Thailand, with its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and rich culture, offers the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and exploration. Our Ultimate 7 or 10 Day South Thailand Itinerary will help you discover some hidden gems.
We have not included Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai in this itinerary. However, if you have more time to spend, both areas are a very popular choice amongst travellers.
In this itinerary, you’ll dive into Thailand’s natural beauty with visits to iconic islands, tranquil beaches, lush national parks, and historic temples. Whether you have seven days or ten, we’ve tailored this plan to ensure you experience the best of Thailand.
Table of Contents
Best time to visit
There is no right or wrong time to visit Thailand, especially the southern part as it is relatively constant all year round.
We do however suggest avoiding the wet season known as ‘Monsoon’ which typically runs from May through to November in the majority of the country as it can limit options for outdoor activities due to heavy rainfall.
The only exception to this is the country’s east coast including Koh Samui and Koh Tao seeing the most rainfall during August – December.
The peak season in Thailand is usually between December – March whereas the off-season is between July – October.
How many days
You could easily spend months exploring this country but we recommend 10 days as you will have enough time to explore a few different areas without feeling too rushed.
7 days is doable but you will need to prioritise where you want to be spending your time.
Our itinerary allows you to be flexible if there are certain activities or locations you would rather save for another time.
If you have less than 7 days to spend in Thailand, we would suggest picking a spot such as Phuket, Krabi or Chiang Mai and staying local to those areas instead.
How to get around
For this itinerary we recommend flying directly to Phuket or catching a domestic flight from Bangkok as all locations are located in the Southern part of the country.
Getting around Thailand is relatively easy as the roads are quite developed these days.
The most convenient way is by taxi but it would likely be the most expensive way of getting around, so just keep that in mind if you are travelling on a budget.
Otherwise, public transport is likely going to be the cheaper way to go but will add additional travel time. You can book buses, trains and ferries etc through 12Go.
For shorter distances, it’s super easy to jump on a tuk tuk and they are budget friendly as well.
Another popular choice amongst tourists, if you are comfortable with it, is to rent a car or a scooter. The traffic in Thailand can feel quite hectic though, so this option is not for everybody.
7 and 10 day South Thailand Itinerary overview
7 day South Thailand Itinerary
Day 1: Ao Nang + Krabi
Day 2: Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs
Day 3: Phi Phi Islands, Chicken Islands or Hong Island half or whole day trip
Day 4: Khao Sok
Day 5: Khao Sok
Day 6: Khao Sok
Day 7: Khao Lak or back to Phuket if you are finishing your trip
10 day South Thailand Itinerary
Day 1-7: As above
Day 8: Khao Lak
Day 9: Phuket
Day 10: Phuket
Day 1: Explore Krabi, Ao Nang and Railay Beach
A great place to dive into your South Thailand Itinerary is the Krabi province.
Providing you the perfect blend of tropical beach vibes, adventures and culture, you really can’t go wrong.
You can base yourself in Krabi, Ao Nang, or Railay Beach, depending on what kind of vibe you’re after. Krabi offers more affordable options, Ao Nang is great for its accessibility and variety of choices, while Railay Beach offers a more luxurious experience with stunning views.
If you choose to stay in Krabi, make sure to check out Wat Kaew Korawaram, located right in Krabi town.
You can also check out the Krabi Night Markets on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 5 pm.
If you are staying in Ao Nang, we recommend visiting Railay Beach and the famous Phra Nang Cave.
Railay Beach is only accessible via boat but there are several boat services that will take you there and back. It’s super quick and easy!
Tip: Don’t miss the fire show at Ao Nang Beach starting at around 6:30 pm every evening.
Day 2: Visit the Tiger Cave Temple, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool
Get ready for an adventure filled day exploring some unique spots around Krabi!
We went through our hotel to organise our day trip with a private driver which was super easy and convenient. However, there are lots of options through Viator or GetYourGuide.
