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The vision of pristine, palm-fringed beaches is synonymous with a south Thailand itinerary; sun-drenched images that endure in your mind, long after you leave.
Akin to glistening jewel strings draped across turquoise oceans, flawless Thai beaches line the south coast of this popular southeast Asian country. Islands, like sparkling pebbles, dot the warm waters, encircled by soft, sandy shores.
It may all sound a little romantic, but Thailand is a legitimate beach-lover’s utopia and I challenge anybody to be disappointed by it. Following this south Thailand itinerary will, no doubt, be a trip that remains with you.
Island-hopping in southern Thailand is one of the most popular tourist adventures in the country. Exploring the untouched beaches of south Thailand, hopping on-and-off ferries, hiking the inland jungles, hunting for waterfalls or diving with exotic sea life; it’s all on offer here.
There are around 1430 islands, clustered around the east and west coasts of southern Thailand (the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, respectively). For this south Thailand itinerary, we’ve chosen six alluring, characterful Thai islands and coastlines with a range of vibes, activities and beaches, ideal for all varieties of tourist (and budget). We’ve included places to stay and eat, things to do and how to get around, all based on our personal experiences from many months spent in Thailand.
As always, accompanied by our honest, genuine opinions.
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IN THIS GUIDE //
South Thailand Itinerary
WHY CHOOSE A SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
ARRIVING IN SOUTH THAILAND
BEST TIME TO DO THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
TRANSPORT IN THE SOUTH THAI ISLANDS
MAP OF THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
WHAT TO PACK FOR THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
ACCOMMODATION FOR THAILAND
ABOUT THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
EXTRA TIME ON THIS ITINERARY
FINAL THOUGHTS
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WHY CHOOSE A SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY?
South Thailand is a paradise; the type you see on the front of travel magazines.
With year-round warm weather, it’s the perfect beach break destination. The food, accommodation and transport are extremely affordable and it’s a fantastic place to relax because, simply, everything is so easy-going there. Mostly, it’s uncrowded too – even during peak season.
South Thailand also has the most spectacular landscapes in the country. This itinerary island-hops down the Andaman (west) side of the coast – the region has the most dramatic scenery and greatest variety. On a two-week trip, you’d lose a minimum of a day hopping across to the Gulf coast.
We’ve included lots of optional extras later if you’ve got spare time and want to see even more!
NUMBER OF DAYS FOR THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
Many people visit Thailand for a two-week vacation, attempting to see Bangkok, the north around Chiang Mai, plus both coasts of south Thailand. This is, objectively, a terrible idea and unless there are very specific reasons for somebody opting to do this, we highly recommend focussing on one region.
That’s why we’ve written a specific south Thailand itinerary – concentrating on the prettiest region, one that can easily take 2-3 weeks of your time.
ARRIVING IN SOUTH THAILAND
Most international flights to Thailand will likely arrive in either Bangkok or Phuket. Depending on your departure country, either of these airports are convenient for a south Thailand itinerary.
International flights | flights to Bangkok are typically cheaper, but will involve catching a separate domestic flight to Phuket (where this south Thailand itinerary starts). There are lots of companies servicing this route, including AirAsia, Thai VietJet Air, Thai Airways, Nok Air and Thai Smile. They are all fine for a short 1.5-hour flight. Be aware that some of these airlines fly out of Bangkok’s second airport, Don Mueang (DMK), rather than Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
Alternatively, with some extra time, you can catch the train and/or bus from Bangkok to Phuket (great for the environment, far more exciting and saves a little money). For bus and train routes, check 12GoAsia, a reliable broker for transport companies in southeast Asia.
Phuket | international flights directly into Phuket, where available, are more convenient but occasionally a little more costly.
Open jaw | this itinerary can actually be designed with ‘open jaw’ flights in mind. This means flying into one airport and out of a different one, travelling overland between them. With a little extra time, it is possible to fly home from Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi, in Malaysia!
To check flight prices for this trip, we recommend Skyscanner. It’s the website we use for all flight comparisons and bookings, all over the world. It even lists all the budget Asian airlines for domestic transfers, perfect for this itinerary.
BEST TIME FOR THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
Thailand has distinct seasons, but they depend on which area of the country you are visiting. For this particular itinerary, the Andaman Sea coastline is best visited between November and April. The oceans are calm, the sun is shining, temperatures are moderate (but still really hot) and it doesn’t rain very much.
It’s high season for tourists during this time, which means that all the ferries are operating and the restaurants are all open.
During the off season, it can be extra hot (in April-June time) and then rainy (July-October). This results in less tourists and significantly lower prices, however some services either don’t run or aren’t open and the weather increases the risk of cancelled ferries and seasickness. Certain ferry routes only ever run in high season – it’s worth checking for your dates in advance.
