Choose from 44 Fun Things to Do in Southern Thailand And Andaman Coast
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Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park
The Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park protects 15 islands in the Koh Lanta island group, including the southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai. Perhaps the most beautiful island is Koh Rok Nai, with its cliff-backed crescent bay, gorgeous beach and great reef diving.
There are limestone caves to explore at Koh Talabeng, a popular destination for sea-kayaking tours.
Practical Info
The Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park surrounds the island of Koh Lanta Yai in the southern tip of Krabi province.
Ferries run from Krabi to Ban Sala Dan on the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai, taking around 1.5 hours. Marine park excursions leave from Ban Sala Dan.
Address: Koh Lanta Yai, Kho Lanta 81150, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 94
Similan Islands National Park
Thailand’s Similan Islands 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.
The Basics
The main attraction of the Similan Islands are their coral reefs teeming with wildlife. Divers and snorkelers can see a number of marine species such as manta rays, sea turtles, sea snakes, a number of pelagic species, and perhaps even a whale shark.
The only way to explore the islands is through an organized tour from Phuket or Krabi. Day tours generally include snorkeling or diving, a buffet lunch, and free time to explore the islands. Some tours include the national park entrance fee for visitors to the Similan Islands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Similan Islands are a must visit for scuba divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers.
- The islands are quite remote and do not have many facilities, so it is best to be prepared with reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a towel.
- Tours include snorkeling equipment and lifejackets for swimmers of all skill levels and ages to enjoy.
How to Get There
The archipelago is located about 44 miles (70 kilometers) off the western coast of southern Thailand. Since the islands are heavily protected by the Thai government, the only way to access them is through an organized tour.
When to Get There
The Similan Islands are open only between mid-October and mid-May, to allow the delicate ecosystem to recover from tourism. Scuba divers and snorkelers are encouraged to visit during the months of December and March, when there is less rain and the waters are the clearest. These months are considered the high season, the weather is most pleasant.
Diving the Similans
The coral reefs of the Similan Islands are ideal for experienced scuba divers. Spots like Shark Fin Reef, Boulder City, Bird Rock, and Anita’s Reef offer some of the area’s best visibility and an abundance of wildlife such as leopard sharks, moray eels, and stingrays. Liveaboard tours are available for experienced divers and range from a couple of days to a full week.
Address: Similan Islands National Park, Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Thailand
From $ 110
Phang Nga Bay
With limestone rock formations jutting out of the emerald green sea, Phang Nga Bay in Thailand is famous the world over for its natural beauty. Many visitors to Thailand will find themselves crossing the bay on the way to popular tourist spots, such as Phuket or Krabi, but this place deserves some dedicated exploration time of its own.
The Basics
With beaches, caves, lagoons, mangrove forests, and more, Phang Nga Bay is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island first captured popular attention when it was featured in the James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun.
Today, boat tours offer regular guided trips to Koh Tapu, the so-called “James Bond Island.” Kayaking tours—often with snorkeling included—are another popular way to explore the bay and its spectacular limestone karsts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boat trips and other tours visit the bay from several locations, including Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands.
- Boat, kayak, and snorkel tours are best suited for active travelers and families.
- Remember to wear suitable water-friendly footwear and bring plenty of sunscreen for boat or kayak excursions.
- Tours often provide a lunchtime meal and refreshments.
How to Get There
Officially part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, Phang Nga Bay is located in the Andaman Sea between the southern part of the Thai mainland in the east and the island of Phuket in the west. The easiest way to access the bay is by long-tail boat, speed boat, or kayak as part of a guided tour with round-trip transport provided. Passenger ferries also cross the bay.
When to Get There
Phang Nga Bay enjoys the best weather through the winter months of November–March. April and May are the hottest months of the year here when temperatures and humidity are both high. Rainy season—May to October—can see heavy rainfall.
