This 14-day Southern Thailand itinerary will be intense and cover a lot of ground! From diving on Koh Tao to rock climbing in Railay Beach, you’ll see a bit of everything. This Southern Thailand itinerary begins in Phi Phi Island and finishes in Koh Tao but can also be done reversely. For this itinerary, you will need to fly into Phuket Airport and fly out of Koh Samui or Bangkok airports. If you have more time, check out my 30-Day Thailand Itinerary or 50-Day Thailand Itinerary. Are you heading north? I also have a 14-day Northern Thailand Itinerary here.
Day 1- Phuket- Phi Phi
Ideally, arrive in Phuket early in the day so you can really hit the ground running! As soon as you arrive in Phuket, get on the first ferry heading to the idyllic island paradise of Phi Phi Island to officially begin this Southern Thailand itinerary.
In the afternoon, begin the scenic hike to Phi Phi Viewpoints 1, 2 and 3. After spending the afternoon taking in stunning panoramic views of the island, head to the main beach and head out for a sunset kayak. Head to the bay’s west for the best views and calmest waters.
Head to Pad Thai Phi Phi for dinner to try one of Thailand’s famous cuisines. After dinner, head to Reggae Bar to watch the informal backpacker Muay Thai fights. Make sure you grab a bucket from Paddy’s Shack near Reggae Bar before heading back to the main beach to enjoy the nightlife. Head to Slinkys to watch the nightly fire shows and naked bull riding (participating if you dare!).
Day 2- Phi Phi
Wake up and enjoy another Patcharee Bakery breakfast before heading to the Pier for a day trip around the island. Depending on your budget and how rough your liver is by this stage, either book the Blanco Party Boat or jump on a regular boat. Spend the day visiting the famous Maya Bay, snorkelling at Phi Leh Lagoon, getting robbed by monkeys at Monkey Beach and seeing the impressive Viking Cave.
Head to Tom Yam’s for dinner to enjoy some delicious Thai food. After dinner, grab your compulsory pre-drink from Paddy’s Shack before heading to Blancos Beach bar to dance the night away barefoot on the beach.
Day 3- Phi Phi- Railay
Grab one last breakfast at Patcharee Bakery before jumping on a ferry heading to your next destination- Railay Beach.
Spend the afternoon hiking to Railay Viewpoint and then continue on to the hidden lagoon.
For dinner, head to Coco Restaurant (make sure you get a table in the upstairs section for the vibe). After dinner, go swimming at night to see the famous Plankton light up.
Day 4- Railay
Wake up and grab breakfast at Summer Fresh again, ready for a big day of rock-climbing.
Spend the day enjoying world-famous rock climbing at Railay. After rock climbing, explore Pranang Cave (more commonly known as the Penis Cave) and relax on Pranang Cave Beach.
Freshen up at your hostel before joining the Blanco Hostel Pub Crawl.
Day 5- Railay- Khao Sok
Grab a quick breakfast before boarding a local longtail boat heading for Ao Nang. From Ao Nang, you will need to transfer to a van headed for Khao Sok National Park.
Arrive into Khao Sok in the late afternoon and book yourself on a 3-day, 2-night tour of the National Park and Floating Bungalows leaving tomorrow.
Grab a quick dinner at Nung House Restaurant, before being picked up for your Night Safari Tour (included in the National Park Tour). Have an early night in preparation for a big day tomorrow exploring the National Park!
Day 6- Khao Sok
Depart early for your tour of Khao Sok National Park. Once you arrive at the Floating Bungalows, spend the afternoon swimming, kayaking and enjoying the stunning views.
Enjoy your included family dinner at night, then play card games and get to know other backpackers on this popular tour.
Day 7- Khao Sok- Koh Phangan
Spend the day enjoying boat trips around the National Park and spotting much wildlife. Followed by a waterfall hike and exploring some nearby caves.
In the late afternoon, you will be dropped back at your hostel in Khao Sok. Jump straight in a van transfer and then a night ferry, headed for your next destination: Koh Phangan.
Day 8- Koh Phangan
Arrive into Koh Phangan and hit the ground running with a morning of chasing waterfalls. Tick Paradise, Prawet and Sawet Waterfalls off your bucketlist. After you’ve spent time swimming in waterfalls, head to the famous Mae Haad Beach for lunch.
Spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, snorkelling and enjoying gorgeous views.
Head to Amsterdam Bar (one of the best sunset spots on the island) for sunset. Then grab dinner at Thong Sala Night Market.
After dinner, head to Phangan Arena for pre-drinks before heading to the pre-Full Moon Party that evening.
Day 9- Koh Phangan
Wake up and grab a hearty breakfast at your hostel to prepare you for a big day and night of drinking at the official Full Moon Party. Most people will start drinking in the pool around midday, and the drinking games and body paint usually kick off just after dark.
Spend the whole night partying on Haad Rin Beach (try and make it for sunrise; you won’t regret it!).
Day 10- Koh Phangan- Koh Tao
Now that the Full Moon Party is over and done with (and most people have left the island), it’s time to start exploring. Start the day with a smoothie bowl from Bliss Cafe & Brunch. Afterwards, head to “Bottle Beach Scooter Parking” on Google Maps to start the 3-hour hike to Bottle Beach.
After sweating out all the alcohol from the Full Moon Parties, pack your bags and head to the pier to go to Koh Tao!
Grab a smoothie bowl or other brunch food from Coconut Monkey near the pier before checking into your accommodation in Koh Tao. Spend the afternoon choosing a dive school and signing up for a scuba diving course starting tomorrow.
Head to ChuChu Pizza for dinner to try their famous Thai curry-inspired pizzas. After dinner, head to the Koh Tao Cabaret Show before getting a reasonable early night.
Day 11- Koh Tao
Grab a quick breakfast at your hostel before starting the theory portion of your scuba diving certification.
Spend the afternoon going on your first dives before returning back to your hostel for dinner. Go to one of the best local restaurants, Duck 999, for dinner, then head to The Local for their happy hour mojitos and fun night-time activities like trivia and karaoke. If you fancy a later night, head to Fishbowl for dancing and beer pong.
Day 12- Koh Tao
Wake up (maybe slightly hungover) and grab a hearty brunch at Cafe Culture right on Sairee Beach.
After brunch, head back to your dive school for your next two skill dives as a part of your certification.
Returning to your hostel around dinner time, head to another local gem, Pork Leg, for dinner. Get an early night tonight ahead of early morning dives the next morning.
Day 13- Koh Tao
Grab a quick breakfast at the pier before starting your last two dives of your scuba diving certification.
After your final dives, head to Zest Bakery and Coffee House for lunch. Spend the afternoon studying, completing your exam and finally being certified as a scuba diver!
To celebrate tonight, treat yourself to American-style burgers at Hippo Burger. Afterwards join the Koh Tao Pub Crawl, finishing at Fishbowl for more dancing. If you fancy a later night, head to Leo Evolution Bar for afters, where you can drink and party until sunrise.
Day 14- Koh Tao
Grab a hearty breakfast at Factory Cafe before renting a scooter to explore Koh Tao.
Start with hiking John Suwan Viewpoint to enjoy one of the best views on the island for your last day of this Southern Thailand itinerary! After, spend the afternoon relaxing on Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Bay Lagoon Beach. In the early afternoon, get a ferry back to either Surat Thani, or Koh Samui to then fly home.
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