Thailand is a beautiful country with diverse nature, adorned Buddhist temples, great food, and friendly people. You’ll find crazy Asian cities, white beaches and crystal-clear water, rich coral reefs, coconut palms on the coast, and dense forests. If you’re looking for a safe and civilized country in Southeast Asia and don’t mind higher prices compared to other countries in this area, Thailand is an ideal choice. If you’re visiting this area for the first time, Southern Thailand is great for beginner travelers, various hotel types, and families with children. Of course, you’ll also find more secluded destinations (especially islands), where you’ll almost be alone, and Thailand will feel a bit more authentic.
Transport
In Thailand, driving is on the left, and an international driver’s license is necessary. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, transportation is less chaotic and less crowded. Particularly on the islands (except Phuket), it’s peaceful.
The country is large, and distances between places are significant. For long journeys, relatively cheap domestic flights are suitable, while buses and minibusses are better for shorter trips.
Bus
In Thailand, you can easily travel by buses and minibusses. Usually, you can go to any travel agency or the reception of your accommodation and book a transfer for the next day. Most of the time, they pick you up at your hotel and take you to the hotel at your destination. This way, you can reach any tourist destination and islands. Another option is to simply stand in front of a 7/11 supermarket, wait for a minivan going your way, and negotiate with the driver if they’re heading to your destination.
Scooter
You can also travel by motorbike. Due to the distances, it’s not recommended to tour the entire Thailand by motorbike, but it’s suitable to rent a scooter in each destination and explore the surroundings—especially on the islands. Tuk-tuks are quite expensive, and with a scooter, you gain more freedom. You can get a scooter anywhere and rent it from 150 THB per day (depends on the destination). When renting for a longer period, like a week, you can negotiate a discount.
Interestingly, you can buy gasoline almost everywhere from local vendors. Signs saying “Gasoline” and several bottles filled with gasoline stand out. However, these bottles often don’t contain a liter, and the price is much higher than at a gas station. Be cautious about empty tanks when renting a motorbike. Since motorbike rentals often sell gasoline, you might get a bike with the reserve light flashing and be forced to immediately purchase some (expensive) fuel from the vendors. When returning the bike, they might empty the remaining gasoline from your tank and sell it again (observed on Ko Lanta). But you can do the same. Just before returning the bike, sell the remaining gasoline to one of the roadside vendors. They’ll siphon it into a bottle and sell it again.
If a motorbike isn’t suitable for you, you can rent a bike and explore the surroundings by bicycle. Some accommodations provide bikes for free, but the quality might not be very high.
Car
You can also rent a car. If you want to rent one in the city, expect relatively high prices. The cheapest way is to rent a car at the airport or online. You can use one of the online rental companies verified by customers. If you order the vehicle well in advance, the prices are very reasonable. Renting a car for four people costs approximately the same as renting two scooters.
Food
Traditional Thai food is very spicy, but in tourist destinations, locals have gotten used to cooking it less spicy for foreigners. Similar to neighboring countries, expect mainly noodles and rice here. The traditional Thai dish is Pad Thai, which is fried flat noodles with meat and specifically spiced eggs. You can also have other types of fried noodles (thin, yellow, extra wide).
Another local dish is a noodle soup with meat and vegetables similar to Vietnamese Pho. Also, stir-fried rice with meat is available. A delicious meal is a stir-fried mix of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and meat with cooked rice. Almost everywhere, you can find papaya salad, which is usually spicy and more like a vegetable salad than a fruity one.
Traditional Thai fried pancakes with any sweet or savory filling are good. And, of course, fresh fruit juices made on the spot. Just be cautious; many vendors substitute fruit juices with sweet syrups and add ice to increase volume.
Places to Visit
Phuket
Phuket is beautiful but now quite busy. As Phuket is easily accessible by direct flight from several European countries, many people, from families with children to retirees, spend their holidays here.
In Phuket, you’ll find beautiful, tranquil natural beaches, coral reefs, bustling urban beaches, wild parties, national parks, viewpoints, temples, and more. Despite being busier, it’s still worth exploring.
