Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast Travelers Recommend

Phuket is Thailand’s flagship beach destination, benefiting from year-round sun, sandy beaches, and lush jungle. With two days to explore, there’s time to cruise the coast, explore the islands, and take in the highlights of the mainland. Here’s how to spend two days in Phuket.

Day 1: Sunbathing and Sightseeing

Morning: Start early to avoid crowds and watch the sunrise from Promthep Cape on the island’s south coast. Continue to two of Phuket’s most popular attractions—the hilltop Big Buddha and temple of Wat Chalong—either independently or on a tour with the ease of a guide to lead the way.

Afternoon: Kata Beach and Karon Beach are two of the best beaches on Phuket. Grab lunch and cocktails at a beachfront restaurant; take part in water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding (prebook for a seamless experience); or relax on the beach.

Night: Continue sightseeing into the evening on a sunset cruise around Phang Nga Bay, which typically includes dinner as you sail around islands off the coast of Phuket. Alternatively, head to Naka Night Market, held on weekend evenings in Phuket Town, where you can dine on Thai street food and shop for souvenirs.

Day 2: Island-hopping in Phang Nga Bay

Morning: Set sail on a day trip to Phang Nga Bay by speedboat and discover some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. Depending on the tour itinerary, visit the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach was filmed; cruise to James Bond Island; or swim and snorkel around Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands.

Afternoon: After a day at sea, head to Patong Beach to browse the shops along Bangla Road or relax with a cocktail at a beachfront bar. The beach town is also home to numerous spas, where you can get a traditional Thai massage or reflexology foot massage.

Night: Spend your final night in Phuket watching a show or cabaret. The Siam Niramit show tells Thailand’s history through a music, dance, and theater production. Alternatively, the Simon Cabaret is one of Thailand’s most popular and longest-running cabarets, with transgender performers taking to the stage for a Las Vegas-style extravaganza.

Dubbed the Pearl of the South, Phuket is one of the world's most famous beach destinations.Thailand's largest and most visited island, the hot spot revolves around and thrives on tourism yet retains a spark of the real Thailand. Here are some of the best ways to spend three days in Phuket.

Day 1: Exploring the Island The best way to get an introduction to the island and check out the downtown scene is by taking a morning tour with an English-speaking guide who can tell you all you need to know about your new surroundings. In the evening, be dazzled by the Las Vegas-style Simon Cabaret Show, or combine dinner and a Thai cultural show at FantaSea, where the whirling, swirling, vivid display of Thailand's exotic heritage delight viewers.

Day 2: Get Active

After your introductory day out on the island, it’s time to get out there and get moving. A vacation in Phuket definitely means dipping your toes in the gorgeous blue water, but you can also opt to take the plunge on a rafting adventure. Go for a rain forest canoe ride down the Sok River in the island's interior, or explore the mysterious tidal caves of Phang Nga Bay by canoe.

Day 3: The Surrounding Waters If yesterday's activities didn't include enough water-fueled action for you, you're in luck. Phuket is surrounded by exquisite groups of islands, all easily seen on a day trip. Ride a speedboat to Krabi, famous for its snorkeler's wonderland of limestone caves and white-sand beaches, or see Koh Phi Phi for yourself—some say its the region's most beautiful island group. If you'd rather sail more leisurely, ride a ferry to the nearby islands for some free time to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sunshine.

Thailand’s largest island is renowned for its white sand beaches, lively beach towns, and eclectic nightlife. Water sports, shopping, and the city’s famous shows are just a few of the ways to experience Phuket.  With just one day, it’s best to stick to focus on the highlights—here are some ideas.

Morning: Sunrise Sightseeing

Phuket’s large size and notorious traffic means that exploring with a guide is a good idea, especially when time is of the essence. Booking a private tour offers the greatest flexibility, while a bike tour is a scenic and practical way to explore the coast.

Make an early start and head down to Promthep Cape on the southern coast of Phuket, a spectacular viewpoint from which to watch the sunrise. Continue to the nearby Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, two of Phuket’s most photographed attractions—with a bit of luck you’ll arrive before the crowds and enjoy unobstructed views. 

Afternoon: Hit the Beach

Phuket’s most popular beaches—Kata, Karon, and Patong—lie along the west coast and offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. Enjoy activities such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding; tuck into fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant; or relax with a traditional Thai foot massage at one of the many area spas. 

At Patong Beach, be sure to visit Bangla Road, one of Phuket busiest streets, lined with cocktail bars, restaurants, shops, and market stalls. For more shopping, pay a visit to nearby Jungceylon shopping center, before strolling down to the seafront to watch the sunset. 

