Southern Thailand Favorites

 
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Most Viewed Favorites in Southern Thailand

1.

Island beaches   Phuket

Island beaches, Phuket

 26 Reviews  Hi live in Phuket and can appreciate your feeling. Patong is a massive tourist trap, with higher prices, busy, dirty, and not the most spectacular beach. Great for a night out or for a group of young... 

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2.

Beaches   Ko Samui

Beaches, Ko Samui

 13 Reviews  "Hat Tong Yang" or Tong Yang beach is on the western side of the Island and is quiet and secluded with only afew bungalows .This is a good place for people who want to get away from the crowds. Big... 

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3.

General Street Scenes   Hat Yai

General Street Scenes, Hat Yai

 14 Reviews  In our usual morning walk thru the city, we came across this aerobic session in the open spaces in front of the Robinson Department Store in the vicinity of the Hatyai raiway station... The music was... 

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4.

Health and weather infos   Phuket

Health and weather infos, Phuket

 11 Reviews  It may rain during the "dry" season, however, when it does during this time it usually only rains for 15-30 minutes and then stops and everyone goes about their business. And a lot of the times it... 

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5.

Local People   Ko Samui

Local People, Ko Samui

 5 Reviews  I would like to share this with you as it blew us away during our visit to Koh Samui. Being South African, we love good quality red wine and having visited Thailand before we knew that if you wanted... 

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6.

Street Vendors & Hawkers   Hat Yai

Street Vendors & Hawkers, Hat Yai

 7 Reviews  The way that meat is stored and sold in Asia has always made me feel a little uneasy. In the hot weather there is no sign of ice or refrigeration and flies are common on the produce. However, it... 

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7.

Excursions   Phuket

Excursions, Phuket

 12 Reviews  good english speaking helpful travel agent in phuket try phuket travel company on soi banzhan english owned and english speaking staff great service and prices on day tours and excursions very... 

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8.

Wildlife & Nature   Ko Samui

Wildlife & Nature, Ko Samui

 7 Reviews  I could not pass up adding these pictures of one happy elephant. What was interesting to me was that the Thai helpers set out the bucket of water, but that was it.... the elephant seemed to take his... 

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9.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles   Hat Yai

Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Hat Yai

 4 Reviews  Anyone who wants to travel from Butterworth to Hat Yai can book a seat in one of those vans which shuttle regularly between these two towns. At the taxi stand at foot of the stairs (from the Pg-BW-Pg... 

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10.

Nice views   Phuket

Nice views, Phuket

 11 Reviews  Personally, one of the best way to discover Phuket is to hire a car, in my case it was a little jeep, drive around the island and visit every popular beach. It is an interesting experience especially... 

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11.

Transportation & Getting Around   Ko Samui

Transportation & Getting Around, Ko Samui

 6 Reviews  This is were you can catch ferries to Surat Thani ,Ko Phangan or Ko Tao.Across the road from the Pier you will find a number of tour office ,restaurants,a little market and shops.There are also... 

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12.

Religion   Hat Yai

Religion, Hat Yai

 5 Reviews  One of my fondest memories was finding a small Wat while I was walking around Hat Yai. I sat inside for a while as it was a very peaceful environment and began reflecting on Buddhism and what it meant... 

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13.

Island activites   Phuket

Island activites, Phuket

 15 Reviews  I visit Phuket for three weeks in June 2009 and had a wonderful time. In terms of food, look for the Red Onion Restaurant in Karon Beach (approx 4 km South of Patong) It is REALLY worth it!! A very... 

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14.

Waterfalls   Ko Samui

Waterfalls, Ko Samui

 2 Reviews  I have so many favorite things about Ko Samui. The locals are all usually very helpful and friendly,and the seafood available here is very good and at better prices than Phuket or Bangkok. At night my... 

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15.

Weather & Climate   Hat Yai

Weather & Climate, Hat Yai

 2 Reviews  The Thais have some interesting ways of staying dry in wet weather while riding motorbikes. Most popular is wearing a big plastic bag but it is extremely common to see them riding around underneath... 

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16.

Elephants   Phuket

Elephants, Phuket

 4 Reviews  I had mixed feelings about the elephant safari. On one hand I felt a bit sorry for the elephants but on the other hand it was an interesting experience. Apparently elephants were used extensively for... 

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17.

Currency Exchange   Ko Samui

Currency Exchange, Ko Samui

 1 Review  Changing money is no hassle on Koh Samui as I mentioned in my tourist trap tip. This general tip is about the f/x rate to the Baht. I know people who while on holidays stress about the f/x rate... 