Patong
The largest tourist resort in Phuket is Patong. Here, you’ll find a long beach crowded with people and cloudy seawater. The beach is bustling, and you can engage in various water sports for relatively high prices. Swimming is possible only in designated areas marked by buoys for safety reasons. On the beach, you can have fresh fruit juice or lunch for unreasonably high prices. If you’re seeking beautiful tropical beaches, avoid Patong and head to smaller and quieter bays on the island.
Expect the most hustle and bustle in Patong at night. The main street (Bangla Road), perpendicular to the beach, is another tourist attraction. The liveliness in this street is an understatement. Here, you’ll find numerous bars with dancers almost on the street, clubs, and painted sexy hostesses on the street who are actually men in costumes. You’ll also find clubs with ping pong shows at every step; entry is free, but drinks are expensive, and having at least one drink is a condition for entry. Add to this very loud music and a crowd of people you have to navigate through. Organized trips from surrounding towns also go to this street.
If you’re looking for peaceful accommodation, avoid Patong. But if you’re only looking for a place to sleep and spend your days traveling around the island, Patong, together with the capital, is probably the cheapest option. At the same time, you can rent a scooter or a car here, visit markets, or find food on every corner.
Kamala
If you’re looking for a quieter resort and a beautiful beach, Kamala might be just right. However, expect slightly higher accommodation prices and a longer commute to the main attractions in the southern part of the island.
Phuket
The island’s capital. Here, you’ll also find affordable accommodation similar to Patong. This is where the island’s main harbor is located, allowing access to other destinations by boat.
Big Buddha
One of the island’s main attractions is a colossal, 45-meter-high marble statue of Buddha on a high hill in the southern part of the island. If you travel by scooter, prepare for an ascent of 350 meters. On your way up the hill, you might visit elephants, which are kept here as a tourist attraction, located immediately on the right side of the road. At the very top, you’ll find various statues, shrines, a beautiful viewing terrace, and the enormous Buddha statue that you can approach via stairs. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the surroundings. On your way down the stairs, expect many wild and bold monkeys that may snatch food from your hand or simply jump at you. Admission and parking are free.
Wat Chalong
One of the largest and most famous temple complexes in Phuket. The highlight of this complex is a 60-meter-high pagoda that houses a piece of Buddha’s bone, reportedly the only remaining piece. The pagoda has several floors filled with golden statues and wall paintings, a viewing terrace, and at the very top, a shrine with the famous relic. This pagoda closes at 5 PM, but the rest of the complex remains open. Within the complex, you can also see several temples, statues, and a beautifully landscaped park. Entrance and parking are free.
Beaches
There are plenty of beaches on Phuket. For instance, Mai Khao beach, which is part of the Sirinat national park in the north of the island, is noteworthy. As this beach is right by the local airport’s runway, you can watch planes land from close proximity.
Further, on the island, you’ll find Freedom beach, not far from Patong. Unlike Patong, it’s a calm and natural beach. Freedom beach is clean with white sand, surrounded by jungle and coconut palms. The way here leads through the jungle via stairs. It’s a beach with crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and plenty of fish, perfect for snorkeling.
You can also visit Ya Nui Beach, where you can snorkel again and observe blue and pink starfish, resembling more of a clay model than a living creature. On the way to this beach from the south, you can stop at an old lighthouse with several viewpoints on the island (Phromthep Cape).
You can also visit smaller waterfalls in the national park (paid entrance), elephants (important to consider if you wish to support often cruel treatment), an aquarium, zoo, numerous other viewpoints, beaches, and embark on various boat trips from here (Phi Phi, Similan Islands, and many other islands).
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a national park located on the mainland about 70 km north of Phuket. However, people don’t just come here for the national park but for the entire area. It’s a relatively peaceful place where tourism is gradually growing. You’ll find endless sandy beaches where you can be completely alone, dense green jungle, and ordinary countryside that you can explore, perhaps by bike. You can also head from here to the world-famous islands of Similan, Surin, or to the large national park Khao Sok.
Khao Lak National Park
You can visit the cascade of five waterfalls at Ton Chongfa. At the entrance gate, you’ll pay a fee of 200 THB to enter the park. Along the way, take an easy hike through the forest with stops at the waterfalls. You can bathe in the waterfalls or experience fish nibbling at the dry skin on your feet as there are fish living here. You’ll visit four waterfalls; the fifth one is inaccessible. The path is well-marked and clear, so you won’t get lost.
