Things to Do in South Thailand – Majestic Waterfalls, Parks & Hot Springs

The southernmost part of Thailand is located on the Malay Peninsula and borders both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. With its wealth of natural and cultural attractions, South Thailand is a popular vacation destination for visitors from all over the world. Many of the best hotels and resorts are located near top beaches and other sites. Find some of the best things to do in South Thailand below.

Chumphon

Chumphon is regarded as the gateway to the provinces of the south. It features unspoiled Gulf of Thailand beaches and a wide range of sightseeing and activities that are popular with tourists.

• Mu Koh Chumphon National Park – With its tropical rainforests, mangroves, and pristine beaches, Muko Chumphon National Park offers visitors unspoiled views of South Thailand’s stunning natural features.
• Hin Dam Gorge – This impressive natural feature is known for its rock formations and crystal clear water.
• Khao Kriap Cave – As one of the country’s most celebrated caves, Khao Kriap Cave does require visitors to climb its 370 steps in order to enter the impressive feature.
• Kapo Waterfall Forest Park – What the park’s 2-meter high waterfall lacks in height, it makes up for in width. It is 20 meters wide and provides the focal point of this pristine forest setting.
• Ko Ran Pet-Ko Ran Kai – A great destination for ecotourists, the islands feature diverse marine ecosystems and popular dive spots.

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat features a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand and is home to South Thailand’s tallest mountain. The province is religiously diverse, so visitors can expect to find many religious sites associated with different faiths in addition to the region’s stunning natural features.

• Khao Luang National Park – Khao Luang National Park is world famous for its biodiversity, which includes rare examples of orchids as well as tigers and panthers. The park is home to stunning rainforest terrain and numerous waterfalls.
• Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan – A large Buddhist temple that dates to the 13th century, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan enshrines a tooth that is believed to have belonged to the Buddha.
• Khanom Beach – Fringed by palm trees Khanom Beach is famous for its white sand, clear water, and relaxed atmosphere.
• Pak Phanang 100 Years Marke – Featured in an old wooden structure, Pak Phanang 100 Years Market attracts locals and tourists with its local cuisine, fresh produce, and traditional handicrafts.
• Kiriwong Village – The picturesque mountain village of Kiriwong is said to have the “purest air” in Thailand thanks to the abundant growth of ferns, forests, orchids, and other plants.

Trang

Featuring coastal views of the Strait of Malacca, Trang is a small province but it also has jurisdiction over 46 islands. Positioned as a gateway to Andaman Sea islands, Trang attracts many tourists in search of idyllic beaches.

• Koh Muk and Tham Marakot – The cliffs of Koh Muk denote one of the region’s most enchanting features–Tham Marakot, a cave with a beautiful hidden lagoon.
• Koh Libong – Koh Libong is Trang‘s largest island. Its unspoiled beauty attracts visitors in search of a quiet beach experience.
• Hat Chao Mai National Park – Made up of seven islands, this national park is renowned for its pristine Andaman Sea beaches and protected coral reefs.
• Kantang Hotspring Forest Park – This beautiful forest park is not only known for its natural hot springs, but also its diverse wildlife that includes snakes, monkeys, and birds.
• Rajamangala Aquarium – The Rajamangala Aquarium is home to more than 300 species of marine and freshwater creatures from Thailand and around the world. Its seal show also draws crowds.

Satun

A popular jumping off point to the islands of South Thailand, Satun features enchanting Andaman Coast beaches and a stunning range of natural and cultural attractions that include waterfalls, caves, and festivals.

• Tarutao National Park – Made of up 51 islands, Tarutao National Park is renowned for its marine biodiversity that includes irrawaddy dolphins, dugongs, and sperm whales.
• Tham Phu Pha Phet – Tham Phu Pha Phet is the largest cave in Thailand and considered the fourth largest in the world. As such, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
• Le Stegodon Cave – Le Stegodon Cave is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can expect to tour the cave by torch-lit boats.
• Mu Koh Petra National Park – This marine park is famous for its diverse marine life, beaches, caves, and coral reefs.
• Satun National Museum – The Satun National Museum preserves the history of Satun. The museum is situated in a colonial building that also contains a hall for reading and research.
• Ko Lipe – This small island in the Malacca Strait is revered for its turquoise waters and unspoiled beaches.

Ranong

Sparsely populated Ranong features an Andaman Sea coast and is heavily forested. It does not boast heavy tourist traffic like other South Thailand provinces, but for this reason, it attracts ecotourists in search of a quintessential Thai cultural experience.

