on a bicycle offers a leisurely and intimate experience of the park’s vast grounds. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, with its impressive central stupa, and Wat Si Chum, known for its gigantic seated Buddha.

The historical significance of Sukhothai, coupled with its serene and picturesque setting, provides a profound insight into the origins of Thai culture and the nation’s early history.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the Loy Krathong festival in November, when the park is beautifully lit with lanterns.

How To Get There: Sukhothai is accessible by bus or plane from Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season is the best time to visit, especially around the Loy Krathong festival.

Hua Hin, once a quiet fishing village and now a popular beach resort town, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural experiences. Known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and the summer palace of the Thai royal family, Hua Hin exudes an air of sophistication and tranquility.

The night markets in Hua Hin, particularly the Cicada Market, are great for experiencing local crafts and cuisine. Nearby natural attractions like Sam Roi Yot National Park, with its limestone mountains and mangrove forests, provide opportunities for nature exploration.

Hua Hin’s combination of beachside leisure, royal heritage, and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a more laid-back experience in Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local seafood at the night market, known for its freshness and variety.

How To Get There: Hua Hin is about a three-hour drive from Bangkok and is also accessible by train.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to February for the best beach weather and fewer rain showers.

9. Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi, known for the Bridge over the River Kwai and its World War II history, offers a poignant reminder of the past, set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery. The Death Railway, war cemeteries, and museums provide a deep understanding of the region’s wartime history.

Beyond its historical significance, Kanchanaburi is also home to beautiful national parks like Erawan and Sai Yok, offering trekking, waterfalls, and river rafting. The province’s blend of history and natural beauty provides a multifaceted experience, making it a destination that appeals to history buffs and nature lovers.

Insider’s Tip: Take a train ride on the Death Railway for a scenic and historical journey.

How To Get There: Kanchanaburi is accessible by bus or train from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: The cool and dry season from November to February is ideal for exploring and outdoor activities.

10. The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, offers a unique cultural and geographical experience. This area, once notorious for its opium production, now provides insights into the region’s history with attractions like the Hall of Opium Museum.

A boat ride on the Mekong River is a serene way to experience the beauty of this area and the confluence of the three countries. The ancient city of Chiang Saen nearby, with its ruins and temples, adds a historical dimension to your visit. The Golden Triangle’s cultural influences and stunning landscapes make it a fascinating destination in Northern Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: For a panoramic view of the three countries, visit the viewpoint at Wat Phra That Pu Khao.

How To Get There: The Golden Triangle is accessible by bus or car from Chiang Rai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, offers comfortable weather for exploring.

11. Similan Islands

The Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea are a pristine archipelago renowned for their exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. These islands, part of a protected national park, boast some of the clearest waters in Thailand, with visibility often extending up to 30 meters.

The underwater landscape of coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and a myriad of colorful fish species. Above water, the islands are equally stunning, with powdery white sand beaches and lush tropical forests. The Similan Islands are perfect for a retreat for anyone seeking unspoiled natural beauty.

Whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or simply relaxing on a secluded beach, the Similans offer a tranquil escape from the world, where nature’s wonders are on full display.

Insider’s Tip: Book a liveaboard diving trip for an immersive experience in the islands’ underwater world.

How To Get There: The Similan Islands are accessible by boat from Khao Lak or Phuket.

Best Time To Travel: The diving season runs from November to April, with the best conditions from February to April.

12. The Isaan Region

The Isaan region, located in northeastern Thailand, is a land steeped in tradition and history, offering a stark contrast to the country’s more tourist-centric areas. This region is the heartland of Thai culture, where ancient customs and lifestyles are preserved. Isaan’s rural landscapes, dotted with rice paddies and traditional villages, provide a glimpse into a simpler way of life.

The region is also home to some of Thailand’s most significant archaeological sites, including the prehistoric Ban Chiang and the Khmer ruins of Phanom Rung. Isaan’s cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spiciness, is a highlight, with dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (minced meat salad) being local staples

A journey through Isaan is a journey through the soul of Thailand, where the richness of the country’s heritage and the warmth of its people are palpable in every experience.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (minced meat salad) for an authentic taste of Isaan.

How To Get There: Isaan is accessible by bus or train from Bangkok, or by plane to regional airports like Udon Thani.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the cool season, from November to February, for comfortable travel conditions.

13. Koh Samui

Koh Samui, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise combining natural beauty, luxury, and relaxation. The island is renowned for its idyllic beaches, such as Chaweng and Lamai, which offer crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands. Beyond its stunning coastline, Koh Samui has various attractions, from the majestic Big Buddha statue to the enchanting Na Muang Waterfalls.

The island’s interior is a lush landscape of coconut groves and rainforests, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring. Koh Samui’s culinary scene is a blend of traditional Thai flavors and international cuisine, with a plethora of dining options ranging from beachside shacks to upscale restaurants.

The island’s vibrant nightlife, centered around Chaweng Beach, provides entertainment well into the early hours. Koh Samui caters to all types of travelers seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a luxurious retreat.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park for stunning landscapes and snorkeling opportunities.

How To Get There: Koh Samui has an airport with flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and international destinations.

Best Time To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to February, with dry weather and calm seas.

14. Railay Beach

Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is a hidden gem offering a serene escape from the more crowded tourist spots. This peninsula, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and pristine beaches, is a haven for rock climbers and beachgoers.

The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, while the viewpoints and caves provide opportunities for exploration. Railay maintains a laid-back atmosphere, with a small selection of bars and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for adventure and relaxation in a tranquil setting.

Insider’s Tip: Take a rock climbing course if you’re a beginner to safely enjoy the sport under expert guidance.

How To Get There: Railay Beach is accessible by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to April when the weather is dry, and the seas are calm.

