A One-Week Itinerary of Southern Thailand from Phuket
Beaches, Culture, and Food
Thinking about taking an amazing trip around Southern Thailand, but feeling a bit clueless on where to start, where to explore, or how much the whole thing will cost? Dive into this itinerary because it's your roadmap to planning a fantastic seven-day adventure across the region. This route will take you to the beaches, nightlife, snorkeling and scuba diving, and beautiful locations along the way, setting you up for an epic journey.
If you follow this guide, you'll find exotic beaches, delicious food, active nightlife, historical sights, and vibrant culture. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Phuket (3 days)
- Ao Nang (2 days)
- Koh Phi Phi (2 days)
Longtail boats around Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beaches
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Nightlife
You can't pass up a trip to the area, especially for its fantastic beaches. Imagine yourself lounging on the sandy shores, soaking up the good vibes, and taking it easy in the water. The beaches around Koh Phi Phi and Phuket are not to be missed.
Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Southern Thailand is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try.
Southern Thailand pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Koh Phi Phi for the beautiful scenery.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are must-do activities in Southern Thailand. The area is known for it's clear waters with abundant marine life. Make sure to take some time to get out on the water. In particular, the diving opportunities around Ao Nang, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi are terrific.
Get ready for a buzzing nightlife scene in Southern Thailand with plenty of hot spots that are an absolute must-visit. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Ao Nang.
Phuket's Big Buddha Statue
When is the best time to visit?
If you're looking to escape the cold weather for a warmer destination, then Southern Thailand is for you. It's a popular getaway with travelers not just because of the great weather, but also for the many activities and attractions. It can get quite popular in the winter, so plan ahead.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of Southern Thailand. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. Especially visit Koh Phi Phi and Phuket for the enchanting atmosphere.
If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below.
This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Koh Phi Phi and Ao Nang can especially help your budget.
Phuket Elephant Sancturary
Transportation
Getting from one destination to another in Southern Thailand is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 4 hours apart.
We selected Phuket as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Phuket, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Travelers frequently rely on ferry boats for commuting around Southern Thailand, so do some research on ticket prices and schedules before your trip. With the potential for spectacular views and the inherent fun of being on the water, this is a great way to make the journey.
Is seven days enough time in Southern Thailand?
Yes, seven days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Southern Thailand. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around seven days to truly appreciate everything.
Thai Tuk Tuk
How much does a seven-day trip to Southern Thailand cost?
Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific seven-day adventure in Southern Thailand, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket | $105 | 3 | $314 |
| Ao Nang | $107 | 2 | $213 |
| Koh Phi Phi | $72 | 2 | $143 |
| Total per person | $671 | ||
| for 2 People | $1,342 | ||
The estimated cost for this seven-day adventure in Southern Thailand is approximately $671 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Southern Thailand based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket | $44 | 3 | $132 |
| Ao Nang | $23 | 2 | $46 |
| Koh Phi Phi | $33 | 2 | $66 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $244 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Phuket | $11 |
| Koh Phi Phi | $12 |
Southern Thailand Itinerary
1. Phuket
3 Days
Phuket is one of the most famous islands in Thailand. It's popular with tourists who come to party, swim, and experience the sights and culture. The capital of the island is Phuket City, but most visitors stay at one of the many resorts by the beaches around the island.
Phuket brings plenty of visitors because it has beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, and nightlife.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
You'll find some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world here, so don't miss out.
What to See in Phuket
How to Spend 3 Days in Phuket
Day 1:
The beautiful beaches await you in Phuket, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.
The public transit in Phuket is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the resort island quite easily and affordably. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.
Day 2:
Don't miss the Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha) during your trip to Phuket, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."
Day 3:
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Phuket is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.
Phuket is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.
Day Trips from Phuket
Several terrific day trip options are available from Phuket to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
- Phang Nga Bay kayaking day trip ($127)
- Day Trip to James Bond (Canoeing & Kayaking Islands & Lunch) ($89)
- Exclusive Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise or Day Trip ($109)
More Activities
Phuket offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Phuket, see The Best Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island Tours from Phuket, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Phuket, The Best ATV Tours in Phuket, and The Best Snorkeling Tours in Phuket.