We’ve visited this region of Thailand at various times of year, including the peak off-season. It was very quiet, there was a little rain but we had a great time, nonetheless.
TRANSPORT IN THE SOUTH THAILAND ISLANDS
Given that this is a Thai island-hopping itinerary, naturally the primary form of transport is ferry, longtail or speedboat. These are reservable far in advance if you are on a strict schedule, or it is possible to purchase tickets for your next destination each time you arrive at a new island.
For representative prices and the option to book ahead of time, we use 12GoAsia. This company is a broker for transport companies across southeast Asia and is very reliable. Prices can be a dollar or two higher as they are a booking service, however it functions perfectly in English and we fully recommend them. If you want to book transfers before you leave your home country, 12GoAsia is the best choice.
Within each location, taxis, songthaews, scooters and bicycles are available, depending on the size of the island/coastline.
MAP OF THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
Below is a saveable Google Map displaying every place mentioned in this itinerary, including restaurants, accommodations, ferry piers and more.
Click the star next to the name to save it.
Blue points indicate the primary destinations, the yellow stars are piers and airports, the green houses are accommodation options and purple marks the food!
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SOUTH THAILAND TRIP
This entire Thailand itinerary is based around the beaches and islands of south Thailand. So, along with your obvious stuff like swimwear and sunglasses, we recommend bringing:
Bug spray | 7-Eleven in Thailand sells a really nice low-percentage deet spray (it’s nice smelling and pink), but if you want strong stuff, bring your own.
Sunblock | many sunblocks in Thailand include skin bleaching agents, bring your own if this is an issue.
Hat | this one is obvious! It’s hot and you’ll be on a bunch of boats and beaches.
Your 1968 IDP | with motorbike endorsement, if you intend to rent a scooter.
Travel towel | these are so useful and lots of people don’t realise how tiny and lightweight they are!
Tevas/Chaco sandals | these are epic shoes if you want to hike in hot, wet weather, especially through rivers or waterfalls.
Universal Plug adaptor | you’ll come across type A, B, C and O, potentially. We found A and C the most common outlets.
Water filter and reusable water bottle | saving the environment, one crappy single-use plastic bottle at a time.
Waterproof bag | for any electricals – this keeps your camera/laptop/phone safe when travelling on longtail boats
Waterproof phone case | for phone, passport and money
Go Pro | for snorkelling/diving, if you’re doing a bunch of water activities and want decent footage
ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS THAILAND ITINERARY
Accommodation in southern Thailand varies from precisely landscaped resorts with five-star service, to small, fan-only beach huts with minimal security and a bug net! Accompanying these options is, naturally, a vast array of prices.
On this south Thailand itinerary, Phuket is the most commercial and, predictably, the most expensive. Although other islands are often cheaper, there is affordable accommodation on Phuket too.
Each island/area has a mix of affordable and luxury options. Having said that, the Thai islands are not as cheap as they used to be (pre-covid) for mid-range accommodation. So, if you travel as mid-range budget travellers, like us, factor in a few pounds extra for travel in high season.
This itinerary notes any places we’ve stayed on the islands throughout our trips (mostly budget and mid-range), plus hotels our friends have reliably recommended (higher end!).
In southeast Asia, we always book our accommodation using Booking.com. It is reliable and has excellent, flexible cancellation policies.
ABOUT THIS SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
This itinerary can be started from either end and travelled in any direction. We’ve written it from north to south (see the map below), but it’s easy enough to grab a speedboat to the furthest point and travel northwards.
Although this south Thailand itinerary assumes you’ve landed in Phuket International Airport, it is also possible to start the itinerary from Krabi Airport instead. Visit Ao Nang first, followed by Koh Phi Phi and onward, leaving Phuket out altogether.
PHUKET
Number of Days: 1-4
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a mega-tourism hub – more than 14 million people a year routinely vacationed here, pre covid.
It’s a vast island, worthy of several weeks alone if you wanted to do it justice, with many beachy coves, Buddhist temples, towns and nightlife to explore. However, on this Thailand itinerary, we’re choosing to *nearly* skip it, because generally we don’t spend a lot of time in excessively touristy, expensive locations. It’s also a bit seedy and known, in areas, for being a party hub. It’s expensive to get around too, with taxis routinely charging far more than most other areas in Thailand.
On this itinerary, as we are not really focussing on Phuket, we have only included information about Phuket Town, which is a cool little town and adjacent to the port for the ferries to onward islands.
Beaches and Things to Do
If you opt to check out Phuket for a few days, we really liked Naiyang beach. It’s low key, pretty and also conveniently near the airport. Other quieter beaches we enjoyed in Phuket include Nai Thon Beach, Ao Sane Beach, Bangtao Beach and Kamala Beach.
