South Thailand Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in South Thailand

Ao Phra Nang Beach showing a park and a luxury hotel or resort

Ao Nang

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

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

Railay Beach

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

Railay Beach
Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

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

Old Phuket Town
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Chaweng City Center

4/5(63 area reviews)

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

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

Downtown Krabi

4/5(13 area reviews)

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

Downtown Krabi
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Nong Thale

Travellers to Nong Thale praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Tubkaek Beach and Khlong Muang Beach.

Nong Thale
Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort Krabi

Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort Krabi

4.5 out of 5
123 Moo 3, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi, Krabi
The price is AU$201 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$201
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Krabi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (491 reviews)
"Great hotel, beautiful grounds and pools. Designed for families. Waterslides and kids pool was great. Pool access room was amazing. Clean rooms and facilities. Safe. Very friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast buffet was amazing. So many options. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort Krabi
Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong Beach

Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong Beach

5 out of 5
284 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket
The price is AU$152 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$152
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"View from ocean rooms were amazing. Resort is on a cliff so be prepared for all the steps to room, restaurants, pools and bars. Everyone was friendly. Check-in took quite awhile and was confusing. Yoga class wasn’t great - person had no idea and was making it up as he went. Recommend paying for the ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong Beach
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort

4 out of 5
198 8-9 TAWEEWONG ROAD PATONG, Patong
The price is AU$228 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$228
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Good place"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
HOMA Phuket Town

HOMA Phuket Town

4 out of 5
3/41 Moo 5, Soi Samkong 1, Ratsada, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ratsada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"Lovely location, very friendly staff. Highly recommend staying here❤️"

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

HOMA Phuket Town
Citygate Kamala Resort and Residence

Citygate Kamala Resort and Residence

5 out of 5
71/21 Moo 3, Kathu, Kamala, Phuket
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Kamala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kamala Beach and Surin Beach are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (75 reviews)
"Is very modern"

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025

Citygate Kamala Resort and Residence
Meet Holiday Hotel

Meet Holiday Hotel

5 out of 5
52/8 Viset Road, Rawai Beach, Rawai, Phuket Province
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Rawai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kata Beach and Karon Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
"Our stay at Meet at Rawai was great. The hotel looks good, the greenery around is amazing and the rooms are very clean, with towels and sheets changed daily. The staff is quiet and pleasant. You'll also receive bottled water and instant coffee. The property features two pools, which our family enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

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

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