Southern Thailand is an awe-inspiring destination that attracts a high number of tourists due to its exceptional natural beauty. The region boasts stunning beaches with clear turquoise waters and numerous picturesque islands dotting the horizon, making it a paradise for beach lovers. However, the popularity of the region means that it can sometimes feel quite touristy compared to other areas of Thailand, like Chiang Mai or Northern Thailand.
While prices for food and accommodations are generally higher in the south, they are still relatively affordable compared to many other countries. The food scene in the south is especially interesting because you get a unique blend of Thai, Malay, and Muslim cultures in this region.
Aside from typical water activities such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking, Southern Thailand is also a great (and cheap) place to get scuba certified! The waters are beautiful, lots of fish, and the instructors (in our experience) were top-notch.
We struggled with the paradox of choice when deciding where to stay. Each region is very different with distinct vibes. That’s why we put together this guide to help you figure out where to experience your slice of paradise (along with some food and activity recommendations as well). We will first describe major cities in the South and then deep dive into the different neighborhoods of Phuket and Krabi (which is where we stayed).
To learn more general tips about traveling to Thailand, check out our Destination – Thailand page. Interested in exploring Northern Thailand too? Check out our Exploring – Chiang Mai travel guide.
HOW TO GET HERE
There are many ways to get to Southern Thailand. The easiest way is flying. There are several airports in the south including Phuket International Airport, Krabi International Airport, and Surat Thani International Airport. You can book a domestic flight from Bangkok for pretty cheap.
For a longer route, you can consider taking the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, which can give you access to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. There are also many bus routes from Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani.
Once you are in the area, it is easy to get around on land via scooter, tuk-tuk, songthaew, Uber, or bus. The best way to get between islands or beaches is by longtail boat. Check out our “Getting Around” section on our Destination – Thailand page for more information.
WHERE TO STAY
First, choose which major cities in Southern Thailand you would like to visit. Southern Thailand consists of the western coast along the Andaman Sea, the eastern coast along the Gulf of Thailand, as well as a ton of surrounding islands on each side.
There are international airports located in Phuket (HKT), Ko Samui (USM), Krabi (KBV), and Surat Thani (URT). To get to the smaller islands, you can go via a traditional longtail boat (often shared) or speedboat.
We will briefly describe some popular options below. This is by no means a comprehensive list, just some of the often-traveled destinations
- Phuket: Thailand’s largest island. Best for beach hopping, nightlife, motorbike rentals, Old Town, proximity to the airport, jump-off point for day trips, and island hopping.
- Krabi: Best for relaxation, beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, clear waters, rock climbing, proximity to the airport, jump-off point for day trips, and island hopping.
- Ko Yao Noi (Island): A small island between Phuket and Krabi. Known for its quiet beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and views of surrounding islands.
- Phi Phi Islands: A famous group of islands between Phuket and Krabi known for white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, snorkeling, and diving.
- Trang Islands: A group of islands in the Trang province that is a quieter alternative to Phi Phi Islands.
- Koh Samui: Known for beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, wellness retreats, and water sports.
- Surat Thani: Located on the mainland, Surat Thani is known for its beautiful temples, natural parks, and waterfalls.
- Ranong: Located on the Andaman coast and known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and national parks. Less touristy.
- Khao Lak: A less-touristed coastal area known for its peaceful beaches and fewer crowds.
- Pattani: Located in the far south of Thailand, this province is known for its cultural heritage, beautiful mosques, and delicious local cuisine.
Phuket and Krabi are the largest cities on the western coast and both have access to airports as well as many activities/day trips. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island.
Ko Yao Noi, Phi Phi Islands, and Trang Islands are all smaller islands off the coast which will be more remote, accessible only by boat, and are generally far smaller and quieter. You can jump between these areas by boat, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Koh Samui and Surat Thani are both located on the eastern coast along the gulf. They both have international airports.
We decided to stay in Phuket and Krabi. Below, we will give a detailed guide on the different neighborhoods/beaches and their respective vibes within Phuket as well as Krabi. Whether you’re here to party, scuba, or just relax, hopefully this guide can help you narrow down which area would suit your desired experience the best!
