Southern Thailand offers a huge variety of options for perfect beach holidays. On the East coast the Gulf of Thailand and its islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao wait for you as well as coastal resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-Am.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Thailand. The island has wonderful nature, beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear seas, stunning viewpoints, beautiful temples, and various tourist activities like scuba diving, cooking courses and others.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island off the East Coast of Southern Thailand. Located roughly a third of the way from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, the island is known for its world famous full moon parties and coconut trees.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a paradise island neighboring Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. This small island of 21 km² is full of surprises. Koh Tao, also known as the Turtle Island, is a must visit place in Southern Thailand if you are a fan of dream beaches and magnificent seabed.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a seaside resort city in Thailand, only about 200 km south of Bangkok. It’s the oldest and most traditional holiday resort in Thailand. Here you can find the comfort and attractions of a modern travel destination mixed with the charm of still active fishing port. Hua Hin is popular not only with foreigners but with Thais too, especially Bangkok residents.
Cha-Am
Cha-Am is a small resort town just 25 km north of Hua Hin. Cha-Am is one of favorite holiday and weekend destinations for Thais. This resort town can’t offer as developed tourist infrastructure as Hua Hin does but it’s a quieter and more laid back than its southern neighbor.
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of the most ancient cities of Thailand and the second biggest province in Southern Thailand after Surat Thani. There are plenty of wonderful cultural and natural attractions in Nakhon Si Thammarat but it is still not as well-known as other destinations in the south and quite rarely visited by foreigners.
Weather on East Coast of Southern Thailand
Weather conditions on the East Coast are really good from January to March. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao get little rain and moderate temperatures with refreshing winds. From March, temperature starts to rise, usually reaching peak levels in April and May. In May and June might be raining a little, usually in the form of an hour-long afternoon shower. In September the monsoon is expected, bringing plenty of rainfall and a rise in humidity. Rainfall usually peaks between October and November.
For the best time to visit East Coast destinations check our weather ratings chart.
| Coast | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| East Coast | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
You are planning to continue your trip up north after visiting Southern Thailand? Check when is the best time to visit Thailand's other destinations and choose destination with the best possible weather conditions wisely.