Since the park ticket is valid all day and allows access to multiple parts of the park, it’s worth visiting the nearby Little White Sandy Beach on the same day. You’ll also need to pay 200 THB to access this beach as it’s part of the park. If you already have a ticket, you’ll just need to show it at the entrance. However, this applies only for a single day. This beach is different from others in the area. It’s small, calm, surrounded by green jungle, and the water is relatively clean. You might even encounter a monitor lizard that regularly comes here to rummage through garbage bins. This place is definitely worth a visit.
Beaches
In Khao Lak, especially traveling north, you’ll find plenty of long beaches. The beaches have clean yellow sand and are surrounded by trees or palms. However, don’t expect transparent water here. The sea is turbid, and the water isn’t clear, so snorkeling isn’t really feasible.
You can visit, for example, Coconut Beach surrounded by coconut palm trees. Also nearby are the peaceful White Sand Beach, tranquil Pak Weep Beach, Bang Sak Beach, Khuk Khak Beach, Bang Niang Beach, or Khao Lak Beach. Beaches are simply everywhere, usually surrounded by restaurants and quiet expensive resorts. For instance, the Khao Lak resort is entirely geared towards tourism, offering expensive restaurants, hotels, travel agencies, and motorbike rentals.
Other places to visit near Khao Lak
Another interesting place you can visit in this area is the Sea turtle nursery. It’s a turtle nursery station aimed at saving sea turtles. You can see several pools with turtles of various ages. There are also adult turtles that are sick or handicapped. The main activity of this station is collecting turtle eggs on the nearby Similan Islands and caring for them for six months. Once the turtles reach six months of age, they are released into the sea, greatly increasing their chance of survival. You’ll also find the wreck of a ship washed ashore by the tsunami. Entrance requires a fee. Since the turtle station is located within a naval area, soldiers will check your entry and you’ll need to leave at least one passport during your visit.
In the vicinity of Khao Lak, you’ll find several elephant sanctuaries. One of them is, for example, Supaporn Elephant Camp. For a considerable fee, you can feed, bathe, or ride elephants here. Keep in mind, however, that elephants often perform these activities more out of coercion than joy, despite what their trainers may claim.
Sai Rung Waterfall is another waterfall to visit. There’s only one waterfall, not very large, and it’s suitable for bathing. You can also visit a local water restaurant with tables and chairs in the middle of the stream. You’ll pay a local fee for parking; entrance to the waterfall is free.
Ton Pling Waterfall is among the small and crowded waterfalls. It’s very easily accessible and free. If you’re lucky and find it empty, it could be a nice experience. On the way, you can also visit Asia Safari, a kind of zoo with a relatively high entrance fee.
Along the main road throughout the area, you’ll also find several markets, which are open alternately (check at your hotel). You can buy fish, vegetables, fruit, any kind of food, clothes, or souvenirs. Expect high prices at the main tourist market, Bang Niang Market, as it’s not for locals but specifically for tourists. However, it offers the widest variety of goods. You can taste, for instance, scorpions, grasshoppers, or various types of worms. Fish, spring rolls, and fried noodles are also available.
Khuek Khak Temple is a colorful Buddhist temple complex. You’ll find various statues, temples, and shrines here. Admission is free.
If you’re seeking affordable dining and accommodation options in the Khao Lak area, stay away from the beach. You’ll find inexpensive restaurants in quieter areas along the main road. You can buy inexpensive fruit at markets outside tourist resorts.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Thailand and a globally renowned snorkeling destination. Nowhere else would you find bluer and clearer water.
This is a national park consisting of 9 islands in the Andaman Sea, roughly 65 km off the coast of Khao Lak. The name originates from Malay, where “similan” means 9. Three of these islands are completely inaccessible to preserve nature. These islands serve as a sanctuary for sea turtles that lay their eggs here, and tourism could destroy these islands. Most visitors explore 4 islands, enjoying beaches, viewpoints, lunch, and snorkeling.
Crystal-clear water, white beaches, enormous rounded boulders, lush greenery, beautiful corals, and plenty of fascinating fish await you when you visit the islands. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of people. Roughly 3500 visitors explore the islands each day, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. You won’t be alone in the water or on the beach. Without this fact, the islands would be flawless.
