For many travelers and backpackers, Thailand is their first destination in Asia—and honestly, it makes perfect sense. It’s safe, easy to travel around, budget-friendly, and offers just the right mix of comfort and luxury. Back in 2018, we explored the stunning north of Thailand. This time, we decided to head south—towards the more popular destinations. Think honeymooners, families with kids, solo travelers, party-loving backpackers… Southern Thailand attracts a very diverse crowd. Thailand has so much to offer that planning our itinerary wasn’t easy. In the end, we embraced the classics and mapped out what we like to call the ultimate “Gringo Route”—a journey through the most beautiful and popular spots in Southern Thailand in 3 to 4 weeks.
How to Travel Around Thailand
Getting around Thailand is incredibly easy. Transportation is well organized, and you can travel smoothly from point A to B. Between popular destinations, you’ll often find minivans (tourist vans), but public transport like buses and trains is also widely available. You can book tickets almost anywhere—through your hotel or even on the street—and pickups from your accommodation are usually included.
Traveling between islands? You’ll most likely take a ferry, which is also easy to arrange on the spot. Prefer planning ahead? Platforms like 12Go Asia are perfect for booking transport in advance.
Cheap flights to Thailand? We usually find great deals via Kayak.
Phuket
Most trips through Southern Thailand start in Phuket, the largest island in the country and capital of the Phuket province. Phuket is famous for its luxury resorts and tourist attractions—but honestly, it wasn’t our favorite place. We found it crowded, very touristy, and full of package travelers. That dreamy island vibe? Not really here. That said, it’s still worth spending a few days exploring the highlights:
- Visit Freedom Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island (go early to avoid crowds!)
- Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at SAMA Onsen & Massage—hands down the best we had in Thailand
- Soak up some culture at the Big Buddha, a massive 45-meter-tall statue (dress respectfully!)
- Wander through Phuket Old Town, filled with colorful streets, cute boutiques, and trendy cafés
Where to stay in Phuket?
Phuket is big and you’ll find plenty amazing accommodations! From cheap hostels to luxurious villas and resorts. Here are my favorite “unique stays in Phuket”.
Khao Lak
Local bus Phuket – Khao Lak: aprox. 2-3 hours
Located just a few hours from Phuket, Khao Lak is a much calmer beach destination—and a must-visit, if you ask us. We absolutely loved it here. In fact, it was one of our favorite stops in Thailand.
- Relax on stunning beaches like Pak Weep Beach, Bang Niang Beach, and Nang Thong Beach
- Use Khao Lak as a base to visit the Similan Islands (like we did via a Liveaboard!)
- Enjoy a Cabaret Show at Moo Moo Cabaret
- Explore Ao Phang Nga National Park, home to the famous James Bond Island
- Visit the International Tsunami Museum for a deeper understanding of the 2004 disaster
- Catch sunset at Samed Nang She Viewpoint—pure magic
- Food tips? Don’t miss Go Pong (our favorite!) and enjoy a drink at the laid-back Gecko Bar
Book the best activities in and around Khao Lak
Similan & Surin Islands (optional)
Ferry to the Similan en Surin islands: aprox. 1,5-3 hours
Paradise on Earth? That would be the Similan and Surin Islands. Think powdery white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in Thailand. To avoid the crowds and explore the impressive underwater world, we chose a 5-day liveaboard trip—and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
Not a diver? No worries:
- Take a day trip and enjoy the magical islands and white sandy beaches
- Enjoy the crystal clear underwater world while snorkeling
- Camp overnight on the Surin Islands for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake
Minibus Khao Lak – Khlong Sok: aprox. 1,5 – 2 hours
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was Khao Sok National Park. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, filled with wildlife, limestone cliffs, caves, and waterfalls. While many travelers focus on Cheow Lan Lake, we were especially charmed by the peaceful jungle around Khlong Sok village.
Things to do:
- Go kayaking or tubing on the river (we spotted snakes, monkeys, even a monitor lizard!)
- Hike through the jungle
- Join a night safari
- Stay overnight in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake
We booked a 4-day tour—and honestly, we wish we have stayed longer.
Koh Tao – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui
Minibus Khlong Sok – Surat Thani (Don Sak): aprox. 3 hours
Time to go island hopping in Thailand! The islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, are among the most popular Thai islands and attract thousands of travelers every year. The best part? They’re located close to each other, making it incredibly easy to combine them into one unforgettable itinerary.
We visited all three islands and even wrote a comparison blog post highlighting the key differences and top experiences. Because trust us—these islands are surprisingly diverse and each has its own unique vibe. This way, you can easily decide which Thai island suits your travel style best.
- Go scuba diving or freediving on Koh Tao: one of the best and cheapest places in the world to learn how to dive. A true paradise for underwater lovers!
- The three islands are home to stunning tropical beaches, but Koh Tao completely stole our hearts when it comes to beaches. Sink your toes into the sand, grab a fresh coconut, and just… enjoy life. This is what island life is all about.
- Explore the highlights of Koh Samui: from the famous Overlap Stone to the beautiful Na Muang waterfalls. This island is also known for its epic fire shows—definitely worth seeing! Probably the most famous one for honeymooners and families!
