South Thailand

Introduction

South Thailand is located on the Malay Peninsula, bounded by the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea on the east and west respectively. The narrow Kra Isthmus connects southern Thailand with the rest of the country.

South Thailand boasts some of Thailand's most popular attractions, especially the islands of Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and the Phi Phi Islands.

Provinces

There are 14 provinces in South Thailand:

• Chumphon Province (ชุมพร)
• Krabi (กระบี่)
• Nakhon Si Thammarat Province (นครศรีธรรมราช)
• Narathiwat Province (นราธิวาส)
• Pattani Province (ปัตตานี)
• Phang Nga Province (พังงา)
• Phatthalung Province (พัทลุง)
• Phuket (ภูเก็ต)
• Ranong Province (ระนอง)
• Satun (สตูล)
• Songkhla Province (สงขลา)
• Surat Thani Province (สุราษฎร์ธานี)
• Trang Province (ตรัง)
• Yala Province (ยะลา)

Cities

These are some of the main towns and cities in South Thailand:

• Patong Beach and Phuket City in Phuket Province.
• Ao Nang and Krabi in Krabi Province.
• Ko Lipe, Ko Bulon Leh and Ko Tarutao in Satun Province.

Weather

Like much of Thailand, the weather here is of the tropical variety, meaning hot and humid conditions year-round. Temperatures hover around 32 °C during the day and 25 °C at night, with just a few degrees difference between the warmest and coolest months. Humidity is mostly around 80% or more, so be sure to drink enough fluids! November to February in general is the driest time of the year, with just some regular showers (later afternoon) and a mix of clouds and sun. Rain increases from March onwards, reaching a peak in August and September before preparing again for the somewhat drier and cooler season.

Getting There

By Plane

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is located about 30 kilometres from Phuket City and has a wide range of international flights. International destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Berlin, Munich, Beijing, Seoul, Milan, Rome, Taipei, Guangzhou, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Penang, Sydney, Shanghai, Singapore, Perth, Moscow, Kaohsiung, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Domestic services are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

External Links