You can reach the islands via organized tours, easily arranged at hotels or through travel agencies. The trip starts at 2000 THB per person and includes transport to and from the port from your hotel, a speedboat ride (1.5 hours), an English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, snorkeling equipment, fruits, and water. At the port, they offer small yellow anti-nausea pills since the sea can be rough, and the boat can jump around. Earlier, staying in a bungalow on the island was possible, but now it’s prohibited, and you can only visit for a day. The cheapest way to get here is from Khao Lak, but you can also make the trip from Phuket.
Phi Phi
Phi Phi, already famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, snorkeling opportunities, and stunning rock formations, is still worth visiting despite its popularity. Be prepared for higher prices, though.
Phi Phi lies halfway between Ko Lanta and Phuket. You can visit the islands on an organized day trip, where you’ll be taken to multiple beaches and snorkeling spots. Or you can stay and spend a few days here. You can reach them by ferry from Lanta, Krabi, or Phuket (easily purchased with minivan transportation from your hotel to the port at a travel agency). Once on the islands, book your accommodation and stay as long as you want. Upon arrival, you’ll pay a fee of 20 THB as it’s a national park. Expect no roads on the islands, only footpaths or local taxis in the form of boats (typical longtail boats).
All the beaches here are worth visiting. The water is clear and ideal for snorkeling. Long Beach is one of the most famous, offering various bungalows with sea views. Another beautiful beach with excellent snorkeling conditions and lovely rock scenery is Nui Beach. You can reach it by boat or by foot at low tide. The walk along the coast and a short trek through the jungle to Lana Beach (also worth visiting, but only during high tide, as the sea completely disappears during low tide) lead you to a bay at low tide. Alternatively, take the route through the center of the island with renowned viewpoints. There are two viewpoints, and unfortunately, entry fees are required for both. The first viewpoint, a little above the town, involves a more expensive entrance fee to the entire area/park. The second viewpoint is at the highest point (186 m), and you’ll again pay an entrance fee for the observation deck. From here, you’ll have the entire island at your fingertips. If you continue down the path from the hill, you’ll reach the beach. You’ll find the jungle path on mapy.cz.
If you’re looking for evening entertainment, make sure to visit the beach in the main part of the island (near the port). Here, you’ll find bars, restaurants, pool parties, and a fire show. Each bar competes to host the best fire show and attract more customers. You can sit with a drink or simply stand nearby and watch.
In the town – the main center of Phi Phi – you can again purchase organized boat trips to more remote spots on the island, beaches, snorkeling spots, Monkey Beach, small sharks, and the popular Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach” and located on a nearby island. Even though travel agencies’ photos show people on the beach and in the water in this bay, don’t be fooled. The bay is closed because the large influx of tourists was damaging its natural beauty. So, the boat will only take you to the bay for a photo opportunity. You can have a similar experience on a boat that takes you to Phi Phi islands from the mainland. They also make a small stop for photographs.
Krabi
Krabi is not just a city on the mainland; it’s an entire region. Here, you’ll discover numerous beaches, intriguing temples, caves, viewpoints atop hills, and beautiful islands. The entire area is adorned with jagged hills and cliffs that make for stunning photographs. The beaches are pristine and stunning, though the sea isn’t crystal clear, making it unsuitable for snorkeling.
Krabi Town
Don’t expect anything extraordinary in the city. It’s a typical town that reflects local life. You’ll find local eateries, markets, various street vendors, and regular stores here. Krabi Town primarily serves as a transportation hub, facilitating bus travel or easy access to the airport. The town comes alive primarily on weekend evenings when there’s a night market. At the market, you can enjoy affordable meals and purchase souvenirs. It’s a diverse market where everyone sells or cooks something different.
On the city’s outskirts, there’s a mangrove walkway, accessible for free. Several bridges and walkways traverse the mangroves along the river.
Places of Interest around Krabi
The easiest way to explore the surrounding areas is by renting a scooter. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the 7/11 store or a taxi, though it’s notably more expensive.