PHUKET
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is full of life. Each beach along Phuket’s coast is totally different from one another, both in regards to views as well as vibes. Aside from beach hopping on the island itself, it is also in a great location for day-tripping to Ko Phi-Phi and the Similan Islands. It takes about an hour to drive from one end to the other in Phuket, (but longer if on a scooter or tuk-tuk), so you can see the whole island in a day if you wanted to.
One of the best ways to see Phuket is to rent a scooter for the day. Don’t pay more than 350 baht for the rental. We rented a scooter and went beach hopping, but it was much less pleasant than renting scooters in Chiang Mai. (Scooters are definitely dangerous, so if you do not feel comfortable please avoid them. There are many motor vehicle accidents daily and there is WAY more traffic in Phuket, especially as you approach Patong, as compared to Chiang Mai. Always wear your helmet.)
NAI YANG BEACH
Best For: Couples looking for a more peaceful and secluded beach, families that want to avoid crowds, nature enthusiasts, small-town feels, and proximity to the airport.
Nai Yang Beach is pretty friggin nice. It feels like having a little piece of Phuket all to yourself. It’s located right next to Sirinat National Park and is located about an hour north of Patong. The proximity to the park means the surrounding area is very green, lush, and full of rubber plants and trees for shade. The beach was sandy and great for swimming.
We stayed at TT Naiyang Beach Phuket which was simple but modern, located right on the beach, and had the lovliest staff. They only have four rooms as the main business seems to be their restaurant on the beach. We ended up eating there every night because the food was so good. Highly recommend.
BANANA BEACH
Best For: Day trip, secluded “secret” beach, swimming, escaping the city, chilling out.
This beach is a little harder to find (check out our Google Map below). You can park your bike at the edge of the road and walk down a small, steep path to reach the beach. Careful not to slip.
Banana Beach is a very small and secluded cove with calm waters. Good for swimming and it is definitely not crowded. There is a little smoothie shack and massage stand on the sand. There is not much else here and no super close accommodations so would just come to visit as a day trip.
BANG TAO BEACH
Best For: High-end resorts, luxury, proximity to lots of restaurants/bars, golf, souvenirs/shopping, tourism infrastructure, buying cannabis products.
Moving further south you will hit the larger Bang Tao Beach. Much more commercial with tons of resorts, restaurants, and some traffic. This is a great place to be if you want access to tons of food, bars, and amenities, without the craziness of Patong. The white sand beach is expansive and definitely larger (and more crowded) than Banana and Naiyong Beaches.
KAMALA BEACH
Best For: Families, couples, chillaxing, babies, swimming, less crowds, water activities, restaurants, cafes.
Kamala Beach is like a smaller, more chill version of Bang Tao Beach. Has all the amenities with plenty of food and tourist operations, but less commercial and less crowded. The beach here is very pretty with a lot of little islands and land formations visible in the distance. Great for a relaxing day at the beach with the family. Lots of places to dine and shop.
Of note, do not swim in areas marked “NO SWIMMING” (duh). We read there can be box jellyfish in these regions. Speaking of sea critters, we had some tasty snapper with ocean views at Coconut Garden Restaurant.
PATONG BEACH
Best For: Partying, Muay Thai shows, ladyboy shows, lively atmosphere, buying cannabis products, proximity to attractions, traffic.
Patong Beach is a vibrant district known for its nightlife and entertainment scene, making it the perfect destination for those looking to party. After sunset, head to Bangla Road to witness the area come alive with a plethora of bars and clubs. Since the legalization of marijuana in Thailand in the summer of 2022, many 420 shops and smoke lounges have popped up throughout the area. For a truly unique experience, check out the famous Simon Cabaret Ladyboy show.
Despite its bustling atmosphere, Patong Beach also boasts stunning natural beauty. If you’re looking for a more tranquil escape, venture a little further south to Freedom Beach, which tends to be less crowded. For a touch of old-school glamour, make your way to Siam Supper Club for a classic cocktail.