Visit the Sea Gypsy Village of Koh Panyee
Built entirely from wooden stilts by Indonesian fishermen 200 years ago, the village of Koh Panyee—floating in the middle of the ocean next to towering limestone rocks—seems like something out of a storybook. A trip to the village offers a fascinating look at a totally unique way of life. Do take note that the village is a Muslim community, and dress modestly, if you’re planning to visit.
Address: Thailand
From $ 44
Phromthep Cape
Situated at Phuket’s most southerly point, Promthep Cape (or Laem Promthep) is the rocky headland than juts out into the sea here, offering incredible views over the east and southeast of the island, particularly at sunset.
Promthep Cape is a popular spot with ample parking and a large open space on top of the hill from which to enjoy the views. There’s also an elephant shrine plus a lighthouse with historical maritime artifacts on display for those interested in the history of the area. If you go up to the viewing balcony of the lighthouse, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the surrounding islands – on a clear day, you can even make out the distinctive shapes of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Racha Yai, and Koh Racha Noi.
Every evening, tour buses and other vehicles arrive at Promthep Cape full of tourists and locals looking to catch the sunset. As a result, an inevitable series of stalls selling the usual tourist fare have been set up on the hill. After the rush at sunset, a sudden peace descends on the area, and those who like dining with a view can enjoy a peaceful dinner overlooking Nai Harn Beach at the Phromthep Cape Restaurant.
A trip up to Promthep Cape can be combined with visiting Phuket’s other viewpoints and attractions on a half-day Phuket city tour or a full-day island and city tour from Krabi. Those into their motorbikes will love exploring the island’s most scenic parts on a ‘big’ motorbike day trip.
Insider’s Tip: Promthep Cape gets extremely busy at sunset. If you want more privacy, take the fishermen’s trail down to the rocky peninsula that reaches out into the ocean. Here you can enjoy the sun descending into the sea in peace, but beware that the climb back up is somewhat challenging!
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach Promthep Cape by hiring a motorbike or taking a taxi and heading south from Rawai Beach.
Address: Promthep Cape, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 11
Railay Beach
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and backed by thick forest, the interconnected fairy-tale beaches of Railay 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.
The Basics
While the talcum-soft sand is certainly a compelling reason to visit Railay Beach—visitors can easily find day trips by longtail boat from Phuket and Ao Nang—the other big draw is the rock climbing here. It’s considered some of the best in Thailand, especially on the rocks around Railay East, and you don’t need any special experience to try it. Guided climbing tours cater to climbers of all ability levels, including newbies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Railay Beach is a must-visit for sun seekers and adventure travelers.
- Don’t forget to bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun protection for time on the beach.
- Excursions to Railay Beach can take anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to rock climb or hike to some of the area viewpoints.
- Purchase sunscreen, snacks, and drinks before you arrive, as prices tend to be higher in Railay.
- Be sure to keep your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags during the boat ride to Railay Beach.
- Island-hopping day tours that include Railay often stop at Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Tup Island.
How to Get There
Though on the mainland, Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, either from Krabi (90 minutes) or Ao Nang (15 minutes). There are no motorized vehicles in the area, but all the points of interest can be reached on foot.
When to Get There
For the best balance of good weather and sparser crowds, plan to visit in either May or October. The dry season falls between December and April, when the beaches become busy with day trippers. September is the wettest month in this region.
Other Attractions in Railay Beach
Aside from the soft sand and limestone rocks, Railay Beach has a couple of other notable points of interest. Just to the north of Railay East sits Phra Nang Cave, also called Diamond Cave, where visitors can follow a boardwalk past glittering cave formations. Phra Nang Shrine, located at the northern end of Phra Nang Beach, has become known for the collection of carved phalluses left there by local fisherman asking safe journeys of the drowned princess the beach is said to be named for.
