South Thailand Itinerary: The Ultimate Route for 1-3 Weeks

If you're dreaming of island hopping, sipping coconuts on the beach, and making all your beach bum dreams come true, then southern Thailand is, in my eyes, the place for your next trip.

It's home to the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, which has a bunch of amazing islands and beach destinations.

However, there's so much more to southern Thailand than just beaches. You can dive into the rich south Thai culture, visit plenty of temples, explore the jungles and wildlife, and meet the friendliest locals.

I recently returned from a longer trip to Thailand, and I know that there are so many different islands in the south that it can be super overwhelming when you start planning your South Thailand itinerary.

To shed some light on most of the islands in the south, I've put together my personal South Thailand itinerary, which I was super happy with.

Week 1 & Week 2 South Thailand Itinerary

I started off with a 3-week South Thailand itinerary, but I realized that not everyone has that much time to explore these beautiful islands.

So, I've divided it into a 2-week South Thailand itinerary around Phuket and Krabi, with an optional third week in the Gulf Islands.

The great thing is, getting around in Thailand is super easy with plenty of airports and ferries going all over. This makes most of these stops interchangeable to suit your needs and preferences on what you'd like to see.

Day 1-3: Phuket

Your first day begins on the largest island in southern Thailand, Phuket. Phuket has its own International Airport, so you can fly straight into this beautiful region from plenty of international destinations, without having to make a stop in Bangkok. 

On your first day, you might be a bit tired from the long flight and travel, so let's take it easy. Check into your accommodation and relax at the pool – or at one of the beautiful beaches.

Recommended Phuket beaches

– Kamala Beach, which is north of Patong and a little quieter than Patong itself

– Kata Beach and Kata Noi, which is a small bay south of Patong

– Karon, has a long beach and is near the famous Big Buddha

– Bang Tao Beach, a super long beach that has a more luxe vibe, it's between Patong and the airport

In the evening, you can opt to explore Patong, to see what it's all about. Or alternatively, head for exploring Phuket Old Town. It's a beautiful part of the island that often gets overlooked by tourists.

The Old Town is incredibly charming, with stunning architecture and, of course, the most delicious food on the island. One Chun Cafe is a nice spot, with its beautiful decor and really good Thai cuisine. Don't miss out on their amazing Pad Thai – it's possibly the best on the island! That's definitely my top recommendation for dinner on your first night.

On the second day of my South Thailand itinerary, you'll head to the highlight of your trip – the beautiful beaches. Phuket is known for having some of the best beaches in Thailand, but it can get a bit crowded with tourists. Don't worry though, you'll also explore some of the smaller islands with more secluded beaches later on.

Nevertheless, Patong Beach and Kata Beach in Phuket are popular for a reason. They are absolutely stunning and definitely worth spending a day or even just a morning sunbathing, swimming, and trying out some exciting water sports activities.

And if you're up for some Thai culture, the afternoon is the perfect time to go temple hopping and visit Wat Chaithararam and the Big Buddha of Phuket.

Speaking of secluded beaches, on your last day in Phuket, you're going to join one of the most incredible island hopping tours. Jump on a luxury catamaran, visit James Bond Island, and watch the sunset over the ocean. This day trip is on the pricier side, but it was one of the absolute highlights of my trip and rules out going on a backpacker cruise.

When it comes to where to stay in Phuket, you should definitely check out my guide to help you figure out the best hotel and area that suits you.

Day 4-5: Khao Lak or Khao Sok National Park

On the morning of your fourth day, get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Thailand's nature as you head towards Khao Lak or Sok National Park.

Both are incredible places in southern Thailand, with stunning lakes, lush rainforests, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Khao Lak vs Khao Sok

Khao Lak is about 2 hours drive north of Patong Beach. It's a quieter beach resort and serves as an excellent hub for various tours to stunning destinations such as the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and also day trips to Khao Sok National Park.

The journey from Patong to Khao Sok is a little further and takes approximately 3 hours. Traveling from Khao Lak to the main entrance of Khao Sok takes just a little over an hour, and reaching the lake takes about 2 hours.

A full-day trip from Khao Lak will definitely provide you with a nice preview of the remarkable experiences Khao Sok has in store.

Adventure activities

If you're up for some adventure, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can go on a thrilling jungle trek, float down the river in a canoe, or even try your hand at rock climbing. This national park is also a paradise for wildlife fans, offering a chance to spot animals such as monkeys.

When it comes to transport and accommodation, you have a couple of options. You can easily arrange your own near the park and join a guide at the visitor center.