One must-visit spot is the renowned Tiger Cave, located near the city within driving distance. It’s a stunning cave temple featuring shrines and tiger statues. The cave is nestled within a pointed rock that you can also climb. With 1237 steps leading up, the ascent is quite steep but rewarding. Upon conquering the steps, a splendid view of the surrounding area awaits. At the summit, you’ll encounter a large Buddha statue and a lively group of monkeys. Don’t forget to bring a scarf to cover your legs. Admission is free.
Ao Nang is the tourist area of Krabi. What Krabi Town lacks, you’ll find in Ao Nang. It’s a typical tourist resort with a lengthy beach, restaurants, tourist shops, and accommodation choices. Massages can be bought directly on the beach under a shelter, along with refreshments. From Ao Nang, you can trek across the cliffs to Pai Plong Beach, which is much quieter.
Railay Beach is another attraction. It’s not accessible by road, so you have to go by boat from Ao Nang. It’s a beautiful beach with limestone cliffs, and there are also some caves nearby. The beach is divided into East Railay and West Railay. East Railay has mangroves, and West Railay has better beaches and more accommodation options. You can easily walk between the two sides.
On the west side, you can also visit the Snake Show led by a man who collects snakes from the island and its surroundings. You’ll encounter a large sign directing to the snake show right on the road as you drive from north to south. The area is abundant in both venomous and non-venomous snakes. Perhaps the most interesting is the enormous king cobra. The owner also produces antivenom, so if you happen to get bitten by a snake on the island, contact him.
South and Central Parts
The southern part of the island consists of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. In the park, you can visit a lighthouse, enjoy views of the Rok Islands, hike through the jungle, or relax on the beach. Unfortunately, admission is charged at 200 THB per person.
In the central part of the island, there are hills, caves, and waterfalls, most of which require an entrance fee or at least a parking fee to access. You can visit:
- Khao Mai Kaew Cave – A cave that requires a guide for 300 THB per person. You’ll likely get a bit dirty during the tour as it’s not just a walk but more of climbing and crawling.
- Tiger Cave – Another cave that’s more accessible. Here, you pay 100 THB per person.
- Khlong Chak Waterfall – A beautiful and easily accessible waterfall amidst the jungle. If you hike up to the top right side of the waterfall, you can bathe in rock-formed pools. Along the way to or from the waterfall, you’ll find the interesting Bat Cave covered by the jungle. Admission is free, and you don’t need an expensive guide, which might be pushed on you somewhere. Finding the waterfall is quite easy along the trail. If you arrive by scooter or car, they may ask for a few baht for parking.
- Viewpoint Hill – A relatively secluded viewpoint in the jungle on the eastern part of the island. The climb is not long, and the path is good.
- Lanta Animal Welfare – A cat and dog shelter. Here, you can play with cats for free, join a guided tour, or take one of the dogs for a walk. Since the shelter is not local but European, and most staff are volunteers from around the world, the treatment of animals and hygiene are of a very high standard. You can also adopt a pet here. More at lantaanimalwelfare.com.
In 2019, the island underwent significant road reconstruction. Judging by the number of ongoing sections, the work will continue for several more years.
Ko Rok
If you’re a real enthusiast of snorkeling in vibrant tropical seas, head to Ko Rok! Large coral reefs, plenty of colorful fish, clownfish (popularly known as “Nemo”), and sea turtles can be spotted here.
Two islands, Ko Rok Yai and Ko Rok Noi, are part of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. This place is an absolute snorkeling paradise. You can reach the islands only by excursion boat, departing, for example, from Ko Lanta. During a full-day trip, you’ll visit several spots in the water and on land, where you’ll have lunch on the beach. These trips can be combined with a visit to Ko Ha, which is part of the same national park. Around this island, besides corals and various fish, you can observe small harmless sharks.
The advantage is that you won’t encounter such crowds of tourists as, for example, in the Similan Islands. Here, you can enjoy snorkeling on the coral reefs more peacefully. However, the island (sand, water color, and rocks) is more beautiful in the Similan Islands.
Note: The most beautiful place for snorkeling we’ve visited.
Caution! If possible, wear a shirt for snorkeling instead of using sunscreen. Creams easily get into the water, and the substances in them hinder coral growth, gradually destroying them. The high level of tourism in these areas seriously threatens the future of coral reefs.
Interesting Facts
