The southeastern tip of Thailand is situated on the Malay peninsula. Although small, it has many sights and attractions. With scenic coastline on both sides of the peninsula, there is an abundance of beautiful beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs.
What is it?: South-Eastern Thailand is a coastal region offering a mix of beautiful beaches, tranquil towns, and access to famous islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. With its mix of lively seaside resorts like Hua Hin and quiet, scenic spots like Sichon, the region is perfect for both adventure and relaxation.
Affordability: Affordable - South-Eastern Thailand offers a range of options for all budgets. While islands like Koh Samui can be pricier, towns like Chumphon and Sichon offer affordable accommodations, local food, and activities.
Safety: Very safe - The region is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere, especially in more laid-back areas like Pranburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Popularity: Popular - The region attracts visitors for its famous islands, quiet beach towns, and scenic views. Hua Hin is a particularly well-known beach resort, while smaller destinations like Chumphon and Sichon are gaining more attention for their natural beauty.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed - Popular destinations like Hua Hin and Surat Thani are well-connected with modern amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services. More tranquil towns like Pranburi offer fewer services but still cater well to travelers seeking peace and nature.
Weather: Tropical - The region is warm year-round with a rainy season from May to October. The dry season (November to April) is the best time to visit for beach activities, island hopping, and outdoor exploration.
Best Time to Go: November to February - The cooler, dry season is perfect for beach holidays and outdoor adventures, particularly in towns like Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Known For: Pristine beaches, islands, royal palaces, national parks, marine life, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant night markets.
Top Destinations: Surat Thani • Hua Hin • Prachuap Khiri Khan • Chumphon • Pranburi • Sichon
- Surat Thani: The gateway to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, known for its bustling night market and riverside charm.
- Hua Hin: A popular seaside resort town famed for its beautiful beaches, royal palace, and vibrant night market.
- Prachuap Khiri Khan: A tranquil coastal town offering scenic views, serene beaches, and the historic Khao Chong Krajok temple.
- Chumphon: A jumping-off point to the southern islands, with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and rich marine life.
- Pranburi: Known for its pristine beaches, national parks, and laid-back atmosphere, ideal for nature lovers and beachgoers.
- Sichon: A quiet coastal town with stunning beaches and a gateway to the natural beauty of Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
Southeastern Thailand has lush jungles and small villages all the way down to the Malaysian border. With a long, interesting history and some prehistoric archaeological remains, the southeast region of Thailand is a great place to visit.
The large province of Songkhla is diverse, with both natural beauty and busy cities. Songkhla borders Malaysia, yet still has a large portion of coastline in the Gulf of Thailand. Beautiful beaches, peaceful waterfalls and a tranquil lake grace the natural landscape. The city of Songkhla is situated along the coast and known for its fishing industry, great seafood and small but lively nightlife.
The city of Hat Yai is only 20 miles southwest of Songkhla city but is completely different. Hat Yai has become a busy hub for transportation and communication for the south. The city is alive with bars, restaurants, hotels, street markets and shopping centers. With an international airport, many tourists use the city as a stopover for travel between neighboring countries.
The small province of Pattani is south of Songkhla, situated along the coast on the Gulf of Thailand. With over 100 miles of seashore, Pattani has been a significant port of trade, administration and culture. There is a strong Muslim presence here, with many Islamic mosques.
Ancient ruins of past civilizations and traditional culture can been seen side by side at some of the tourist centers in Pattani. The long coastline of this province has many beautiful and peaceful beaches that enjoy the clear waters of the gulf.
The province of Yala is the southern-most part of Thailand and borders Malaysia. The rail link that connects Malaysia to Thailand travels through Yala. Yala offers many worthy attractions for tourists. Wat Khuha Phimuk is home to a reclining Buddha built around 757 AD. Equally ancient, Namtok Than To Forest Park has an amazing nine-level waterfall that is surrounded by lush rainforest.
Chanthaburi Province
Located in the east of Thailand, about one hour by road from Bangkok. Famous for outdoor gemstone and fruit markets. The natural beauty of beaches at Laem Safet and Khung Krung as well as the waterfalls in Phliu National Park are popular attractions.
- Chanthaburi: Charming riverside town known for its gemstone market, cathedral, and historic quarter.
