10 BEST Places to Visit in Southern Thailand

10 Best Places to Visit in Southern Thailand

1. Khao Sok Lake

Let's begin this list with my favorite place in the whole of Thailand, Khao Sok Lake, a beautiful lake located deep within the Ratchaprapha Dam in Surat Thani, where you will be able to spend the night on a floating bungalow, going around on long-tail boats, and exploring some of the prettiest attractions in the region.

One of the highlights of visiting Khao Sok Lake is a chance to spend a night on a floating bungalow surrounded by nature. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in Thailand where you can sleep surrounded by the vast pristine water of lakes, not to mention all the beautiful limestone mountains and wildlife you will encounter here.

The massive lake covers more than 165 km2 (64 sq mi), where all kinds of wildlife thrive, from elephants to monkeys to birds and even the elusive tapirs, although I have yet to see the latter one.

With such a vast area, there are also a ton of tourist spots that you can visit inside, like the famous Khao Sam Kloe or the Guilin of Thailand, the water cave of Nam Ta Lu where you have to wade through gushing water as you explore the cave, and my favorite place of all, the Kri Sorn Viewpoint, one of the best hikes to do in Khao Sok.

To get to Khao Sok Lake, you will have to travel to Surat Thani, and from either the airport or the bus terminal, you should be able to find a shuttle service to take you to Khao Sok Village where you will have to spend a night, prepare the Khao Sok Lake tour with your accommodation, and off you go to spend a night in Khao Sok Lake.

If you are looking for a pretty natural spot where you can disconnect from the world for a bit and immerse yourself in the true nature of Thailand, you just can't beat Khao Sok Lake, so be sure to include Khao Sok Lake in your itinerary.

For a complete travel guide to Khao Sok, check out:8 Best Things to Do in Khao Sok

2. Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island, Panyee Island, and more)

There are many islands you can visit in Thailand but some of my favorite and most iconic islands that you have to see are located in this one region called Phang Nga Bay where you can hire a long-tail boat and explore some of the most iconic landmarks in Southern Thailand.

Out of all the islands you can in Phang Nga Bay, the most popular one is James Bond Island, or Tapu Island, a tall and narrow limestone island in the shape of a nail ("tapu" means nail in Thai) as in construction nails, caused by millions of years of erosion by the ocean at its base forming the nail-shaped island we see today.

The island got its name from the fact that it was featured in the 1974 James Bond movie, "The Man With the Golden Gun". It is a beautiful and unique place to see, and it is predicted that the island might soon collapse due to the ongoing erosion at its base, so check it out while you can.

During your trip around Phang Nga Bay, you will also be visiting Panyee Island, an island, unlike anything you've seen before in Thailand. Panyee Island is an old Muslim community of around 1,685 people descended from 2 seafaring families that came all the way from Java way back in the 18th Century.

With over 365 families, an entire community completed with a mosque, a school all built on stilts, and a floating soccer field, Panyee Island has become a popular tourist attraction in Phang Nga Bay and a must-visit when you are here.

To explore Phang Nga Bay, you can either do it from Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga pier as a day trip. There are several organized day trips you can go with, depending on where you will be basing yourself from. For more day trips, you can browse through here.

For a complete travel guide to Phang Nga, check out:10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga

3. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Also in Surat Thani province, you will find Ang Thong National Marine Park, a beautiful and protected archipelago located off the coast of Koh Samui, home to some of the best viewpoints and islands to explore in Southern Thailand.

The national park is made up of 42 islands, most of which are uninhabited. It covers an area of approximately 102 square kilometers. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation that you can enjoy.

By visiting the park as a day trip from Koh Samui, you will have plenty of time to go island-hopping around the archipelago while enjoying a wide range of awesome activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking with plenty of time left to relax at the remote beach and take in the scenery at your own leisure.

Islands you will be visiting are Koh Wao where you will be able to explore the rich underwater world of the national park up close and personal Koh Sam Sao, where you can kayak, and Koh Mae Koh where you can hike to the emerald lake.

But nothing beats Ko Wua Ta Lap, the true highlight of the trip where you will be able to hike to the highest point of the island at Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint and get an incredible view of the whole Ang Thong Marine Park from above.

The view you get from up there definitely makes the whole trip worthwhile. To get to Ang Thong National Park, you will first have to travel to Surat Thani, and from either the airport or the bus station, there should be a shuttle service to take you to a ferry station to cross to Koh Samui. From there, you can book the tour to Ang Thong National Park, and you will be exploring the national park in no time. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Southern Thailand so be sure to check it out.

For a complete travel guide to Koh Samui, check out:13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui

4. Krabi

Krabi is home to some of the most stunning beaches and limestone rocks in the country. There are many adventurous activities you can partake in here, from snorkeling to rock climbing to kayaking, all compressed into this one province.