• Ranong Canyon – Ranong Canyon and its reservoir is a popular destination for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
• Ko Phayam – This island is known for its unspoiled, white sandy beaches and peaceful atmosphere. It is often regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful islands; although, it remains largely undiscovered by most tourists.
• Raksa Warin Hot Spring – Located on the outskirts of Ranong City, the Raksa Warin Hot Spring and park are a popular destination for locals and tourists.
• Namtok Ngao National Park – The highlight of this national park is its stunning waterfall that rises 300 meters above ground.
• Phukhao Ya – The grass hill known as Phukhao Ya is a unique local feature that is ideal for relaxing and picnicking.

Phatthalung

Phatthalung features many off-the-beaten-path sites that are popular with visitors looking for a more laid-back travel experience. The South Thailand province features historic sites as well as waterfalls, mountains, and lakes.

• Thale Noi – Famous for its biodiversity, Thale Noi is a freshwater wetland that is especially revered for its waterbirds and lotus blooms.
• Na Po Kae Learning Center – The Na Po Kae Learning Center features exhibits that detail the local traditional culture.
• Tai Not Market – The Tai Not Market is a popular shopping destination for produce and handicrafts. It also features entertainment and authentic local cuisine.
• Macha Cave – Located in Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park, Macha Cave features multiple subterranean halls. The cave is home to fish and bats.
• Pa Pai Sang Suk – Pa Pai Sang Suk is a market held in a beautiful bamboo forest. Visitors can find many items made from bamboo as well as fresh produce and other handicrafts.
• Wang Mai Phai Rafting Lan Khoi Rafting – Enjoy a rafting excursion that promises arresting sights of flora and fauna (including elephants) along the way.

Yala

Well known for its rubber trees, Yala has a long commercial past, but it attracts vacationers as well as trade with its caves and religious sites.

• Ay Yer Weng Sea of Mist – Ay Yer Weng Sea of Mist is a skywalk attraction that’s 61 meters long. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views once they reach the glass-bottomed platform at the end of the walk.
• Bang Lang National Park Yala – This national park is known for its rainforest landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife residents like the Sumatran rhino and tapirs.
• Yala Central Mosque – The Yala Central Mosque is the area’s main mosque. It features a modern Western construction and was completed in 1984.
• Winter Flower Garden Betong – As the only winter flower garden in the southern stretches of Thailand, Winter Flower Garden Betong is a unique botanical feature. In addition to its plantings like hydrangeas and roses, visitors will find peacocks strolling the grounds.
• Betong Hot Spring – Visitors come from miles around to relax in the Betong Hot Spring, which is surrounded by stunning landscapes and a wide range of hotels and guest houses.
• Suan Khwan Mueang – This beautifully landscaped park is home to a large pond. It attracts many visitors with its recreational activities like boating and relaxing setting.

Narathiwat

Thailand’s southernmost province, Narathiwat shares a border with Malaysia and attracts many international visitors. Narathiwat’s economy is largely based on fishing and rubber, but its mosques and natural features attract visitors.

• Narathat Beach – Shaded by pine trees, Narathat Beach is known for its golden sands and annual boat races.
• Narathiwat Central Mosque – The Narathiwat Central Mosque features an Arabian-style construction and is an important site for the area’s Muslim population.
• Khao Kong Buddhist Park – Khao Kong Buddhist Park provides a home for local monks and is known for its large golden Buddha seated in the lotus position.
• Pa Jo Waterfall – Situated within rainforest terrain, Pa Jo Waterfall is a postcard-worthy feature that’s located near a small royal pavilion.
• Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest – As one of the country’s last remaining peat forests, Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest features a diverse rainforest setting that is rich in wildlife and plants.
• Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary – Sometimes called the “Amazon of the Asean,” this protected area is richly biodiverse and home to many rare species of hornbills and other creatures.

Pattani

A small province with a Gulf of Thailand coastline, Pattani is known for its unspoiled natural attractions and numerous historic sites.

• Ko Losin – Ko Losin is a rocky island that’s popular with divers because of its drop offs and abundance of manta rays and whale sharks.
• Khet Krabat Waterfall (Whitesand Waterfall) – The Khet Krabat WaterfallM is surrounded by dense forest, lending it an air of enchantment. The trek to the falls is popular with ecotourists.
• Pattani Central Mosque – Constructed in 1954, the Pattani Central Mosque is regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful mosques with its elegant minarets and domes.
• Krue Se Mosque – With elements that date to the 16th century, Krue Se Mosque is an important religious and historic site that attracts visitors as well as worshippers.
• Laem Ta Chi (Laem Pho) – This popular beach is well-known for its breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand.
• Yaring Mangrove Education Center – Visitors can learn about this pristine mangrove setting at the education center as well as explore the mangrove forest by strolling along its 1,250-meter bridge.
• Namtok Sai Khao National Park – This national park is famous for its forested mountains and breathtaking waterfalls.