For those looking for a party and a beach, consider spending some time around Patong, or, to a lesser extent, Kata or Karon beaches for some lively fun for families.
RESTAURANTS IN PHUKET TOWN
One Chun Cafe & Restaurant | a popular, well known place set in a colonial building with rather quirky decor. Specialises in specific dishes such as crab curry. We visited with friends and really enjoyed it.
The Column Phuket | live music, craft beers, a cracking atmosphere and decent food! What more could you want?
Lau Pa Sat Phuket Town | sharing a name with the famous hawker centre in Singapore is always a great sign! True to form, this Singapore-style, family run restaurant has exceptionally good value food.
Transport AROUND Phuket
Getting around Phuket is easy, either by scooter (check your travel insurance is valid and covers this), rental car or taxi. Grab taxis are available and are the best option on the island (taxis are notoriously expensive in Phuket). Your accommodation will always be able to arrange transfers for you too.
Tip | to catch a Grab taxi from Phuket airport, there is now an official pick up zone (you used to have to go out onto the main road).
Ferries | mostly leave from Rassada Pier
Nearest Airport | Phuket International Airport
Accommodation on Phuket
There are so many areas to stay in Phuket!
We generally choose lodging in Phuket Town but have also stayed by a few of the beaches too. This heritage town adjacent to the ferry port is surprisingly colourful, charming and full of character. The colonial Chinese and Portuguese architecture is remarkable and there’s a fantastic variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and craft beer places. On Sundays, there is a genuinely lovely, bustling walking street market in Phuket Town.
If you’re interested in Buddhist temples and are unhappy to be missing out on Chiang Mai, check out Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham. It’s beautiful and just outside Phuket Town.
In Phuket Town, we recommend:
Budget $ | Shunli Hotel – clean, bright and helpful hotel right in the centre of Phuket Town. It’s an absolute bargain, we loved it.
Mid-Range $$ | WOO Gallery and Boutique Hotel – beautiful hotel in a renovated heritage building, kind of unique and in a wonderful location – we fully recommend.
Upper-Budget $$$ | BAAN 125 STAY Phuket – get the apartment with a terrace! This place is quirky, central and classy with a cute café area. The décor is top-class.
ELEPHANT EXPERIENCES
Many people visit Thailand with the intention of having some kind of interaction with elephants.
There are few ethical ways to do this, especially in Thailand, a country which claims the unpleasant title of ‘most elephant cruelty occurrences’ across the world.
If you want to visit an elephant sanctuary, be extremely careful about who you choose. These are reputable:
Following Giants – Koh Lanta
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – Phuket
Elephant Nature Park – Chiang Mai
Chang Chill – Chiang Mai
To read more about why this matters, have a read of our post on the elephants of Koh Chang.
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13 TIPS FOR ECO-TRAVELLERS | THE QUEST FOR AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE
AO NANG – RAILAY – KRABI TOWN
Number of Days: 1-3
Ao Nang, a small town on the mainland coast of Krabi adjacent to some remarkable karst rock cliffs, is another quite popular destination on this south Thailand itinerary. It is included here due to its proximity to the most outrageous, mind-boggling beach scenery in southeast Asia – Railay.
Ao Nang can be worth staying in for a few days if you want to explore mainland Krabi or take some island-hopping boat tours. However, we find the main strip in Ao Nang kind of gross. It’s basically a lot of tourist restaurants (many, many Indian restaurants with distinctly average food), stalls selling tacky souvenirs and generally unpleasant tourist hassle. Not everyone feels this way though, so check it out for yourself.
Railay, on the other hand, is stunning. In high season, it heaves with day-trippers during the day, but as soon as they leave in late afternoon, it has a beachy, sunset-glow perfection. This is why we recommend a night or three here!
Railay is not technically an island, but a small peninsula that can only be reached by boat. Its geography provides an isolated kind of vibe, very reminiscent of a paradise island after the day-trippers leave on the last boat.
Railay
On Railay, there are no motorised vehicles other than porter’s golf buggies, (mostly) low-key nightlife, great viewpoint mini-hikes and perfect bays to swim and kayak in. All this, surrounded by the best scenery south Thailand has to offer.
The peninsula that encompasses Railay is split into segments – Railay West, Railay East and Phranang Beach. All three areas are walkable from each other via a walking street crammed with restaurants and shops.
Railay West | is the beautiful bay you’ll see on Google Images. It has more upscale accommodation options and the best views for sunset.
Railay East | is where the more backpacker budget accommodation and bars are found, with only a narrow, minimal beach.
Phranang | is an exquisite beach on the southern tip. Its huge walls are ideal for climbing, there’s a penis cave (seriously) and the views of the offshore karsts are epic.
Popular activities in Railay include rock climbing, with walls for various abilities and experience levels. Kayaking and hiking are also popular, as is visiting Tonsai Beach, located just to the north of Railay West via a shortish hike.