You can also choose just to visit one of the destinations if you are not feeling up for a whole day trip.
We started our day at the Hot Springs and had the place to ourselves for a little while which was really cool and relaxing.
We then went to Emerald Pool which was a little busy but still a very nice spot to spend some time swimming and floating around.
Don’t forget to check out Blue Pool which is a hidden gem about 15 minutes by foot from Emerald Pool. It’s a stunning spot to take photos but swimming is not permitted.
Last stop for the day is the breathtaking Tiger Cave Temple located on top of a 600 meter high cliff.
The way to the top is quite challenging as you will have to walk up 1237 steps but it is totally worth it and you will be rewarded with a 360-degree view over Krabi.
Unfortunately, there are no tigers around but it is believed that a giant tiger used to live in the cave. You will however meet lots of cheeky monkeys on your way up so make sure to keep your belongings in a backpack.
Remember to bring lots of water as you will definitely be drinking it on the way up!
They do bring drinkable water up to the top so it is possible to refill once you get there but they do sometimes run out, so it is best to play it safe.
Tip: Consider doing the Tiger Cave Temple first thing in the morning as it does get quite hot later in the day.
Day 3: Island Hopping
There are numerous islands to choose from and tours that run daily so you will have a few decisions to make. We will share our recommendations below.
One of the most popular islands in Thailand is Phi Phi Island and is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise water. It is also famous for being the setting of the movie ‘The Beach’ with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Phi Phi has some great spots for swimming and snorkelling, although the corals unfortunately aren’t what they used to be.
There are also great hikes and viewpoints located on the island that will provide panoramic views of the island and the bay.
The downside to visiting Phi Phi Islands is that due to its popularity, it can be really crowded.
So if you are expecting Phi Phi Islands to look exactly like a scene out of ‘The Beach’, then we are afraid you will be disappointed.
Other popular islands include Koh Poda, Chicken Island (Koh Gai), and Koh Tup, which are perfect for a day of snorkeling and relaxing on less crowded beaches.
On the downside, there is not a whole lot to do besides swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the beaches.
Our personal favourite is Hong Island as we thought it was the perfect blend of beach, snorkelling and scenic views.
This group of islands is also not as popular as Phi Phi, they are closer to Krabi, less crowded but equally as (if not more) spectacular.
Koh Hong is the largest of the 4 islands included in most day trips and the island you will likely be spending most time on.
It is home to a sheltered beach with white sand, shallow turquoise blue water and incredible limestone cliffs.
If you aren’t feeling too sore from climbing the 1237 stairs to Tiger Cave Temple on day 2, you can go on a short but steep hike (approximately 420 steps) up to an incredible 360-degree viewpoint.
You can book your preferred choice through GetYourGuide or Viator if you want to plan ahead.
We chose to organise all our trips through our hotels as it is often cheaper and allowed us to be flexible with our days.
Day 4: Khao Sok National Park
After a few adventurous days it is time to explore a new place and a true hidden gem in Thailand, Khao Sok National Park. The drive is about 2 hours from Ao Nang with a taxi which is the easiest way of transport.
Khao Sok National Park is a hidden gem in Thailand and one of the world’s oldest rainforests, where you can experience a true escape from the crowds, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, wildlife, and the tranquil waters of Cheow Lan Lake.
We chose to stay out on Cheow Lan Lake for two nights in a floating bungalow and it was honestly one of the biggest highlights of our trip.
Imagine waking up to the mist rising from the water, the sound of birds chirping in the forest and monkeys swinging around.
We personally chose to book a full bungalow package and stayed at The Laguna Cheow Larn and had a private bathroom, electricity and air conditioning through the night.
We share more about our experience and recommendations on how to book your Khao Sok tour in our Ebook that will be available soon.
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If you only have 7 days on your South Thailand itinerary and would prefer to prioritise your time elsewhere, you can always opt for 1 night out on Cheow Lan Lake.
