After one month exploring Sri Lanka, we arrived in South Thailand to explore the islands and beaches for four weeks.
Before beginning our journey around the islands, we didn’t know where to start, which to visit and how long to spend on each one.
I’m hoping this South Thailand guide serves as an itinerary-of-sorts for you if you’re also backpacking around Thailand or planning an incredible holiday around the islands.
I’ll also have future blog posts to come for the North of Thailand as I also visited Chiang Mai, Pai and Chiang Rai after taking a slow boat from Laos into Thailand.
My YouTube vlogs of my time in South Thailand are also in the works. So I’ll make sure to keep this blog updated as they go live.
Related blog posts to read:
- Koh Tao Travel Guide: 17 Epic Activities on This Island in South Thailand
- Andaman Breeze: The Cheapest & Best Hotel in Ao Nang, South Thailand
- Thailand Sleeper Train: Everything You Need To Know
- New Coconut Bungalow: Where to Stay in Koh Lanta South Thailand
- Top 9 Destinations to Experience in Pattaya
1. Ao Nang, Krabi
Ao Nang is a lively beach town that serves as a gateway to some of South Thailand’s most stunning natural wonders.
Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald waters, Ao Nang is perfect for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to explore the Andaman Sea’s hidden gems.
Whether you’re island hopping, rock climbing, or just soaking up the sun on Railay Beach, Ao Nang offers a blend of relaxation and excitement.
How We Got There
To start our South Thailand adventure, we flew into Krabi airport from Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Related blog post to read: Morven Hotel: The Best Hotel in Colombo Sri Lanka
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
During our time in Ao Nang, we stayed in Andaman Breeze Hotel. We spent three nights and felt that it was definitely more than enough.
You can read my review of our stay at Andaman Breeze here!
Top 3 Things to Do in Ao Nang, Krabi
- Island Hopping: Take a longtail boat tour to explore nearby islands like Chicken Island, Poda Island, and the stunning Phra Nang Cave Beach.
- Visit Railay Beach: Accessible only by boat, Railay Beach is famous for its breathtaking scenery and world-class rock climbing.
- Kayaking in Ao Thalane: Explore the mangrove forests and hidden caves of Ao Thalane by kayak.
2. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle, known for its long, serene beaches, laid-back vibe, and welcoming local community.
The South Thailand island’s charming mix of traditional Thai culture and easygoing atmosphere makes it a perfect retreat for travellers.
How We Got There
To get to Koh Lanta, you can take a ferry, speed boat or drive. We chose to stick to land as much as possible, so booked a shared minivan from one of the tourist information desks that line the main road of Ao Nang.
The drive took around four hours and dropped us directly to our hotel in Koh Lanta.
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
On the island of Koh Lanta, we stayed at New Coconut Bungalow Resort. We spent three nights here and it was remote, blissful and right on the beach.
You can read my review of our stay at New Coconut Bungalow here!
Top 3 Things to Do in Koh Lanta
- Relax on Long Beach (Pra Ae Beach): Enjoy the soft white sands and calm waters of Koh Lanta’s most popular beach.
- Visit Lanta Old Town: Explore the charming Lanta Old Town, a traditional Thai fishing village with wooden stilt houses, local shops, and authentic seafood restaurants.
- Snorkelling and Diving at Koh Rok: Take a day trip to the nearby Koh Rok islands, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and diving.
3. Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are iconic for their breathtaking scenery, with towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
Famous for Maya Bay, where the movie The Beach was filmed, Phi Phi is a magnet for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re snorkelling, partying on the beach, or hiking to the island’s viewpoints, Phi Phi offers a little slice of paradise with an energetic pulse.
How We Got There
There was no avoiding the waters of South Thailand to get to Phi Phi. We took a ferry from Koh Lanta that lasted around one hour.
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
We struggled to find accommodation in Phi Phi but actually really lucked out with where we stayed. We stayed at PP Insula Hotel which was right in the centre of the island, and a few minutes’ walk from the piers.