RESTAURANTS IN RAILAY
So, this area of Thailand is all tourist. This means that, in all honestly, the food is distinctively average, pretty much everywhere.
Everywhere in Railay has okay food, most of which is found along the middle of the walking street that connects the east and west sides.
I’d be lying if I recommended one place above another – it’s all just, kinda average! Go wherever the vibes attract you – everything is pretty much the same (in our opinion).
TRANSPORT TO RAILAY
The only way to get to Railay is by boat. On the beach in Ao Nang, there are several spots where longtail boats to Railay depart. You can arrive in Railay on the west beach, or the pier to the east. Depending on your baggage, you may want to make sure you arrive at the correct pier, as most boats from Ao Nang arrive in at the west (the longtail ride is about ten minutes to Railay West).
For an interesting loop, it is possible to get a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay West, then stay in Railay for several nights. After, take a longtail from Railay East to Krabi Town and explore the night market, then catch a ferry to your next destination. This is a route we have taken in the past and loved.
Nearest Airport – Krabi Airport
Accommodation on RAILAY
Not unexpectedly, Railay has hugely inflated accommodation prices for lower quality accommodation.
The tourist interest in this confined area is high enough to drive up prices significantly. Hotels can also sell out quickly in this area.
Budget $ | Railay Garden View Resort – set in the jungle on Railay East, these rustic seafront bungalows are a steal. There’s no aircon, but the price is definitely right!
Mid-Range $$ | Railay Village Resort – this place was another surprise for us and we really enjoyed our stay. I was expecting a bit of a rundown resort style place, but it was quite luxurious and the pool and grounds were like a tropical jungle filled with flowers. The rooms were clean and spacious too.
Upper-Budget $$$ | Rayavadee – truthfully, I’ve not stayed at this one, but if I could stay at any hotel in southeast Asia, right now, it’d be at the Rayavadee. Between the impeccable service, glass-like infinity pool and split-level bungalows in a prime location between Phranang beach and Railay West, it’s utterly exquisite.
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ISLAND TOURS
Lots of people do longtail island tours from either Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi – they’re often the highlight of a south Thailand itinerary.
These usually visit four or seven islands small, unpopulated over a day, and generally include food and snorkelling stops.
It doesn’t matter whether you visit from Phuket, Phi Phi, Ao Nang or Railay – the tours are all basically the same.
These tours can be booked when you arrive (at least one day before you want to go), but if you are pressed for time and like to be organised, book in advance with Get Your Guide.
KOH PHI PHI
Number of Days: 1-3
Pronounced ‘Pee-Pee’, this is one of the best-known locations in the entirety of Thailand (and possibly the world now!). Koh Phi Phi consists of two main islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh.
You can only stay overnight on the larger Koh Phi Phi Don, a compact, energetic mecca in the middle of the ocean with hundreds of hotels, restaurants and lively bars. There are daily fire shows on the beach, Muay Thai boxing matches, tattoo parlours and drink offers galore.
Spectacular Koh Phi Phi Leh is home to the famous Maya Bay, now a national park and the filming location for ‘The Beach’, the renowned Leonardo Dicaprio movie. Longtail boat tours carry tourists over there daily from Phi Phi Don.
Maya Bay and Other Things To Do
Maya Bay, the main reason for visiting Koh Phi Phi, was closed for several years by the Thai government due to extensive ecosystem damage. It’s currently closed again now (until October 2024) to, once again, help it recover and monitor the health of the bay.
Since re-opening in 2022, there is a 400-baht national park fee if you want to visit the beach. Trips to Maya Bay usually include swimming and snorkelling stops in Pi Leh Lagoon and some other pretty stops around Phi Phi Leh, lasting around 3-4 hours. These can be booked in person when you arrive, or organised in advance via Get Your Guide.
Along with visiting the legendary Maya Bay, there are hikes around the island, including the most famous ones to Phi Phi Viewpoints 1, 2 and 3. It is also possible to kayak to various secluded, breathtaking bays, such as Monkey Beach and Nui Beach.
Many people come to Koh Phi Phi for the night life and it doesn’t disappoint in that respect. If that’s your cup of tea, head to the east end of Loh Dalum beach towards Slinky Bar. Most of the beach parties happen around there.
Restaurants in Koh Phi Phi
As with Railay, you’ll not find anything mind blowing on Koh Phi Phi, restaurant-wise. However, we found a few decent options while we were there:
D.M.C Restaurant and Bar | one of the cheaper options on the island, serving a wide variety of dishes. There was also Jenga to play!
Garlic 1992 | we loved the Thai Language for fun card given to each of us on arrival and the morning glory with tofu was some of the best we’ve had in Thailand. Portions are huge.
