South Thailand

Travel Guide
Hin Ta and Hin Yai featuring general coastal views

South Thailand Travel Guide Video

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

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

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

Nearby is iconic Koh Samui 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 Statue 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 Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi Island. White sands, clear waters and excellent diving make these popular spots. Visit during the dry seasons of December through April and July to August. Monsoons are common the rest of the year.

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in South Thailand

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

Ao Nang

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

Ao Nang
Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

4/5(37 area reviews)

Historical interest abounds in this area, with Sino-Portuguese buildings lining the streets and old structures transformed into shops, hotels, and museums. Explore main streets like Thalang and Phang Nga for a unique experience.

Old Phuket Town
A lovely day on Chaweng #Beach on Koh Samui, #Thailand 🇹🇭
#LifeAtExpedia

Chaweng City Center

4.5/5(104 area reviews)

Chaweng City Center is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Chaweng Beach and Central Festival Samui, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Bophut.

Chaweng City Center
Default Image

Nong Thale

Nong Thale is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tubkaek Beach and Khlong Muang Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Krabi.

Nong Thale
Krabi Town which includes night scenes and a river or creek

Downtown Krabi

4.5/5(41 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 Chao Fah Park Pier.

Downtown Krabi
Default Image

Lamai City Center

4/5(15 area reviews)

One reason travelers love spending time in Lamai City Center is the stunning beaches, and Lamai Night Market is a top place to visit.

Lamai City Center
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
5 out of 5
29 Soi Karon Nui, Muang, Karon, Phuket
The price is ₩361,138 per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
₩361,138
₩428,671 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Book a stay at this beach resort in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (920 reviews)
"Booked an oceanfront suite. Staff was very welcoming at check in. Suite was beautiful with wonderful views of the beach and water! Cons - outdated furniture. -the pillows smelt old too - always hosting different meetings. Wasnt really a problem for us because we were out all the time, but most of ..."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
5 out of 5
99 Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Patong, Phuket
The price is ₩344,908 per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
₩344,908
₩409,406 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 26 - Nov 27
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (974 reviews)
"The place was very well presented, very clean and staff were super helpful and polite. You got options of different restaurants which is great for people who would love to try different food. Laundry and massage prices are high so best to be done outside hotel but overall great experience and will ..."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Amari Phuket
Amari Phuket
5 out of 5
2 Meun-ngern Road, Patong, Phuket
The price is ₩237,986 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩237,986
₩282,490 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Book a stay at this beach resort in Patong. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"The hotel was under reservation but the staff might all the efforts to make the stay pleasant and nice, top notch service!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Amari Phuket
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! (47 reviews)
"Only staying here for one night due to wanting to stay closer to the airport since we got an early out the next day. But when I return to Phuket again, I would stay here longer. The hotel is modern, rooms are big (my buddy and I have our own rooms), two air conditioners in each room (trust me... ..."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

HOMA Phuket Town
GP House Phuket
GP House Phuket
3 out of 5
13 Thanon Sawatdirak, Patong, Chang Wat Phuket
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (94 reviews)
"We stayed here for 4 days. The room was big and clean, the staff provided amenities such as water upon check-in. Great walkable location close to beach as well as boardwalk. The staff here were very helpful with any questions we had. Also, motorbike rental directly in front of the hotel was quite ..."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

GP House Phuket
The View Phuket
The View Phuket
4 out of 5
78/7 Patak Road, Karon, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly villa in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (128 reviews)
"Very spacious and lots of facilities."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2024

The View Phuket
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near South Thailand