But if you're looking for a hassle-free experience, I recommend booking a Khao Sok National Park Tour from Phuket. This 2-day, 1-night tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, national park fees, kayaks, and accommodation for the night.

Day 6-7: Koh Phi Phi Island

Up next on this amazing southern Thailand itinerary is the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. Getting to Koh Phi Phi is super easy, with plenty of speedboats departing from Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and is actually quite comfortable, but weather depending!

Koh Phi Phi is known for a couple of things – its crazy island nightlife and stunning Maya Bay and the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Explore the beaches

On your first day, make sure to explore the lively main part of the island, packed with fun bars and restaurants that stay open all night long. It's the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails on the beach and then head to one of the clubs or wild beach parties on the island.

If that's not your jam, there are quiet spots too, I recommend you choose your hotel a little away from the main drag. I recommend Long Beach, there are some nice hotels here with a more chilled-out vibe and fewer people.

Take a day trip

On day seven, get ready to join one of the boat tours to the famous Maya Bay, the very spot where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed the movie The Beach. It sure gets crowded here but it still doesn't take away from the beauty of the place!

It's an absolutely stunning location and one of the most beautiful wonders of nature in the whole of Thailand. The Longtail Boat Tours usually include snorkeling gear, a visit to Monkey Beach, and lunch as well. It's definitely the best day trip you can do in southern Thailand!

Day 8-11: Krabi

On day eight of your southern Thailand itinerary, you'll explore some secluded and quieter areas. While places like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi can get pretty crowded, Krabi offers a more laid-back vibe, perfect for a few days of beach relaxation.

Having proper beach days is a must and adds to the whole experience, especially in southern Thailand. And Krabi is absolutely incredible for that!

Some of the best beaches can be found here, and my personal favorite is Railay Beach. It's a beautiful white sand beach with a small town behind it and limestone on both sides of the bay.

Railay Beach limestone cliffs

Railay Beach is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, which attract rock climbers from all over the world. If you're up for an adventure, don't miss out on the opportunity to try rock climbing at Railay Beach.

If you've had enough of beaches and want to discover more of Thailand's culture and history, Krabi is also great for that. There are so many things to explore, like the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram, one of the biggest temples in Krabi.

Another must-visit is the Tiger Cave Temple, which involves a bit of a hike, but trust me, the views over the province are absolutely amazing! Just be aware of the cheeky monkeys on the way up – they might even try to steal your belongings.

If you don't want to go to the temple by yourself, I can recommend these tours that include transfers:

• Krabi: Private Trip to Tiger Cave Temple & Waterfall

• Krabi: 4-Hour City Tour with Tiger Cave Temple

If you're wondering where to stay in Krabi, then you should definitely check out my guide for my favorite resorts and hotels in the area. I personally preferred staying in Ao Nang, which is a town by the beach area, but Krabi town is great for backpackers and solo travelers.

Day 12-14: Koh Lanta

For the last three days of your two-week Southern Thailand itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning island of Koh Lanta. Located south of Krabi, it is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and laid-back vibes.

Getting to Koh Lanta is actually quite easy. You just need to hop on a bus from Krabi, which takes about 2.5 hours.

Koh Lanta beaches and adventures

Koh Lanta is the perfect place to relax on beautiful beaches, swim in crystal clear water, and try out water sports like snorkeling and diving. You can also rent a scooter or bike to explore the island and get a taste of the local life in Koh Lanta. I loved riding around the island!

Don't worry, Koh Lanta isn't boring at all! In fact, some of my favorite activities were right here. One of the highlights was taking a boat tour to the nearby islands of Koh Rok and Koh Haa.

These islands are like paradise with their white sandy beaches and palm trees. Moreover, the snorkeling spots there are simply amazing.

Visit an elephant sanctuary

If you're an animal lover, Koh Lanta is also a great place to have an ethical encounter with elephants.

While many elephant sanctuaries in Southeast Asia prioritize profit over animal well-being, Lanta Elephant Sanctuary stands out. They have a fantastic program that allows you to interact with the elephants in a truly ethical way, ensuring the elephants are never harmed.

Lastly, if you're wondering where to stay in Koh Lanta, I've got you covered with a helpful guide right here!

Week 3 South Thailand itinerary

The third week of your awesome three-week itinerary in southern Thailand takes you to another location within this country.

In the first two weeks, you explored the amazing Andaman Sea and its beautiful islands. Now, get ready to head to the Gulf of Thailand, where you'll explore the famous Gulf Islands – Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. 

