Southern Thailand

Region

The long peninsula with coasts on two seas. The Andaman side has Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Khao Lak and the Similan Islands, best from November to April; the Gulf side has Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao, whose wettest months are October to December. Inland, Khao Sok's lake and rainforest make a good break between the two. The three far-southern provinces have long-running unrest.

Southern Thailand Railay BeachSimilan IslandsKhao Phing KanKo TaoSongkhla LakeAo Phang Nga National ParkMu Ko Ang Thong National ParkKo Phi Phi DonKo Phi Phi LePhuket Giant BuddhaKo PhuketTarutao National ParkMu Ko Surin National ParkKo Lanta YaiKo PodaTalo Mano MosqueKo Ta Ru TaoKrue Se MosqueKhao LuangMu Ko Lanta National ParkCheow Lan LakeUlu Titi BasahHat Chao Mai National ParkKata BeachKhao Phanom Bencha National ParkKo LantaKaron BeachKo LamphuKrabiKo Pha-nganKo TaoKo LantaKo SamuiPhi Phi IslandsKo LipeKhao Sok National ParkPhuketHat YaiSurat ThaniSongkhlaNakhon Si ThammaratChumphonTrangPattaniYalaNarathiwatRanongAo NangPhang NgaKhao LakSatunPhatthalungBetong

Southern Thailand essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

Where to Go in Southern Thailand

City Phuket PhuketOld Town of Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Phuket island City Krabi KrabiAndaman base for Railay cliffs and island hops City Hat Yai Hat YaiCity known for its shopping and nightlife Island Phi Phi Islands Phi Phi IslandsTropical limestone islands famed for clear waters Island Railay Beach Railay BeachScenic limestone-cliff beach popular with rock climbers Island Khao Phing Kan Khao Phing KanIsland famous for dramatic limestone karsts in Phang Nga Island Ko Tao Ko TaoSmall island renowned for scuba diving certifications History Phuket Giant Buddha Phuket Giant BuddhaMassive hilltop Buddha statue overlooking Phuket Nature Khao Sok National Park Khao Sok National ParkAncient rainforest park with limestone karsts and lake Nature Songkhla Lake Songkhla LakeLarge coastal lagoon in southern Thailand with fisheries Nature Ao Phang Nga National Park Ao Phang Nga National ParkMarine park with dramatic limestone karsts and islands Nature Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park Mu Ko Ang Thong National ParkMarine national park of islands and limestone karsts
Regions & Cities
Krabi Explore Krabi Karst cliffs and turquoise bays frame Krabi’s appeal: rock climbers at Railay, longtail boats to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, hot springs and night markets serving grilled seafood. Ko Pha-ngan Explore Ko Pha-ngan Island in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Pha‑ngan combines rocky headlands, coconut beaches and waterfalls with a party circuit centered on Haad Rin’s Full Moon Party; visitors also come for diving, snorkeling and yoga retreats. Explore Ko Tao A tiny island with more dive shops than traffic lights, Ko Tao pulls scuba students and reef junkies to sites like Chumphon Pinnacle and Shark Bay. Explore Ko Lanta On Krabi’s quieter side, Ko Lanta sends dive boats to Hin Daeng, offers mangrove trails, Klong Dao beach and a wooden Old Town. Ko Samui Explore Ko Samui Ko Samui’s palm-lined beaches, Chaweng nightlife and the 12-metre Big Buddha temple draw sun-seekers and divers; boat trips run to Ang Thong Marine Park and nearby islands. Phi Phi Islands Explore Phi Phi Islands In the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands combine towering limestone cliffs, boat-accessible bays like Maya Bay, snorkeling sites and a compact party scene on Phi Phi Don; day trips from Krabi and Phuket are common. Ko Lipe Explore Ko Lipe Ko Lipe in Satun province sits within the Andaman marine area and attracts snorkelers and divers for nearshore coral reefs, beachside bars along Walking Street and boat trips to Tarutao and nearby islands. Khao Sok National Park Explore Khao Sok National Park In Surat Thani province, Khao Sok mixes lowland rainforest, towering limestone cliffs and Cheow Lan Lake; activities include jungle trekking, canoeing, overnight stilt bungalows and guided wildlife spotting.

Southern Thailand at a Glance

Local Time
7:09 AM
GMT+7
Population
9,431,790

Best Things to Do in Southern Thailand