Thailand’s southernmost region is a land of diverse cultures and fascinating heritage. Tourists visit, but not in droves, so those who do venture here enjoy candid insight into the culture with the opportunity to visit national parks and Andaman beaches.
What is it?: The Far South of Thailand is a culturally diverse region, offering a blend of Thai and Malay influences, serene beaches, lush landscapes, and unique historical landmarks. Cities like Pattani and Yala offer visitors a mix of vibrant markets, stunning mosques, and significant religious and cultural heritage.
Affordability: Affordable - The Far South offers budget-friendly travel, with local food, accommodations, and transportation being inexpensive, particularly in smaller towns like Narathiwat and Tak Bai.
Safety: Varies - Some areas of the Far South, including Pattani and Yala, have experienced political unrest due to local conflicts. Travelers should stay informed about the current situation and exercise caution in certain regions.
Popularity: Off the beaten path - The Far South is less touristy compared to other parts of Thailand, making it ideal for travelers seeking a more authentic and peaceful experience away from the usual tourist crowds.
Tourist Infrastructure: Developing - Major towns like Sungai Kolok and Betong offer good services for visitors, including local guesthouses and basic amenities. However, the region is still less developed compared to more mainstream tourist destinations.
Weather: Tropical - The region has a hot and humid climate with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The best time to visit is during the dry season when temperatures are more pleasant.
Best Time to Go: November to April - The dry season offers ideal weather for exploring the towns, enjoying the beaches, and taking part in outdoor activities.
Known For: Cultural diversity, Malay and Thai influences, serene beaches, lush landscapes, mosques, fishing villages, historical sites, and border towns.
Top Destinations: Pattani • Yala • Narathiwat • Tak Bai • Sungai Kolok • Betong • Bang Nara River Estuary • Piyamit Tunnels
- Pattani: A culturally rich city known for its beautiful mosques, vibrant markets, and unique blend of Malay and Thai influences.
- Yala: Offers visitors a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of southern Thailand, with lush landscapes and significant religious sites.
- Narathiwat: Known for its serene beaches, traditional fishing villages, and the stunning Bang Nara River estuary.
- Tak Bai: A border town famous for its bustling markets, cultural festivals, and scenic river views.
- Sungai Kolok: A lively border town with vibrant nightlife, rich local culture, and a gateway to Malaysia.
- Betong: Known for its cool climate, beautiful gardens, and the historic Piyamit Tunnels used during the communist insurgency.
Historically, portions of southern Thailand have more in common with Malaysia than they do with the ancient kingdom of Siam. This is apparent in the local architecture, especially in the mosques that populate the coastal villages. The spicy and aromatic cuisine also suggests Malay influence.
Descendents of Chinese traders are another important demographic in southern Thailand, especially in the historic trading port of Trang. The infusion of Chinese beliefs and cuisine along with the staple mix of Thai and Malay influence is tantalizing for connoisseurs of culture.
Narathiwat Province borders Malaysia and is best known for its mountains and jungles. Phattalung Province is similar. Both of these regions have unique geological formations and a few prominent temples.
Islands of the Andaman Sea are an important asset for the tourism industry. Satun and Songkhal provinces both boast islands as well as inland forests and national parks. Songkhal is also home to the largest lake in Thailand where visitors can spot pods of rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
Trang also fronts the Andaman coast and is hemmed in by mountains. Dozens of islands are found just offshore, boosting the area’s tourist appeal. Trang is well connected to the rest of Thailand with excellent road, rail and air links.
In recent years, southern Thailand has unfortunately been colored by spurts of violence fueled by tension between the government and tight-knit Muslim communities. Pattani is the most notorious province, and visitors have wisely stayed away in the past few years. This violence is tightly contained, however, and tourists can visit the Far South’s more hospitable provinces without any problems.
The upshot to this pocket of violence is the degree to which tourists avoid the entire region. Take a trip to the islands in Trang, Satun or Songkhal and you’ll find all of the Andaman appeal without the crowds that characterize Phuket and portions of Krabi. All of this seclusion makes Southern Thailand an ideal getaway for the right brand of tourist.
Narathiwat Province
One of the two southernmost provinces in Thailand and one of five provinces bordering Malaysia, Narathiwat offers some of the finest beaches in southern Thailand and several historically important temples. The province has a unique blend of Thai and Malay culture, reflected in its food, language, and religious landmarks. While less visited due to its remote location, Narathiwat rewards travelers with peaceful coastlines, lush forests, and a strong sense of local identity.
- Narathiwat: Quiet town with a large mosque, markets, and access to nearby beaches.
- Narathat Beach: Long stretch of golden sand popular with locals for picnicking and swimming.
- Khao Kong Buddha: Hilltop site with a massive golden Buddha statue overlooking the province.
Pattani Province
Lying along the beautiful coast of the Gulf of Thailand, nearly 800 miles south of Bangkok, Pattani is home to many Thai Muslims and has a rich history dating back to the Sultanate of Pattani. The province features beautiful mosques, old town streets, and coastal fishing villages. However, recent unrest and security issues have impacted tourism, and visitors should be cautious and well-informed before traveling.
- Pattani: Historical town with mosques, old walls, and colorful markets.
- Central Mosque of Pattani: Majestic mosque with domes and minarets, symbol of the province.
Phattalung Province
Situated along the banks of Lake Songkhla, this mountainous province is more than 500 miles south of Bangkok. Known for its limestone mountains, wetlands, and traditional shadow puppet culture, Phattalung remains under the tourist radar. The iconic Khao Ok Thalu mountain, visible from the town, is a prominent symbol, offering panoramic views for those who climb it.
