South Thailand

Travel Guide

South Thailand
Phang Nga featuring boating, a coastal town and rocky coastline
Phuket - Phang Nga showing a sandy beach, rocky coastline and a bay or harbor
Koh Samui featuring boating, landscape views and a sandy beach
South Thailand

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 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 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
West Railay Beach showing tropical scenes, swimming and a beach

Railay Beach

A noteworthy feature of Railay Beach is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out West Railay Beach and East Railay Beach.

Railay Beach
Old Phuket Town showing outdoor art and street scenes

Old Phuket Town

Cafes, beaches, and historic sites are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Phuket Town. Check out Phuket Weekend Market or Talad Yai Market while you're exploring the area.

Old Phuket Town
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Chaweng City Center

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

Chaweng City Center
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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
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Cape Panwa

While visiting Cape Panwa, you might make a stop by sights like Ao Yon Beach and Panwa Beach.

Cape Panwa
Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach

Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach

4.5 out of 5
14/2 Patak Road Soi 24, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
The price is P4,804 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P4,804
P5,702 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mandarava. Felt like a boutique resort with lovely staff who remembered our names and amazing facilities including a choice of pools, games rooms and activities. Special thanks to Apple in the day spa. A truly restful stay."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
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 P8,909 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
P8,909
P10,575 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Perfect for families"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
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 P5,037 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P5,037
P5,979 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location in front of the beach. Not so walkable and no sidewalk in the area, but tuktuk were easily available."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong Beach
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! (77 reviews)
"Very great place to stay and nice view"

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2025

HOMA Phuket Town
Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa

Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa

4 out of 5
19/6 Moo 4 Bophut Bangrak, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Bo Phut Beach and Fisherman's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Very nice, clean, everything is there at the villa to make for a good stay"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa
Diamond Resort Phuket

Diamond Resort Phuket

4 out of 5
106 Soi Cherngtalay 14, Choeng Thale, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Choeng Thale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

Diamond Resort 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.

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