Address: Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
From $ 24
Tup Island
Tup Island is one of the most popular offshore islands around Krabi, and is a staple part of the itinerary for most day trips from the mainland. Situated southwest of Ao Nang and between Poda Island and Chicken Island, Tup is smaller than the other islands in the archipelago it belongs to, but its white sands and excellent snorkeling certainly don’t disappoint.
Tup Island is most commonly visited as part of a ‘Four Islands’ longboat tour from Ao Nang. The three other islands include Poda Island, Chicken Island, and Mor Island, with a stop at Phra Nang Cave Beach usually included. This entire area is incredibly scenic, with panoramic views of the Krabi coastline as its backdrop.
The clear waters and abundance of tropical fish surrounding Tup Island make it a haven for swimming and snorkeling, although many visitors prefer to simply relax on the beach or enjoy a stroll. At low tide, a sandbar emerges linking Tup Island with Chicken Island as well as the smaller Mor Island. This unique occurrence is commonly referred to as Talay Waek, meaning ‘divided sea’.
Practical Info
Tup Island is included in Krabi’s Four Island tours, which depart from Ao Nang, as well as a number of other beaches along the Krabi coastline. Alternatively it’s possible to charter a private longtail boat with a driver.
Some sort of footwear is recommended when walking across the sandbar between the islands, as sharp coral and shells usually emerge from the water and lay strewn across the sand.
Address: Tup Island, Krabi, Thailand
From $ 24
Phuket FantaSea Show
There's nothing subtle about Phuket FantaSea, a 140-acre (56-hectare) cultural theme park best known for its glitzy Las Vegas-style stage show.
Set in the Palace of the Elephants Theater, the family-friendly Fantasy of a Kingdom performance treats guests to a mythical story that combines traditional Thai dance, music and costumes with colorful special effects, magical illusions, pyrotechnics and dancing elephants. Hundreds of cast members showcase Thai culture on stage and charm the audience with circus acts, acrobatics and magic illusions. Guests can upgrade their experience to also include an international buffet dinner for a full night out.
Outside the theater, the PhantaSea theme park also features an enormous shopping village, multiple restaurants and a dizzying sea-themed arcade of neon lights and cartoon characters. To experience more of the park, travelers can take part in craft demonstrations, pose for photos in traditional Thai garb, ride an elephant or watch one of the vibrant cultural parades.
Practical Info
Phuket FantaSea is located north of Patong at Kamala Beach. Cameras are not allowed in the Palace of the Elephants Theater. Activities such as elephant rides and photo studio sessions have additional costs.
Address: 1 99 M3, Kamala Beach 076-385000, Thailand
Hours: Friday-Wednesday 5:30-11:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 650
Phra Nang Beach
Part of a small peninsula located between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, Phra Nang Beach is one of the most scenic and picturesque beaches in the country. This short but broad strip of sand boasts that classic jawdropping beach scenery only found in Thailand, with pure white sand framed by limestone cliffs and lapped by calm waters that are ideal for swimming and
snorkeling.
This whole area is particularly popular with rock climbers, and even if you don’t join in, it’s fascinating to watch those who do climb up right from the beach. At the southern end of the beach is a giant limestone cliff that contains the famous PrincessCave, said to be the home of a mythical sea princess. Other activities to keep you amused while you admire the scenery include having a massage, enjoying a barbecue, hiking, sunbathing and, of course, going for a swim.
Just 20 minutes away from Ao Nang by longtail boat, fortunately Phra Nang Beach still lacks all the things that can quickly spoil a beach in the south of Thailand: noise, pollution, traffic, jetskis, and overzealous hawkers.
Practical Info
Phra Nang is part of the Railay Peninsula and is easily accessible via longtail boat from Ao Nang. Unless you pay to hire the whole boat, you’ll need to wait until it fills up before the driver will depart.
Address: Phra Nang Beach, Krabi 81000, Thailand
From $ 24
Racha Island
Racha Island is, in fact, two islands—Racha Yai and 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.
