Southern Thailand travel guide
Southern Thailand comprises the provinces along the peninsula that forms the southern part of the country, beginning with Chumphon and extending to the Thailand-Malaysian border. The Gulf of Thailand lies to the east; and the Indian Ocean is the region’s border to the west. The entire coastal area is characterised by palm-fringed beaches, traditional fishing villages, forested mountains with cascading waterfalls, rubber plantations, and temples often situated side-by-side with mosques. Some of the region’s more interesting attractions which we haven’t already dedicated a full page to are described below. In all cases, the provincial location is indicated, but it’s recommended that you use a road map to find your way to the various locations.
Ao Thung Wua Laen (Chumphon)
This is a long, sandy stretch considered to be the most beautiful of Chumphon’s beaches. Located about 15kms north of the provincial capital, it boasts a gentle slope that makes it idea for swimming. A comfortable, family-style hotel and bungalows are the accommodation choices available - and a range of tourist facilities are offered, such as diving excursions. There are boats available for exploring the offshore islands as well.
Hot Springs (Ranong) One of Ranong’s most popular attractions, these hot springs are set in a shady spot just over a mile from Ranong town. The shade is provided by a collection of trees in an arboretum known as Raksawarin Park. The temperature of the water in the springs remains fairly constant at 65°C.
Phang Nga National Park (Phang Nga)
Covering an area of more than 200 square miles, this park is situated around 10kms from the city of Phang Nga. The park features a combination of interesting limestone karst formations and islands and evergreen mangrove forests. You’ll find boats available at the landings near the park office that will take you on a tour around some of the more interesting islands.
Phra Borommathat Chaiya (Surat Thani)
Located just about 32mi north of the provincial capital, this ancient pagoda dates back 1200 years - to the Srivijaya period. The Chaiya National Museum on the site is housed in two buildings, where you’ll find exhibits of bronze and stone sculptures that were unearthed in the ancient city of Chaiya; as well as exhibits of artefacts from a number of important historical times, such as: the Ayutthaya, Dvaravati, Lop Buri, Sri Vijaya and Sukhothai periods.
Tarutao National Park (Satun) Established in 1974, was Thailand’s first national marine park. It comprises more than 50 islands, which are off the western coast of Satun. Koh Tarutao is the largest of the park’s islands, and is where you’ll find the park office. At one time political dissidents were imprisoned here; and you can see ruins of the prisons today at the bays known as Ao Talo Udang and Ao Talowao.
Wat Phra Mahathat (Nakhon Si Thammarat) Set in the centre of the provincial capital, this monastery is reported to have been built during the Srivijaya Period, following in the tradition of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The 30m pagoda is the focal point for the extensive complex. Buddha relics brought to the site from Sri Lanka over 1000 years ago are contained in the pagoda; and numerous art objects discovered in the region are on display in the temple museum.
Haad Yai (Songkhla) This is the name of the local beach and the city that’s the hub of Thailand’s southern region. Haad Yai city is the urban centre for Songkhla province, and as such provides a good range of accommodation, entertainment and shopping options.
Thale Noi Waterfowl Park (Phattalung) Part of Songkhla Lake, approximately 30kms north of the city of Phatthalung, has been set aside as a refuge for waterfowl. There’s a boat available to take tourists around the protected area to have a closer look at the water birds. The December to April period is the ideal time for a visit, when the bird population is at its peak and pink lotus blossoms can be seen all around. Handicrafts made from woven bulrushes are available at shops in the village.
Hat Narathat (Narathiwat)
This long, sandy beach is lined with pine trees, and is situated just outside the town of Narathiwat. This is the most popular of the area’s beaches, and it considered the best of the lot for swimming - attracting large numbers of Thai families when the weather is at its hottest.
Note! As of November 2007, this province remains off limits to tourists due to separatist violence.
Kru Se Mosque (Pattani)
What you’ll find here today are ruins of a mosque that was built on the site more than two centuries ago. Located on the Pattani-Narathiwat highway just over 5kms from Pattani town, these ruins are in the form of a rectangular roof-less building, surrounded by a partially-intact brick wall. Adjacent to the mosque ruins is a shrine dedicated to Chao Mae Lim Ko Nieo, which was built in traditional Chinese style.
Note! As of November 2007, this province remains off limits to tourists due to separatist violence.
Betong (Yala) This is the southernmost area, bordering Malaysia, and is located around 75mi from the city of Yala. Betong is popular with tourists from Malaysia and Thailand for its misty, scenic mountainous terrain and excellent local cuisine. A road linking the two countries passes through the Betong checkpoint. Note! As of November 2007, this province remains off limits to tourists due to separatist violence.