We do however recommend 2 nights as it will allow you to experience this unique place without feeling too rushed.
Day 5: Khao Sok National Park
One of the perks of staying overnight is that the resorts are quiet in the mornings in between guests leaving and arriving.
You will also have more freetime on the second day to do activities around the resort like swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing in your bungalow.
We highly recommend heading out on a kayak tour by yourself if you feel comfortable! We spotted Gibbons swinging around the trees and saw a lot of interesting birds.
Wild elephants are sometimes spotted around the rainforest. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to witness any but we could hear them during our hikes with our guide.
Day 6: Khao Sok and Khao Lak (or back to Phuket if you are finishing your trip)
You will have a bit of time in the morning with your guide before it’s time to check out of the bungalow and head back to where your Khao Sok adventure started.
If you are finishing your South Thailand itinerary, we would recommend heading back to Phuket before flying out.
Otherwise, we would suggest heading to Khao Lak to spend the last days relaxing before finishing your trip.
Day 7: Khao Lak / Phuket (Last day of the 7-day South Thailand itinerary)
Option 1 (Phuket): If you are finishing your trip in Phuket, spend some time exploring the Old Town that is full of charm, colourful streets and lots of photo opportunities.
Enjoy some quiet time visiting Wat Chalong, a sacred site in Phuket and home to 5 beautifully detailed temples.
Head further down and visit the Big Buddha statue that is standing tall at an impressive 45 meters.
Option 2 (Khao Lak): Get checked in at one of the many incredible resorts located on the coast of Khao Lak.
This is your time to relax and soak in all the new memories you have been making over the past few days.
There are 3 main areas in Khao Lak: Bang La On, the main town, Bang Niang, bar/nightlife vibes, or Khuk Kak which is a really quiet area.
We stayed at Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak and really enjoyed it but it is a little further away from the main town and Bang Niang. The hotel did offer transport to visit Bang Niang Markets but you need to reserve your spot in advance.
Day 8: Relax in Khao Lak
Time to relax and spend your day jumping in and out of the pool or the beach (or both!).
Have a sleep in, enjoy breakfast at your resort, pick a beach to visit or hang around the pool.
Khao Lak is basically a long stretch of the same beautiful coastline but there are a few different vibes depending on what area you are in.
If you want something with a little bit of action then Bang Niang beach is the best option.
Otherwise, Khuk Kak for some quiet time or Memories Beach if you are into surfing.
Day 9: Samet Nangshe Viewpoint and Phuket
This might be the ultimate hidden gem in Thailand is Samet Nangshe and we highly recommend stopping by here on your way down to Phuket regardless of how many days are on your South Thailand itinerary.
If you are an early bird, the sunrise over Phang Nga Bay is just magical!
It will add about an hour to the trip down to Phuket but the views are superb.
Even if you aren’t an early morning person, we would still recommend stopping by.
You can pay around 100 baht per person to ride up in a truck as you will otherwise need to walk up to the view point.
We organised a driver to take us from our resort in Khao Lak to Samet Nangshe and down to Phuket.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at one of the many beautiful beaches around Phuket.
Day 10: Explore Phuket (Last day of the 10-day South Thailand itinerary)
Spend the last day exploring Phuket and visit the Old Town, Wat Chalong and Big Buddha statue.
If you are visiting Phuket on a Saturday or Sunday, check out the Naka Market, open Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm – 10 pm or the Chillva Market open Monday – Saturday between 5 pm and 11 pm.
Final Words
You could truly spend an eternity exploring Thailand and its many hidden gems, but we hope this itinerary has helped you discover some of the amazing spots here.
This South Thailand itinerary is just the beginning, but if you want even more insider tips, hidden gems, and personalised recommendations for your trip, check out our ebook that we will be launching very soon. We will also included a Google Maps that is packed with over 100 handpicked locations, activities, and restaurants we love.
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We would love to hear if you end up ticking some of these destinations off and what your highlights were!