Southern Thailand Overview

As one of the most famous international beach destinations, southern Thailand is a full-blown vacation mecca. With some of the world’s best dive sites, thousands of kilometers of white sand beach, rock climbing, high-profile nightlife, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, it’s not surprising that millions of tourists visit every year. The high volume of tourism does mean that nearly every island is hospitable to visitors and that English is an unofficial second language, but the convenience bred of such tremendous development has also begun to overwhelm both the environment and Thai culture. Farther south, mosques gradually replace wats as the ethnic mix shifts from Thai to Malay, and the number of tourists dwindles. Most travelers today enjoy a middle ground, balancing the extremes of the south.

• Transportation

Thanks to Phuket’s enormous size and lack of an extensive public transportation system, getting around is expensive. By far, the cheapest, most convenient way to explore the island is by motorbike ...more

• Orientation

Getting around Phuket is not particularly complicated, but given the island’s size (570 sq. km), and its hilly terrain, traveling can take time. Phuket is connected to the mainland by Highway 402, ...more

• Practical Information

Tourist Office: TAT, 191 Thalang Rd. (☎ 076 212 213), in Phuket Town, just west of the post office. Helpful, friendly, and organized English-speaking staff provides maps, bus schedules, and accommodations ...more