The Basics
Around 20 miles (40 kilometers) south of Phuket, Racha Island is quintessential Thailand—white sand, turquoise ocean, and softly swaying palm trees. Racha Yai has a small number of resorts and bungalows, and is becoming a popular place to stay for visitors to Phuket, while Racha Noi is uninhabited. Both islands offer excellent diving offshore, and you can snorkel right from the beach on Racha Yai. Many travelers choose to visit the islands as part of an organized snorkeling, diving, or catamaran tour from Phuket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Racha Island is ideal for snorkelers, divers, and those looking for a quiet island escape from Phuket.
- Most tours leave Phuket in the morning to spend the day around both Racha Yai and Racha Noi.
- Snorkelers and divers can expect to see colorful corals and many types of tropical fish.
- If snorkeling or diving is not your thing, catamaran trips are also available.
- Many tours include lunch, refreshments, and water sports gear.
How to Get There
Racha Island, located south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, is accessible only by boat. Speedboats travel from Ao Chalong and Rawai on Phuket, or you can book a snorkeling, diving, or catamaran tour to access the islands.
When to Get There
High season in Phuket runs from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny. April and May can be very hot, and tropical rainstorms are possible from June to November. Some resorts and tour operators close up shop or run only limited services in the rainy season.
See Phuket’s Big Buddha
For a photo opportunity extraordinaire, take a trip to see Phuket’s Big Buddha, a 150-foot-high (45-meter) statue sitting atop the Nakkerd Hills, close to Kata. The statue was constructed in 2004 and is made of concrete overlaid with glittering white jade marble. From the base of the Buddha you can enjoy panoramic views over the whole island.
Address: Racha Island, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 107
Nai Harn Beach
Nestled amid jungle-covered mountains, Nai Harn Beach is a favorite among locals. Its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, freshwater inlet and spectacular ocean views make for one of the most relaxing beaches in Phuket. Active travelers can log miles on the l.5 mile lap around Nai Harn Lake, surf some of the areas spectacular waves, rent kayaks and paddle into the sea or play a game of pick-up beach volleyball on the sandy shore’s court.
Practical Info
Nai Harn Beach is a 20-minute drive from Patong Beach with parking next to the nearby Buddhist temple. It’s an ideal swimming spot where conditions are best from November to April. Visitors should take caution from May to October when undertows are stronger.
Address: Nai Harn Beach, Nai Harn, Thailand
From $ 47
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Thailand has plenty of wats (temples), but the Tiger Cave Temple - or Wat Tham Seua - is a standout.
In a forest setting, the wat’s main hall is built into a long limestone cave and surrounded by monastic cells built into the cliffs and caves. Underscoring the brevity of life, the temple is decorated with skulls, skeletons and graphic pictures of human entrails.
A lighter note is struck by the troop of monkeys living around the temple. Walks through the temple grounds lead to 1,200 steps climbing to the summit of a 600 meter (1,968 foot) peak topped with a gilded Buddha statue. If the sky is clear, you can see the sea from here. Another set of steps leads to a second network of limestone caves.
Practical Info
The Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua) is 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of Krabi.
Address: Highway 4034, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 28
Old Phuket Town
The prominence of Phuket’s beaches and out islands mean that Old Phuket Town is often overlooked. Yet, it offers a wealth of 19th-century architectural delights and fantastic photo ops. Beside the latticed windows of Malay-style shop-front buildings on Soi Rommanee, Old Phuket Town boasts temples, museums, and restaurants.
The Basics
Due to the compact size of Old Phuket Town, the area lends itself well to walking tours and is easy to explore in a couple of hours. It's a popular choice for visitors with limited time. The majority of Phuket sightseeing tours combine a stop at Old Phuket Town with a visit to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most famous Buddhist temple, and the Karon Viewpoint. More in-depth tours of Old Phuket Town reveal the wet market and Chinpracha House (Baan Chinpracha).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Old Phuket Town is a must-see for travelers interested in colonial history and architecture.