- Phattalung: Provincial town with markets, temples, and access to surrounding natural attractions.
- Khao Ok Thalu: 250-foot limestone mountain with a natural hole through the summit, reachable by a staircase.
Satun Province
One of five Thai provinces that border Malaysia, Satun includes a range of beautiful, unexplored areas with a laid-back vibe and friendly locals. The province is a gateway to pristine marine parks like Ko Tarutao and Ko Petra, attracting adventure travelers, divers, and island-hoppers seeking quiet beaches and underwater exploration. Satun also features limestone mountains and mangrove forests inland.
- Satun: Sleepy town with a small museum and ferry connections to nearby islands.
- Ko Tarutao National Marine Park: Stunning island park known for wildlife, caves, and empty beaches.
- Ko Petra National Marine Park: Smaller island park with limestone cliffs and clear waters.
- Thale Ban National Park: Protected freshwater swamp rich in biodiversity and nature trails.
Songkhla Province
Located on the Malay Peninsula in the south of Thailand, Songkhla is a blend of urban life, fishing villages, and natural beauty. Visitors come to explore Songkhla’s historic old town, enjoy views over Songkhla Lake, or base themselves in nearby Hat Yai for shopping and nightlife. The province also offers access to national parks and a unique blend of Thai and Malay culture.
- Songkhla: Charming old port town with murals, markets, and a famous mermaid statue.
- Hat Yai: Southern Thailand’s largest city with shopping malls, street food, and nightlife.
- Songkhla Lake: Large inland lake with fishing villages and stilt houses.
- Khao Nam Khang National Park: Forest park with caves, hiking trails, and historical wartime tunnels.
- Kala Khiri National Park: Mountainous park offering viewpoints and nature walks.
Trang Province
Bordered by Satun, Phattalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Krabi provinces, Trang features hilly terrain and 46 islands in the Andaman Sea. Less crowded than neighboring Krabi, Trang is ideal for travelers seeking quieter beaches, authentic southern cuisine, and stunning limestone scenery. Its offshore islands and coral reefs are a haven for snorkelers and divers, while inland, waterfalls and caves await exploration.
- Trang: Market town with a vibrant food scene and a gateway to nearby islands.
- Mu Ko Phetra National Park: Coastal marine park with cliffs, islands, and pristine waters.
- Trang Kao: Limestone mountain region known for caves and adventurous hiking.
- Pak Meng Beach: Relaxed sandy beach popular for sunset views and boat departures.
Yala Province
Surrounded by Narathiwat, Pattani, and Songkhla, Yala is one of Thailand’s southernmost provinces and is inhabited primarily by Thai Muslims. The province features cultural landmarks, peaceful parks, and natural waterfalls, though tourism has been impacted by security concerns in recent years. Yala offers insight into southern Thailand’s multicultural heritage and natural scenery for adventurous travelers.
- Yala: Compact town with markets, mosques, and the city’s iconic clock tower.
- Yala Central Mosque: Prominent religious site reflecting Islamic architecture and community.
- Yala City Pillar Shrine: Important spiritual landmark for local residents.
- Suan Khwan Mueang: Public park with a large lake, walking paths, and recreational spaces.
- Than To Waterfall: Multi-tiered waterfall in a lush forest setting, popular for picnics and relaxation.
Top Cities
- Pattani: Ancient kingdom and political hotbed, this is the place to go if cultural adventure is on your plate.
- Yala: Provincial town of the southernmost province in Thailand.
- Narathiwat: A heavy Malay influence brings spice to lovely beaches left vacant by fears of insurgent terrorism.
- Tak Bai: This sleepy town on the coast has a lot of history, and not all of it good.
- Sungai Kolok: This border town with Malaysia is good for visa runs and karaoke bars filled with Asian foreigners.
- Betong: You can’t go any further south from Bangkok than Betong, a decent hill town with cool weather and a diverse ethnic mix.
Islands & beaches
- Ao Manao Beach: A real beauty with large boulders backing the national park.
- Panare Beach: Seemingly endless sand with no development just outside of Pattani.
- Khae-Khae Beach: Popular with Thai day-trippers is this picturesque beach with large boulders.
- Ratcharak Beach: The sand here may be a little coarse but it’s unlikely you’ll see anyone else around to complain about it to.
- Hu Tat Thu Wu Beach: No services, but a long and clean golden sand beach.
- Sadej Beach: This is the last chance to stick your toes in the sand before hitting Malaysia.
National parks
- Bang Lang National Park: Forest, lakes and waterfalls make up this Deep South park.
- Namtok Sai Khao National Park: This small but diverse park contains a healthy wildlife population.
- Namtok Sipo National Park: Some impressive waterfalls and a peak with a view.
- Budo Su Ngai Padi National Park: The rugged mountains in this park offer a rare chance to see a different range of native wildlife and flora.
- Ao Manao Khao Tanyong National Park: Tropical rainforest is the highlight of this park along the border with Malaysia.
- Sirinath National Park: The northwest corner of Phuket and some great reefs offshore make up this a top-notch sand and sea park.
- Worth it?: Definitely, for those who enjoy exploring different cultures and natural beauty.
- What to do: Jungle trekking, temple hopping, sunbathing, swimming, dining on traditional Muslim influenced dishes, browsing for bargains at local markets.
- Best time to go: October until February attract the majority of people as this is when the weather is relatively dry and cool.
- How long?: At least four days and nights are needed to explore this fascinating part of the country.
- Trivia: The Far South is home to a large Muslim population and boasts a distinctly different culture to the rest of Thailand as well as a wide range of Muslim influenced dishes.