Phuket Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Phuket average around $105 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Phuket here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $4 | $11 | $31 |
| Food2 | $8 | $22 | $56 |
| Entertainment1 | $16 | $42 | $113 |
| Alcohol2 | $2 | $6 | $19 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Phuket, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $44, calculated from the data of 1002 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Phuket here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Phuket offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $11. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Phuket.
Transportation
You'll likely want to take a ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here. Prices often vary by date and company, and are usually cheaper when booked ahead.
2. Ao Nang
2 Days
Ao Nang is a resort town in the province of Krabi. It offers easy access to nearby Railay Beach, as well as to the many scenic spots in the area. There are dive trips and snorkeling excursions available as well as longtail boats that can take you along the coast. Popular destinations include Koh Hong, Koh Poda, and Koh Gai (Chicken Island).
Ao Nang brings plenty of visitors because it has snorkeling and scuba diving and nightlife. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.
What to See in Ao Nang
How to Spend 2 Days in Ao Nang
Day 1:
Don't miss the Island Boat Tours during your trip to Ao Nang, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.
Ao Nang is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.
Day 2:
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Ao Nang is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.
Public transit in Ao Nang is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.
Day Trips from Ao Nang
Several terrific day trip options are available from Ao Nang to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Ao Nang, see The Beach, Noppharat Thara Beach, and The Ao Nang Night Market.
Ao Nang Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Ao Nang average around $107 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Ao Nang here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $24 | $56 | $107 |
| Food2 | $11 | $24 | $47 |
| Entertainment1 | $5 | $11 | $21 |
| Alcohol2 | $6 | $15 | $28 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Ao Nang, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $23, calculated from the data of 133 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Ao Nang here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
You'll likely want to take a ferry from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here. Prices often vary by date and company, and are usually cheaper when booked ahead.
3. Koh Phi Phi
2 Days
Koh Phi Phi is actually made up of six islands, but Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island. This island is popular with day trippers, but it's also a fun and beautiful island to visit independently. The snorkeling and diving is world class. There's a popular backpacker area around Tonsai, but there's also a quieter, resort-filled area to the north. In addition to stunning natural beauty, visitors enjoy snorkeling and dive trips, rock climbing, and hiking.
Koh Phi Phi brings plenty of visitors because it has beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples and backpackers because of everything available.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
Scuba diving and snorkeling in the waters around Koh Phi Phi are some of main activities for visitors. This is one of the top scuba diving locations in the world.
You'll find some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world here, so don't miss out.
What to See in Koh Phi Phi
How to Spend 2 Days in Koh Phi Phi
Day 1:
When visiting Koh Phi Phi, you can't miss Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Koh Phi Phi is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.
Public transit in Koh Phi Phi is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the island quite easily. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.
Day 2:
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Koh Phi Phi is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.
This island is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.
Day Trips from Koh Phi Phi
Several terrific day trip options are available from Koh Phi Phi to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.
- Phi Phi Island Day Trip (Maya Bay-Monkey Beach-Khai Island) ($84)
More Activities
Koh Phi Phi offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Koh Phi Phi, see The Best Maya Bay Tours in Koh Phi Phi, The Best Longtail Boat Tours Around Koh Phi Phi, The Best Ferry Services to and from Koh Phi Phi, and The Best Snorkeling Tours in Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Phi Phi Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Koh Phi Phi average around $72 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Koh Phi Phi here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $3 | $7 | $14 |
| Food2 | $5 | $11 | $22 |
| Entertainment1 | $16 | $45 | $138 |
| Alcohol2 | $2 | $6 | $12 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Koh Phi Phi, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $33, calculated from the data of 81 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Koh Phi Phi here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Koh Phi Phi offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $12. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Koh Phi Phi.
Final Transportation
As this is the last destination in the itinerary, you can make your way back to Phuket.
You'll likely want to take a ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here. Prices often vary by date and company, and are usually cheaper when booked ahead.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your seven-day trip in Southern Thailand, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
More Itineraries
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