- Don’t miss the Amulet Market for special Buddhist souvenirs.
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat if you’re planning to explore old town on foot.
- By day and night, old town takes on a different identity, so it’s worth visiting twice.
When to Get There
If you’re planning to explore Old Phuket Town on foot, its recommended to do so early in the morning, before the midday heat makes sightseeing uncomfortable. If you do need a break, Old Phuket Town has a plethora of cafes and bars that you can dip into for a cold drink. At night, Old Phuket Town’s bars come to life with live music and free-flowing drinks.
How to Get There
If you’re staying by the beach, you can take either public transport or a chartered taxi to old town. If you’re staying in one of the many nearby hotels, all attractions are within walking distance.
Culinary Delights in Old Phuket Town
Phuket’s vibrant mix of cultural influences means that its cuisine is as rich and varied as its architecture. A prime location beside the sea means it’s a great place to try seafood and classic southern Thai dishes such as tom som pla krabok, a hot and sour fish soup, and gaeng sataw, a combination of green beans and prawns.
Address: Phuket City, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Patong Beach
Patong Beach may not offer travelers a true taste of Southeast Asia, but the kinetic energy of this popular destination has made it a favorite among westerners looking to party. Like the rest of Phuket, Patong is home to white sandy beaches, clear blue water and plenty of sun, making it an ideal spot to catch some rays. But bustling neon streets lined with crowded open-air discos and dozens of bars serving strong island drinks have made this a destination for the younger set looking to party long into the night.
Practical Info
Bangla Road is the hub for Patong nightlife. While it can be difficult to avoid the nightlife scene in Patong, the Simon Cabaret—the largest transvestite cabaret in all of Asia—and Bangla Boxing Stadium’s Muay Thai match ups offer alternatives to dancing and drinking the night away.
Address: Patong, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 6
Wat Chalong
As the most significant of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples, Wat Chalong attracts hundreds of visitors daily. A mountain backdrop emphasizes a golden spire, while wall paintings inside each temple depict vibrant Buddhist images. The main stupa, known as the Grand Pagoda, is said to harbor a splinter of the Buddha’s bone.
The Basics
Due to its great religious significance, Wat Chalong is an integral part of most Phuket sightseeing tours. Full-day tours often combine a visit to the temple with stops at Old Phuket Town, a cultural melting pot of Malay and Singaporean architecture, and Wang Talang, where you can shop for artisan crafts.
Excursions that combine cycling and jungle trekking with stops at the Chalong Big Buddha and Wat Chalong are a great way to tick off natural and cultural highlights even in limited time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you plan to enter the temple, wear clothing that covers your legs, chest, and shoulders.
- Make sure you remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Photography is allowed inside the temple; however, mobile phones must be in silent mode.
- If you want to cool down, head to the air-conditioned exhibition hall that features life-size wax models of Buddhist figures.
- The temple is free to enter, but donations are encouraged.
How to Get There
Wat Chalong is 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside of Phuket City and is accessible by car or taxi. If you want to skip the hassle of public transport and the expense of taxis, consider visiting Wat Chalong as part of a sightseeing tour that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
The large crowds that Wat Chalong attracts are testament to its cultural significance. For the best chance of crowd-free photos, head to Wat Chalong either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. For the best photography opportunities, visit during sunrise or sunset.
Buddhism in Phuket
Each year, during the sixth full moon, Wat Chalong hosts processions in celebration of Wan Phra Yai, which translates as “major holy day.” Buddhist monks carry offerings of candles, incense, and lotus flowers to the Buddha, making this celebration a must-see if you’re in Phuket.
