With close to 60 million visitors in 2019, Thailand really does sit at the top of the tourism tree and with such a diverse country, it isn’t surprising that people from all walks of life are drawn to the exotic Thai culture. Most visitors first experience Bangkok (there’s no other city like it) and are instantly taken aback, and what initially seems like chaos actually flows and the City of Angels, as it is known, has a charm all of its own. Outside of the capital city, there are many top-notch tourist areas with a great deal to offer the traveller, and here are three of the top tourist towns to be found in the South of Thailand.
- Koh Samui – Samui Island is always a favourite for European families who wish to spend a few weeks in a tropical paradise and this mystic island ticks all the boxes, with special family-oriented resorts and honeymoon specials for couples. If you time your holiday with the full moon, you can hop on a ferry at Bpo Phut, a small fishing village on the south of the island and experience the energy when a few thousand young people let their hair down on Koh Pan Gahn.
- Phuket – This spectacular island on the Andaman Sea is most definitely the place to go, and with an affordable 4-star hotel in Patong, you are perfectly placed to enjoy the daytime water sports, and in the evenings, you can dance the night away at one of the major discos along this stretch of the beach. Phuket can be a base to explore the amazing Phi Phi and Similan Islands and if you love to scuba, look no further than the idyllic island of Phuket. November through to February is the high season, so if you plan to spend Christmas in Phuket, book early to avoid disappointment.
- Koh Chang – Named because of its resemblance to an elephant, Koh Chang is the perfect place to spend a couple of weeks recharging your batteries, with resorts that cater for young families and singles, simply book online and then you can plan your trip. Located on the east coast, in Trat province, this resort island has been developed sufficiently to offer a range of accommodation from a bamboo hut to a 5-star luxury bungalow or spa. If the thought of endless evening walks along a deserted beach is appealing, you’ll not be disappointed with your choice.
Of course, there is a completely different world to be explored in the north and east of Thailand, and Chiang Mai is the ideal hub to explore the rich mountainous jungles that border with Myanmar. The food and language are different to other areas of Thailand, and many tourists have the best of both worlds and divide their time between the north and south of this stunning natural location known as Thailand.