Please recommend your top 4-6 south Thailand areas

[Guest]

Hi all, I am heading to Thailand in October and January. I am doing north Thailand in October for 4 weeks and south Thailand in January for 4 weeks, after I have travelled through Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia!

I have read about so many marvellous islands and areas in the South and hence, I am unsure of where to pick/focus on. I am into slowish travel so would prefer to visit 4-6 places for 4-5 nights then do everyplace for 2 days.

I am a solo female traveller and like partying every so often but not every night, and I certainly still enjoy just relaxed time too. Please recommend your top 4-6 south Thailand areas (I am not particularly interested in Phuket and I will be going to Bangkok in the north Thailand portion of my trip).

Thanks guys and happy travels.

[Jonathan]

Bangkok is a lot to take in. I've only ever stayed there for a maximum of 2 nights.

In the north, Chiang Mai, incredible place. You can then loop up to Chiang Rai and Pai further north from there to kill some more time..

South wise. Krabi (ao nang area) then you have access to the islands.

Railay is a single easy day out. You have tub island. Poda. Phi phi (if you want some peace there I would recommend the cove hotel) lanta and lipe are also incredibly beautiful places.

Also good for day excursions snorkelling etc.

Words of advice, stick with the locals. Don't ask where to go for dinner. Ask where THEY would go for dinner. There's a huge difference

[Guy]

Phang Nga town, Old Songkhla town, Sichon > Khanom coast, Hat Yai.

[John]

Ao Nang, Krabi is the place for you. Opposite coastline to Phuket and the gateway to all the islands and curios you could ever want to see. Trust me, I expected not much but it delivered on all fronts.