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18.

Eating & Drinking   Hat Yai

Eating & Drinking, Hat Yai

 1 Review  This small cafe has become my regular lunch stop in Hat Yai. Clear soup with a piece of chicken in it and noodles costs just 30 baht. It is served with a bowl of fresh mint leaves and beansprouts. The... 

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19.

Big Buddha   Ko Samui

Big Buddha, Ko Samui

 3 Reviews  The most amazing thing in Samui was the Big Buddha Statue. The Big Buddha is 15 meters tall and it was built in 1972 by the local society. WOW! Here in Finland people doesn´t show their religion that... 

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20.

VT Meetings   Hat Yai

VT Meetings, Hat Yai

 1 Review  So there I was, minding my own business in Hat Yai, waiting for the rain to stop or failing that, preparing mentally for floods of biblical proportions when a familiar face comes into view. "Phil"?... 

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21.

Temples & Wats   Ko Samui

Temples & Wats, Ko Samui

 2 Reviews  There seems to be a discrepancy between believers of Buddhism as to whether or not the 7 different poses of Buddha are related to the days of the week, or differing times in his life, but it is... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Attractive travel points in Hatyai, Phuket, Krabi

by winny171

Hi there! Hatyai is my hometown, of course it's nice. The travel points are Samila beach, Kimyong market, Tinnasulanon Bridge, Hatyai city and more places. However if you want to go diving at Andaman Sea, I think Krabi and Phuket are more suit to you.Phuket is a wonderful city but the cost living is more expensive than krabi or hatyai. Anyway, the Phuket Island still awesome and the islands around Phuket , there are beautiful.I think Krabi and Phuket are interesting if you'd like to travel beaches and islands. I suggest Ao Nong beach and Koh Lanta, Koh phi phi for travelling Krabi. And you can find many Krabi accommodations, and Koh Lanta beach resorts. At Koh Lanta I reccommend Cha-Da beach resort & spa if you like natural environment & good facilities place to stay during your vacation. Beautiful beaches, islands, great accommodations and cozy service.

from Phuket to Krabi via Phi Phi

by seagypsy

2 weeks+ is ample time to get to Krabi and you could even visit other islands/areas in that time frame. It should work out well to visit Phi Phi prior to taking a ferry to Krabi-town or Ao Nang. You don't mention when you're going but I'd recommend waiting until you arrive in Phuket to get an idea as to weather conditions before committing yourself to taking a ferry to Phi Phi Don, esepecially if you're going very soon since this is still the rainy season though it's winding down for the season.As to where to stay on the Krabi mainland, well, given your preferences, I would say Ao Nang area would fit nicely for a selection of restaurants/bars and more nightlife BUT Railay West has far superior beaches, though with far pricier and more limited dining with the respective resorts. Ao Nang is very much a tourist zone/strip that also offer fast food places like Burger King, Pizza Co. and...

Stay in Bangkok

by bulldogtwo

I pretty much agree with vtveen and the places that they listed to go while in Bangkok. So I will address the time frame that you have stated that you have. If you only have a week, then I would suggest that you stay in the Bangkok area and see the sites from there. You can do the floating market trip or see Kannchanaburi, the River Kwai area in a couple days. But to take advantage of all that Bangkok has to offer, spend the time and spend the time and see itall. Next trip take more time if you can and head north to Chiang Mai or the south to the great beaches. Chinatown in Bangkok can take you a whole day as well as Sunday Market on the weekend where you can find some great deals and be lucky to see it all in one day, it's huge.If you travel, in my opinion, you will be greatly rushed in a week to see another region plus Bangkok. If you only have a week, enjoy Bangkok, you'll most likely...

Protecting valuables

by bulldogtwo

There s always that chance that something could be stolen if you are away for any length of time. I have never had that problem fortunately, but I know others who have. You could check with hotels, but I am sure there would be a fee but it would still be worth it to protect you valauables. Some tips. Wear a suit with zip pockets so you can carry your cash even in the water. Don't carry your passport, carry a copy, colored or otherwise with you. That will suffice if you are stopped and asked for it, also carry a copy of your entrance stamp/visa from your passport page.Camera, not much you can do about that but that is where another hotel may come in as well as other valuables. Travel light though, no need to wear jewelery etc...good luck

