Regions
Southern Thailand: Two Coasts, Two Seasons, and Everything in Between
Two coasts with opposite seasons, a national park that almost no one visits, and the far south, which requires prior verification.
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Southern Thailand is the long peninsula that stretches down toward Malaysia. Ithas two coastlines, each with its own distinct landscape and climate: the Andaman Sea to the west, with its limestone peaks, and the Gulf of Thailand to the east, which is gentler and more rounded.
And it has a part that almost no traveler ever visits: the mountainous, forested interior, home to Khao Sok National Park and the temples of Krabi Province. That is the main focus of this page, because the comparison of the islands can be found elsewhere, on the "Islands of Thailand" page.
Both coasts, at a glance
| West Coast, Andaman Sea | East Coast, Gulf of Thailand | |
|---|---|---|
| Cities and Bases | Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang, Khao Lak | Surat Thani, Koh Samui |
| Landscape | limestone cliffs, emerald sea | hills, coconut trees, long beaches |
| Best period | from November through April | from January through September |
| Access | Phuket and Krabi airports | Koh Samui Airport, train to Surat Thani |
Krabi Province: The Most Well-Rounded
Krabi is more than just a gateway to the islands. The provinceoffers Ao Nang as a convenient base, Railay and its cliffs—accessible only by boat— Krabi Town and its night market, and the Tiger Cave Temple, whose staircase of over a thousand steps leads up to a viewpoint overlooking the entire plain.
Khao Sok: The Interior That No One Visits
Between the two coasts, Khao Sok National Park protects a primary forest older than the Amazon, as well as an artificial lake surrounded by limestone peaks rising out of the water. Visitors spend the night on floating rafts, with no cell service.
It's the obvious counterpoint to a week at the beach, and it takes just two nights—by cutting across the route between Phuket and Koh Samui rather than taking a detour.
Phuket: Take It for What It Is
The country's largest island, connected to the mainland by a bridge, is home to the main airport in the south. It's a very convenient point of entry and a heavily developed destination. Many people fly in and leave the next day for a quieter spot, which is a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
The Muslim South: What You Need to Know
As you approach Malaysia, the south is home to a large Muslim community. This is evident in the architecture, the cuisine, and the daily rhythm of life, and it’s a side of the country that the rest of Thailand doesn’t show.
One safety consideration to keep in mind before traveling further south: the French authorities have issued specific recommendations regarding the southernmost provinces. These areas are nothing like the tourist destinations of Phuket or Krabi, but it is essential to review the country profile before traveling toward the border. The official link is provided in the sources at the bottom of the page.
How long, and on which coast?
A week spent on a single coastline is the formula that works: a base on the mainland, two or three islands, and plenty of time to relax. Choose your coastline based on the month, never based on a photo.
Traveling from one coast to the other takes a day by public transportation or a domestic flight costing 30 to 60 €. Over three weeks, it becomes doable, and the stop in Khao Sok makes the whole trip worthwhile.
In summary
The south consists of two coasts with opposite seasons: the Andaman Sea from November to April, and the Gulf of Thailand from January to September. Krabi Province offers the most diverse experience of the two, with cliffs, temples, and boat trips. The inland area, home to Khao Sok National Park, is the lesser-known alternative that almost no one visits. And the far south, near the Malaysian border, requires checking official travel advisories beforehand. To choose an island,visit the dedicated pageon Thailand’s islands.
What does southern Thailand include?
The long peninsula that stretches down toward Malaysia, with two coastlines: the Andaman Sea to the west, around Phuket and Krabi, and the Gulf of Thailand to the east, around Koh Samui. In between lies a mountainous, forest-covered mainland that few travelers venture through.
What is the difference between the two southern coasts?
The landscape and the season. The Andaman Coast features limestone peaks and is best visited from November through April. The Gulf Coast, with its milder climate, is best visited from January through September. When it rains on one, the other is often dry.
Is there anything else in the south besides beaches?
Yes, and that's the part that almost no one visits: Khao Sok National Park, with its primary forest and lake, as well as the temples in Krabi Province, including Tiger Cave Temple and its steep steps.
Is southern Thailand Muslim?
To some extent, yes. As you approach Malaysia, the south is home to a large Muslim community, which is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and daily rhythm of life. The southernmost provinces are also subject to specific travel advisories.
How much time should I spend in the south?
A week to explore one coastline and two or three islands, without rushing. Trying to see both coastlines in a two-week trip means spending an entire day traveling just to switch from one sea to the other.