Atom Resto Phi Phi | some of the best Italian food on the island served in an attractive, modern setting. Decently priced drinks too.
Transport in Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Don is compact – you’ll not need much in the way of transport. Resorts in the far north (well away from the centre with no roads connecting them) will provide transport to the main areas.
Ferries arrive at Ton Sai Beach on Phi Phi Don (you can see the ferry route on Google Maps).
Nearest airport | Krabi Airport
Accommodation on Koh Phi Phi
Hotels on Phi Phi Don don’t come cheap. If you are getting something at a super bargain price, there’s usually a reason for it. Also, nothing on Phi Phi has great reviews, so check these extra carefully. We whole heartedly recommend the mid-range choice below as the best option on the island unless you are looking for some solitude, in which case, the upper budget option might suit better.
Budget $ | PP Insula – it’s got the four C’s: cheap, cheerful, clean and central. We stayed one night and it was great for the relatively cheap price tag.
Mid-Range $$ | P2 Woodloft – we were surprised by this one. It’s surprisingly modern and the staff are particularly helpful. The location is exceptionally central, yet quiet. Get a room with a balcony if you can. Honestly, we’d recommend this for upper-budget stays too – it’s top notch.
Upper-Budget $$$ | SAii Phi Phi Island Village – posh, resort style hotel on the far side of the island away from the backpacker nightlife. It’s wonderfully secluded, with the drawback that you need a boat back to the main area.
A LITTLE BIT OF HONESTY
Some people love magnificent Koh Phi Phi and others, well, don’t.
It’s a tourist hotspot – meaning huge crowds, noise and bustle. There is almost no space to breathe and, truthfully, it’s kind of toxic. Overtourism has really taken a hold here – you get off the boat and are immediately faced with a Burger King and McDonalds. On a dazzling, remote, paradisic island in Thailand, this feels pretty jarring.
However, we figure everyone is going to visit this island, no matter what, so it’s on our itinerary. We would be remiss not to mention the horrible downsides to badly managed mass tourism though. Time your trip, if possible, to avoid December through February, as this is when the visitors peak.
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AN INTRO TO SLOW TRAVEL | RIDING SCOOTERS IN VIETNAM
KOH LANTA
Number of Days: 3-5
Koh Lanta, still part of Krabi, is a larger island southeast of Koh Phi Phi. Connected to the mainland by a quick ferry shuttle, it’s possible to reach here by road if you’d prefer from Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Krabi Airport. For all routes and options, check 12GoAsia.
This island is sizable, but surprisingly peaceful. There are cars, motorbikes and dual carriageways, yet always with a serene vibe. It’s a favourite of regular visitors to Thailand who want a low-key beach trip without all the McDonalds!
Koh Lanta is our favourite place on this itinerary. There are miles of coastline to explore, high-quality restaurants and lively beach bars. All this, while being peaceful enough to offer up empty beaches and a sleepy fishing village without tourist crowds. The beaches are broad, calm and clean and the hotels range from high end to comfortable budget. It’s a fantastic place for every type of south Thailand visitor. If you’re interested, we’ve written a detailed guide to all the best beaches on Koh Lanta.
Beaches and Things To Do
As Koh Lanta is a big place, many ask ‘which beach is best’. These beaches in question run from top to bottom, down the west side of the island. The most popular beaches with accommodation are found towards the northern end, including Klong Dao Beach, Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach) and Klong Khong. Further south, there is Klong Nin Beach, then it becomes more rural the further down you go until you reach Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
We personally like Klong Khong Beach, but honestly, you can’t go wrong really. For livelier bars and activities, stay nearer the northern end of the island. If you’re interested, check our our dedicated post for our rundown on the best beaches in Koh Lanta.
Two other exceptional highlights of Koh Lanta are the National Park at the southern tip and Lanta Old Town, a small enclave halfway down the eastern coast. We particularly enjoyed visiting the distinctive Lanta Old Town, with its friendly residents, Chinese influence buildings and quirky, original shops.
Restaurants on Koh Lanta
Saladan, the largest town at the northern end of Koh Lanta, has lots of food markets and street food. The Lanta Walking Street is a bit tourist-oriented, but decent enough, despite this. Throughout the week, the local markets move to different places around the island – they have better food (unless you’re a vegetarian, then you’re shit out of luck).
Basically every restaurant we ate at on the beach had a standard, touristy menu and all the food quality was basically the same (go for the views, not the food).
We’ve spent many weeks on Koh Lanta, and there are a few outstanding places:
The Garden Restaurant | set in a quieter location just a short distance from the main road, this lovely restaurant has a whole load of top-notch veggie and vegan options. An added bonus: the restaurant is part of a Thai cookery school.
Loro Loco Pizza Cuisine | up there for the best pizza we’ve had in Thailand and their falafel and hummus platter is both colourful and delicious. This place is a gem and we ate here more times than we could count.