While Patong Beach is known for its wild parties, it’s important to stay vigilant and practice caution. Certain areas of the city can be dangerous, so avoid poorly lit streets and never accept drinks from strangers. Keep these safety tips in mind to ensure a fun and memorable trip to Patong Beach.
We didn’t make it past Patong Beach, but we read the following about the other west-side beaches:
KARON BEACH
Best For: Families, viewpoint, proximity to attractions, peaceful, restaurants, cafes, snorkeling.
Karon Beach is not too far from The Big Buddha of Phuket and the temple Wat Chalong. Make sure to check out the famous viewpoint here called Karon View Point (pinned on our Google Map below).
Karon Beach is less crowded and more tranquil compared to the nearby Patong Beach. It is a nicer option for families looking to swim and lounge on the beach under some umbrellas. There are still plenty of restaurants and shops in the area which cater to a more family-friendly vibe. The beach is scenic and snorkeling is popular here.
RAWAI BEACH
Best For: More local feel, proximity to attractions, cultural charm, seafood, Seashell museum, and panoramic views.
Rawai Beach is at the southernmost tip of Phuket, which makes it a great spot for sunset and sunrise. It is much more mellow than the more touristy parts of town. There is a local fishing village here which means you get a lot more local culture as well as some of the most delicious seafood.
Attractions in the area include the Seashell Museum as well as the Phromthep Cape Viewpoint which gives you dramatic views of the Andaman Sea. Both Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint are both excellent sunset spots. Nai Han Beach is to the west and is supposed to be a nice spot for snorkeling.
PHUKET OLD TOWN
Best For: History, architecture, authentic Thai food, proximity to pier, cultural centers.
Phuket Old Town is full of charming history and Sino-Portuguese architecture, a unique blend of Chinese and European styles. The streets are filled with cute cafes, colorful shophouses, and boutique stores. Old Town is located close to Laem Hin Pier, from where you can grab a boat to Krabi and other islands.
This is also where you will find some of the most authentic Thai food as well as other international cuisines. There is a weekly night market called Chillva Market where you can try local street food and browse handicrafts. For a unique dining experience, Khao Rang Breeze is a treetop restaurant with large platforms you can lay out on. One Chun Cafe apparently has real home-cooked Thai food.
KRABI
Krabi is postcard pretty everywhere you look. This is where you can see those quintessentially Thai beaches full of little islands and limestone karst formations off in the distance. Much less crowded than Phuket with arguably more beautiful beaches. The water is very calm and very shallow in Krabi, making it a great choice for younger kids.
Krabi has a mix of accommodations with plenty of resorts but also some smaller hostels here and there too. Krabi is also a hub for rock climbing and scuba diving. Dr. S did his PADI scuba certification in Krabi with Sea Gypsy Divers and had a great experience.
There are a variety of ways to get around the Krabi province. For short distances, tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled open mini taxis, are a popular and affordable option. For longer distances, regular taxis are readily available.
To explore Railay Beach, Tonsai Bay, or nearby islands, longtail boats are the way to go. These classic long wooden Thai boats are perfect for navigating shallow waters and are a great way to take in the stunning scenery. There are no set times, boat drivers will just wait to fill the boats with passengers before departing. You can also pay for the entire boat for a private ride also. Do not rely on longtail transport at night, plan to travel before evening.
TUBKAEK BEACH
Best For: Fancy isolated resorts, luxury, relaxation, weddings, scenic beaches, expensive prices, crab spotting.
Tubkaek is great for a luxury family vacation or couples retreat where all you want to do is take full advantage of a resort. Aside from resorts, there is not much else on this stretch of beach and you will definitely be paying resorty prices.
That being said, Tubkaek Beach is absolutely gorgeous with tons of little islands in the distance and crystal clear waters. The beach is very shallow and very calm here, great for young kids. Go for a night stroll or walk out towards land formations at low tide to see a million little crabs, starfish, and all sorts of little sea critters.
