Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast attractions

Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is a spiritual center that’s famed for its 1,237 steps which lead to the massive, gilded Buddha statue which dominates the peak. While the climb is not for the faint of heart, the spectacular views of Krabi, the surrounding countryside, and the Andaman Sea make the effort worthwhile.

Step into the tropical forests of Phang Nga to visit one of southern Thailand’s most important temples, Cave Temple (Wat Suwan Kuha). Commonly known as the Cave Temple, it sits inside a large cave complex and features many religious statues—the most prominent being the 50-foot (15-meter) golden reclining Buddha in the Tam Yai cave.

With blue-green waters that can turn a vivid emerald when the light is right, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot or Sra Morakot in Thai), is a natural travertine swimming pool set in a protected evergreen forest. A pretty path lined with smaller pools runs through the trees to the Emerald Pool, then continues to the Blue Pool further on.

Racha Island (Raya Island) is, in fact, two islands—Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi—both known for their excellent snorkeling and diving. Whether for day-long underwater exploring trips or stays of a few days to relax on the unspoiled beaches, the southern Thai islands are popular with water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Phranang Beach is a sweeping curve of pale gold sand that’s backed by limestone cliffs and overlooked by the distinctly-shaped Chicken Island. Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave) features a one-of-a-kind fertility shrine, while bioluminescent plankton create spectacular night-time effects when conditions are right.

Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and backed by thick forest, the interconnected fairy-tale beaches of Railay (Rai Leh) are accessible only by boat. The four beaches—Tonsai, Phra Nang, East Railay, and West Railay—offer powder-soft white sand, clear calm waters, and a decidedly bohemian vibe perfect for those looking to get away from it all.

Thailand’s Similan Islands National Park (Mu Ko Similan National Park), a group of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea, is one of the most pristine places in the world for diving. The islands boast picturesque landscapes with white-sand beaches, large granite rocks jutting out from the earth, dense jungles teeming with diverse fauna and flora, and crystal-clear azure waters.

Ao Nang beach sits along the edge of the town of Ao Nang, Krabi’s main tourist hub. Fine sand, clear waters, beautiful views, and cluster of bustling bars and restaurants make the beach a popular spot to spend a day relaxing in the sun or swimming in the Andaman Sea.

As one of the most glamorous cabaret shows in southern Thailand, the Simon Cabaret is a must for fans of glitz and drama. Shows are a flamboyant combination of costumed transgender performers, traditional Thai dance and music, and comedy routines. After the show, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the stars and take photos.

Part of the tiny Poday archipelago off the coast of Krabi, Poda Island (Koh Poda) ranks among the most pristine of the islands that line the coast. Dramatic limestone formations are visible from the white sands of the beach and a nearby coral reef provides excellent snorkeling.

This eclectic strip of bars, discos, shops, and attractions is the epicenter of entertainment in Patong. It offers a taste of local traditions and access to plenty of Western amenities, such as high-end boutiques in the modern Bangla Mall and restaurants that serve everything from pizza to pad thai.

Located midway between Phuket and Krabi in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi (Ko Yao Noi) is replete with mangrove forests and white-sand beaches. While the primarily Muslim island is home to a few high-end resorts and restaurants, it offers a much more relaxed alternative to its rowdy neighbors.

The Krabi area is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, idyllic beaches, and peaceful mangrove forests, and Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay represents one of the most beautiful mangrove forests in all of Thailand. On this stretch of coast, dense mangroves shroud the karsts and cliffs, hiding caves, small inlets, and secluded lagoons.

Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) takes its name from the water’s vivid green color and is one of the most popular attractions in Thailand’s Trang islands. At first blush the cave looks like only a hole in a limestone cliff—but once you venture inside the dark entrance, a paradisiacal, sunny white beach appears.

Located southwest of Koh Lanta within Koh Lanta National Park, Koh Haa (Koh Ha) is a group of six uninhabited islands (even though Koh Haa actually means five islands in Thai). The island’s real beauty is underwater, where good visibility and plentiful marine life offer a paradise for scuba divers, snorkelers, and free divers.