Address: Chaofa West Road, Phuket, Thailand
Admission: Free, but donations accepted
From $ 11
Tachai Island
One of the newest additions to Thailand’s western Mu Koh Similan Marine National Park is Ko Ta Chai (Tachai Island), and it may just be the most easily accessible too. For decades the impeccably clear waters of Thailand’s Andaman Islands have lured divers with colorful protected wildlife, including whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, quirky frog fish, ornate harlequin shrimp and hundreds of species of reef fish. Only recently, however, have travelers and day tour operators, put uninhabited and less-than-a-square-mile Tachai Island on the map. While geographically distinct from its famous cohort—Tachai is about halfway between the largest northern cluster of Similan Islands and the Surin Islands to the south—it shares the region’s renowned palm-fringed, white sandy beaches and wildlife. In fact, some say Tachai’s coral and chances of spotting mantas or whale sharks are superior. It also really is a lot more accessible; Tachai is only an hour-and-a-half speedboat ride from coastal Khao Lak.
Most visitors to Tachai Island come via a full-day organized snorkeling or diving tour from popular Phuket. Once on the island, expansive sandy refuges and an interior jungle await. Still blissfully remote, the only things to do here besides snorkel and dive are relax, swim, enjoy a Thai picnic and take a light trek to discover the island’s land-wandering hermit and unique “chicken” crabs before hopping on the boat back home.
Practical Info
The best time to visit is between December and April when the water is the clearest and tours run regularly. Many day-trip boats depart from Khao Lak, but some tours will include the almost two-hour transfer from Phuket in the south. Proof of dive certification is required for certified dive trips. As a member of the Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park, Tachai Island visitors will be required to pay the approximately $20 USD park entrance fee; this is often incorporated into tour prices.
Address: Tachai Island, Thailand
Admission: $20 USD park entrance fee
From $ 154
Splash Jungle Water Park
Splash Jungle Water Park's exhilarating rides, including Boomerango and the Superbowl, and six-level wavepool 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. This continental vibe means that travelers will find thrills beyond just the rides. Splash Jungle Water Park has something for the less adventurous set too, with quiet play pools for kids, soothing hydrotherapy springs and a lazy river perfect for floating the day away.
Practical Info
Splash Jungle Water Park is located at 65 Moo 4 Mai khoa Soi 4 in Phuket, a short drive from Phuket International Airport. It is open daily from 10am until 6pm. Adult tickets cost TBH 1,295 and children can enter for TBH 650.
Address: Mai Khao 4 Alley, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adult: THB 1,295.00, Children (Ages 5-12): THB 650.00, Children Under 5: Free
From $ 46
Wareerak Hot Spring Spa
The Wareerak Hot Spring Spa is a unique, award-winning spa located within tropical jungle in Khlong Thom district, Krabi. As well as offering a tranquil place to stay, the spa also offers full- and half-day hot spring experiences, including various treatments, lunch, and return transfers.
Located close to Krabi’s famous Namtok Ron waterfall, the spa uses natural hot spring water to promote good health and vitality. Along with the thermal pools, it offers hydrotherapy sessions, spa treatments, Thai yoga, and Thai massages. There are 14 bungalows and villas that are designed to invoke a sense of relaxation and pampering for overnight guests, and the communal areas include a botanical garden, nature trail, reflexology track, relaxation areas, and a meditation zone.
Practical Info
Various packages are available for half-day, full-day, and overnight visits to the Wareerak Hot Spring Spa. These include relaxation treatments, lunch and round-trip transfers from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.
Address: 18 Moo 7, Khlong Tom Nua, Krabi 81120, Thailand
Admission: Dependent on package
From $ 51
Phi Phi Islands
From the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, the jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands rise majestically, giving way to white-sand beaches and lush green jungles further inland. Longtail boats putter between the islands, surrounded by the turquoise waters and colorful marine life.
Where to Go Around the Phi Phi Islands
Uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, whose beauty was brought to attention when Maya Bay starred in the 2000 film The Beach, is the smaller of the two main islands and boasts coral reefs abundant with tropical fish, making it a popular diving and swimming spot. There are no hotels on Phi Phi Leh, and camping is prohibited, meaning it’s only accessible by day trip.
