Southern Thailand offers a huge variety of destinations for beach holidays. On the West coast you can choose one of Andaman sea islands and coastal beaches, while on the East coast the Gulf of Thailand and its islands await. Discover the best tourist destinations in Southern Thailand, most popular cultural and natural attractions, and the best places to visit in Southern Thailand.
West Coast of Southern Thailand
The most popular Southern Thailand destinations on the west coast.
Phuket
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand. Phuket is situated in the Andaman Sea waters off the west coast.
The island is among the finest beach destinations in the world offering magnificent bays, fine palm-fringed white sand beaches, glittering seas, picturesque small surrounding islands, delightful Sino-Portuguese architecture and memorable hospitality of local people to millions of visitors. There are many great island tours from Phuket that can enhance your beach holiday on the island.
Krabi
Krabi is a popular beach destination in Southern Thailand. Krabi province abounds with plenty of natural attractions including over 150 islands, gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise water, flourishing coral reefs, towering limestone cliffs, numerous caves and waterfalls, making the scenery of the province both inland and at sea simply stunning.
The most popular areas on the mainland of Krabi province are Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town, while famous islands Koh Phi Phi and relaxed Koh Lanta are also part of the province.
Krabi is the perfect base for exploring the Andaman Sea islands on boat tours such as this popular 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago of six islands.
Koh Phi Phi islands are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful islands in the world. Koh Phi Phi are one of the most popular islands in Thailand especially after they came to fame worldwide after the Leonardo Di Caprio movie “The Beach” was filmed in Maya Bay.
You can stay overnight on Phi Phi Islands or you can choose to visit them on a day trip from Phuket or Krabi.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is the coastal area offering white sand beaches, glittering seas, and rich nature on the Andaman Coast.
It is a beautiful, secluded place that is great for couples, families and nature lovers. Khao Lak is also the starting point for snorkeling tours to the Similan and Surin Islands, where you can see multicolored coral reefs and extremely diverse ecosystem. Staying here, you can enjoy many activities such as visiting magnificent natural limestone caves and lagoons at Phang Nga Bay and short-distance boat trips to several offshore islands to give you the enjoyable moments.
Other Destinations on West Coast of Southern Thailand
Other popular destinations on the west coast of Southern Thailand include Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe. If you want to travel more off the beaten path, choose more remote destinations like Koh Phayam, Ranong.
For more details about the best destinations on the Andaman Coast, check West Coast of Southern Thailand.
East Coast of Southern Thailand
The most popular Southern Thailand destinations on the east coast.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Thailand.
The island has wonderful nature, beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear seas, stunning viewpoints, and various tourist activities like scuba diving, cooking courses and others.
In addition to wonderful beaches, the island has several impressive temples, jungle and waterfalls. The most important temple in the island is Wat Phra Yai, home of Big Buddha - 12 meter tall seated golden Buddha image. Another remarkable temple on the island is Wat Khunaram - temple famous for the 20-year-old mummified monk in meditation position kept on display here.
Main cultural attractions in Koh Samui are visited on this Half-Day Island Highlights Tour, which also takes you to visit Grandfather's Grandmother's Rocks, viewpoint, and Na Muang Waterfalls.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island off the East Coast of Southern Thailand.
Located roughly a third of the way from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, the island is known for its world famous full moon parties and coconut trees.
Koh Phangan is also a good starting point to explore the nearby islands on a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a paradise island neighboring Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.
This small island of 21 km² is full of surprises. Koh Tao, also known as the Turtle Island, is a must visit place in Southern Thailand if you are a fan of dream beaches and magnificent seabed, which can be explored on Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a seaside resort city in Thailand, only about 200 km south of Bangkok.
It’s the oldest and most traditional holiday resort in Thailand. Here you can find the comfort and attractions of a modern travel destination mixed with the charm of still active fishing port. Hua Hin is popular not only with foreigners but with Thais too, especially Bangkok residents.
Other Destinations on East Coast of Southern Thailand
Other popular destinations on the eastern coast of Southern Thailand include Cha-Am and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
For more details about the best destinations on the Gulf of Thailand, check East Coast of Southern Thailand.
Southern Thailand Transportation
Transportation options for a trip in Southern Thailand can be found and transport tickets can be booked by this search form.
Weather in Southern Thailand
The south of Thailand has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on both coasts of southern Thailand.
On the West Coast weather conditions are at their best from November to March. Monsoonal weather usually arrives in April to destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak and Koh Lanta. Peak rainfall levels here are usually experienced in September and October. All West coast destinations have similar weather conditions throughout the year as they all experience the impact of the Andaman sea.
On the East Coast weather conditions are really good from January to March. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao get little rain and moderate temperatures with refreshing winds. In May and June might be raining a little, usually in the form of an hour-long afternoon shower. In September the monsoon is expected, bringing plenty of rainfall which usually peaks between October and November. Despite being on East Coast, Hua Hin and Cha-Am experience slightly different weather patterns.
For the best time to visit Southern Thailand destinations check our Southern Thailand weather ratings chart.
| Coast | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| East Coast | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
You are planning to continue your trip up north after visiting Southern Thailand? Check when is the best time to visit Thailand's other destinations and choose destination with the best possible weather conditions wisely.
