This is a guest post by Riya
Southern Thailand is an extremely popular destination. Travelers all over the world come to this part of the world for many things. From relaxing on a beach to enjoying fabulous, authentic Thai food to exploring this ancient culture and meeting friend Thai people, there are many places to visit in South Thailand and lots activities to keep anyone happily busy. Some of the best things to do in South Thailand are simply allowing enough time to take it all in and marvel at one of the globe’s most beautiful places. If you’re wondering where to go in southern Thailand, it’s easier than ever to find lots of places worth your time. Take advantage of your travel here to explore this part of the world fully and learn in person what makes it so truly special.
1. Go Island Hopping from Phuket
Phi Phi Island Tour © pixabay
South Thailand is a land of islands. From little cays that barely rise above the water to large islands that invite a longer sojourn, islands are part of the region’s culture and life. When you’re here, you must go island hopping in the south of Thailand. Hundreds of places with white sand beaches, warm waters and lush greenery await the vacationer. Many are a short distance away from the Phuket. Head on a boat and you’re right in the heart of the region. You’ll have your pick from any part of this area. Popular island hopping from Phuket include Koh Phi Phi, Mu Koh Similan, Koh Racha, Koh Lanta, Mu Koh Surin, etc. If you want to skip the crowds, try peaceful Koh Yao Noi or Koh Kradan with isolated beaches for a relaxing time.
2. Stop By Koh Samui
A top view of Koh Samui and Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park © flickr
It’s possible to spend all of your time here. Samui island offers many sightseeing places. You can head to a beach club and the beautiful beaches in Koh Samui. Day trips to lots of places such as nearby Ang Thong National Park with over forty islands full of amazing beaches, limestone cliffs, and magnificent palm trees, are easy. Koh Samui is also a hub for the Southeastern Coast of island hopping. There’s also lots of ferries to Koh Phangan which is only twenty minutes away on a boat or Koh Ta which is slightly over an hour away. Koh Phangan has amazing Full Moon parties that are a must and Koh Tao is ideal if you love diving. You’ll find more than fifty diving schools so you can easily get your PADI certification.
3. Try the Cuisine
Pad Thai is the most simple and popular dish among foreigners © pixabay
Thai food has rapidly become a worldwide favorite. Many people across the globe have come to appreciate the land’s marvelous range of flavors and endlessly inventive use of ingredients. If you’re visiting south Thailand, now is the time to head to a regional restaurant and enjoy a terrific meal. Fresh herbs and spices make the food come alive with layers of flavor. Look for dishes made with locally renowned ingredients such as lemon grass, sliced galangal, locally grown coriander and luscious shrimp paste. These are the foundations of Thai cuisine that everyone can appreciate. Take the time to sample a vast array of varied dishes with your friends and family. Classic southern Thai dishes include flavorful, thick, Massaman curry, yummy Thai-style biryani and rice salad. Try the grilled meat that’s typically served with sliced, marinated cucumbers and a heaping of homemade peanut sauce.
4. Learn About the Spirit Houses
The spirit houses are mostly seen in everywhere when you visit Thailand © flickr
Thailand is dotted with spirit houses. Phi houses are everywhere in south Thailand. These beautiful houses are meant to pay homage to the spirits and keep them happy. Many Thai natives are happy to explain their belief system and tell you all about these structures. Step inside and admire the lovely spaces they’ve created here.
5. Head to a National Park
When you visit Khao Sok, don’t forget to take a kayak tour © flickr
South Thailand is dotted with national parks. One of the biggest and best is Khao Sok National Park. This gem features a large virginal forest that people can still hike today. The park is also filled with wildlife and said to contain about five percent of the world’s entire species. Get up close and personal with animals such as the Asian elephant, sambar deer, bear, wild boar, white handed gibbons and the pig tailed macaque. You can get to the water level with a bamboo raft or an organized boat tour with a guide who will show you the park’s natural delights.