You have 2 options on what to do in Krabi. You can either choose a day of relaxation and spend your time at Ao Nang or Railay Beach, have a foot massage and take it slow.

Or you can go on a full-blown adrenaline-pumping trip and join some of the cool activities you can do here like going rock climbing above one of the many limestone cliffs, kayaking around mangroves and canyons, or you can hike up to the Dragon Crest Viewpoint for a stunning view over Krabi.

One of the best day trips you can make from Krabi is to go on an island-hopping boat trip and visit the 4 islands of Krabi, Ko Poda, Tup Island, Ko Kai, and Railay, some of the most beautiful and exotic islands you can see in Southern Thailand.

Poda Island is the highlight of this trip for me as you will finally have time to snorkel and witness all of Krabi's beautiful coral reefs and marine life. To explore the 4 islands of Krabi, you are going to have to rely on an organized tour to take you around the area on a speed boat.

There is also the beautiful Krabi Town and all its attractions like the viewpoint from Wat Tham Suea, the incredible Emerald Pool, its lively night market, and so much more.

There is so much to do in Krabi, so if you are looking for a place to spend a few days partaking in awesome activities like Rock Climbing and island-hopping while being near beautiful beaches, Krabi is the way to go.

For a complete travel guide to Krabi, check out:13 Best Things to Do in Krabi

5. Koh Lanta

If you are looking for a quiet island with plenty of beautiful beaches, great sunset spots, and unique culture to explore, away from all the tourists, Koh Lanta offers a safe haven for those who love beaches but hate crowds.

The island is a small Muslim-majority island of roughly 20,000 with a rich history of seafaring commerce where you can still find traditional wooden houses on stilts along the east coast at Ko Lanta's Old Town.

The island is also home to some of the most remote beaches you can visit in the country, with many scattered across the west coast. My favorite one of all is Bamboo Beach. The sand is the finest out of all the beaches in Ko Lanta, and due to its remote location right by the southern tip of the island, the place has a tranquility vibe you can't get anywhere else.

You can also spend a day exploring the 4 islands just off the coast of Ko Lanta and do some snorkeling. The pristine marine ecosystem here is one of the most well-preserved ecosystems in Thailand, which makes for a great day trip from Ko Lanta.

To get to Koh Lanta, you are going to have to travel to Krabi, and from Krabi Town, you should be able to find a shuttle service to take you to Koh Lanta.

For a complete travel guide to Koh Lanta, check out:8 Best Things to Do in Ko Lanta

6. Koh Lipe

Speaking of snorkeling, if you want to see some of the best marine life and pristine coral reefs Thailand has to offer, you can't go wrong with Koh Lipe, a small island just off the coast of Satun province in Southern Thailand.

Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, Koh Lipe is often called the "Maldives of Thailand". Some of the best beaches you can visit here are Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach, offering not just breathtaking views and sunset/sunrise spots but also a place for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing you can visit throughout the day

One of the highlights of Koh Lipe is to go on a snorkeling trip around the outer rim of the island, where you will find some of the most colorful coral reefs in Thailand as well as a ton of fish and other marine life.

To get to Koh Lip, you have to travel to Satun first and catch a shuttle service to Pak Bara Pier where you can then catch the speedboat to Koh Lipe. It is one of the best places to visit in Southern Thailand, and if you want to explore some of the richest marine ecosystems in the country, you can travel all the way to Koh Lipe.

For a complete travel guide to Koh Lipe, check out:A Travel Guide to Snorkeling in Koh Lipe, Thailand

7. Similan, Khao Lak

If you love diving, Similan Islands are one of the best places to do it in Thailand. Although a bit pricier than Koh Tao in Chumphon, the marine life here is way richer, with many of the areas under the protection of the national park, preserving much of its pristine ecosystem.

You can easily organize diving liveaboard trips from Khao Lak, a small seaside town located in Phang Nga in Southern Thailand and it is one of the best hubs to visit some of these remote diving spots.

If you are not certified to dive in open waters, you can also go on a day trip that will take you from Khao Lak to the national park and sail across the archipelago, snorkeling every step of the way with a few stops to relax on the beach.

To get to Khao Lak, you just have to travel to Phuket or Surat Thani, and from there, you should be able to catch a bus to Khao Lak, where you can plan your excursion to explore the Similan Islands.

For a complete travel guide to Khao Lak, check out:8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak

8. Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island

Thanks to its closure during COVID and the ongoing preservation of the rich and fragile ecosystem of Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay has once again become the crown jewel of Southern Thailand, boasting rich marine life, beautiful white sand beach, and some of the clearest water out there.

