10 Day Southern Thailand Itinerary
The Complete Andaman Coast Experience
Ten days in Southern Thailand gives you enough time to explore the entire Andaman coast properly: Phuket's diverse tours and culture, the pristine Similan Islands from Khao Lak, the iconic Phi Phi Islands, and Krabi's legendary Railay cliffs. This itinerary is designed for the dry season (November to May) when all destinations are accessible.
Days 1 to 3: Phuket
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive Phuket, settle in, beach time. Dinner at a local restaurant. Get an early night to prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Phang Nga Bay
Full day Phang Nga Bay tour with kayaking. James Bond Island, sea caves, hidden lagoons, Koh Panyee.
Day 3: Phuket Old Town and South Coast
Morning: Phuket Old Town walking tour and lunch. Afternoon: Drive to Nai Harn beach, visit Promthep Cape for sunset. Dinner at Rawai seafood market.
Days 4 to 5: Khao Lak and Similan Islands
Day 4: Transfer to Khao Lak, Similan Islands Day Trip
Early morning: Transfer from Phuket to Khao Lak (about 1.5 hours by car, 1,500 to 2,500 THB). Alternatively, some Similan tours pick up from Phuket hotels at 5:30 AM.
Full day Similan Islands snorkeling tour. This is the snorkeling highlight of the entire trip, with crystal clear water and pristine reefs. Return to Khao Lak by evening.
Day 5: Khao Lak Relaxation or Khao Sok
Options for day 5:
- Relax in Khao Lak: Quiet beaches (far less crowded than Phuket), local restaurants, peaceful atmosphere.
- Khao Sok National Park day trip: Inland national park with tropical rainforest, limestone karsts, and Cheow Lan Lake. About 1.5 hours from Khao Lak. Day trips from 2,000 to 4,000 THB.
Evening: Transfer back to Phuket or stay another night in Khao Lak.
Days 6 to 7: Phi Phi Islands
Day 6: Phuket to Phi Phi Don
Take the morning ferry from Rassada Pier to Phi Phi Don (90 minutes, 400 to 600 THB). Check into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Climb to the viewpoint, swim at Loh Dalum Bay, explore Tonsai village. The island is magical when the day-trip boats have left.
Evening: Beachfront dinner, fire shows on the beach.
Day 7: Phi Phi Leh and Departure
Morning: Local longtail tour of Phi Phi Leh. Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave. More intimate experience than a Phuket group tour.
Afternoon: Ferry from Phi Phi to Ao Nang/Krabi (90 minutes, 300 to 600 THB). Check into Ao Nang accommodation.
Evening: Explore Ao Nang, dinner at the beachfront.
Days 8 to 10: Krabi
Day 8: Railay Beach
Longtail to Railay (15 minutes, 200 THB). Full day: Phra Nang Cave Beach, optional rock climbing, Railay viewpoint hike.
Day 9: Four Islands or Hong Islands Tour
Full day island tour from Ao Nang. Four Islands by longtail (1,000 to 1,500 THB) or Hong Islands by speedboat (1,500 to 2,500 THB).
Day 10: Departure
Morning: Last beach session or Ao Nang shopping. Transfer to Krabi Airport (30 minutes) or back to Phuket Airport (3 hours) for your flight home.
Budget Summary (10 Days, per person, mid-range)
- Accommodation: 25,000 THB (2,500 THB/night average)
- Food: 12,000 THB (1,200 THB/day)
- Tours and activities: 15,000 to 20,000 THB
- Inter-city transfers: 3,000 to 5,000 THB
- Local transport: 5,000 THB
- Total: approximately 60,000 to 67,000 THB (about 1,700 to 1,900 USD)
Key Tips
- This itinerary only works November to May when the Similan Islands are open and ferries run regularly.
- Book ferries and Similan tours in advance during peak season.
- Travel with a small bag for the inter-city transfers and ferries.
- Build in flexibility. Weather can change plans. Having backup activities ensures no wasted days.
Ten days on the Andaman coast is the complete Southern Thailand experience. You will see world-class snorkeling, dramatic limestone landscapes, vibrant island culture, and pristine beaches. Browse our tour options to start building your trip.
Alternative Additions
If 10 days feels generous or you want to swap some segments, consider these alternatives. Khao Sok National Park (instead of Day 5 in Khao Lak) contains the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world and the spectacular Cheow Lan Lake with floating bungalows. A night on the lake in a floating raft house surrounded by limestone karsts is a unique and unforgettable experience. The park is about 2 hours from Khao Lak by road. After Krabi, you could continue south to Koh Lanta, a more laid-back island with long uncrowded beaches and good snorkeling, connected to Krabi by ferry and minivan in about 2 hours.
Packing for Multi-Destination Travel
With four or five stops over 10 days, packing smart is essential. Use one main bag (backpack or soft-sided, not a hard suitcase) and one daypack for daily activities. Bring quick-dry clothing that can be washed and dried overnight in the tropical heat and humidity. Keep tour essentials like swimsuit, sunscreen, and waterproof bag in your daypack for easy access regardless of where your main luggage is stored. Most accommodation provides basic toiletries, so pack minimal bathroom supplies to save weight and space for souvenirs on the return journey.