FYI: This itinerary is also perfect if you only have one week in southern Thailand!

If you want to choose just one island and have a hard time deciding, read my article on Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao.

Day 15-17: Koh Samui

On day 15, you'll head over to the largest of the three islands, Koh Samui. It's a must-visit if you want to experience the best of southern Thailand.

To get there, you'll have to make your way back to Krabi and catch a flight from Krabi Airport to Koh Samui Airport. The good news is, that there is a domestic airport on the island, making it super easy to get to this part of South Thailand without having to take overland transport and ferries.

Stay at a luxurious resort

If you're up for a luxury holiday, Koh Samui is the place to be. You'll find a bunch of upscale resorts and villas offering top service, along with access to stunning beaches and private infinity pools.

It's perfect for couples who want to enjoy some quality time together or anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion in style. Koh Samui is also a popular honeymoon destination.

Koh Samui yoga classes and retreats

The island offers so many different ways to relax and unwind. You can join some awesome yoga classes at the various retreats scattered across the island. Some of them even

offer week-long retreats, so you can fully immerse yourself. If you're curious to know more about these retreats, be sure to check out my guide on Koh Samui's best yoga retreats.

Swim with pigs

Another insanely cool activity is swimming with pigs at Koh Madsum! Yep, you heard that right. Many island hopping tours from Koh Samui will take you to the nearby tiny islands for snorkeling trips and swimming.

One of those tours will also take you to Koh Madsum, where you can have a hilariously cute experience swimming with the pigs in the water, just like in the Bahamas!

These were just a few of my favorites, but there's so much more to do in Koh Samui, from waterfalls to night markets. For more amazing recommendations, check out my complete Koh Samui travel guide.

Day 18-19: Koh Tao

On day 18, you'll catch the ferry to your next destination, which happens to be one of the hotspots in Thailand for snorkeling and scuba diving. And on top of that, it's also a super chill and laidback little island called Koh Tao.

On your first day, you definitely gotta rent a scooter and explore the island. It's so small that you can easily cover the whole thing within 15 minutes from north to south.

That's a great opportunity to hit all the cool beaches and viewpoints along the way.

The most beautiful beaches on Koh Tao are:

• Tanote Bay

• Chalok Baan Kao Bay

• and the more secluded Sai Nuan Beach

And while you're on your little scooter road trip, make sure to head all the way down south to the John-Suwan viewpoint. The view is absolutely stunning, especially at sunset!

When it starts getting dark, head back to town and visit the Koh Tao Night Market. It's small and cozy but perfect for grabbing some delicious local street food and picking up souvenirs.

Diving Koh Tao

Now, get ready because the next day is gonna be your big day! It's time for what Koh Tao is famous for snorkeling and diving. There are plenty of tours you can join that will take you to the best spots in the area.

Even if you're a beginner, you'll be amazed at the beautiful coral reefs, colorful fish, and even sea turtles. If you're staying near Sairee Beach, which is the main beach, I highly recommend checking out La Bombona Diving.

They have super friendly dive instructors and dive masters who are a blast to dive with. Plus, they're a PADI-certified shop and offer all the courses and certifications you can think of, including a beginner's dive for those who haven't tried it before.

Day 20-21: Koh Phangan

As you wrap up your Southern Thailand itinerary, you'll head over to the infamous party island Koh Phangan. You've surely heard of it before, but if not, let me tell you, it's known for its wild full moon parties right on the beach and other raves like the Half Moon Festivals.

But don't be deceived – although Koh Phangan is popular for its crazy nightlife, it's also got another side to it and is a great place to unwind and relax.

Since these are your last two days before heading back home, I'll give you two options depending on what you're in the mood for:

1. Do you want one last night out before returning home

2. Or would you prefer to kick back by the beach, sip on some refreshing juices and coconuts, and indulge in some yoga to fully unwind?

Full Moon Party

For all the party people out there, as I mentioned earlier, the Full Moon Party and Half Moon Party are the two biggest events in Thailand and happen every month on the island. Just a heads up, don't expect a lot of sleep during these parties – they start late at night and go until sunrise!

Everyone paints their faces in neon colors and dances the night away at Haad Rin Beach. It's definitely a must-do if you're up for it, but keep in mind it's quite a wild night, so it might not be for everyone.

Relaxing side of Koh Phangan

If you just want to relax during your last two days in paradise, here are my recommendations for your ultimate lazy time. Check out some of the yoga classes and retreats on Koh Phangan.

