Several decades ago, when Thai tourism was burgeoning, the Gulf Coast took a back seat to the Andaman side, where development quickly crowded out popular beaches and islands. Things changed after the 2004 tsunami, when tourists’ attention drifted across the isthmus to the gulf side.
Explore: Rayong • Trat • Sattahip • Si Racha • Chonburi • Chantaburi
- Rayong: A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, tranquil islands, and delicious seafood.
- Trat: The gateway to the idyllic islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood, famous for its charming town and local markets.
- Sattahip: A naval town offering pristine beaches, clear waters, and the serene Sattahip Naval Base.
- Si Racha: Known for its seafood and as the home of the famous Si Racha sauce, with attractions like Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
- Chonburi: A bustling city close to Bangkok, offering a mix of industrial development and coastal attractions.
- Chantaburi: Famous for its gem markets, historic cathedral, and beautiful waterfalls.
What these tourists found was a land with just as many white-sand beaches and islands but without all of the fanfare. Today, the gulf offers everything from resort accommodation to virgin forest and uninhabited islands. In between, visitors can sample the local cuisine, mix with locals, enjoy a spa treatment and practice their Thai in the local marketplaces.
Surat Thani is a transportation nexus for tourists in the south. It touches the gulf but offers easy access to Andaman-side destinations like Phang Nga and Ranong provinces. Mountains, mangroves and virgin forests make this an excellent stopover for nature enthusiasts.
But the crown jewel of Surat Thani is Ko Samui, an upscale resort island with limitless amenities. Major investment in infrastructure has made this one of Thailand’s most popular resort destinations. Nearby is Ko Pha Ngan, known for its hedonistic full moon parties that draw thousands of partiers every month.
On the mainland, Prachuap Khiri Khan is a province known for its gulf-side beaches, at the forefront of which is Hua Hin. Thai tourists are the backbone of the local economy, a fact that keeps prices lower than international tourists expect.
Phetburi was a favorite getaway of King Naresuan the Great at the height of his kingdom. Today the focus has shifted from royalty to tourists, though the magnitude of hospitality is no less regal. Beach resorts, temples and Buddhist grottos are the main attractions.
Covering a vast tract of land, Nakhon Si Thammarat bridges mountains, plateaus, tropical jungles and coastline. This was an epicenter for importation of Buddhism from Sri Lanka nearly 2,000 years ago and today you will find ancient religious relics housed in prominent temple museums.
Even Chumphon boasts appealing white-sand beaches, caves and waterfalls. In fact, wherever you venture along Thailand’s Gulf Coast, you’ll enjoy first-rate hospitality, mouth-watering seafood and more beachside entertainment than time permits.
Where to Go
Top Cities
- Rayong: Known for its seafood and boats to Ko Samet, there are a few beaches here popular with Thais and expats.
- Trat: A pretty interesting port town near the Cambodian border where you catch ferries to the Ko Chang islands.
- Sattahip: Big Thai naval town with a few beaches and plenty of soldiers.
- Si Racha: A quiet little town known for its excellent outdoor zoo.
- Chonburi: A fancy shopping mall adds some depth to this typical Thai city.
- Chantaburi: A pleasantly clean city on the way to Cambodia with friendly people and a nice atmosphere.
Provinces
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Chumphon Province: A pit stop for visitors traveling to the sunny south of Thailand from Bangkok, boasts beautiful sandy beaches such as Hat Sai Ri.
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Nakhon Si Thammarat Province: Thailand’s second largest province offers natural beauty spots such as Khao Luang National Park and Hat Sichon.
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Phetburi Province: Contains the popular beach resort of Cha-Am as well as Kaeng Krachan National Park.
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Prachuap Khiri Khan Province: This central Thai province is scattered with famous beach resorts such as Hua Hin and the freshwater marshlands of Khao Sam Roi National Park.
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Surat Thani Province: A popular destination with sun worshippers featuring Ko Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan.
Islands & beaches
- Pattaya: The legendary sex, sea and sun destination still dishes out the seedy goods.
- Ko Sichang: Few people know about this homey locals’ island just outside Bangkok but if you want a mellow getaway, this is it.
- Ko Samet: The favorite weekend getaway for Bangkok residents for its proximity and white squeaky beaches.
- Ko Chang: A massive natural island with a little too much eco-development along its many pretty beaches.
- Ko Kood: A quieter and more upscale alternative to nearby Ko Chang.
- Ko Maak: A lovely island with perfect beaches at the far end of the Ko Chang archipelago.
- Jomtien Beach: A quieter alternative to the craziness of Pattaya, popular with expats living in the area.
Other Popular Destinations
- Ban Phe: Famous seafood and a good stopping point if you miss the ferry to Ko Samet.
- Klaeng: A truly local beach popular with Thai holidaymakers.
- Khao Kiaw Open Zoo: A really impressive open-air zoo with lots of wild animals and a beautiful setting.
- Bang Sare: Popular with expats, this village has retained an authentic vibe.
- Laem Ngop: The last fishing village on the road to the Ko Chang archipelago.
- Ban Chang: A small village surrounded by golf courses and other tiny villages.
Need to Know
- Worth it?: Absolutely, those who enjoy lounging on white sandy beaches, water sports and sunbathing will find plenty to amuse.
- What to do: Snorkeling, scuba diving, islands hopping, rock climbing, caving, trekking through the jungle, watching the sun set on the beach, learning fire dancing.
- Best time to go: November until the end of February, outside of the monsoon season, when humidity is low.
- How long?: At least five days and nights are needed to really explore the area.
- Trivia: The Gulf Coast is home to the beautiful beach resort of Hua Hin, which means ‘stone head’ in Thai and is the country’s oldest beach resort.