Southern Thailand offers a huge variety of options for perfect beach holidays. On the West coast you can choose one of Andaman sea islands such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, or opt for coastal beach in Krabi or Khao Lak. 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.
West Coast of Southern Thailand
Phuket
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand. Phuket is situated in the Andaman Sea waters off the west coast. The island is among the finest beach destinations in the world offering magnificent bays, fine palm-fringed white sand beaches, glittering seas, picturesque small surrounding islands, delightful Sino-Portuguese architecture and memorable hospitality of local people to millions of visitors.
Krabi
Krabi is a popular beach destination in Southern Thailand. Krabi province abounds with plenty of natural attractions including over 150 islands, gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise water, flourishing coral reefs, towering limestone cliffs, numerous caves and waterfalls, making the scenery of the province both inland and at sea simply stunning.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago of six islands. Koh Phi Phi islands are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful islands in the world. Koh Phi Phi are one of the most popular islands in Thailand especially after they came to fame worldwide after the Leonardo Di Caprio movie “The Beach” was filmed in Maya Bay.
Other popular destinations on the western coast of Southern Thailand include Koh Lanta, Khao Lak, Koh Lipe. If you want to travel more off the beaten path, choose more remote destinations like Koh Phayam, Ranong.
East Coast of Southern Thailand
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.
Other popular destinations on the eastern coast of Southern Thailand include Cha-Am and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Weather in Southern Thailand
The south of Thailand has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on both coasts of southern Thailand.
On the West Coast weather conditions are at their best from November to March. Monsoonal weather usually arrives in April to destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak and Koh Lanta. Peak rainfall levels here are usually experienced in September and October. All West coast destinations have similar weather conditions throughout the year as they all experience the impact of the Andaman sea.
On the East Coast weather conditions are really good from January to March. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao get little rain and moderate temperatures with refreshing winds. 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 which usually peaks between October and November. Despite being on East Coast, Hua Hin and Cha-Am experience slightly different weather patterns.
For the best time to visit Southern Thailand destinations check our Southern Thailand 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.