Beaches in Southern Thailand

by sarahreynold

I would suggest perhaps railay beach in krabi area, you can also travel south to small quiet islands such as Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, or perhaps somewhere a little busier and larger such as Koh lanta, you could try Phuket, most beach areas busy but some quiet ones or try Khao Lak

Khao Lak Thailand

by bulldogtwo

Hey Dakgirl,I would suggest going to Phuket and heading north. Khao Lak is a great little town that is peaceful and has some pretty nice beaches. If you want to know I can give you directions to beaches that are virtually secluded almost all the time. Khao Lak is not a party town but there are some bars to have a beer or two, but it's definitly not Phuket. If you decide on that I would suggest Phukhaolak resort. Great little place on the way into town, set off in a nice picturesque coconut grove that is made for a post card. The bunglaows are inspection clean and new but they do not have TV or radio, but are exceptionally comfortable at a reasonable price. Family run with a restuarant that is frequented by people from other hotels and resorts, Mom and daughter cook, good food! Dad runs the place and another daughter, Jim, is the hostess. National Parks are accessable from here as are...

Phuket / When with your friends

by Mourphyis

Phuket!!!!!The only way to explain the reasons for this you will have to experience Phuket yourself.. I also think that it is much cleaner and safer then any other areas in Thailand.If you want to chill out and just drink with your friends, stay in Kata or Karon. If the club scene is your thing then Patong is a crazy.. Thailand is primarily designed for the male traveler if your looking to party but you'll have fun...Good Luck The beaches of Kata Noi

Weather in Thailand

by bulldogtwo

Who cares, it's Thailand! It could snow and it would still be great!OK, seriously, as John said, there are more sunny days than cloudy, for sure. Even on cloudy days you can still get a good tan and burn. Weather has definitly changed over the years in Thailand. But as always, almost any time of the year you could get some rain and definitly coudly skies. Best months are November through April, April being the HOTTEST and the driest.Good luckMai Phen Rai Krup

Sun,Sand and lots tosee and do.

by keithdavidrowley

Diazjo,In Phuket for accommodation in Patong Beach try WWW.Tatummansion.com, from 1000TBH PN per room(all double rooms) very clean,central, 300 yds to the beach and so much choice for food in Patong Beach.Tatum Mansion will arrange transfer from A/port about 600TBH.We use this hotel every year--going 27/4.Simon Caberet is a superb boy/girl show and can be booked by hotel desk.Bangla Road is the club/bar area and transvestites will happily pose for photo calls--note, expect a small payment and watch your bags/pockets in this area!If you like Buddist temples, Wat Chalong is the best,reachable by Taxi (tuk tuk)be sure to haggle the price, temples also Patong Town and Karon Beach (5 miles).Plenty of shopping and Markets in Patong (open till 11pm).Go and enjoy, have fun but watch the sun!All the best Keith and Eileen. The gentle smiling people who are always happy to help.

A helping hand

by Tina-Perth

If you want to get transport throughout Southern Thailand, you want to go on a tour, get an airport transfer, rent a car or van, get a taxi or need to get to Langkawi on the ferry, there is one man to help out. I'm sure he can do other things like arrange accommodation for you too.His name is Mr Sam (Surapol Pating) and he is worth his weight in gold. He has been a great help to us on our two trips to Langkawi, doing all sorts of things for us to make our trips easier.Mr Sam can help out in the following areas; Satun, Had Yai, the airport, Tarutao, Leepeh, Songkhla, Trang, Krabi, Ko Lanta, Langkawi, Phuket, Surat, Ko Samui, Phangan and Koh Tao.Mr Sam speaks good english, although, like most Thais I know, they're better face to face than on the phone.

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Top 3 Hotels in Southern Thailand

Mom Tri's Villa Royale Phuket  Phuket

 4 Reviews and 294 Opinions  Ocean Wing Suites (Villa Terracotta) Mom Tri’s Villa Royale now have a beautiful new area which is... 

 Hotels in Phuket

Rocky Resort  Ko Samui

 2 Reviews and 530 Opinions  I arrived at Rocky Resort with high expectations after reading the 14 pages of testimonials on the... 

 Hotels in Ko Samui

Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort  Krabi

 7 Reviews and 789 Opinions  While this hotel has some lovely staff and nice facilities, it is about 15 minutes from Ao Nang... 

 Hotels in Krabi

Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hey, I am visiting Thailand for a month in September this year. Just wanted some advice and suggestions. What will the... 

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A: Hi, The only national park on or near Samui is the Angthong Marine one. You can catch a boat tour from Nathon pier out to here. There's not much decent diving on... 

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