They have some resident cats that are very friendly, and we had a great stay here. We spent two nights as we weren’t here to party, and found it just enough time to explore.
Top 3 Things to Do in Phi Phi
- Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint: For stunning panoramic views of the island, hike up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint. The trek is a bit challenging but the views of the twin bays are well worth the effort.
- Snorkelling at Maya Bay: While the beach itself may be closed to protect the environment, you can still snorkel in the waters around Maya Bay, and can spot a small shark or two.
- Visit Monkey Beach: Take a boat trip to Monkey Beach, where you can meet the local monkey residents. Just be cautious, as they can be quite cheeky!
4. Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of South Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, offering a mix of stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions.
From the bustling streets of Patong to the peaceful shores of Kata and the historic Old Town, Phuket is a melting pot of experiences. Whether you’re interested in luxury resorts, lively markets, or exploring hidden coves, Phuket caters to every kind of traveller.
How We Got There
To get to Phuket, we took another ferry. The ferry from Phi Phi took around two hours to get to Phuket.
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
While Phuket wasn’t my favourite place in South Thailand, I loved our hotel. We spent three nights at Z&Z Resort and had a very large and spacious room with a huge balcony that overlooked the hotel swimming pool.
Top 3 Things to Do in Phuket
- Explore the Old Town: Wander through the streets of Phuket Old Town, known for its colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and lively markets.
- Visit the Big Buddha: One of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks, the Big Buddha is a must-see. Enjoy the impressive statue and panoramic views of the island from its hilltop location.
- Boat Tour to Phang Nga Bay: Explore the dramatic limestone and emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, including the famous James Bond Island and sea caves.
5. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is a jungle paradise located in the heart of South Thailand, renowned for its dense rainforests, towering limestone karsts, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake.
It’s perfect for nature lovers, offering opportunities to trek through ancient forests, kayak on tranquil waters, and encounter wildlife like gibbons and elephants.
How We Got There
Since the lake experience starts from early in the morning, we had to be nearby Khao Sok to take advantage of the full day.
We booked a taxi from Phuket to the Khao Sok area – we got a really cheap rate using the InDrive taxi app – and stayed for one night at Baandin Chiewlarn Hotel.
Our booking with Phutawan Raft House on the lake organised our pick-up from this hotel to take us to the lake.
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
We stayed directly on Khao Sok lake at Phutawan Raft House for one night only. This was definitely enough time as there isn’t much to do around the lake, and we wanted to have the experience.
Top 3 Things to Do in Khao Sok
- Cheow Lan Lake Tour: Take a boat tour on the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, where you’ll see towering limestone cliffs, floating bungalows, and possibly some wildlife like monkeys or elephants.
- Jungle Trekking: Embark on a guided jungle trek through Khao Sok’s ancient rainforests, home to diverse flora and fauna. Night safaris are also available for a chance to see nocturnal creatures.
- Canoeing or Tubing: Drift along the Sok River on a canoe or inner tube, taking in the surroundings and spotting wildlife along the banks.
6. Koh Tao
Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is a small but vibrant island famous for its world-class diving spots and stunning marine life.
With crystal-clear waters and numerous dive schools, it’s a top destination for both beginner and experienced divers. Beyond the underwater wonders, Koh Tao offers beautiful beaches, scenic viewpoints, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to fall in love with this island paradise.
Related blog post to read: Koh Tao Travel Guide: 17 Epic Activities on This Island in Thailand
How We Got There
From Khao Sok we took a shared minivan to Surat Thani. Then from Surat Thani we took a speed boat to Koh Tao.
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
Another area that was difficult to find accommodation with short notice, but we enjoyed our hotel in Koh Tao as it was in the Sairee Beach area of the island.
We spent three nights on this island at Living Chilled Hotel, but definitely wish we had stayed on the island longer. We’re hoping we can visit again at the end of October – here’s hoping!