Night: Attend a Show

Bangla Road is the place to party until the early morning, but for a truly unforgettable night out, plan to attend one of Phuket’s shows. The Siam Niramit show tells the story of Thailand’s history, cultural heritage, and spiritual traditions through an 80-minute performance of music, dance, and theater. Alternatively, visit the Phuket FantaSea theme park for an evening show that includes traditional dance, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and even elephants. For the best value, book a package that includes hotel pickup, round-trip transfers, and a pre-show dinner.

Phuket’s nightlife is electric, and attending a theater show is a fun option for a night out. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Thai culture and traditions, enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment, or be dazzled by cabaret performers, here are some of our favorite Phuket theater shows.

Simon

The Phuket Simon Cabaret is one of Thailand’s most iconic cabaret evenings. It’s a spectacular show, with transgender performers in glittering costumes, singing and dancing to pop hits. Though the show’s provocative nature is not suitable for younger children, it may be appropriate for older children and teenagers.

Siam Niramit

Another hugely popular show is Siam Niramit, a dramatic stage show telling the story of Thailand’s history, culture, and religious beliefs. With state-of-the-art light and sound effects, dazzling costumes, and a cast of more than 100 performers, this kid-friendly show is performed in three acts, totaling 80 minutes. For the full experience, upgrade to enjoy a traditional Thai buffet dinner, where you can sample dishes like spicy papaya salad and Thai green curry.

FantaSea

Another family-friendly option, Phuket FantaSea, is part of a larger heritage theme park, complete with carnival games and a shopping village. The star attraction is the evening show, performed in the Palace of the Elephants and including a preshow buffet dinner. The Vegas-style extravaganza entitled “Fantasy of a Kingdom” displays Thailand’s cultural heritage through ballet, acrobatics, magical illusions, and pyrotechnics.

With three days in Krabi, you can wander temples and markets, explore jungles and caves, and chill out on white-sand beaches. There’s even time to try out a few exciting activities, such as climbing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Krabi.

Day 1: Island hop

Dedicate today to the beautiful islands and beaches off Krabi—with more than 150, you have plenty to choose from. Hire a long-tail boat, speedboat, or yacht to take you to spots such as Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta—or join a full-day guided island-hopping trip. Swim, snorkel, paddle, and enjoy the beaches, hidden lagoons, and caves. Alternatively, visit traditional fishing villages and local temples.

Later, watch the sun set on the Andaman Sea from the deck of a boat or a high viewpoint, before feasting on barbecue or fresh seafood on the beach. Then, go swimming or stand-up paddleboarding with bioluminescent plankton, a magical way to end your first day in Krabi.

Day 2: Different ways to play

Time for some adventure. Try your hand at rock climbing and go vertical on some of the best limestone in the region at Railay Beach. Learn the basics, or have guides show you the top routes on a half-day, full-day, or multi-day tour. If you prefer the water, spend the day snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, or white-water rafting. Looking for more thrills? Try an all-terrain vehicle tour, or go ziplining. If you’d rather take it easy, sign up for a Thai cooking class instead.

After a long day of activity, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatments, or soak your aching muscles in a hot spring.

Day 3: All things Krabi

Spend the day in Krabi exploring the town itself, as well as nearby rivers, mangroves, and jungles. Make the most of your last day on a guided tour—many itineraries include Krabi highlights such as Tiger Cave, the riverside mountains of Kha Nab Nam, and Emerald Pool.

Finally, savor one more sunset before checking out the night market or taking in a cultural performance or cabaret show. Then, wind down your visit with a relaxing drink on the beach—or go big and join a pub crawl for a memorable final night in paradise.

Each of the idyllic Thai Islands has its own unique personality and range of activities, so most visitors to the region will want to visit more than one. Luckily, there are many convenient options for moving between islands depending on where you’re going, where you’re coming from and how quickly you want to get there. Here are your options.

High Speed Catamaran Tours

One of the fastest ways to get between islands, catamaran trips often include pick up and drop off by coach, and start in either Krabi or Koh Phi Phi with service to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Koh Samui.

High-Speed Ferry Rides

No matter the destination island, chances are a high-speed ferry can get you there. These speedy boats ply the waters from Krabi to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao; from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta, Phuket, or Koh Phi Phi; between Koh Phi Phi and Railay Beach or Phuket; between Railay Beach and Koh Lanta or Phuket; and between Koh Lanta and Koh Samui.

Ferry and Catamaran Combo Tours

If the high-speed ferry or catamaran alone can’t get you where you need to go, combining the two—with a convenient single ticket—probably can. This combination is available between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or Koh Phangan, including transfers between piers by coach.

Speedboat Tours

For shorter journeys between islands, a speedboat is the way to go. These smaller boats travel between Ao Nang and Koh Yao Noi in less than an hour.

Shared Minivan Tours

If traveling from Krabi to nearby Koh Lanta, do so by shared minivan. These generally depart on an hourly basis, and visitors can choose to get picked up at a Krabi Town hotel, the Krabi bus terminal, or the Krabi airport.

