Feast your eyes on Thailand’s magical waters and strips of nature! Credits: Ratul Ghosh on Unsplash
Want to explore Thailand beyond its bustling capital? Then it’s time for an epic road trip along Southern Thailand, from the south of Bangkok down to the Malaysian border. Be enchanted by iconic destinations like Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Samui, and Ko Pha Ngan, renowned for their pristine beaches and rich culture!
The best way to get around these destinations is by renting a car, so you and your pals can go wherever and whenever you want! But if you still need help choosing stops, we’ve got you covered. We’ve crafted a seven-day itinerary in Thailand, complete with all the road trip essentials and must-see attractions!
Road Trip Essentials
Car Rental
Be the captain of your trip by renting a car to drive around Southern Thailand! Credits: Vitaly Sacred on Unsplash
Who doesn't enjoy a good road trip with sights, pals, and good music? Plus, there’s no need to figure out how to commute to a new place within your Thailand itinerary!
Make this a reality during your adventure south of Thailand by booking a car rental on Klook.
How to Book
Book wherever you are in the world by heading to the car rental section of the Klook home page.
You can further read about the complete steps of renting a car with this guide:
Requirements
For a smooth transaction, prepare the following documents:
- Passport
- International driver’s license
- A credit card registered to the main driver with sufficient funds to cover the deposit and fee
Remember that most car rental agencies require registered drivers to be at least 21 years old (while some 23), and that Thailand is also a left-hand drive country.
Southern Thailand Itinerary
Now that you’ve got the rental fundamentals down, it’s time to journey with us on this epic Southern Thailand itinerary starting from Phuket!
Phuket
Day 1 - The Best of Phuket
Phuket is known for its pristine shores and seas. Credits: Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash
Phuket is a province, an island, and a city. It’s one of the best places in Thailand to visit, thanks to its top-tier beach and nature destinations!
And here’s a money-saving hack to visiting the area’s best sights and stops: the Klook Phuket Fun Pass, which gives you access to multiple attractions with just one pass! Enjoy amazing discounts compared to buying individual tickets per destination.
You can use the pass to go to try the best things to do in Phuket:
Zipline Adventure at Hanuman World
Discover the beauty of Phuket’s lush rainforest in the most unique way: with a dose of adrenaline! Relish the breeze with each zipline and walk amidst the forest canopy 40 meters above on Thailand’s longest Skywalk.
ANDAMANDA Phuket Waterpark
Make a splash at a waterpark where every nook and cranny is inspired by Thai heritage! Feel the rush at the water slides, relax at the wave pools, refresh at the swim-up bars, and satisfy your taste buds with authentic Thai cuisine.
Let's Relax Spa Experience
Treat yourself to the ultimate rest and relaxation experience at one of Thailand’s most popular day spas. Choose from an array of Thai massages or opt for a body scrub, an aromatic oil massage, or an herbal compress–then cap it off with sweet mango sticky rice!
Day 2 - James Bond Island
Feel like you’re James Bond on a mission in paradise. Credits: engin akyurt on Unsplash
During your second day in Phuket, embark on a journey through its most magnificent natural sights. Discover the majestic Khao Ping Khan, famously known as James Bond Island (yes, it was a location for Roger Moore’s "The Man With The Golden Gun"), where emerald waters meet stunning rock formations!
Krabi
Day 3 - Drive to Krabi
Get another dose of vitamin sea in Krabi! Credits: M o e on Unsplash
Time to head to the next area for your Southern Thailand itinerary. Known for its scenic beaches, flourishing reefs, and wildlife sanctuary, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Krabi! On your first day here, you can rest up, check out the food spots, or see some sights on your own before the upcoming adventures.
Day 4 - Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle
Behold the healing emerald waters of the natural springs! Credits: Klook
Acquaint yourself with the wonders of Krabi’s jungle on the Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle day tour. Melt your stress away at the natural hot spring framed by striking limestone formations called the Emerald Pool, and calm your mind at the Tiger Cave Temple, a serene jungle sanctuary.
You can also book the Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle tour here:
Day 5 - Half-Day Krabi Mangrove Kayak Tour, Drive to Surat Thani
Explore the mangroves of Krabi with your trusty kayak! Credits: Klook
Dedicate day five of your trip to exploring Krabi’s hidden gem Ao Thalane Bay on the Krabi Mangrove Kayak tour. Paddle through surreal canyons and groves with towering karst formations and mangroves framed by mountains.
#KlookTip: Opt for the morning schedule if you want to drive to Surat Thani after the tour. However, you can also do it in the afternoon by scheduling it on Day 3 and spending Day 5 driving to Surat Thani. Once there, you can either take your car to the island of Koh Samui via ferry and stay or stay at an accommodation near the ferry terminal.
Koh Sahmui in Surat Thani
Day 6 - Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Day Tour
Acquaint yourself with marine life by snorkelling! Credits: Klook
From Koh Samui, set out for an island hopping odyssey to the nearby Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan islands. Journey across islands on a high-speed boat, and live your mermaid dreams by snorkelling amidst vibrant aquatic life!
If you stay at a hotel in Koh Samui, you can enjoy free round-trip transfers from your hotel.
Day 7 - Koh Samui Just Jungle Safari Tour
Ride through the forest in style on a 4x4 army jeep! Credits: Klook
After the waters, it’s time to probe into the jungles of Koh Samui on this Safari Tour, where you’ll speed through the forest on a 4x4 army jeep. Along the way, you can enjoy the jungle water slide, refresh by swimming by the waterfall, check out the Magic Buddha Garden, and more!After the waters, it’s time to probe into the jungles of Koh Samui on this Safari Tour, where you’ll speed through the forest on a 4x4 army jeep. Along the way, you can enjoy the jungle water slide, refresh by swimming by the waterfall, check out the Magic Buddha Garden, and more!
And with that, we’ve concluded the seven-day Southern Thailand Itinerary! After, you’ll be heading back home with long-lasting memories.