Chonburi Province
Located in eastern Thailand, not far from Bangkok, and home to the famous seaside destination of Pattaya. Also features a navy base at Sattahip and a tiger zoo at Si Racha.
- Chonburi: Coastal city with markets, beaches, and access to nearby islands.
- Pattaya: Bustling beach resort town known for nightlife, entertainment, and family attractions.
- Ko Si Chang: Small island getaway with temples, cliffs, and a royal summer palace.
- Sri Racha: Town famous for its zoo, seafood restaurants, and namesake chili sauce.
Prachinburi Province
A small province in central Thailand bordering Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaew, Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok provinces. A popular mountain trekking destination, the province is home to some of the famous Khao Yai National Park.
- Prachinburi: Gateway town to Khao Yai National Park with local museums and fruit markets.
Rayong Province
A small centrally-located province on the coast of the Bay of Thailand. Most tourists head to the islands of Ko Samet, Ko Mun and Ko Kodi.
- Rayong: Coastal city known for seafood, quiet beaches, and fishing ports.
- Ko Samet: Popular island destination with white-sand beaches and lively nightlife.
Sa Kaew Province
A northeastern province bordering Cambodia. Relatively quiet in tourist terms, trade is big here and the Cardamon Mountains are gaining popularity.
- Sa Kaew: Market town with easy access to border trade and countryside exploration.
- Aranya Prathet: Border crossing town popular with shoppers and travelers heading to Cambodia.
Trat Province
An eastern province bordered by the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Cambodia on the other, Trat is famous for mining and gemstone trading. The biggest tourist attraction is the province’s islands, the biggest of which is Ko Chang. Wat Buppharam is a historic highlight.
- Trat: Provincial capital with markets, temples, and ferry connections to islands.
- Ko Chang Marine National Park: Island group featuring beaches, waterfalls, and jungle trekking on Ko Chang.
Top Cities
- Surat Thani: A large port city and ferry departure point for popular Ko Samui and Ko Phangan.
- Hua Hin: The royal family has a palace here so it must be nice, or you can check with the extensive expat community who call this developed coastal town home.
- Prachuap Khiri Khan: Quieter than nearby Hua Hin and much prettier beaches.
- Chumphon: The town itself isn’t much to crow about but you can catch a boat to the incredibly lovely Ko Tao island.
- Pranburi: A quiet town with access to some nice undeveloped beaches.
- Sichon: The beaches around this little fishing village are as beautiful as anything in Thailand, but nobody seems to know that yet.
Islands & beaches
- Cha Am: These are the first truly decent beaches as you head south along the isthmus.
- Bang Saphan: A growing bungalow scene gives this lovely beach a good shot at being the next big thing in the south.
- Ko Samui: A thoroughly developed boutique resort island with an airport and some of the best beach facilities in Thailand.
- Ko Phangan: Catering more to backpackers, this is the rustic cousin of flashy Ko Samui.
- Ko Tao: A scuba diving paradise, this tiny island has a booming tourism scene and dozens of great beaches.
- Ao Manao: No development here yet, but this beach near Prachuap is as good as they come.
National parks
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: Made famous by the movie The Beach, this string of islets is a world treasure best experienced as a daytrip.
- Mu Ko Chumphon National Park: This coastal park has preserved the mangrove environment and all the critters that call it home.
- Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park: Tropical rainforest is the setting for dozens of lovely waterfalls.
- Kaeng Krung National Park: Rafting and hot springs add to the excitement of perhaps spotting an elephant or a tiger.
- Khao Sok National Park: Wild animals run amok in this park that is dotted by waterfalls and rugged cliffs.
- Worth it?: Without doubt, especially for visitors who enjoy sandy beaches, water sports, Western-style bars and vibrant entertainment options.
- What to do: Island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, drinking in go-go bars, dining on freshly caught seafood, sunbathing, playing golf.
- Best time to go: November until March, which falls between the scorching heat of the summer months and the heavy monsoon season.
- How long?: At least four days and nights are needed to really appreciate this region of Thailand.
- Trivia: Southeastern Thailand is home to the town of Si Racha, which is famed for its hot and spicy chili sauce and its tiger zoo.