Even though you might think it's a party island, their yoga retreats are actually top-notch. If you're interested, I have another guide on the best yoga retreats in Thailand, including some on Koh Phangan.

After your yoga session, treat yourself to some good food. My go-to spot is Orion Healing Cafe, which is part of the Orion Healing Center – my favorite yoga spot on the island. The food in the cafe is super healthy, organic, and perfect for a post-yoga meal and detoxing.

And last but not least, what would a Thailand trip be without a proper Thai massage? The massage parlors on Koh Phangan offer a relaxing therapy session in a cozy atmosphere. My personal go-to is the Siam Healing Center in Thongsala, which offers traditional massages and yoga classes too.

From Koh Phangan, it's easy to catch a ferry to the mainland and then fly back to Phuket or to Bangkok to connect through an International Airport and you're on your way home!

Thailand Pre-Travel Facts

✈️ How to get to South Thailand? 

The best way to get to South Thailand is by flying into Phuket International Airport. From there, you can easily take domestic flights or ferry rides to all the other islands mentioned in this itinerary. You can also catch long-distance buses and trains from Bangkok, and while they might be slightly cheaper they take a lot longer. Taking domestic flights within Thailand is generally pretty cheap anyway and a lot more comfortable.

🗓️ Best time to visit South Thailand

If you're planning a trip to southern Thailand, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from November to April for the Andaman Coast and for the Gulf Coast it's between January and August, so there is some overlap if you're looking to visit both Thai coasts. During these months, you can expect sunny and dry weather, perfect for a vacation without worrying about rain (and rough ferry rides!). However, it can obviously get more crowded during these times. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider coming during the shoulder seasons. While you may experience occasional rain, it could be totally worth it for a more relaxed experience and cheaper prices.

❓Is South Thailand safe to visit?

Yes, southern Thailand is generally safe to visit. Of course, as with any other tourist destination in Southeast Asia, it's always important to practice caution and safety measures. Be sure to not walk alone at night in dark places, especially when traveling solo. Keep an eye on your belongings in public areas, and do your research before you go anywhere unfamiliar. In general, local people in Thailand are friendly and helpful so don't be afraid to ask for help or directions if needed. 

✅ Getting a Thailand Visa

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Thailand, but luckily, the process is fairly straightforward. Tourists are able to get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at the airport, or you can apply for an eVisa in advance through the Thai government website. Note that if you plan on staying longer than 30 days, you'll be able to get an extension at immigration while you're in the country.

💰 South Thailand cost 

Overall, southern Thailand can be a bit pricier than the North due to ferry rides and flights within the region. Of course, this all depends on your budget. If you're willing to cut back on luxury accommodations and activities, it's totally possible to visit South Thailand on a tight budget.

When it comes to accommodation, prices can start at around US$10-15 per night for a shared room. You can enjoy a delicious meal at local restaurants for around US$3-5 and street food for even cheaper. Transportation costs are pretty affordable too – ferry rides start from as little as US$8 one way, but they can go up to US$25, depending on the distance. If you're into snorkeling, diving, or island hopping, activities start at around US$30, but they can also go up to about US$60+.

If you're looking for something a bit fancier, there are plenty of mid-range and luxury options too! You can find rooms in nice boutique hotels or resorts starting from US$50 and upwards. And when it comes to dining, there are also some nice sit-down restaurants where you can spend more than US$30 per meal.

Thailand, especially the south, is what you make of it. If you're a backpacker, you'll definitely find budget-friendly ways to explore. However, it's also entirely possible to have a luxurious trip here as well.

🌐 Wi-Fi and Internet in Thailand

Wi-Fi and internet access in South Thailand are generally pretty good. Most places, from hotels to cafes, will have free Wi-Fi available. If you're looking for a more reliable connection, you can also find some coworking spaces on the islands that offer fast and secure Wi-Fi for digital nomads. However, in more remote areas or on islands, finding Wi-Fi can be a bit more challenging. Just grab an eSIM card – I used Airalo on my trip and it worked perfectly – ahead of your arrival to stay connected and have peace of mind.

South Thailand Itinerary – Final Words

South Thailand is an incredible destination for those seeking relaxation and the perfect beach getaway.

With pristine beaches, wild nightlife, and unforgettable yoga retreats, South Thailand has something for everyone.

Whether you're on a budget or looking for a luxurious resort experience, you can find it here – it's all about the kind of adventure you're after!

This was my 3-week Thailand island hopping itinerary, and I hope it helps you plan your own trip. If you liked what you saw, go ahead and do it just like I did!