Top 3 Things to Do in Koh Tao
- Scuba Diving: Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to learn scuba diving, thanks to its clear waters, abundant marine life, and affordable dive schools.
- Snorkelling at Shark Bay: Visit Shark Bay for a chance to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks. The bay is also known for its beautiful coral and blue waters.
- Hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint: For a spectacular view of the island, hike up to John-Suwan Viewpoint. The short but steep trek rewards you with breathtaking views of Koh Tao’s coastline.
7. Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is best known for its legendary Full Moon Party. But this island has much more to offer beyond its famous nightlife.
With a mix of lively beach scenes and tranquil hideaways, Koh Phangan attracts both partygoers and those seeking a more serene escape.
How We Got There
From Koh Tao we took another speedboat to get us to Koh Phangan as these islands are quite close to each other.
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
We were in a lovely resort in Koh Phangan, with the bar and restaurant area directly on the beach.
Since you really needed a car or motorbike on this island, we were pretty confined to the one street that our hotel was on. We spent three nights at Amara Beach Resort. While it was lovely, there just wasn’t much to do without a car or motorbike.
Top 3 Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Attend the Full Moon Party: If your visit aligns with the lunar calendar, the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach is a must-do.
- Explore Thong Nai Pan Beaches: Visit the twin beaches of Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai, known for their beauty and laid-back vibe. Ideal for a peaceful day of sunbathing and swimming.
- Hike to Bottle Beach: Reach the secluded Bottle Beach by hiking through the jungle or taking a longtail boat.
8. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands, known for its palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
Whether you’re looking to unwind in a spa, explore bustling night markets, or enjoy the island’s natural beauty, Koh Samui has something for everyone.
How We Got There
Another speedboat, although this was probably our worst travel experience. We ended up in the middle of a storm a few minutes after the boat left the pier.
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
We were staying in the Lamai area of Koh Samui and I didn’t love it. It seemed the most seediest island that we’d visited during our time in Thailand. And thought it might have just been the area we were staying in. But we did venture out to the main area of Koh Samui and found it quite similar.
We stayed at Lamai Buri Resort for three nights. Which had a lovely pool area, gym and was next to a muay thai training centre and coffee shops.
Top 3 Things to Do in Koh Samui
- Visit the Big Buddha Temple: The 12-meter tall Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai is one of Koh Samui’s most famous landmarks.
- Relax at Chaweng Beach: Spend a day at Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui’s most popular stretch of sand. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife in the evening.
- Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park: Take a boat tour to Ang Thong Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands known for their dramatic landscapes, hidden lagoons, and excellent snorkelling opportunities.
9. Bangkok
Thailand’s bustling capital is a city of contrasts where ancient temples sit alongside modern skyscrapers.
Known for its vibrant street life, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage, Bangkok offers endless experiences for travellers.
From exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to indulging in street food at night markets and shopping in world-class malls, Bangkok is a dynamic city that never sleeps.
How We Got There
Getting to Bangkok was a fun experience. We had to take a ferry from Koh Samui, then a bus to Surat Thani and then finally an overnight sleeper train to Bangkok.
The overnight sleeper train was one of my best overnight transport experiences in Southeast Asia. And you can read all about the overnight train here.
Related blog post: Thailand Sleeper Train: Everything You Need To Know
Where We Stayed & How Many Nights
This was our first visit to Bangkok. We stayed at Amora Hotel along the Sukhumvit Road area, which was perfect for us. We were only here for two nights before moving onto Cambodia.
After our tour around Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and North Thailand, we then came back to Bangkok and spent a month in an AirBnB.
At the time of writing this blog post, I’m currently in Japan on our second backpacking leg. I’ll be returning back to Bangkok for six weeks to stay in another AirBnB.
It’s an incredible city, and I’ll have many blog posts to come!
Leave a Reply