One of a number of stadiums in Patong dedicated to the martial art of muay thai (Thai boxing), the 350-capacity Patong Boxing Stadium offers fights three nights a week. Fighters come from all around the globe, and the stadium hosts men’s, women’s, and junior bouts, including title matches. Drinks, french fries, and popcorn are for sale.

Temple of the Protruding Buddha (Wat Phra Thong) is most famous for the half-buried golden Buddha statue—only the head and shoulders are visible—found on its grounds. The temple, believed to be one of the island’s oldest, holds special significance to the local Thai-Chinese population, who often visit during the Chinese New Year.

Sister island to Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai (also written Ko Yao Yai) is an unspoiled gem that sprawls amid the karst seascapes of Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga). The coast offers white sand beaches, fishing villages (many on stilts), and mangrove forests; inland are timeless landscapes of orchards, rice fields, and rubber plantations.

Kata Beach is both the name of a small town on Phuket’s west coast and its popular beach. The mile- (1.5 kilometer-) long, picture-perfect crescent of sand is lined with shade-giving trees and seafood restaurants and is a go-to spot for sun worshippers, families, and water sports enthusiasts.

Not far from Krabi sits Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam (Thai for “canal of two waters”, a natural area where freshwater springs meet saltwater mangrove forests. It’s popular with kayakers, but worth visiting even if you just want to take a stroll, with boardwalks lined with wooden chairs above the water offering great views.

Sold around the globe, Chalong Bay Rum is Thailand’s best-known rum brand. At the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery in Phuket, travelers can go behind-the-scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old French distillation techniques to transform freshly pressed sugarcane into smooth white rum.

Though only a 10-minute boat ride from the bustle of Patong, Freedom Beach feels like a remote island. Known as Hidden Beach, the white sands of Freedom Beach offer a far quieter alternative to Phuket’s other beaches. Forested hills, palm trees, and translucent waters provide a scenic backdrop to the sands.

The calls of birds and monkeys can be heard throughout the leafy Ton Pariwant Wildlife Sanctuary, a 139-square-mile (224-square-kilometer forest in the southern province of Phang Nga. Hidden beneath the low-lying mountain forest are ATV trails, ziplines, boardwalks, and the bubbling Klong Song Phrek River.

Put yourself at the heart of the action in Phuket Trickeye Museum, one of the optical illusion galleries that have taken Asia by storm. Large-scale paintings turn 2D into 3D and deliver hilarious selfies. Scale a waterfall, extinguish a blazing superhero, cling to the ceiling to escape an alligator, or get the boot from a giant foot.

Just south of bustling Ko Lanta is the picturesque Thai island of Koh Kradan (Ko Kradan). Most of Kradan island is a national park—perfect for hikers—and the 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) of sandy beach offer visitors a serene place to relax. Plus Koh Kradan is surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, great for divers and snorkelers.

Encircled by jungle-clad mountains and lapped by turquoise waters, Nai Harn Beach is a far cry from the crowded shores of Patong. The horseshoe-shaped bay is home to only a few hotels and restaurants, which allows the beach to maintain a quiet charm—it's also a prime place to go kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Splash Jungle Water Park's exhilarating rides–including Boomerango and the Superbowl–and the six-level wave pool attract hundreds of visitors to this coastal Phuket destination every day. Themed rides give a nod to the ancient Mayans, lush landscapes of Turkey, old-world architecture of Northern Europe, and the culture and colors of Africa.

While Krabi might bring to mind images of idyllic beaches, Ao Luk is more about the jungle, especially within Than Bok Khorani National Park. Here, you’ll find trails, waterfalls, caves, mangrove forests, and the swimmable Bok Khorani pond. The park also contains a series of small islands popular for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.

With hot spring pools flowing through landscaped grounds in graceful cascades, Wareerak Hot Spring Spa (formally, Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness is a serene haven for relaxation. Available treatments range from hot-stone massage to Thai traditional medicine at the day spa or check in for a multi-day detox, yoga, or wellness retreat.

An acrobatic, dramatic journey through Thai history and culture, performed in a 1,740-seat theater, the Siam Niramit Phuket stage show is a visual feast. Around 100 performers in gorgeous, ever-changing costumes explore ancient kingdoms, Buddhist hell, traditional festivals, and more, backed by epic effects and sumptuous sets.