6. Go Snorkeling
The pristine beach and clear water in Koh Rok is perfect for snorkeling © flickr
The pristine waters off the coast of south Thailand are a treasure trove of glorious things to appreciate. If you have your own equipment, you can hit the beach and then swim out a little further to see for yourself. Organized tours are another way to see the underwater world. For a small fee, you’ll spend time watching many brightly colored fish go by and seeing what makes this part of the world well worth a visit. Scuba diving is also another possibility. If you’d like to get even deeper, there’s lots of areas that allow you get many meters underwater and interact with even more regional sea life in person. This is trip you’ll never forget. The waters here teem with life. Seize the day and head underneath southern Thai waters with the help of a skilled guide.
7. Night Markets in Trang Province
Trang Night Market © flickr
If you’re looking for an opportunity to interact with natives and sample delicious Thai food, had to the night markets in Trang Province. Dozens of stalls with all sorts of varied choices will delight your palette and warm your soul. These markets came alive as the heat goes down. This is where locals go when they want to shop or enjoy a takeout meal. They’re inexpensive and lots of fun.
What would you like to do in Southern Thailand?
Learn more about Riya
Riya is an inspired writer, passionate about traveling, lifestyle and encouraging startups. As a freelancer, she understands the importance of productivity at work. Riya never stopped finding new ways to create her work productivity. Connect with Riya on her twitter, @sanderriya.
Great photos, I used to live in Thailand so I love reading posts about my old home. Miss Thai food so much. Did you try the Thai massage? That’s something I really miss about living in Europe, so expensive here.
Reading this post was a total nostalgia as it reminded me of our lovely stay and travels in Thailand. The concept and feel of the spirit houses is amazing as you do get to see them everywhere. Southern Thailand has a lot to offer. Unfortunately we could not go for island hopping and even missed Koh Samui as the weather was not supportive. It was raining constantly. So, we have to go back to this part of Thailand. Would love to go for the national parks and try out snorkeling too.
What a great list! I’ve only visited Bangkok and would love to go back and explore more of the country. The Khao Sok National Park looks stunning and I would spend hours around those spirit houses 😀
I went to Bangkok almost 30 years ago and am looking forward to going to Thailand in the next two years – but this time focusing on the beaches. So many suggestions to pick from on bases for island hopping and snorkeling! My sister adored Phi Phi island but I worry that some these beaches, like Phuket, get too crowded. But I love your recommendations to try the food and visit a night market – I wouldn’t have known about the market otherwise. You’ve got me excited to start planning!
I haven’t visited Thailand yet, but there’s so much to see there I think it’d be super overwhelming! This is a great, concise list that will definitely come in handy.
Of everything Riya mentioned, I think the one thing that would excite me most about visiting Thailand is the national parks. One of them (not sure which) is the default screen saver on my work laptop, and every time I see it I get the biggest surge of wanderlust!
I have not visited this part of Thailand on my last two trips. This is such an interesting list to follow. Island hopping and night markets are two of my favorite things to do when I am in a new place.
I agree a local market is the best place to experience the local culture and to interact with local people.
Wow, your photos are beautiful and make me want to plan a trip to Thailand soon. Love the idea of island hopping, seeing such beauty with the wind in my air and smelling the salty air before resting for the day over some delicious Thai curries. Don’t know much about Southern Thai cooking,so going to have to do a little research! The beaches and water look so amazing. I do hear it’s getting crowded there, is that true or just another media rumor?
I actually missed Koh Samui when I was in Thailand, and what a shame. I definitely didn’t miss out on trying all the Thai food, though some was too spicy for me! Would love to return to see a national park; I didn’t get to see any on my previous trip.
I have heard so much about the islands of Southern Thailand, that I will be soon planning for it. Thanks for sharing about a detailed list of things to be done here. I would love to do some shopping at Night Markets in Trang Province as they look lively and interesting place. As Koh Samui is the most famous for its beauty, it has topped in my itinerary.