Many of the world’s most paradisiacal beaches line the islands off Southern Thailand, and Krabi province is no exception. Here are some of the best beaches on and around this easy-going, friendly, and eclectic expanse of coastline.

Railay Beach

Perhaps the most famous of Krabi beaches is Railay Bay Beach, a stretch of coconut-lined white sand backed by verdant jungles and dramatic limestone cliffs. Consistently counted among the best in the world, this beach sits on a peninsula in Krabi province about 30 minutes by boat from Krabi town.

Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach has become one of Krabi’s most developed slivers of coastline, complete with souvenir shops, restaurants, nightlife, high-end resorts, and vendors with water-sports rentals. Soft sand and warm water make Ao Nang an excellent swimming destination.

Phra Nang Beach

Near Railay, Phra Nang Beach has calm, swimming-friendly water and hardly any development, making it a great place for beach bums looking to relax or adventure-seekers looking to scale the limestone cliffs.

Hong Island

Krabi’s seas are dotted with rocky islands; some of the most scenic are located within the Hong Island group, accessible by longtail boat. Koh Hong, one of the largest, enjoys small, quiet stretches of jungle-lined beach and a hidden interior lagoon that’s perfect for kayaking or bird watching.

Koh Phi Phi

Made famous by the film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Island, has become one of the region’s most popular beaches. While you won’t have the beach to yourself, you will be in for some dramatic scenery—and some prime photo opportunities.

A 2-day trip to Krabi gives you time to enjoy world-class beaches and islands; try your hand at fun activities such as rock climbing and sea kayaking; and relax with a renowned Thai massage. Here are a few ways to make the most of two days in Krabi.

Day 1: Islands and Beaches

**Morning:**Spend your first morning getting active. Learn to climb at Railay Beach, a world-class climbing destination, or choose between high-octane activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and white-water rafting. You can also go off-road on an ATV or take to the air zip-lining.

**Afternoon:**Join a guided island-hopping trip and visit islands such as Chicken Island, the Khai Islands, and Poda Island. Tours typically give you time to enjoy the beach and explore hidden lagoons and caves, and conclude with a sunset BBQ on the beach.

**Night:**Enjoy a cultural performance or a cabaret show this evening, or check out the night market if you’re in town during the weekend. Those looking for a big night out can head to Soi RCA or Ao Nang Center Point, or join a guided pub crawl, which give you the inside scoop on Krabi’s best nightlife venues. 

Day 2: Krabi Town and Culture

**Morning:**Join a sightseeing tour to get an introduction to the culture and history of Krabi. Head to the jungles and go for a swim in the Emerald Pools or stay closer to town at the Tiger Cave Temple, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views.

**Afternoon:**Visit a market to experience local life. Enjoy some street food for lunch, or opt for a cooking class to make your own meals and take home recipes for traditional Thai dishes. Alternatively, you could opt for a cruise on the Krabi River or around a mangrove forest.

**Night:**Pamper yourself during your last night in town. Soak in a rejuvenating hot spring, enjoy a Thai massage, or bliss out with some spa treatments before watching a final, magical sunset over the Andaman Sea.

Located in southern Thailand, Krabi is known for its laid-back vibes and scenery that’s characterized by limestone cliffs, jungles, and white-sand beaches. Many attractions are close to the town centre, making it easy to see and do plenty even in a short amount of time. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Krabi.

Morning: Get to Know Krabi

Join a guided tour to maximize your time and avoid the hassle of car hire; tours typically cover highlights in and around Krabi, such as Khlong Thom National Park—where you can go for a swim in the Emerald Pools and soak in a hot spring—and Tiger Cave Temple. Here, you can climb more than 1,000 steps to the top to enjoy Buddhist shrines and panoramic views. 

For the ultimate Krabi experience, combine Tiger Cave Temple with a cruise on the Krabi River and a visit to a local market.

Afternoon: Island Tour and Sunset

With more than 150 islands just off its coast, an island or beach visit is a must in Krabi. Popular options include Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, and the Khai Islands, but why settle for just one when you can visit a few: island-hopping tours transport you between several islands, such as Koh Poda, Koh Gai, or Koh Mor, and take you to secluded caves and coves that are only accessible by boat. Enjoy the passing scenery, and then swim, snorkel, or just lay on the beach. Plus, tours generally include a sunset BBQ on the beach. 

Night: Experience Local Culture

Get a taste of local culture at a traditional Thai performance or a cabaret show—evening packages sometimes include dinner and round-trip transfers from your Krabi hotel. Those in need of rest and relaxation can go for a traditional Thai massage, and then relax over drinks and live music at a number of bars. 

Nightlife enthusiasts should head to Soi RCA or to Ao Nang Center Point, or join a pub-crawl for tailored nightlife recommendations. On the weekends, be sure to check out the Walking Street Night Market, home to stalls selling street food and souvenirs.