A One-Week Itinerary of Southern Thailand from Koh Samui
Beaches, Scuba Diving, and Nightlife
Ready to plan an incredible trip around Southern Thailand but unsure where to begin, how to get around, or what kind of budget you'll need? This itinerary has all of the details, offering everything you need to lay out your fantastic seven-day adventure. The region is full of beaches, nightlife, beautiful locations, and backpackers, and this journey will let you experience all of it.
While visiting Southern Thailand, you'll find exotic beaches, scuba diving and snorkeling, delicious food, active nightlife, and vibrant culture. We've put together plenty of specific plans below, starting with with the many reasons why you should visit this amazing region. We then cover estimated costs, where to stay, the route, and things to see and do along the way.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Koh Samui (3 days)
- Koh Pha Ngan (2 days)
- Koh Tao (2 days)
The beach at Koh Tao
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beaches
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Nightlife
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Hiking
One of the main reasons to visit the area is to see the gorgeous beaches and relax in the water. You absolutely can't overlook the beaches surrounding Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Pha Ngan, as they're a must-see.
You absolutely can't miss out on scuba diving and snorkeling when you're in Southern Thailand. The crystal-clear waters teem with marine life, making it a must-do experience. Don't forget to carve out some time to get out on the water. Especially noteworthy are the fantastic diving opportunities in the vicinity of Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
When the sun goes down in Southern Thailand, the nightlife heats up with a wide array of cool spots that you won't want to miss. The nightlife in Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Pha Ngan is especially festive.
Many travelers embark on journeys with the pursuit of mouthwatering cuisine, and Southern Thailand is no exception. This trip promises a plethora of exceptional restaurants and local delicacies that demand a taste. The food in Koh Tao and Koh Samui is especially delicious.
One of the primary attractions in Southern Thailand is its jaw-dropping scenery, drawing visitors from far and wide. Make sure to pack your camera because seeing it in person is better than you've heard. You don't want to miss Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao for the beautiful scenery.
The hiking in Southern Thailand is top-notch, so don't miss it. Be sure to set aside some time to hit the local trails for epic views, fresh air, and plenty of exercise, too. Some of the best hiking trails are found around Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao.
Longtail Boats
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 get into the romantic side of Southern Thailand. This region has a well-deserved reputation as the perfect spot for couples. If you're exploring with your special someone, get ready for a truly delightful experience. For romantic charm, Koh Samui and Koh Tao especially should not be missed.
Looking for a perfect family-friendly destination? Look no further than Southern Thailand, where a multitude of kid-friendly activities awaits to make your trip an absolute delight. In the various sections below, we'll discuss this even more. For example, families love all of the activities in Koh Samui.
If you're watching your wallet or embarking on a backpacking escapade, the area has got you covered with a range of budget-friendly options. From economical hostels and budget hotels to free activities, affordable eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, your trip is set to be fantastic without breaking the bank. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Samui tend to favor budget travelers.
Longtail Boats
Transportation
It's fairly easy to get between these destinations in Southern Thailand, as most of these places are an average of 4 hours apart.
We selected Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Navigating from place to place in Southern Thailand, ferry boats are a very popular and affordable way to get around. You'll want to make sure to see the ticket prices and schedules beforehand, as booking ahead is often required. Given the stunning views from the water and the enjoyable nature of these trips, you'll have a fun experience.
Is seven days enough time in Southern Thailand?
Yes, seven days provides a comfortable window to explore the major attractions in Southern Thailand. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures you can absorb the essence of each destination, creating a trip that's not only enjoyable but also leisurely. If you find yourself yearning for more local flavor, extending your stay or dedicating extra time to specific areas is an option. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. Conversely, for those with time constraints, consider adjusting this proposed itinerary for a condensed yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around seven days to truly savor everything.
How much does a seven-day trip to Southern Thailand cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this seven-day trip through Southern Thailand is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui | $55 | 3 | $165 |
| Koh Pha Ngan | $45 | 2 | $91 |
| Koh Tao | $37 | 2 | $74 |
| Total per person | $329 | ||
| for 2 People | $659 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this seven-day itinerary of Southern Thailand costs $329 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
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
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui | $109 | 3 | $327 |
| Koh Pha Ngan | $33 | 2 | $66 |
| Koh Tao | $50 | 2 | $100 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $493 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're all about smart spending on your adventure, hostels are an enticing option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below show the average expenses for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. Despite sacrificing a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, the lively atmosphere often cultivates a social setting, creating fantastic opportunities to build new connections. It's worth noting that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, along with additional perks like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are computed from available hostel data shared by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui | $11 | 3 days | $34 |
| Koh Pha Ngan | $10 | 2 days | $19 |
| Koh Tao | $11 | 2 days | $22 |
| Total expected hostel cost* | $76 | ||
Southern Thailand Itinerary
1. Koh Samui
3 Days
Ko Samui is the second largest island in Thailand. It's off the east coast of the country and it has beautiful beaches, nice diving, lush rainforest, and a beautiful culture. There are many resorts on the island that range from luxury to backpacker-friendly with everything in between.