Maya Bay has also gained international recognition after being featured in the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which caused tourists to flock to the area, impacting the ecosystem so much that the government has to close it down for 2 years.

Now, the whole area is recovering rapidly with fish and wildlife, repopulating the ecosystem, and with the limited capacity of boat trips per day in place, this should allow Maya Bay and its wildlife to thrive. At the same time, we get to experience it without affecting the life around us.

To visit this remote beach, you can either travel to Phi Phi Islands and go on a day trip from there, or you can also see both Phi Phi Island and Maya Bay via one of the many day trips from other tourist cities like Krabi and Phuket which makes it very convenient to get to.

For a complete travel guide to Phuket, check out:11 Best Things to Do in Phuket

9. Chumphon

If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Southern Thailand, Chumphon is one of the best provinces to visit with so many cool places to visit that is not Koh Tao, and a ton of hidden gems, waiting for you to discover.

Some of the best viewpoints along the eastern coastline of Southern Thailand can be found in Chumphon, like, Khao Thung Yang Viewpoint, an incredible viewpoint on top of a mountain overlooking the beautiful remote Thung Yang beach which you can scramble up the rock to get to.

In Chumphon, you will also find plenty of beautiful white sand beaches that don't get as many tourists as other beaches in Southern Thailand but are as pretty, if not more so. One of my favorite beaches in Chumphon is Thung Wua Laen Beach, with its beautiful coconut trees, a small community of locals, and crystal clear water.

Chumphon City is also packed with unique things to do, like the Deer Suspension Bridge where you can explore a small island full of deers and feed them, or you can visit its lively night market and try some of Thailand's delicious street food.

And, of course, you can also spend a few days exploring Koh Tao, a popular tourist island just off the coast of Chumphon, best known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

To get to Chumphon, you should be able to catch a bus directly from Bangkok to Chumphon City, and from there, you can either rent a car to drive around and explore the province or you can take the shuttle service to a pier and get on a ferry to visit Koh Tao.

For a complete travel guide to Chumphon, check out:10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon

10. Prachuap Khiri Khan

Last but not least, if you are looking for an awesome off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Southern Thailand that is not too far from Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan is one of the best places to be.

The province is home to Hua Hin, a popular vacation spot for Bangkokians and travelers who do not have time to stray far from the capital city, but there is so much more to this province than that.

For one, it is also home to Sam Roi Yot National Park, one of the most iconic seaside mountains in Thailand and one of my favorite places in Thailand. At the national park, you can Sam Roi Yot Lotus Pond, a vast and beautiful lotus pond located photogenically on the foothill of Sam Roi Yot Mountain, Khao Daeng Viewpoint, a stunning viewpoint you can hike to, and so much more.

You can also visit Phraya Nakhon Cave, a large cavern located deep in the mountain where you will find a royal throne built right in the middle of the cave, with lights shining through the hole from the top, illuminating the throne. It is quite a sight to behold.

In Prachuap Khiri Khan City, you can also hike through a monkey-ridden trail to get to the top of Wat Khao Chong Krachok, a hilltop temple with a great view of the entire coastal area.

Near the city, you will also find one of my favorite beaches in Thailand, Lemon Bay, a spacious and clean beach with crystal-clear and shallow water, perfect for swimming, set against the beautiful rolling limestone hills of Prachuap Khiri Khan's diverse landscape.

Outside of Hua Hin, the entire province is a hidden gem that will reward those willing to go off the beaten path with unseen beauty that will make your trip to Southern Thailand unlike any other. To get to Prachuap Khiri Khan, you can travel to Hua Hin via bus from Bangkok, and you should be able to rent a car or a motorbike and explore the province from there.

For a complete travel guide to Prachuap Khiri Khan, check out:10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Further Reading for Southern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Southern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a comprehensive travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
• Looking to change things up a little? How about heading down to the south of Thailand and exploring one of my favorite places in Thailand? Here is How to Travel to Khao Sok National Park, Backpacking-style.
• The pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, is an island full of history, cultures, and stunning beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Phuket.
• There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
• Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
• Phang Nga is probably what Phuket was like before mass tourism ruined it. From quiet, empty beaches to wild, untouched waterfalls, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga.
• Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga, and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island-hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
• If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
• For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
• Whether you are an adventurer or a beach-goer, Krabi has it all. From island-hopping to rock climbing, here are the 13 Best Things to do in Krabi.
• Krabi is not just about beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
• Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less-trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to do in Ko Lanta.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat is the land of countless waterfalls that no one knows about. It is an off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Southern Thailand that may surprise you. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• Surat Thani is not just Ko Samui and Ko Phangan. There is so much more to do in this province than you might think. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani.
• Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
• For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui.
• You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to the Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
• There is more to Chumphon than just Koh Tao. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.