15. Udon Thani and the Red Lotus Sea

Udon Thani, a vibrant city in Thailand’s northeastern region, is the gateway to the mesmerizing Red Lotus Sea (Lake Nong Han). It’s best visited in the cool season, as it transforms into a breathtaking expanse of pink and red lotuses stretching as far as the eye can see. A boat ride through the serene waters, dotted with these vibrant blooms, offers a truly unique and tranquil experience.

Beyond the lake, Udon Thani boasts a rich cultural heritage, with various temples, museums, and markets reflecting the local Isan culture. The Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Udon Thani, provides fascinating insights into the region’s ancient history.

This area’s blend of natural beauty and cultural depth makes it a compelling destination for those exploring beyond Thailand’s typical tourist paths.

Insider’s Tip: Visit early in the morning when the lotuses are fully bloomed and the lake is less crowded.

How To Get There: Udon Thani is accessible by plane from Bangkok, and the Red Lotus Sea is a short drive from the city.

Best Time To Travel: The lotuses bloom from December to February, making it the ideal time to visit.

16. The Ancient City of Sukhothai

The ancient city of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a journey back in time to the roots of Thai civilization. As the first capital of Thailand, it holds a special place in the nation’s history. The Sukhothai Historical Park, with its well-preserved ruins set amidst lush greenery and tranquil ponds, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the 13th-century Sukhothai Kingdom.

Exploring the park, you’ll encounter majestic Buddha figures, towering stupas, and intricate carvings, all evocative of the city’s past splendor. Cycling through the park’s vast grounds allows for an intimate exploration of its numerous sites, including Wat Mahathat, the park’s largest temple, and Wat Si Chum, famous for its gigantic seated Buddha. A visit to Sukhothai immerses ancient Thailand’s artistic and spiritual legacy.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the extensive grounds of the historical park at your own pace.

How To Get There: Sukhothai is accessible by bus or plane from Bangkok, and the historical park is a short ride from the city center.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season from November to February offers pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins.

17. The Floating Markets Near Bangkok

The floating markets near Bangkok, such as Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, offer a vibrant and colorful glimpse into traditional Thai life. These bustling waterways, lined with boats laden with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts, present a lively and picturesque scene.

A visit to these markets is a sensory experience, with the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic Thai commerce and cuisine. Damnoen Saduak, the most famous of these markets, provides a more tourist-focused experience, while Amphawa offers a more local atmosphere and is primarily known for its evening seafood vendors.

Exploring these floating markets by boat or along the canalside walkways is a unique way to experience the local culture and indulge in some of Thailand’s most delicious foods and charming souvenirs.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour to fully experience the market and try local snacks from the floating vendors.

How To Get There: The floating markets are accessible by bus or organized tours from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.

18. Erawan National Park and Waterfalls

Erawan National Park, located in the Kanchanaburi Province, is a natural oasis known for its stunning seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, named after the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. Each tier of the waterfall offers a different shape and character, with natural pools perfect for swimming and relaxation.

The park’s lush forests are home to plentiful wildlife and provide numerous hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Beyond the waterfalls, the park’s caves, such as Tham Phra That and Tham Ta Duang, offer further exploration opportunities.

Visiting Erawan National Park is a chance to witness one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls and connect with the country’s rich natural landscapes.

Insider’s Tip: Bring swimwear and trek to the upper tiers of the waterfall for a more secluded and serene experience.

How To Get There: The park is located in Kanchanaburi Province and is accessible by bus or car from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to April when the water levels are ideal for swimming and the trails are dry.

19. Pattaya

Pattaya, once a quiet fishing village and now a bustling coastal city, is known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and many tourist attractions. While Pattaya’s reputation is often tied to its entertainment and nightlife, the city offers much more. The Sanctuary of Truth, a stunning all-wood structure filled with intricate carvings, highlights traditional Thai craftsmanship.

For nature lovers, Pattaya offers the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, a beautifully landscaped park with themed gardens and cultural shows. The nearby Coral Island (Koh Larn) provides a quick escape to quieter beaches and clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and water sports. Pattaya’s diverse offerings make it a destination that caters to various interests, from cultural exploration to beachside relaxation.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Pattaya Floating Market for a cultural experience and to sample local Thai dishes.

How To Get There: Pattaya is a two-hour drive from Bangkok and is also accessible by bus or taxi.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to February for pleasant weather and to avoid the rainy season.

20. The Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand’s hill tribes offer a unique cultural experience, distinct from the rest of the country. These ethnic groups, including the Karen, Hmong, Akha, and Lisu, each have their own customs, languages, and traditional dress. Visiting these hill tribe villages, often nestled in the picturesque mountains and valleys of the region, provides insight into their traditional ways of life, which remain largely untouched by modernization.

Responsible and respectful tourism is key when visiting these communities. Many villages welcome visitors to learn about their culture, participate in traditional crafts, and even stay overnight for a more immersive experience. Engaging with the hill tribes of Northern Thailand offers a deeper understanding of the country’s ethnic diversity and rich cultural tapestry.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a community-based tourism program that benefits the tribes directly and respects their culture.

How To Get There: Hill tribe villages are accessible from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, often as part of guided tours.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, is comfortable for visiting the highland areas.

The Bottom Line

Thailand’s magic lies in its diversity – from bustling cities and ancient ruins to serene beaches and lush jungles. As you explore this enchanting country, embrace its history, indulge in its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Remember, Thailand offers an experience beyond the ordinary, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

While exploring Thailand, take the time to learn a few phrases in Thai. A simple “hello” (sawasdee) or “thank you” (khob khun) can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture and enhancing your travel experience.

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The post Discover Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Incredible Destinations in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pikoso.kz.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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