The south of Thailand is all about the beaches and islands. It can be roughly thought of as having two parts.
The west coast on the Andaman Sea has some of the most developed resorts in Thailand, with Phuket being the most commercial area. Krabi province is famous for its Khao Sok National Park as well as its coastline with dramatic karst limestone cliffs. Off the coast you’ll find Phi Phi Island, popularised by The Beach. It’s a beautiful island, though its high prices may surprise some budget travellers. Neighboring Koh Lanta is developed but cheaper and more laid-back, while smaller islands such as Koh Lipe and Koh Kradan are rustic and least developed. Travel Indochina Thailand
On the east coast you’ll find another smattering of islands. Koh Samui has its own airport and is home mainly to mid-range and upmarket holiday resorts. Koh Phangang in turn is known for its infamous monthly Full Moon Party, but is also a beautiful island waiting to be explored. Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and best places in the world to learn scuba diving, but equally a great island just to hang out.
Phuket:
Thailand's largest and most expensive island resort and second-richest province caters to a broad range of holiday-makers, with bars and beaches, diving and offshore islands, and a cultural diversity that includes large Chinese and Muslim populations. Thailand tours packages
Phuket Town
Unsurprisingly, many people head straight for the beaches and give Phuket Town a miss. But it is worth at least a day trip for sights and shops, and a sprinkling of good bars and restaurants.
Phuket's beaches
The beautiful west-coast bays are Phuket’s main claim to fame. A significant part of the northwest cape consists of Sirinat National Park. The west coast features beaches ranging from popular with plenty of activities available to quiet havens. East coast attractions include the beach Laem Phan Wa, an aquarium and a pearl farm.
Natural attractions
Khao Phra Taew National Park is the island's largest tract of virgin rainforest, while the waters off south Phuket are dotted with islands. Less than an hour by road from Phuket airport, the mainland town of Phang Nga has boats leaving for Thailand’s most striking islands of jungle-clad limestone rock, in the waters of Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park.
Krabi:
Krabi – a province that embraces both the mainland and some idyllic islands – is characterised by unique limestone formations and lush vegetation. The limestone outcrops are a magnet for both rock climbers and camera crews shooting commercials, TV shows and films. Krabi Town is the main jump-off point for travellers en route to the beaches and islands of Krabi Province. Those venturing north of Krabi Town into the interior will find a shrine, a hot springs waterfall and a wildlife sanctuary.
Ko Phangan:
Blessed with white-sand beaches and richly forested mountains, the island's current international reputation stems almost exclusively from the infamous Full Moon Party. Consequently, the island remains a destination favoured mainly by budget travellers for its cheap guesthouses, cafés, bars and nightlife.
Thong Sala
Located halfway along the west coast, the island's administrative centre and main arrival point is the small town of Thong Sala. While most party-goers confine themselves to the southern cape beaches of Hat Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach), Hat Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) and nearby Leela Beach, there are plenty of other more isolated bays that skirt the mountainous interior.
Pick your beach
There are several small but fine bays that run north up the east coast from Hat Rin, but a lack of roads means taking a boat is the only way to venture there, and the north coast has two bays worth seeking out. The west coast beaches stretching from Ao Mae Hat all the way to Thong Sala in the south are more attractive than those along the southeastern shores, yet see fewer visitors compared to the Hat Rin area.