- Party until sunrise on Koh Phangan and experience the legendary Full Moon or Half Moon Party. A must-do if you love a good party atmosphere.
- Looking for something more relaxed? Koh Phangan is also perfect for yoga retreats and daily meditation sessions. Expect laid-back vibes and full-on hippie energy—and we loved it!
Ao Nang & Railay (Krabi)
Surat Thani (Don Sak) – Ao Nang: aprox.. 4 – 6 hours
The province of Krabi is located in southern Thailand and is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Krabi Town itself is one of the more popular tourist hubs. However, we chose to stay in nearby Ao Nang—and honestly, we think it’s a much better base. It’s smaller, easy to explore on foot, packed with great restaurants, and located closer to the region’s most stunning beaches. From Ao Nang, we also visited the breathtaking Railay Beach, where we spent one unforgettable night. This place truly feels like a tropical paradise.
- Hike to the Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint (Dragon’s Crest): without a doubt the ultimate highlight in Krabi. The panoramic views at the top are absolutely worth the effort!
- Climb the 1,237 steps of the Tiger Cave Temple: no tigers here—but plenty of cheeky monkeys along the way!
- Relax on Railay’s most beautiful beaches: especially Phra Nang Beach, with its iconic limestone rock rising from the sea—simply stunning.
- Try rock climbing on Railay: one of the best places in Thailand to learn. Go for a half-day intro course and experience it for yourself!
Koh Phi Phi
Boat Railay – Ao Nang – Koh Phi Phi: aprox. 1,5 – 3 hours
We’ve arrived at the final destination of this Thailand itinerary: the iconic Koh Phi Phi. Picture this: a tropical paradise where azure blue waters are surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and where peaceful sunsets effortlessly turn into vibrant nightlife. Welcome to breathtaking Koh Phi Phi!
Yes, the island is busy. Yes, it’s no longer a hidden gem. But despite the crowds, we still believe Koh Phi Phi is absolutely worth visiting thanks to its jaw-dropping natural beauty. While it’s incredibly popular with backpackers, it offers so much more than just a party scene.
- Book a private boat tour to Koh Phi Phi Leh Lagoon & Maya Bay: without a doubt the most beautiful highlights in the area and a must-do during your visit.
- Hike to the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint and take in panoramic views over the entire island—especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
- Explore Ton Sai Village, the vibrant heart of Koh Phi Phi. This is where you’ll find the best restaurants, lively bars, and fun little shops.
- Relax on some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches:
- Maya Bay is the undisputed star
- Long Beach is perfect for a full day of swimming and chilling
- Nui Beach is ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water
From Koh Phi Phi, you can easily catch a ferry back to Phuket, where you can either continue your journey through Asia or head back home.
Quiet & Authentic Islands in Southern Thailand
Keep in mind that all the destinations mentioned above are absolutely stunning—but they’re also busy and highly touristic. If we were to plan this trip again, we’d probably lean more towards the lesser-known islands in Thailand. We still prefer quiet, authentic islands over overwhelming crowds—even if that means sacrificing a bit of comfort. Looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience? Then these islands are definitely worth adding to your Thailand itinerary.
Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi
The islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are located in Phang Nga Bay, right between Phuket and Krabi. Despite their prime location, they remain relatively undiscovered—which is exactly what makes them so special. No mass tourism here, just pure island life. These islands are small and perfect if you’re looking to slow down and truly unwind. Rent a scooter and explore at your own pace. Expect paradise beaches, hornbills, and colorful coral reefs—without the crowds.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta might not be the most spectacular island at first glance, but it’s all about the laid-back vibe and variety of experiences.
- Rent a scooter—the easiest and cheapest way to explore the island
- Book the popular 4 Islands Tour and discover stunning snorkeling spots
- Go diving: Koh Lanta offers some of the best dive sites in Thailand, with dramatic rock formations and vibrant coral reefs
- Explore Koh Lanta National Park, where jungle meets the sea
Animal lovers shouldn’t miss Lanta Animal Welfare, a beautiful initiative run by volunteers. You can visit, learn about their work, cuddle cats, or even dog walks along the beach.
Koh Lipe
Located in the far south of Thailand, close to the Malaysian border, you’ll find Koh Lipe. This island is all about powdery white beaches, lush green jungle, and vibrant coral reefs. It’s incredibly small—you can walk from one side to the other in just 30 minutes—so there’s no need for a scooter. If you’re dreaming of that classic tropical island paradise, Koh Lipe is hard to beat.
Koh Mook
Also known as Koh Muk, Koh Mook is a true hidden gem and an oasis of peace. The island is small and easy to explore on foot. The absolute highlight? The famous Emerald Cave—a hidden lagoon that you can only reach by swimming through a dark cave (or kayaking at low tide). A magical experience! Koh Mook is perfect for quiet beaches and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Wander through palm forests, explore the jungle, or simply relax. Make sure to take a day trip to nearby Koh Kradan, one of the most beautiful islands and snorkeling spots in Southern Thailand.
These are just a few of the many incredible islands you can discover in Thailand. Beyond the popular south, the eastern part of the country also offers plenty of authentic and untouched destinations. Honestly, it’s just one more reason to return to the Land of Smiles.
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