Things to Do in Southern Thailand And Andaman Coast

Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam -- it's a mouthful that in English means "canal of two waters" "“ is a stunning natural paradise where crystal-clear freshwater springs meet saltwater mangrove forests. Located about 21 miles (34 kilometers) outside of the town of Krabi, Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam is lined with boardwalks, making it a photogenic place for nature walks beside and above the water. Wooden chairs placed throughout give guests a spot to stop and admire the views.

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the area is in a canoe. Rentals are available by the hour or the day, and from the park entrance, you can paddle all the way to the Andaman Sea.

Just south of bustling Ko Lanta is the picturesque Thai island of Koh Kradan. Most of the island is a national park"”perfect for hikers"”and the 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) of sandy beach offer visitors a serene place to relax. Plus Koh Kradan is surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, great for divers and snorkelers.

The remote island of Koh Kradan is part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park, controlled by the Thai government. The island is ideal for visitors who want to soak up the sun on coral sand beaches, and enjoy the beautiful fauna and flora of the island and surrounding waters. Most full-day tours to Koh Kradan leave from Ko Lanta and also visit the nearby islands of Koh Chuak, Koh Mook, and Koh Ngai.

Koh Kradan is located off the western coast of Thailand in the Trang province. The only way to access Koh Kradan is by boat. From the mainland, take the ferry from Trang's Hat Yao Pier to Koh Kradan. Ferry service also operates from Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan, as do full-day tours.

The best time to visit Koh Kradan"”and Thailand in general"”is during the dry season, November to April. During the rainy season, from May to October, most of the resorts on Koh Kradan and the other Trang islands are closed and tourism activity is limited.

The opportunity to get married underwater is a rare one, but every year Koh Kradan hosts subaqueous wedding ceremonies around Valentine's Day. Scuba diving couples are whisked out to sea, partake in a traditional blessing ceremony, and then head under the surface with a representative of the district office to tie the knot. Only qualified divers may take part in the underwater weddings, and newlyweds leave with a waterproof marriage certificate.

Step into the tropical forests of Phang Nga to visit one of southern Thailand’s most important temples, Wat Suwan Kuha. Commonly known as the Cave Temple, it sits inside a large cave complex and features many religious statues—the most prominent being the 50-foot (15-meter) golden reclining Buddha in the Tam Yai cave. 

Many tours to the Cave Temple leave from Krabi or Phuket and include visits to nearby islands, such as James Bond Island. You can come to pay your respects, feed the local monkeys, and explore the large caves. Other tours feature a number of outdoor activities to explore the jungle and Wat Suwan Kuha. If you want to learn more about Buddhism, hop on a tour of the Phang Nga temples and immerse yourself in Thai culture. 

Wat Suwan Kuha is located 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the town of Phang Nga. The easiest way to access the caves is through an organized tour from Krabi or Phuket. To explore on your own, you can rent a car and park in the spacious lot near the caves. The drive is about 1.5 hours from many of the popular areas in Phuket and Krabi.

The cave is busiest in late morning and early afternoon. The best time to visit Southern Thailand is during the dry season, between the months of November and April. Though this time is more crowded with tourists, there is significantly less rain.

The Cave Temple holds much significance beyond the large reclining Buddha. This is the final resting place for a number of prominent leaders. The bones of the Na Takuathung family, who constructed the shrine, can be found in the chedi (stupa or pagoda). Also here, the initials of members of the royal family are etched into the cave walls from past visits.