Many travelers come to Koh Samui because it has beaches, hiking, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples and families due to all of the activities.
This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented resort island, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
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 Koh Samui
How to Spend 3 Days in Koh Samui
Day 1:
The beautiful beaches await you in Koh Samui, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.
This resort island is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.
Public transit in Koh Samui is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the resort island quite easily. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.
Day 2:
Don't miss the Big Buddha Temple during your trip to Koh Samui, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Koh Samui 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's laid back vibe and quintessential beach setting make this a wonderful holiday destination. It's the second largest island in Thailand and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for everyone.
Day 3:
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Koh Samui is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this resort island, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.
Day Trips from Koh Samui
Several terrific day trip options are available from Koh Samui 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.
- Koh Tao 2-Dive Day Trip from Koh Samui for certified divers ($161)
- Mr. Tu Day Trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed Boat from Koh Samui ($55)
- Private Half Day Trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan by Long Tail Boat ($111)
More Activities
In Koh Samui, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Koh Samui, see The Best Snorkeling Trips in Koh Samui, The Best Angthong Marine Park Tours in Koh Samui, The Best Jungle Tours in Koh Samui, and The Best Airport Transfers in Koh Samui.
Koh Samui Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Koh Samui is $55 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Koh Samui here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $7 | $17 | $41 |
| Food2 | $8 | $19 | $46 |
| Entertainment1 | $4 | $10 | $24 |
| Alcohol2 | $2 | $5 | $10 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Koh Samui is $109 based on the average from 367 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Koh Samui here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Koh Samui, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $11. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Koh Samui here.
Transportation
Taking a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Pha Ngan is a fun, fast, and economical way to travel. Prices often vary by date and company, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here.
2. Koh Pha Ngan
2 Days
Koh Phangan is located on the southeastern side of Thailand. Every month it attracts a crowd of backpackers and party-goers with its world-renowned Full Moon Party. The event's dates coincide with the lunar calendar and the festivities are mostly concentrated around Haad Rin on Sunrise Beach. The beach has many cheap bungalows where backpackers crash for a few nights of drinking and partying. There are some quieter parts to the island along the norther coast if you're looking for a more relaxing setting.
Many travelers come to Koh Pha Ngan because it has beaches, hiking, and nightlife. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.
This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented party island, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
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 Pha Ngan
How to Spend 2 Days in Koh Pha Ngan
Day 1:
When visiting Koh Pha Ngan, you absolutely can't miss the Full Moon Parties as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Koh Pha Ngan, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.
Koh Pha Ngan 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. The island is more than just Full Moon Parties. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as stunning beaches and eclectic yoga retreats.
Day Trips from Koh Pha Ngan
Several terrific day trip options are available from Koh Pha Ngan 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.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Koh Pha Ngan, see The Best Ferry Transfers to Koh Pha Ngan, The Best Snorkeling Tours in Koh Pha Ngan, The Best ATV Tours in Koh Pha Ngan, and The Full Moon Party.
Koh Pha Ngan Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Koh Pha Ngan here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $5 | $13 | $38 |
| Food2 | $4 | $10 | $23 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $17 | $48 |
| Alcohol2 | $4 | $10 | $18 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Koh Pha Ngan is $33 based on the average from 111 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Koh Pha Ngan here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Koh Pha Ngan, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $10. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Koh Pha Ngan here.
Transportation
Taking a ferry from Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Tao is a fun, fast, and economical way to travel. Prices often vary by date and company, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here.
3. Koh Tao
2 Days
A true island paradise, Koh Tao brings backpackers and scuba divers from around the globe. The island has cheap scuba certification courses, but because of its popularity, the reef and sea life are starting to struggle. The island itself is strikingly beautiful with stunning beaches and many dramatic viewpoints. Hiking and exploring by motorbike are popular activities.
Many travelers come to Koh Tao because it has beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Scuba diving and snorkeling in the waters around Koh Tao 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 Tao
How to Spend 2 Days in Koh Tao
Day 1:
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Koh Tao 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 island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.
Koh Tao 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. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.
Koh Tao is a very walkable city. With only a day in the island, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Koh Tao, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this island, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.
Day Trips from Koh Tao
Several terrific day trip options are available from Koh Tao 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.
- From Ko Tao: Snorkeling Day Trip Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan with Meals ($56)
More Activities
In Koh Tao, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Koh Tao, see The Best Nang Yuan Island Tours in Koh Tao, The Best Snorkeling Tours in Koh Tao, The Best Scuba Diving Courses in Koh Tao, Thailand, and Scuba Diving.
Koh Tao Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Koh Tao is $37 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Koh Tao here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $4 | $9 | $18 |
| Food2 | $4 | $9 | $19 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $26 | $71 |
| Alcohol2 | $3 | $7 | $13 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Koh Tao is $50 based on the average from 128 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Koh Tao here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Koh Tao, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $11. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Koh Tao here.
Final Transportation
As this is the last destination in the itinerary, you can make your way back to Koh Samui.
Taking a ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is a fun, fast, and economical way to travel. Prices often vary by date and company, so check out the ferry schedules and costs here.
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!
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