We stayed at Anyavee Tubkaek Beach Resort which had super modern facilities and an ocean-facing view with a balcony jacuzzi (for a price). Breakfast was okay and WiFi was not the best inside the rooms. You can rent kayaks on the beach here and in front of many other resorts. Get one with a glass bottom if you can!
Mama Kitchen and Moonbar had a tasty morning glory with an excellent location for a more reasonable dining experience. There is a hike nearby called Dragon Crest if you’re feeling adventurous.
AO NANG BEACH
Best For: Getting around to other places, proximity to the airport, food options, commerce, shopping, yoga retreats, and scuba diving classes.
Ao Nang Beach is likely where you will get dropped off if arriving to Krabi via boat. Ao Nang’s Beach feels more functional than loungey. It is mostly an in-between hub to get you to prettier parts of Krabi, the Phi Phi islands, or other cities such as Phuket. It is a great place to book activities such as snorkeling trips, island hopping tours, scuba classes, yoga retreats, and rock climbing experiences.
As Ao Nang is the busiest area of Krabi, it also has the most dining and shopping options. We got some great daily smoothies from the Fresh 4 You stand. If you need to get some work done, Cafe 8.98 has a nice atmosphere with a tasty mango coconut chia pudding and THE COFFEE CLUB makes a perfectly-poached eggs Benedict.
While Ao Nang is convenient, it’s definitely not the nicest beach (although it does have a nice tree-shaded walking path). Stay in Railay Beach or Tubkaek for a more scenic beach experience.
RAILAY BEACH
Best For: Chilling out, pretty beach, fewer crowds, reasonable prices, activities, caves, monkeys, rock climbing, swimming.
Our favorite beach/place to stay in Krabi. Railay has a gorgeous beach, is less crowded than Ao Nang, and has a bunch of activities. It is only accessible by boat which makes it more secluded than other parts of Krabi. It is also world famous for rock climbing due to its gorgeous limestone cliffs.
Go have a look at the unique Princess Cave full of phallic statues given to the princess spirit by fishermen hoping for good luck. Swim in the gorgeous Phra Nang Cave lagoon, a natural pool of crystal-clear water. Be amazed by crazy cave formations (and bats!) at Diamond Cave. There is a sketchy viewpoint hike that can be muddy, slippery, and is best avoided if you don’t have proper hiking shoes.
Walk down Walking Street for tons of dining, bars, and other recreational fun options. There are loads of beachside accommodation options and we had a good experience at the enormous Sand Sea Resort. Their property actually spans both the beach and the bay, and they offer many different types of rooms in a beautiful jungle garden world. Oh and don’t be surprised to see monkeys all over Railay!
The East Railay Bay Beach is also pretty to walk to with submerged trees and a mellow vibe. Accommodations on the East side are not as nice as those on the west beach though. Our favorite dinner spot in all of Krabi was The Heart Restaurant which is run by a sweet little family with the most delicious barbecue red chili snapper. It was so tasty we ate here multiple times. Tew Lay Bar is at the end of the eastern bay and has a cool atmosphere with tons of different lounging options and a tasty coconut shake.
Chill on the beach, explore the caves, eat good food, what more do you need?
TONSAI BAY BEACH
Best For: Rock climbing, getting away from crowds, peace and quiet, not swimming, hippies.
The smallest and most isolated area of Krabi, Tonsai Bay is also mainly accessible by boat. You can walk a small path through some trees from Railay Beach (look for the ropes) or around the coast at low tide only. This makes Tonsai Beach way less accessible and way more private. There is also not much of a swimmable beach as the shore is pretty rocky.
We read that Tonsai Bay used to be a rock climbing, hippie, backpacker haven previously, however when we were there everything looked pretty dead and kind of abandoned. This may have been due to a super large resort that opened recently and apparently kicked out all the other establishments from the beach. Would double-check to see what the vibes are in Tonsai before booking anything there.
MAP
We hope this little breakdown helps you with planning your next Southern Thailand adventure! Here is a Google Map with all of our recommendations from above. If this guide helped you in any way, we would love to hear about it! Enjoy