Malina’s kitchen | run by a friendly English expat and his wife – we ate here a few times. The portions were giant and reasonably priced too (for the Thai islands!). We can always recommend the papaya salad.
Transport on Koh Lanta
Self-drive | the best way to get around Koh Lanta is on a scooter or rental car. It takes around an hour to ride from top to bottom, depending on where you begin. It’s also possible to get a taxi or tuktuk.
Koh Lanta is particularly convenient because you can self-drive there via a quick car ferry (super easy and quick). We often drive to Koh Lanta from Phuket or Krabi Town, especially when there are more than two of us travelling.
Ferries arrive into the northern end of Koh Lanta, at Sala Dan Pier. From there, shared taxis wait to take you to your chosen area.
Nearest Airport | Krabi Airport
Accommodation on Koh LANTA
Unlike Railay and Phi Phi, Koh Lanta has very affordable accommodation options, many right on the beach.
Budget $ | Grand House – single-digit pounds for a bright, modern double room? This friendly guesthouse is incredible value, central, and clean but doesn’t have hot water or aircon.
Mid-Range $$ | Fill – Feel @ Long Beach Resort – six perfect little bungalows in a tropical garden near the beach, a wonderful owner and free pad thai on arrival. These are easily the nicest rooms we’ve stayed on in Koh Lanta. She’s only got six rooms – what are you waiting for?
Mid-Range $$ | Lanta Fa Rung – amazing value individual huts, right on the beach on the best bit of Koh Lanta’s coast (in our opinion). We spent a really long time here and love the location.
Upper-Budget $$$ | Lanta Casa Blanca – this place is super-stylish and modern, on the beach with a big pool. We want to stay here on our next visit!
CAR HIRE FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP
We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trips in Thailand, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Jordan and Morocco, with Discover Cars. They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them.
If you book through the link below, we make a small profit, at zero cost to you, which helps us write these posts with no advertising! We only endorse products and companies we actually use regularly. For more information, read our position on affiliates.
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TAKE A LOOK BELOW OR CHECK CAR RENTAL
KOH MOOK
Number of Days: 2-4
Koh Mook (sometimes written Koh Muk) is a tiny island in a province called Trang (where Trang Airport is located if you need to make a quick getaway).
Trang consists of a whole bunch of islands – the most commonly visited are Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, Koh Libong and Koh Sukorn.
None of these islands get many tourists, in fact, at time of writing they don’t even have any 7-Elevens (elsewhere in Thailand they’re on every street corner). Koh Mook is probably the island with the most tourist infrastructure mixed with things to do – we’d recommend it. It’s the closest you’ll come to a deserted island on this south Thailand itinerary!
There’s one posh resort on an incredible sand spit and lots of budget accommodation inland. Whilst there are no cars, you can rent a scooter (although it’s only half an hour to walk from one beach to the other if that’s not your cup of tea). There aren’t many roads and few of them are paved!
It’s the most chilled out island on this itinerary – don’t miss it! For a complete guide, check out our dedicated Koh Mook post.
Beaches and Things To Do
Koh Mook is a pretty chill place, but there are quite a few things to do on this Thai island. Definitely do not miss a sunset at Charlie/Garnet Beach, on the western side – there are little food vendors, a couple of bars and a glorious strip of sand.
Emerald Cave is another favourite – around the western side of the island is a small sea cave, leading to an enclosed inland bay. The cave is pretty spectacular – just wait around until the tour groups have gone! It’s easy to rent a kayak from Charlie/Garnet Beach – the journey takes around 25 minutes. Take a torch and check the tides before visiting – high tide can be problematic on a kayak!
It is also possible to hike inland to a viewpoint and also some small, remote bays.
Restaurants on Koh Mook
Koh Mook has a surprising amount of decent food, especially if you’re into fresh seafood. Also, if you spend a week here, you can probably eat in almost every place, it’s such a small island!
Perfect Bar and Restaurant Koh Mook | lovely, friendly restaurant with seating on the beach and excellent, classy food and service.
Sugar’s coffee and restaurant | another place with a beach view but in a more rustic setting. Great price point for the food here.
Miss Island Bakery | fantastic, central venue for coffee with a variety of foods on offer. It was often completely full and we bought something from here every day!
Transport on Koh MOOK
There’s no real need for transport on Koh Mook!
We rented a scooter which made it easier to reach the absolutely stunning, enclosed Garnet (Charlie) Beach, but there are tuktuks and motorbikes that will take you there and back for about 50 baht per person each way. Everywhere else is a very easy walk and inland hotels send vehicles to the pier to pick up their customer arrivals.
Ferries arrive in at the only pier on the island (Koh Mook pier), by the little town on the eastern side.