Phi Phi Don is a thriving hub of activity—by day, a coastal paradise typified by bobbing longtail boats and sparkling white sand; by night, a beating, hedonistic heart with beaches that pulsate with loud music and fire parties. Ao Ton Sai, the island’s principal dock, houses a promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants fragrant with the aromas of Thai food. Activities such as snorkeling, rock climbing, Thai boxing, and cooking classes keep travelers entertained throughout their stay on Thailand’s Shangri-La.
How to Visit with Viator
The unbridled popularity of the Phi Phi Islands means that travelers enjoy a wide range of visiting options. Day trips are available from Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Krabi via either a speedboat or express ferry, and typically cover Phi Phi highlights such as Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and James Bond Island in Phang Nga National Park. Island tours generally include a helpful tour guide, hotel pickup and dropoff, a buffet lunch, and free time to enjoy some of Asia’s best beaches.
Best Ways to Enjoy Marine Life Around the Phi Phi Islands
Take a Phi Phi island tour by speed boat charter or cruise boat to spend time swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water. Island-hopping adventure tours also allow for exploring the underwater world around some of the area’s smaller islands.
Insider Tips
- If you want to avoid Ko Phi Phi Don’s increasingly popular party scene, head to the island’s more secluded eastern coast, where white-sand beaches play host to rustic bungalows and five-star resorts away from the revelers.
- For a more immersive experience, choose to visit the Phi Phi Islands as part of a three-night sailing cruise, or on a deluxe six-island tour that also takes in Koh Khai, Koh Yao, Mosquito Island, and Bamboo Island.
Address: Phuket, Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Simon Cabaret Show
One of the most popular shows in Thailand and certainly the glitziest drag show in Phuket, the Simon Cabaret Show is an evening of glamorous entertainment that wows night after night. A family-friendly show, the performance tends to appeal to a wide range of people of all ages.
Rivaling many Las Vegas shows in terms of sheer size, charm and glitter, the show sees Simon Cabaret’s world-famous ladyboys decked out in dazzling costumes to perform comedy acts and show-stopping song-and-dance routines inspired by Thai culture and traditions. Clever choreography and rapid set changes, plus the sheer energy of the highly skilled transgender and transvestite entertainers, ensure a good night out for everyone, while bright lights, booming sound and elaborate sets all add to the theatrical extravaganza. Guests also have the opportunity to meet the stars afterwards and have their photos taken with them.
The Simon Cabaret Show is hugely popular, so it’s best to book tickets in advance; this will give you the choice of show times—either the early evening show at 7:45pm, or the later show starting at 9:30pm.
Practical Info
The Simon Cabaret venue is located along Sirirach Road at Patong Beach. A popular place, it is easy to reach via taxi or tuk tuk.
Address: 8 Sirirach Road, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Hours: 7:45pm and 9:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Wat Phra Thong
Wat Phra Thong is perhaps not the most impressive of Phuket's temples, but it surely has the best story behind it. And once you know the story, the 'half image' that forms the center of the temple will have way greater resonance.
According to lore, a boy was out watering a buffalo and tied it to some metal protruding out of the ground. In quick order, both boy and buffalo died, but the boy appeared to his father in a dream and told him to investigate the object.
When the father dug around the place, he found the tip of a golden Buddha sitting buried in the ground. All attempts to excavate it over the ensuing centuries failed, and there are stories of attacks by hornets when locals tried to dig it out in the 18th century!
Eventually it was decided to leave the exposed top of the Eventually it was decided to leave the exposed top of the Buddha statue where it was - it so obviously resisted being dug up! - and build a protective layer and a temple over it. That is what you can see today.
Practical Info
Wat Phra Thong is in the center of Phuket - its position away from the beaches is what keeps it so quiet! It's located in Thalang, on the right side of the road as you head to the airport.
Address: Highway 402, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free. Donations expected
From $ 16