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Every single time I have visited Thailand it has been full of fun and adventure. I would highly recommend anyone to visit Thailand and in particular the south of the country. Southern Thailand is home to some of the best islands in the world; all of them have a lot of different things to offer. Today I’m here with a several options for a fantastic Southern Thailand Itinerary.
The article will be split up into three separate sections giving you several different options for 10 days, 21 days and 28 days.
Southern Thailand Itinerary – 10 Days
The first section is a Southern Thailand Itinerary for if you only have 10 days in the south of Thailand. If you’re really pushed for time, then I would recommend spending your time in Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
These destinations are somewhat close by to each other and don’t take that much effort to travel between them. That being said, you won’t be able to mess around if you want to explore all of these areas.
Koh Phi Phi
Personally, I would start my trip in Koh Phi Phi, getting a ferry from Phuket Island. If you want to stop at a brilliant hostel, Blanco’s Hostel is the place to be. Located right on the beach, and where most of the parties happen. Blanco’s will give you an excellent opportunity to get drunk and meet a lot of great people.
Besides the partying, Koh Phi Phi offers a lot of water activities such as jet-skiing, diving and snorkelling. But my favourite activity has got to be going up to the viewpoint at sunset. Here, you’ll get to witness an absolutely magical sunset. The views of the mountains, sea and beach in the foreground make for an incredible picture opportunity!
Krabi
After spending around 2 days in Phi Phi, it’s time to move on to Krabi! Krabi is an essential stop for any Southern Thailand Itinerary. Taking a ferry will take you to another considerable party destination. The best place to stay on the island without any doubt is the Slumber Party Hostel. The hostel will make sure you’re always heading to the right clubs and bars.
Beyond drinking, the hostel also does a lot of different tours like it’s “Island Awesomeness Tour.” Here you will get to visit all the best things the island has to offer and really meet some great people along the way. If you want to find out more about staying in Krabi, then click the article here.
Remember to take into account that Krabi is a huge party destination. Although you can visit everything relatively quickly, do be mindful that you will need some lay-ins and some chill days to get over your hangovers! You might also find this article useful – Krabi Itinerary 4 days.
Koh Samui
From Krabi, your best bet will be to fly to Koh Samui. Although the flights are never cheap, it’s the quickest way to travel. If you want a nice, quiet and clean hostel, then Casa Luna is a great shout. You’ll probably want the peace and quiet after the last 4/5 day’s you’ve just had.
During your stay, rent a bike, and you’ll be able to drive to some impressive waterfalls. If you don’t mind doing some trekking the head over to the Na Muang Waterfall 2. Time it correctly with the sunset, and you’re set for an absolutely stunning view.
I would like to point out that don’t fall for the scam they try and do there.
There is an option to take a truck to the waterfall. The people who run the operation claim it takes 30 minutes. But this is not the case!! They charge you 100baht to take you 2minutes down the road and then you have to climb for 30minutes. Do not fall for this scam!
Other things you can do in Koh Samui include: visiting the towering Big Buddha, the temple of Wat Plai Laem, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, Secret Buddha Garden, and the mummified monk found at the temple of Wat Khunaram.
Koh Tao
Finally on your last couple of days, head over to Koh Tao and get your divers license! Before diving, I never thought I would have liked it. But now I am obsessed! Stay at Taco Divers hostel, and you’ll meet other diving fanatics who will explain all their cool diving stories.
I have visited Koh Tao a couple of times and always enjoyed it so much. If you do like the idea of diving, it’s the cheapest place to get your diving license other than Honduras.
21 Days in Southern Thailand
Now we’re talking! A 3 week Southern Thailand Itinerary is perfect – now you have more days you can add more places to your itineraries. I would continue to visit all the same places as you did you had 10 days but maybe start spacing them out, giving you more time in each location.
Koh Phangnan
One of the most significant reasons to space out your stay is to make sure you’re visiting Koh Phangnan when there is a full moon party! You’ll have heard how mad these parties are, but nothing wholly relates to one until you get to go yourself.
It will be an entire night/morning party on the beach, with thousands of people, great music and a lot of alcohol!
Personally, I always love to meet people when I’m in a place. I think the people you meet along the way really add to your trip. Stay at Slumber Party Hostel, yes the sister hostel to your made time in Krabi. And you’ll meet some great people who also love to party hard.
Do just be wary that if there isn’t a full or half-moon party, the island is completely deserted.
Renting a scooter is another must in Koh Phangnan. You’ll be able to see some of the islands’ top sights including Sramanora Waterfall, Haad Than Sade beach, and one of its viewpoints for the sunset.
Koh Lanta
Now you’ve had a lot more time planning out your trip, I’d recommend only adding in one more place to actually be able to experience Thailand.
Sometimes you need to cram in places, but now that we have three weeks, there’s no need!
The island is probably one of the quietest that Thailand has to offer. Koh Lanta is more about enjoying its golden sandy beaches rather than enjoying the nightlife like the other islands.
When you hire a scooter, do just be wary that the roads are dreadful. They’ve not really been looked after well, so do drive safely. Koh Lanta is full of amazing beaches like Bamboo Bay beach and also has a vast amount of waterfalls dotted around the islands.
What I loved about Koh Lanta is that it’s a place you can really unwind and just relax. There aren’t any temptations to go out and enjoy the nightlife – as there isn’t really one here.
28 Days in the South
Wow – aren’t you lucky! Almost a month for your Southern Thailand Itinerary! Remember you get 30 days visa exemption coming from most countries. So if you’re spending 28 days in the south then be wary of this.
Looping back round to make it easier on yourself getting back to Bangkok. It’s probably best to come back to Phuket, where your adventure started. I would highly recommend renting a motorbike as soon as you get there!
Phuket is an incredibly big island and has so much to do! One of my favourite things is going and visiting the Big Buddha. Not only is it just a spectacular design, but at the top, it gives some incredible views of Phuket’s national parks.
Phuket also has some great beaches and is a brilliant place for surfers to hit the waves. Freedom Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Phuket. It’s known for being the best stretch of sand on the island. Due to this, it has a small entrance fee, but it does give you some brilliant views and privacy.
In the night time, go and check out Bangla Road. The area is full of restaurants, bars, strip clubs and much more. You’ll be able to have a great time here and hit the alcohol again.
You’ll ideally want to stay in Phuket for around 4 days to really explore it thoroughly. If you are lucky enough to spend 28 days in the south, then this is the itinerary that I would recommend:
- Koh Phi Phi – Days 1-3
- Krabi – Days 4-8
- Koh Samui – Days 9-11
- Koh Tao – Days 12-15
- Koh Phangnan – Days 16-19 (Make sure you hit a full moon party)
- Koh Lanta – Days 20-23
- Phuket – Days 24-28
I wish you all the best planning your Southern Thailand Itinerary. If you love Thailand as much as I do then you might also like to read about the perfect Chiang Mai itinerary and finding the best Yoga retreat Chiang Mai has to offer.
You might also like to read about Bangkok Itinerary 4 Days or More, Doi Inthanon National Park Tour