Nearest Airport | Trang Airport
Accommodation on Koh MOOK
Koh Mook has reasonably affordable accommodation options, although the standards are not always as high as on Koh Lanta. You’ll get incredible deals here outside of the high season.
Budget $ | Mook Ing Lay – we stayed here for six days – it’s cute, has friendly owners, is nearby the beach and next to the small walking street.
Mid-Range $$ | Mook Lamai Resort and Spa – lovely pool, inland jungle location, wonderful owners who help with *everything*.
Upper-Budget $$$ | Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort – the nicest resort on the island, these bungalows are spread out across the long sand spit of Pearl Beach, providing tremendous views of the sunrise and the Thai mainland, opposite.
A QUICK RUNDOWN OF THE TRANG ISLANDS
For a little more low-key island time on this south Thailand itinerary, consider adding in another island (or two) in the Trang province:
Koh Kradan – stunning beaches but incredibly expensive accommodation
Koh Ngai – beautiful resorts but nothing else – no walking streets etc. Great for couples wanting some peace and quiet
Koh Libong – large, remote, very few tourists
Koh Sukorn – even more remote than Libong, few places to stay for visitors
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AN EPIC SINGAPORE STOPOVER | UNIQUE TEMPLES IN CHIANG RAI
KOH LIPE
Number of Days: 3-5
Koh Lipe, the final and most isolated island on this list, is an energetic, often bustling, fantastically pretty little place. The island is situated within a Thai national park so there is a small payment to enter, but that’s just demonstrative of how beautiful it is. Located on the southern border of Thailand adjacent to the large island of Langkawi, Koh Lipe is an easy hop away from Malaysia.
Koh Lipe has beautiful beaches on every side, so whether you want to check out a sunset or sunrise (or anything in between), there’s a Koh Lipe beach for you. It’s even got a small sandbank on the northern coast (North Point Beach) !
It’s also another island with no cars, so is small enough to walk around or get a tuktuk taxi across (there’s only a few hills which makes it easier). However, the walking street is narrow, busy and feels a little frenetic – whether that is a good or bad thing is up to you! The island also has a 7-Eleven.
Despite being isolated from other islands in Thailand, Koh Lipe is remarkably popular. We last visited over the Christmas/New Year period and it was insane. However, the weather was perfect and there was a great energy. There are enough beaches for everyone on the island and it probably has the best beach bar atmosphere out of all the Thai islands I’ve visited.
As with Koh Phi Phi, set expectations accordingly and you’ll have the most fabulous time!
Beaches and Things To Do
The most popular strip of sand in Koh Lipe is Pattaya Beach. This is where most boats arrive, including the international ferries from Malaysia (they stop offshore though). The beach is lined with beanbag-ladened bars with tiki-torches and cocktail offers. Music is often reggae-heavy and in the evenings, it’s one of the more attractive nightlife-oriented beaches I’ve visited.
The aptly named Sunset and Sunrise beaches are, logically, on the west and east coasts respectively. Sunrise Beach is lined with mostly higher-end accommodation options. It is a little quieter than Pattaya Beach and often full of fishing boats. Sunset Beach is the more remote of the two, with less facilities.
Our favourite beach on Koh Lipe is on the northern coast. The glistening turquoise waters are so shallow that, at low tide, there is a wide ribbon of sand which stretches far into the channel.
There are ample opportunities for kayaking and hiking on and around Koh Lipe. Small, sandy coves are etched into the coastline to the west and there is a small islet to the east of Sunrise Beach.
In Tarutao National Marine Park, there are also some excellent offshore snorkelling and diving opportunities, along with more strenuous hiking and camping possibilities on nearby islands like Ko Adang. The entry fee for the national park is 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child – but this is paid on arrival to Koh Lipe. Ensure you keep your ticket.
Restaurants on Koh Lipe
As with most island restaurants, nothing much shines in Koh Lipe. There are nice, typical Thai restaurants along the walking street, none of which are bad, but also not special. These do tend to be great value though. Our highlights were:
Elephant | one of the first places along the walking street from Pattaya Beach, serving a kind of fusion Thai-Western mix. There’s a decent variety of vegan food on the menu and although prices are a little higher, you’re paying for the vibe (it’s a popular place).
The Box | this tapas restaurant has a great atmosphere in the evening and serves a variety of European dishes – there are also a handful of veggie options too. They even have moderate wines!
Transport on Koh Lipe
Arriving in Koh Lipe, the main pier is on the southern Pattaya Beach. This is also where immigration is for any arrivals on the ferry from Malaysia. Ferries departing from Koh Lipe leave from the same beach.
If you are arriving from within Thailand, you will not have to go through immigration but will still have to queue to pay for your national park entrance fee (Koh Lipe is officially part of the park).
On the island, there are motorised tuktuks that will take you anywhere you need to go and, commonly, accommodation will pick you up from the pier. The island is mostly flat and easy to walk around.
