Southern Thailand is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.  This region of the country is divided between the coast of the Andaman Sea and the cost along the Gulf of Thailand.  Throughout the year, each of these coasts is affected by a different monsoon, which works out perfectly as the sun is always shining on one side or the other, if not both.  Travel down south to experience the pristine beauty of the beaches, trek through the wilderness of the islands, explore limestone caves, party the night away and relax with a good book.

Krabi

Krabi is located on southern west coast of Thailand.  The province is known for its natural beauty, especially its limestone caves and cliffs jutting out into the water as well as its dense forested areas.  Krabi is also famous for the Phi Phi islands off of the coast of the province, appearing as huge forested rocks jutting out of the water.  The remote Railay Beach is yet another famous spot in this province and is especially well-known for its rock climbing opportunities.

Attractions

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are two islands located off the shores of Phuket Province and Krabi Province.  They are known worldwide due to their strikingly beautiful appearance — two huge forested boulders emerging from the sea.  Phi Phi Leh is completely free of human inhabitants and Phi Phi Don doesn’t even have roads!

Railay Beach

Railay is a small peninsula between Krabi and Ao Nang. In order to reach Railay, one must take a boat due to the towering limestone cliffs that cut off access to the mainland.  Famous for rock-climbing, the area is also known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere.  It is easy to find affordable accommodation (not always true on Thailand’s coastlines).  Ton Sai is popular with climbers and backpackers while the more glamorous side of the peninsula is found in West Railay.  Many of the shops and restaurants are located on the East Railay boardwalk.

Tiger Cave Temple

This ancient Buddhist temple is one of the most sacred places in Krabi Province.  Hike up the strenuous staircase to explore the temple and look up at the giant Buddha towering over you.  Don’t forget to check out the tiger paw prints inside the temple, the reason for the temple’s name!

Phuket

Although Phuket has become another of the many tourist-havens in Thailand, the island was originally sought after by money-hungry merchants from all over the world.  These influences from the outside are noticeably today as you walk through the streets.  From Sino-Portuguese architecture to Chinese Taoist shrines, the province has fused influences from far and wide to create a unique little paradise in the Andaman Sea.  No trip to Phuket is complete without visiting the beautiful white sand beaches and snorkeling through the famed Phang Nga Bay.

Attractions

Phang Nga Bay

Take a leisurely day cruise through the bay starting from the north of Phuket.  Meander through the dramatic limestone islands that sit in the emerald green water.  Rent some scuba gear and hop out of the boat to swim around and enjoy the unique marine life around you.  Don’t forget to stop at James Bond Island and check out the spectacular view from the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.

Old Phuket Town

No visit to Phuket is complete without a stroll through Old Phuket.  The beautiful architecture in the old part of the city shows the British and Portuguese influence in the area and almost feels like you have been transported back in time to when these major European powers were invited to Thailand to help with mining and to improve Phuket’s infrastructure.  Enjoy this area’s delicious food and incredible shopping as you wander through the streets admiring the architecture.

Prompthep Cape Viewpoint

This is one of the island’s most well-known locations.  It is the southernmost peak on Phuket Island and every evening, many people venture to the top to see the beautiful sunset.  There is a restaurant as well as a lighthouse and a museum at the top and many people choose to eat dinner and enjoy the view as the sun sets over the vast water below.

Koh Samui & Koh Pangan

No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting these world-famous islands located in the Gulf of Thailand.  Many people struggle deciding between the two islands, but the truth is that both are a tropical paradise and host a wide variety of different experiences for travelers with different tastes.  Koh Samui is much bigger and closer to the shore, hosting an airport and three hospitals.  Koh Pangan is the smaller and more remote of the two islands, only reachable by ferry.  Both islands play host to beautiful white sand beaches with crystal-blue waters as well as gorgeous hikes and incredible views.

Attractions

Thong Nai Pan Noi

The most secluded and developed area of Koh Pangan, the northeastern tip of the island is a favorite among all travelers.  Escape from some of the chaos of the rest of the island and relax on this remote beach, choosing between one of the two resorts located on this part of the island.

Angthong National Marine Park

Take a safari boat from Koh Pangan or Koh Samui to this amazing national marine park.  The park consists of approximately 40 small islands jutting out of the water.  Rent snorkel gear and hop out of the boat to swim around and explore what’s happening under the water. Each island has its own charm with their beautiful limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons that inspire stories Alex Garland’s The Beach.

Big Buddha

The Big Buddha Temple is frequented by tourists and locals alike.  As a sacred shrine to the Buddha, the temple is very popular during festival seasons and can get quite lively and crowded.  The temple sits atop a small, rocky island just off of Koh Samui’s northern shore and also plays host to a vendor area in the courtyard where travelers can buy their souvenirs. Don’t forget to cover the knees and the shoulders out of respect for the locals when you visit the temple.

Activities

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Rent snorkeling or diving equipment and explore the underwater corals and marine life in the Gulf of Thailand or in the Andaman Bay.  Ko Tao is a small island that is particularly well-known for the best conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Trekking

Travelers may not immediately think of trekking when they think of coastal paradise, but the treks in this area of the country are not to be missed.  Hire a guide and make your way through the dense forests in this region.  Discover wildlife, plant life, and bird life that will take your breath away and then return to the beach to cool off and watch the sunset.

Relaxing

You can’t come to paradise without doing your fair share of relaxing.  Grab a good book and sit on the beach.  Work on your tan while you sip on a delicious fresh juice or a cocktail.  Enjoy delicious local foods or go for a traditional Thai massage.  This is the time for you to relax in the sun and enjoy being in paradise!