Nearest airport | Hat Yai Airport
Accommodation on Koh LIPE
The hectic walking street reaches from Pattaya Beach through the centre of the island towards Sunrise Beach. If you want to avoid the crowds on your south Thailand itinerary, choose accommodation away from this area! For peace and quiet, the northern shore is fantastic and is home to the best beaches and views on the island. Pattaya Beach, anywhere near the boat dock, is lively too (but loud).
As with certain other Thai islands, accommodation is expensive on Koh Lipe – it is, however, decent quality from our experience. Our recommendations:
Pattaya Beach $$$ | Ananya Lipe Resort – central location in the middle of Pattaya beach, yet quiet accommodations. Adjacent to the walking street for access to restaurants. Absolutely fantastic pool – worth the money just for this.
Walking Street $$ | Nest Hostel Lipe – smack bang in the middle of the island, yet surprisingly quiet, nearby to a 7-Eleven with super friendly staff. Hostel beds and private rooms offered here.
Northern coast $$$$ | Irene Pool Villa Resort – a brand new boutique hotel with modern villas, each with a decent sized private pool. Set on, by far, the prettiest stretch of sand in Koh Lipe – I had a quick look around and want to stay here the next time we visit!
EXTRA TIME IN THAILAND
If you have spare time after this itinerary, it’s possible to add some extra destinations on to your south Thailand trip. Here are some that we suggest:
Langkawi/Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia
Koh Phangan/Koh Tao | Gulf of Thailand
Koh Yao Noi/Koh Yao Yai/Koh Ngai/Koh Jum/Koh Kradan | other south Thailand islands on the Andaman coast
Koh Chang/Koh Mak/Koh Kood | Gulf of Thailand near Cambodia
Khao Sok National Park | north of Phuket
Whatever you choose, they’re all worth it! Our personal preference would be Khao Sok National Park (spectacular limestone karsts), Koh Chang, or the trip to Langkawi in Malaysia. Flights back to Phuket or Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur can sometimes be cheaper than internal domestic flights in Thailand!
Also, with some spare time, we’d highly recommend at least a fleeting trip to Bangkok. Have a look at our detailed one-day itinerary.
FINAL THOUGHTS – SOUTH THAILAND ITINERARY
South Thailand is often a traveller’s first foray into southeast Asia and is a fantastic place to start a ‘banana pancake’ adventure. It’s honestly such an incredible region – I’m one of those people that was determined to hate Thailand because it was so popular but ended up loving it despite my (incorrect) preconceptions.
I recommend Thailand to everyone we know now. The food is exquisite, transport is both affordable and efficient, there are minimal language barriers (Google translate is your best friend) and the temperatures and sunshine are exactly what you’ll need for a relaxing or exciting getaway. The local residents of the islands are wonderful too – Thailand is called the ‘Land of Smiles’, after all.
For more help organising a first time trip to Thailand, have a look at our essential planning tips or Bangkok one-day itinerary. They’ve got everything you could ever need to know.
Have a great time, wherever you choose to visit in Thailand!
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Thank you, Claire + Nick
Would you stay in Phuket for 4 nights and take day trips to 1 or 2 islands? It’s my first time and I need to fly out of The Phuket airport.
Hi Penny,
Sorry for the slow response, we’re currently travelling.
If you only have four nights, then I would stay in Phuket. Alternatively, depending on the time of your flights, you could stay in Krabi (it’s not a long transfer between them).It is super easy to arrange day/overnight trips to Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, Railay Beach etc. from either Krabi or Phuket.
Have a great trip!
Wonderful itinerary – I’m looking to shave 4ish days to accomodate more time in a big city (either Bangkok or Penang).
I was thinking cutting either Railay OR PhiPhi and also cutting one of Koh Lanta or Koh Mook.
Thoughts on which you would skip?
I also am drawn to spending a night or two near old town Phuket, is it really that bad?
We’re single professionals in mid-30s, we like meeting other expats, tourists, but don’t like drunk, loud riffraff or being hawked knickknacks. Budget allows us to stay in more remote resorts where it makes sense (like possibly on PhiPhi)
Hi Liz,
Thanks for your comment.
We would cut PhiPhi and Koh Mook rather than Railay or Koh Lanta – you’re certainly more likely to have rowdy tourists in PhiPhi! Koh Mook, on the other hand, is the quietest but is also the furthest away if you’re short on time.
We quite liked old town Phuket and would definitely spend a night (or two) there again.
Hope this helps and you have a great trip!
Hello! What’s your favorite beach in Koh lipe? You meantioned it’s on the north but I believe there’s not the name 🙈
Thank you!! ❤️❤️
Hi Francisca,
The beach is called North Point Beach. Thanks for pointing that out!